How DNA Synthesis Works & How We Save You Time & Money

Excedr - DNA Synthesizer

Despite the diversity in methods and applications, our lease program is able to source all instrument types and can accommodate any brand preferences your end-user might have. Request an estimate today and see how leasing can discount your DNA synthesizer’s price.

All equipment brands/models are available

The Advantages of Excedr’s DNA, RNA, and Oligo Synthesizer Leasing Program:

  • Eliminates the upfront cost of purchasing equipment by spreading its cost over time
  • Minimizes equipment downtime with included complete repair coverage and preventive maintenance
  • Takes advantage of potentially 100% tax deductible* payments, providing you significant cash-savings
  • Expedites the administrative work needed for instrument procurement and logistics
  • Conserves working capital,  enabling you to reinvest in your core business and operations (staffing, inventory, marketing/sales, etc.)
  • Accommodates all manufacturer and model preferences

*Please consult your tax advisor to determine the full tax implications of leasing equipment.

a cell, a microplate well, antibodies, and a dot with 6 lines through it

Oligonucleotide synthesizers give scientists the ability to create custom nucleic acid samples for various applications in science. 

DNA molecules are some of the most important molecules in biology and their creation, both natural and artificial, is studied and widely used in many scientific fields.

In general, natural DNA synthesis occurs by first having the gene split and create a second identical DNA strand in a process called DNA replication. Enzymes unwind the DNA strand and split it apart, creating a replication fork. When the cell divides, it creates a duplicate genome, ensuring the new cell has a complete set of chromosomes.

Specific proteins are then used to aid in the replication and synthesis of the new genetic strands. These helper proteins are called primers. RNA primers are the only naturally occurring primers, however, artificial synthesis can use both RNA and DNA primers.

A major difference between natural and synthetic DNA synthesis is that in natural synthesis the enzymes can only synthesize in one direction whereas artificial synthesis does not have this directional limitation. Additionally, artificial gene synthesis is based on solid-phase DNA Synthesis.

Oligonucleotide synthesis is the artificial chemical process of creating short strands of nucleic acids with specific sequences. Synthetic DNA printing differs from molecular cloning and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) because it does not require a pre-existing gene sequence.

DNA oligo synthesis is done by adding one nucleotide to the end of the desired chain at a time. Each addition is referred to as a synthetic cycle, or the phosphoramidite method, and undergoes four steps:

  1. De-blocking (detritylation)
  2. Coupling
  3. Capping
  4. Oxidation

There are various techniques and applications involved in DNA synthesis that provide high-quality results, some of which will we cover below.

Oligonucleotide Synthesis Techniques, Applications, & Cost

an outstretched hand face up holding the end of a DNA double helix

Making custom gene sequences has helped advance many different fields of science, from biotechnology and microbiology to synthetic biology. DNA synthesizers have made many of the recent advances in synthetic oligonucleotide production possible.

A few other synthesis applications include vaccine research, molecular engineering, designing of new protein functions, and gene expression and therapy.

Synthetic Primer Design

In chemistry, artificially made primers are designed to connect a specific nucleotide to a specific part of the template DNA. During PCR, primer design is used to specify the direction of sequencing or amplification that is occurring.

When oligonucleotides are manufactured, the longer they are, the more likely that a sequencing error occurs. Custom primer designs are used to mitigate this problem by ensuring that only complementary primers are used.

 

Synthetic siRNA, RNAi, and mRNA

mRNA, or messenger RNA, is a type of ribonucleic acid that is used to build an amino acid sequence that matches with the protein from the gene expression. Without it, protein synthesis would be impossible.

RNAi, or RNA interference, are molecules that target and neutralize mRNA. Small interfering RNA (siRNA) is a type of small molecule that is important to RNAi. By creating custom mRNA, scientists have been able to study it very closely, as well as develop treatments for cancer and vaccines using synthetic versions.

Additionally, using RNA oligonucleotide synthesis to create custom RNAi and siRNA can help reduce specific gene expressions.

 

CRISPR

Once thought to only be possible in works of fiction, CRISPR describes a specific DNA sequence that can be used with the Cas9 enzyme to edit genes inside of an organism.

Known as CRISPR-Cas9 technology, this type of gene editing allows scientists to alter, edit, and/or suppress gene expression. This type of gene editing can allow for great advances in DNA fingerprinting, food production, and gene drives.

 

Biotin Modifiers

Also known as vitamin H or vitamin B7, biotin is a water-soluble B vitamin that is often used in molecular biology. Biotin is attached to oligonucleotides because of its affinity for streptavidin-protein and avidin, important molecules used in molecular biology.

These biotin-modified oligos, due to their bond with streptavidin, can then be labeled with enzymes or fluorescent dyes and studied. Standard biotin, biotin dT, and biotin-TEG are a few common types of modification.

 

Antisense Therapy

As our knowledge of disease and infections grows so too does the ways in which we combat them. Antisense therapy and the use of antisense oligonucleotides are one such development used to treat specific genetic disorders and infections.

This type of treatment works by first identifying the specific gene that is associated with the disease, and synthesizing a nucleic acid to bind to that gene’s messenger RNA (mRNA) in order to suppress it. This causes the mRNA to be altered in a way that prevents it from translating the information from the disease’s genes.

Take Huntington’s disease as an example, Huntington genes are present in the patient that has proteins associated with the negative symptoms of Huntington’s. The bad genes then transcribe their genetic code into mRNA which then translates that code, resulting in the negative symptoms of Huntington’s. By treating a patient with antisense oligonucleotides, this final translation step is stopped, and prevents the negative symptoms from manifesting.

Commonly known as gene silencing, antisense gene therapy has also been used to treat specific cancers, Batten disease, HIV/AIDS, and spinal muscular atrophy.

 

Benchtop DNA Synthesizer Leases to Fit Every Need

a petri dish with a sample inside

DNA and RNA synthesis are vital parts of cellular biology and our continued understanding of the world around us. That’s because these types of oligonucleotide synthesis help provide treatment to several diseases.

As oligonucleotide therapeutics continue to evolve, your lab may already be working with or plan on working with oligos. However, automated DNA and RNA synthesizers, can be incredibly expensive, and acquiring one can put labs in financially difficult situations.

Excedr offers labs a perfect alternative to purchasing which can help you save money and give you access to the vital technology that your lab needs.

Furthermore, if your work involves other types of synthesis, such as peptide synthesis, we can lease you and your lab the exact peptide synthesizer you require. Let us know if this is another piece of equipment you’re interested in.

Operating Lease

This off-balance sheet financing structure provides three options at the end of the term. The lessee has the option to return the equipment to the lessor, renew at a discounted rate, or purchase the instrument for the fair market value. Monthly payments are also 100% tax deductible which yields additional monetary savings.

Sale-Leaseback

If you recently bought equipment, Excedr can offer you cash for your device and convert your purchase into a long-term rental. This is called a sale-leaseback. If you’ve paid for equipment within the last ninety days, we can help you recoup your investment and allow you to make low monthly payments. This also frees up money in your budget rather than tying it down to a fixed asset.

DNA, RNA, and Oligo Synthesizer Manufacturers & Models on the Market
Learn More

Biolytic Lab Performance, Inc.:
Dr. Oligo 192 Oligo Synthesizer, Dr. Oligo 96, Dr. Oligo 48 Medium Throughput, Dr. Oligo 192c, Dr. Oligo 768XLc

Qiagen:
PyroMark Q48 Autoprep, PyroMark Q24, PyroMark Q24 Advanced, PyroMark Q96 ID

Sierra BioSystems LLC:
Shasta 96/384 DNA Synthesizer, K&A H-8 DNA/RNA/LNA Synthesizer, K&A H-8 SE, K&A H-32, K&A S-4-LC, ABI 3900

Cytiva:
OligoProcess, Oligopilot 400, AKTA oligopilot plus

CSBio:
Pilot Scale, CS-OLIGO-D, Process Scale

BioAutomation:
MerMade 4, MerMade 6, MerMade 12, MerMade 48X, ABI 3900, MerMade 96E, MerMade 192E, MerMade 192R, MerMade 192X

 

Operating Capital Benefits

Operating Capital Benefits

Excedr's operating lease structure allows you to keep your business credit line open for expansions, staffing, and other operational expenses. Additionally, it strengthens the cash flow of your business and keeps cash reserves free for business development opportunities.

Effects on Credit

Effects on Credit

Leasing / renting provides you with non-dilutive financing and does not hinder your future borrowing ability. You're able to acquire the equipment you need without the baggage associated with traditional financing.

Speed of Approval

Speed of Approval

Excedr's program allows you to respond quickly as your need for equipment and technology arises. You can be approved with minimal documentation and have the equipment you need in operation and generating revenue for your business quickly.

Refurbished Equipment

Refurbished Equipment

Unlike traditional financing and leasing companies, the Excedr program can accommodate refurbished equipment in addition to demo units. If you are looking for additional cost-savings, we recommend considering this option.