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Tag: Oligonucleotides

Synthesis of short DNA and RNA fragments by resonant acoustic mixing (RAM)

We demonstrate the first use of Resonant Acoustic Mixing (RAM) without bulk solvent for the synthesis of short oligonucleotide fragments. Using the modified H-phosphonate approach, DNA, RNA, and 2′-modified nucleotides were successfully coupled to 3′-protected nucleosides in high yields (63–92%) while reducing solvent volume by 90%. In addition to synthesizing protected phosphodiester (PO) dimers and trimers, we also synthesized protected phosphorothioate (PS) dimers in good yields (63–65%). Using phosphoramidite chemistry, we were similarly able to reduce the solvent volume by 90% while coupling DNA phosphoramidites (58–92%) and RNA phosphoramidites (55–95%) with 3′-protected nucleosides in high yields followed by traditional oxidation with iodine in solution. Both strategies were successfully scaled up to multi-gram quantities which was facilitated by the use of RAM, offering the potential for larger scale-up, up to hundreds of kilograms continuously.

RSC Mechanochem., 2024,1, 244-249

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Stereo-Controlled Liquid Phase Synthesis of Phosphorothioate Oligonucleotides on a Soluble Support

5′-O-(2-Methoxyisopropyl) (MIP)-protected 2′-deoxynucleosides as chiral P(V)-building blocks, based on the limonene-derived oxathiaphospholane sulfide, were synthesized and used for the assembly of di-, tri-, and tetranucleotide phosphorothioates on a tetrapodal pentaerythritol-derived soluble support. The synthesis cycle consisted of two reactions and two precipitations: (1) the coupling under basic conditions, followed by neutralization and precipitation and (2) an acid catalyzed 5′-O-deacetalization, followed by neutralization and precipitation. The simple P(V) chemistry together with the facile 5′-O-MIP deprotection proved efficient in the liquid phase oligonucleotide synthesis (LPOS). Ammonolysis released nearly homogeneous Rp or Sp phosphorothioate diastereomers in ca. 80% yield/synthesis cycle.

J. Org. Chem. 2023, 88, 14, 10156–10163

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Improved synthesis of nucleotide blockmers using a precipitative soluble

2020 Grant Winner: Pasi Virta, University of Turku, $50,000

Pasi VirtaPasi Virta, Ph.D., professor of bio-organics at the University of Turku, Finland, has been awarded $50,000 for his research titled “Improved synthesis of nucleotide blockmers using a precipitative soluble.” This research addresses the Roundtable’s goal to optimize oligonucleotide technology and address the environmental challenge of current oligonucleotide manufacturing.

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