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How to Buy Oligonucleotide Synthesis, Purification and Quantification Technology

SelectScience
30 Jul 2026
Cameron Smith-Craig
Cameron Smith-Craig
Pharma and Applied Sciences Editor

Looking to improve oligonucleotide quality, streamline analytical workflows, or support increasingly complex therapeutic and research applications? Download this expert SelectScience guide to navigate the rapidly evolving world of oligonucleotide synthesis, purification, and quantification technologies and confidently select the solutions that will help accelerate development, ensure product quality, and support long-term success.

How to Buy Oligonucleotide Synthesis, Purification and Quantification Technology

This SelectScience guide explores the technologies supporting every stage of the oligonucleotide workflow, from synthesis and purification through characterization and nucleic acid quantification. It examines key purchasing considerations for laboratories evaluating synthesis platforms, chromatography systems, mass spectrometry solutions, spectrophotometers, nucleic acid quantification technologies, and supporting digital workflows.

Whether you are producing oligonucleotides in-house, evaluating outsourcing strategies, introducing advanced purification capabilities, supporting therapeutic development programs, or preparing for future trends such as automated and AI-enabled workflows, this guide will help you make informed technology decisions, improve reproducibility, and build scalable oligonucleotide development and analytical workflows.

Download this SelectScience How to Buy eBook to find out more about:

  • The basics of oligonucleotides and their applications
  • In-house or outsource? Making the right choice for oligonucleotide synthesis
  • Oligonucleotide purification and separation
  • Oligonucleotide characterization and quantification
  • Nucleic acid quantification
  • Current & future trends

Resource details:

  • Document type: SelectScience guide
  • Page count: 26
  • Read time: 39 mins
  • Edition: 4th

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OligonucleotidesOligonucleotides are small nucleic acid polymers, usually less than 20 bases in length. Oligonucleotides can be made via enzymatic cleavage or more commonly by chemical synthesis with polymerases. Their use includes FISH, southern blots, microarrays and as primers in PCR. High fidelity synthesis kits and detection systems are available for easy production and detection, respectively.ElectrophoresisElectrophoresis equipment is used to separate mixtures of protein, DNA or RNA, based on their electric charge, size and other physical characteristics, by passing them through a medium such as a polyacrylamide gel, an agarose gel or a capillary tube. Electrophoresis equipment includes horizontal and vertical gel electrophoresis chambers, isoelectric focusing systems, 2D electrophoresis and capillary electrophoresis instruments. Precast gels with a gradient can be used or gels can be hand cast. Samples are run alongside ladders or markers to identify the approximate size of a molecule. Separated proteins and nucleic acids in the gel can be stained or probed with fluorescent markers and then imaged and detected using gel documentation instruments, transilluminators, densitometers and scanners. Find the best electrophoresis equipment in our peer-reviewed product directory: compare products, check customer reviews and receive pricing direct from manufacturers.UHPLC and HPLCHigh performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and ultra high performance liquid chromatography (UHPLC), also known as UPLC, are analytical techniques used to separate, identify and quantitate components of complex mixtures including biological samples such as proteins and lipids as well as chemical mixtures of pesticides, drugs and oils. Both techniques are liquid chromatographic methods but differ by operating pressures (HPLC < 6000 psi < UHPLC ). Components of HPLC and UHPLC systems include columns, detectors, pumps, autosamplers and column heaters. Explore a range of UHPLC and HPLC columns for your specific sample needs including reverse phase, normal phase, ion exchange, HILIC, ion exclusion and size exclusion columns. For more specialized HPLC, explore FPLC, countercurrent LC and simulated moving bed systems. Find the best UHPLC and HPLC equipment in our peer reviewed product directory: compare products, check customer reviews and receive pricing direct from manufacturers.PCR and Thermal CyclingPolymerase chain reaction (PCR) kits and thermal cyclers are used for the in vitro amplification of DNA permitting subsequent analysis and experimental procedures. Explore a range of high-quality polymerase, primers and nucleotides or simplify your workflow with a PCR mastermix. Find reverse transcription PCR (RT-PCR) and cDNA synthesis kits for RNA products and libraries. Quantitatively measure the amplification of DNA with real-time PCR (qPCR) and droplet digital PCR (ddPCR) kits and systems, and discover automated PCR setup solutions to increase throughput. Alternative DNA amplification methods also include recombinase polymerase amplification (RPA) kits. Find the best PCR kits and thermal cyclers and purification equipment in our peer-reviewed product directory: compare products, check customer reviews and receive pricing direct from manufacturers.DNA SequencingDNA sequencing, such as sanger sequencing, is a biological technique that determines the precise order of nucleotide bases in a fragment or template of DNA. DNA sequencers and genetic analyzers are based on capillary electrophoresis, where labeled DNA fragments are electrophoretically separated by size as they migrate through a polymer. Find the best DNA sequencing products, including DNA sequencing kits, genomic libraries and genetic identity kits in our peer-reviewed product directory: compare products, check customer reviews and receive pricing direct from manufacturers.Southern / Northern Blotting EquipmentSouthern / northern blotting equipment is used to transfer and identify specific DNA / RNA sequences in a sample. Southern / northern blotting equipment includes all components necessary to transfer nucleic acids from gel to membrane and subsequent processing steps. Nucleic acid transfer can be performed by electroblotting with wet, semi-dry or capillary transfer systems onto nitrocellulose, nylon & PDVF membranes. Membranes can then be labeled with a probe using hybridization kits and visualized with gel documentation instruments for detection of specific DNA / RNA sequences. Find the best southern / northern blotting equipment in our peer-reviewed product directory: compare products, check customer reviews and receive pricing direct from manufacturers.Mass SpectrometryMass spectrometry (MS) is a powerful analytical technique used to identify and quantify molecules based on the mass-to-charge ratio of gas-phase ions. It provides detailed information about the structure, composition, and properties of compounds and is widely used across fields such as environmental monitoring, materials science, drug discovery and development, food and beverage testing, and wider chemical research. Key MS techniques include tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS), liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (LS-MS) and inductively coupled plasma (ICP-MS). Choosing from these wide range of techniques and technologies can be a daunting task, so keep up to date with scientific applications, performance expectations, and customer reviews here all in one place. Visit our product directory to receive quotes direct from the manufacturer. Western BlottingWestern blotting equipment is used to transfer and identify specific proteins within a sample, reveal protein modifications, as well as give a semi-quantitative estimation of their concentration. Western blotting equipment includes all apparatus necessary to transfer proteins from gel to membrane and subsequent processing steps. Protein transfer can be performed by electroblotting with wet, semi-dry and dry transfer systems onto nitrocellulose and PVDF membranes. Blocking, washing and labeling of membranes follows, involving buffers, blocking reagents, blotting / incubation trays, labeling reagents, immunoblotting assays, antibodies and conjugates. Automated equipment for these steps is available to accelerate your lab workflow. Finally, detection and imaging of proteins can be conducted using gel documentation and imaging systems. Find the best western blotting equipment in our peer-reviewed product directory: compare products, check customer reviews and receive pricing direct from manufacturers.PCR AutomationPCR automation describes the process of using a thermocycler to complete the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) process quickly and efficiently.Molecular DiagnosticsMolecular diagnostics use an individual’s genetic code and gene expression to diagnose and monitor diseases. The technique is used increasingly in the field of infectious diseases and oncology, as well as areas such as coagulation, HLA typing and pharmacogenomics. Molecular diagnostics plays a pivotal role in personalized medicine.Southern BlotMicroarrayMicroarray AnalysisTherapeuticsTherapeutics are treatments designed to alleviate or cure diseases. These include pharmaceuticals, biologics, and gene therapies, which work by targeting specific disease mechanisms. Advances in personalized medicine and biologics offer new hope for patients with conditions that were previously difficult to treat. Browse our peer-reviewed product directory to find therapeutic solutions for various diseases; compare products, check user reviews, and get pricing directly from manufacturers.

Frequently asked questions

Show frequently asked questions

What technologies are used for oligonucleotide purification?
Common oligonucleotide purification technologies include HPLC, ion-exchange chromatography (IEX), hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatography (HILIC), reversed-phase cartridge purification, and PAGE. The most suitable approach depends on the required purity, oligonucleotide length, modifications, and downstream application.

Should I synthesize oligonucleotides in-house or outsource production?
The decision depends on factors such as throughput, turnaround time requirements, oligonucleotide complexity, available expertise, quality control capabilities, and long-term business objectives. Laboratories increasingly use both in-house and outsourced approaches depending on application needs.

How are oligonucleotides characterized and analyzed?
Oligonucleotides are commonly characterized using techniques such as mass spectrometry, chromatography, capillary electrophoresis, spectrophotometry, and PCR-based methods to assess identity, purity, sequence integrity, concentration, and product quality.

What should I consider when selecting oligonucleotide analysis instruments?
Key considerations include sensitivity, accuracy, throughput, scalability, ease of use, regulatory requirements, data management capabilities, workflow integration, and compatibility with current and future applications.

How do laboratories quantify oligonucleotides and nucleic acids?
Common quantification approaches include spectrophotometry, gel electrophoresis, qPCR, digital PCR, and mass spectrometry-based methods. The appropriate technology depends on the level of sensitivity, precision, and throughput required.

What trends are shaping the future of oligonucleotide development?
Emerging trends include therapeutic oligonucleotides, advanced delivery systems, automation, AI-enabled workflows, integrated data management, high-resolution analytical techniques, and increasingly complex RNA- and DNA-based modalities.

What is the best technology for oligonucleotide purification and characterization?
There is no single best solution for every application. Factors such as oligonucleotide length, modification type, required purity, throughput, regulatory expectations, and downstream use will determine the most appropriate purification and analytical technologies for your laboratory.

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