Importance of Oligonucleotides in DNA and RNA Expression Research

Over the last few decades, molecular biology has revolutionized a lot. And, the most common and critical component researchers have constantly used for DNA and RNA expression research is oligonucleotide. For both RNA and DNA, it's the monomeric element. According to a recent study, biomedicine and biological research wouldn't be at the stage where they are now. In fact, DNA and RNA oligonucleotide synthesis have been proven to be the key to different molecular biology processes, from DNA sequencing to PCR to plasmid construction, genomic manipulation and labeled probes.

Do you wonder why? Keep reading!

Why Is Oligonucleotide a Key Component for DNA and RNA Expression Research?

If it's your first time in DNA or RNA expression research, let's start with what oligonucleotide is.

Well, oligonucleotides are comparatively short single-stranded sequences of nucleotides. However, although the typical oligos for research should be from 5 to 50 bp, these oligonucleotides can be up to 100 bp, allowing a small percentage of DNAs to research. In fact, it's possible to study RNAs by designing oligos.

Now, let's talk about why they are important for biological research, like DNA and RNA expression.

Sequence specificity and complementarity are the prime oligo properties, allowing researchers to identify chemical recognition among nucleotide bases to align specific pairs with each other through hydrogen bonds to form double-stranded molecules. For RNA, it's adenine (A), guanine (G), uracil (U) and cytosine (C), and for DNA, the set remains the same except for thymine (T), replacing uracil (U).

Oligonucleotides used in biological research come the following:

Oligo primer use in PCR

PCR (polymerase chain reaction) is a process to amplify several copies of a specific DNA sequence rapidly from one sample. DNA polymerase needs forward and backward primers to amplify the target DNA to create double-stranded DNA components. Oligonucleotide primers are designed to align with targeted complementary sequences. Make sure you consider annealing and melting temperature!

DNA sequencing

The use of oligonucleotide primers is not limited to just PCR but plays a great role in DNA sequencing. It has the same requirements as the previous one, such as sequencing specificity, annealing and melting temperatures, and hybridization region. However, the set of parameters is different here due to the various conditions of the polymerase reaction.

Plasmid construction

Biological researchers these days use Oligonucleotides for constructing plasmids, naturally occurring DNA molecules in microorganisms and bacteria, used as a medium to transfer genetic information into cells. Also, there are other ways to construct and employ plasmids containing Oligonucleotides, such as recombinant DNA and RNA sequence expression and replication and gene regulatory sequence characterization. Besides this, the insertion of Oligonucleotides is used into a gene for genome manipulation.

Furthermore, Oligonucleotides have wide use in identifying RNA and DNA sequencing as probes and in other cases, for example:

• Aptamers
• Antisense Oligonucleotides
• Molecular barcodes
• Gene expression analysis

In Conclusion

So, if you are looking for DNA or RNA Oligonucleotide synthesis services for your expression research, count on us. At Bio Basic, we offer oligonucleotide synthesizing for different research applications, including modifications, from probes to modified bases to Linkers and much more.

5 Probable Things Causing Temperature Issues with Benchtop Incubator

The term ‘Benchtop Incubator’ is quite common in the research industry, especially in the case of hematology and microbiology applications. During research applications, the experts use a benchtop centrifuge to spin samples at a high speed to separate the sample components required, for example isolating red blood cells from plasma. Then, they incubate them at a certain temperature using a benchtop incubator.

However, sometimes the incubator fails to reach the temperature you have set, preventing it from heating up or cooling down. Such interruption in between the research applications can leave you frustrated, no wonder!

Don’t worry! In today’s blog, we will discuss the factors causing such temperature issues and help you troubleshoot. Let’s get started.

Possible Reasons Impacting Benchtop Incubator Temperature

It goes without saying that it feels quite frustrating when the benchtop incubator starts malfunctioning or not working properly in the middle of a research application. But, in this case, you need to blame this host of factors mentioned below:

1: Mechanical failure-

While using an incubator shaker and you find it failing to heat or cool, don’t ignore it! It can be a serious issue, for example, a broken controller or element. In both cases, you either need to get the parts replaced or buy a new machine, such as the Incu-Shaker Mini CO2 with a nonslip rubber mat.

Now, if the benchtop incubator you use comes with a refrigeration feature but not cooling at all, the chances are of compressor failure. Similarly, here, you need to replace parts or get a new one!

2: Temperature protection-

Almost every incubated shaker comes with Over-Temperature Protection(OTP) to have a backup so it can shut off the heat if the temperature fluctuates for any reason. Hence, you can ensure stability and integrity for your samples in case of extremely high temperatures. In fact, some incubators have an automatic protection feature where the unit will turn off if the temperature goes up from the setpoint by a specific temperature, like 1°C.

But, if you set this temperature protection too low or too high, the chances are that your unit won't heat up or cool down to the temperature you desire for your research application.

3: Temperature requires stabilization-

Many incubator models have built-in reference thermometers to aid in calibration. But, if you see the temperature on the thermometer, not matching the reading of the prime temperature controller, you need to think of stabilizing the temperature. It usually happens when you have just opened the door, reset the temperature, or turned it off. The unit fails to stabilize the internal temperature due to a lack of enough time in between.

4: Broken door seal-

When the incubated shaker isn’t reaching the temperature you set, the broken door seal can be a factor to blame! After all, when the seal is damaged, the air between the outside environment and the unit replaces the warm or cold air inside and lets that out. Moreover, a broken seal can be anything, like a damaged gasket, misadjusted hinges, broken latch bolts, and much more. Look out for all these problems and repair or replace parts if possible or necessary!

5: Lack of airflow-

Benchtop incubators need sufficient free airflow to work properly. Of course, it doesn’t mean that you must have a bigger room to use it but try to keep a couple of inches gap from the walls to leave some breathing room for the unit so it can perform properly.

If your incubated shakers contain refrigeration systems, there can be ice buildup if the unit doesn’t cool sufficiently. In that case, clean the ice, and open the doors fewer to prevent moisture from entering.

In Conclusion

We hope these tips will help you troubleshoot the temperature issues with your benchtop incubator. And, if you have any of these problems gone beyond repairs or replacement, count on us to get a new one. At Bio Basic, we offer quality benchtop equipment, from incubator to fume hood to refrigerated benchtop centrifuge and Eppendorf benchtop centrifuge with high-quality performance.

So, why wait? Visit our page to find the best-suited product for your research application!

CMO vs. CRO: Which One Is Best for Your Research?

Are you thinking of outsourcing services to achieve the pre-formulation needs of your research project? But not sure which one to go for- CRO or CMO?

Don’t worry! In today's blog, we will discuss the differences between CRO and CMO and which is best to meet the pre-formulation stage of your research. Let’s get started.

CRO or CMO: What Are the Differences, and What Is Best to Meet Your Pre-formulation Needs?

Pre-formulation is an intermediate stage of research to identify new substances and develop a safe product. Now, most biotechnology sectors, especially research labs, outsource laboratory services for critical and large credible research projects needing quality research.

Now, speaking of the outsourced services, there are two options- CROs e.g. Contract Research Organizations and CMOs e.g. Contract Manufacturing Organizations. The first one offers research services, including development, with clinical trials. On the contrary, the latter manufactures different research essentials, such as genes, extraction kits, PCR reagents, oligonucleotides, and many more, on a large scale by taking the pre-formulated substances probably developed by any CRO.

Let’s understand the differences in detail to identify the right service providers for your needs:

Contract Research Organizations (CROs)

As mentioned above, these kinds of companies provide clinical trials to biotechnology and medical device manufacturers. Here, the experts run a clinical trial throughout the services by adhering to the rules and leveraging the resources required for a critical research project. They ensure that the research essentials are managed well while being complied with good clinical practices and guidelines.

Here are the services a CRO usually provides:

• Take initiative and monitor clinical trials
• Revise and develop trial protocols
• Prepare and design the report forms of the case study
• Sample selection and generate reports by managing data
• Store and control documentation
• Compliance with protocols and much more

However, many often get confused between a pharmaceutical company and CRO. If it’s the case, you should know that pharmaceutical companies only specialize in specific areas, whereas CROs undertake a variety of research projects.

Contract Manufacturing Organizations (CMOs)

CMOs have expertise in manufacturing research essentials, including genes, oligonucleotides, PCR reagents, extraction kits, and much more. Here, the professionals undertake the entire manufacturing process, from collecting raw materials to sample prototypes to production to packaging and delivery.

Well, many CMOs split their services into two parts- Primary and Secondary manufacturing processes. In the primary stage, the experts synthesize the research substance, consisting of active ingredients, whereas the second stage involves the pre-formulation of the final research essentials.

Bio Basic- CRO & CMO for Quality and Affordable Research

The best thing about outsourcing research and manufacturing services from CMOs and CROs is to manage your in-house resources and cut the costs of running clinical trials and provide infrastructure, manpower, and space for research. Yet, both CRO and CMO are important for your research needs, especially in the pre-formulation stage.

What if you can get both CRO and CMO under a single roof? With Bio Basic, it’s possible! We conduct large credible research projects even at a shoestring budget and ensure quality laboratory services. You can rest assured about quality research and shipping, even on the same day based on your location.

Click here for more details about our services!