Oligonucleotide synthesis and analysis: advanced research for industry innovation
Through CChES, industry can access the University of Southampton’s leading expertise and in-house facilities for nucleic acid research.
Oligonucleotides (also called oligos) are short strands of DNA or RNA. Synthetic oligonucleotides can be chemically modified for a range of molecular biology, bionanotechnology, diagnostics and therapeutics applications as well as fields such as sensing and materials innovation.
CChES’s oligonucleotide research: collaboration and consultancy
At CChES our researchers are experienced in oligonucleotide design, synthesis, purifications and analysis, including:
- Synthesis of custom modified phosphoramidite monomers and modified oligonucleotides
- Synthesis of heavily modified oligonucleotides, including sugar-phosphate substitutions
- Application-specific novel chemical modifications
- Designing new chemistry to improve biological properties
- HPLC analysis and purification
- Characterising oligonucleotides using our high-spec in-house instrumentation
- Synthesis and characterisation of messenger RNA and very long oligos
A trusted partner for oligo innovation
Our expertise is rooted in the School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering’s track record of innovation in this field. Since the 1990s our researchers have been making new discoveries and advancing industry R&D, for example by:
- Partnering with life sciences and pharmaceutical companies such as LGC and AstraZeneca
- Taking new products to market through spinouts such as Primerdesign and ADTBio
- Collaborating with companies and research institutions on grant-funded projects (like the examples below)
- Providing contract R&D services and consultancy
“We can provide a range of expertise, from within our own research groups and by tapping into specialist knowledge across the University of Southampton, in areas such as biology, medicine and engineering.”
Eugen Stulz, Associate Professor in Bioorganic and Materials Chemistry
As the following examples demonstrate, we have a track record of success in funded consortium programmes. These bring together world-class academic and private sector expertise across international borders, to develop innovative diagnostics and therapeutics.
OLIGOMED: Oligonucleotides for Medicinal Applications and ON-TRACT: OligoNucleotide Technologies for Rapid Advancement of Cancer Therapies
OLIGOMED was a multipartner, multidisciplinary programme focused on a novel platform for personalised medicine, addressing urgent needs in healthcare such as cancer, Huntington’s Disease and cardiovascular diseases.
Following on from OLIGOMED, ON-TRACT is a £3.8m programme to develop treatments for cancer and chronic inflammation, from design through to manufacturing and delivery. Partners include several startups, AstraZeneca, and the Centre for Process Innovation (CPI), a large-scale oligo manufacturer specialising in mRNA optimisation.
Find out more about OLIGOMED and ON-TRACT.
How industry can access our oligonucleotide research hub
There are various ways to tap into the expertise of our oligo research team and their extensive specialist networks.
Depending on companies’ level of involvement this can mean dedicated researcher time on projects of interest, specialist input, technology or intellectual property support.
Companies can work with us to unlock funding sources, such as grants from the Wellcome Trust, UK Research and Innovation, the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council and the EU.
Contract oligonucleotide research
We make our expertise and advanced in-house lab facilities available through contract research, supporting companies with modified oligo synthesis for improved biological properties.
Consultancy services
Our specialists can advise on the optimum routes or processes to help you achieve your R&D aims.
What are oligonucleotides, and why are they important in molecular biology?
Oligonucleotides are short sequences of nucleotides which serve as the fundamental building blocks for more complex nucleic acids such as DNA and RNA molecules.
Invaluable tools for molecular biology applications
Synthetic oligonucleotides can be designed with precise sequences to match specific regions of genetic material. In molecular biology, oligonucleotides are invaluable tools, playing crucial roles in techniques such as polymerase chain reaction (PCR), DNA sequencing, gene editing, and molecular diagnostics.
Their ability to selectively bind to complementary sequences allows researchers to amplify, detect, or modify genes with high accuracy, making them essential for molecular biology applications such as genetic research, clinical diagnostics, and the development of novel therapies.
Solid phase synthesis using phosphoramidite chemistry
Oligo synthesis has evolved from its initial solution-based chemistry to solid-phase chemical synthesis techniques using the widely adopted phosphoramidite method. The phosphoramidite approach enables rapid and efficient coupling of nucleotides and supports high yields, great sequence fidelity, and the incorporation of a variety of chemical modifications. It has become the standard for both research and commercial applications in the synthesis of DNA and RNA oligonucleotides.
Chemically modified oligonucleotides
While naturally occurring DNA and RNA have excellent molecular recognition through Watson–Crick base pairing, they are often not suitable for use in research, diagnostic, and therapeutic applications. DNA and RNA are susceptible to nuclease degradation, suffer from poor cellular uptake, and may lack the binding affinity or specificity required. We can modify DNA and RNA by introducing structural changes to the nucleobase, sugar moiety, phosphate backbone, or ends to address these challenged. Modifications can be used to improve biological properties, stability, affinity, specificity, and expand the range of applications accessible to oligonucleotide-based technologies. We are able to advise and assist in the choice and preparation of chemically modified oligos.
Industry sectors and applications of oligonucleotide technology
- Pharmaceuticals
- Molecular diagnostics
- Bionanotechnology
- Genetic analysis
- Gene expression modulation
- RNA and DNA therapeutics
- Research reagents
- Advanced materials
- Sensing technologies
Partner with CChES for oligonucleotide synthesis and analysis
Whether you’re interested in contract research or collaborative opportunities, get in touch and let’s discuss your oligo design, synthesis and analysis requirements.
Contact our oligonucleotide synthesis and analysis experts