FAQs

Fully Enzymatic Synthesis™ (FES™) is our patented process for building high-quality, long oligonucleotides. Starting with an initiator DNA sequence, the first step is addition of a dNTP containing a 3’ phosphate blocking group using a proprietary, highly evolved TdT enzyme. Next, the phosphate blocking group is removed using a phosphatase enzyme to result in extension of the initiator by 1 nucleotide. This two-step cycle is then repeated until the desired length is reached. 

Our FES technology has an average cycle efficiency (CE) of 99.9%, compared to <99.6% for chemical synthesis, meaning that oligos produced using FES will have fewer sequence errors.  Because our cycle efficiency is higher than chemical synthesis, we can achieve higher purities at longer lengths. For example: a FES 200mer at 99.9% CE has an average purity of (0.999)^200 = 81.8%, while the analogous 200mer prepared by chemical synthesis at 99.6% CE only has (0.996)^200 = 0.448, or 44.8%.   

No, we do not offer purification other than standard desalting. Because of the high intrinsic accuracy of our process, additional purification is unnecessary to achieve high purity with our process.  

Our standard format is dried in tubes. However, you can request the oligos in other mediums such as resuspended in TE buffer or nuclease-free water, and in 96-well plates. 

To place an order, please fill out our form and provide it to your sales rep. We are working on an online ordering portal and will have some exciting news soon.

Yes, every sequence is screened per the International Gene Synthesis Consortium (IGSC)’s Harmonized Screening Protocol. This protocol compares the DNA sequence to the Regulated Pathogen Database to identify any orders containing potentially dangerous sequences from viruses and toxins. Additionally, the protocol involves screening of customers to ensure that any regulated sequences identified are only provided to authorized laboratories. More information about IGSC can be found here.

Currently, we offer 3’P and 5’P modifications, with more coming soon. Please inquire with your sales rep for specific requests

Once you receive confirmation of your order, the typical turnaround time is less than 10 days for 200mers. We are working hard to decrease turnaround time and will continue to provide updates as available. 

We use Liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC–MS) to verify oligos are the correct mass, and this data is included on the Certificate of Analysis (C of A). We also routinely perform Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) and Capillary Gel Electrophoresis (CGE) to check sequence quality.  

At this time, MAI does not offer this as a product. However, we can prepare long complex oligos, up to 400 nt in length, and you have two options for preparing dsDNA fragments from these single stranded oligos.

Option one: cDNA synthesis
Design and order a reverse PCR primer to hybridize to the 3′ end of your long oligonucleotide and perform low cycle asymmetric PCR to prepare dsDNA. This is recommended when the designed reverse primer will hybridize with high specificity to the 3′-end of your oligonucleotide. We typically perform 3 cycles of PCR with ~200 fmol of DNA input (your oligonucleotide) and a reverse primer concentration of 500 nM. Depending on the complexity of the oligonucleotide, there may be some challenges in preparing a duplex, especially if the sequence is repetitive or has strong secondary structure. Therefore, we recommend verify dsDNA formation by agarose gel or other more automated analysis options.

Option two: Duplex formation from two oligonucleotides
Design and order the reverse complement of your oligonucleotide and hybridize to prepare dsDNA. Here you’d want to combine the sense and antisense oligos in equimolar ratio and hybridize in a reaction buffer containing at least 50 mM monovalent salt (NaCl, KCl, etc.) by heating to 95-100C for 3-5 min and slow cooling to room temperature. We recommend verify dsDNA formation by agarose gel or other more automated analysis options. Option two can be performed if the cDNA synthesis step is unsuccessful and/or if you want to avoid performing the PCR protocol described in option 1.

Molecular Assemblies is a member of the International Gene Synthesis Consortium (IGSC) adhering to the Harmonized Screening Protocol. Find our attestation to compliance with the U.S. Framework for Nucleic Acid Synthesis Screening here.