Oligonucleotides may be diluted in either sterile water or, preferably, in TE-buffer (10 mM TRIS, pH 7.5-8.0, 1 mM EDTA)
)General handling of oligonucleotides
1. Introduction
The use of oligonucleotides in various research applications requires certain basic storage and handling techniques in order to ensure trouble-free experiments. Proper storage of oligonucleotides is important to maximize shelf-life. It is possible to work without problems with oligonucleotides when some simple guidelines are followed.
2. How should the oligonucleotide be diluted?
Oligonucleotides may be diluted in either sterile water or, preferably, in TE-buffer (10 mM TRIS, pH 7.5-8.0, 1 mM EDTA) )
3. Storage of oligonucleotides
Oligonucleotide stock solutions are best kept frozen at -20ºC, and can remain stable for over 6 months. The most important factor when storing oligonucleotide working solutions is to use nuclease-free, sterile water and TE-buffer. For long-term storage of oligonucleotide stocks, it is recommended that the samples are dried and stored at -20ºC. These dried oligonucleotides can be stable for more than one year. Oligonucleotides modified with fluorescent dyes should be kept in the dark. Alkaline phosphatase modified oligonucleotides should be stored at 4ºC, and should never be frozen.
4. Daily use of oligonucleotide
Repeated freezing and thawing of an oligonucleotide stock solution can drastically decrease the shelf-life of the oligonucleotide. It is therefore recommended that the oligonucleotide solution should be divided into aliquots for working solutions. The oligonucleotide stock solution should be thawed as few times as possible.
5. Conclusion
Oligonucleotides can remain stable for over 6 months if stored frozen in the correct buffer. For long-term storage of oligonucleotide stocks it is recommended that the samples are dried and stored at -20ºC. These dried oligonucleotides can be stable for more than one year.