Oligonucleotide synthesis: valves and block solutions for exact dosing in oligo synthesizers
There is growing demand for synthetic DNA for use in research. One method of producing these types of artificial DNA strands is oligonucleotide synthesis. This process requires exact dosing of up to twelve different liquids in the microlitre (μl) range. The purity of an oligo is primarily determined by its full length and the correct order of bases. This dosing process used in the production of oligonucleotides places high demands on the synthesizers: In addition to the purity of the oligos, a high process speed is required in order to make the process economical.
How can you ensure the controlled and reliable production of high-quality DNA strands? Read on to discover how valves and valve systems from Bürkert can help you dose faster and more efficiently.
Your advantages:
- Synthesizing high-purity oligonucleotide in a reproducible manner
- Speed up the production process with the help of time-pressure dosing
- Monitor the dosing processes in real time
- System solution ensures fast integration and secure cabling
Oligo synthesis: three key challenges for manufacturers
The market demands pure oligos – often within 24 hours. That leaves no scope for errors or failures. For customer-specific oligonucleotide synthesis, your synthesis device must dose up to 12 different liquids quickly and reliably. The key to success in this process:
- Reliable and reproducible dosing
The highly sensitive production process requires that errors be identified and rectified immediately. The quicker you can react, the more reliable are your processes. - Ensuring the purity of oligos
The quality of an oligonucleotide depends on its full length and the correct order of nucleotides. Therefore, dosing must be performed quickly and with exceptional precision during oligonucleotide synthesis. - Accelerating the manufacturing process
Time-pressure dosing enables you to increase the tempo and efficiency of the dosing process because it works more quickly than conventional solutions, such as syringe pumps. At the same time, you benefit from reproducible dosing and flexible dosing quantities.
We use these solutions to create added value for you
Using dosing solutions to boost the productivity of oligo manufacturing
Bürkert’s time-pressure dosing technology speeds up the dosing process and makes your synthesiser more efficient. Good to know: We tailor the modular systems to your requirements – or develop them together with you.
Exact pressure equalisation even at minimal flow rates
After the switching operation by the valve, the controller readjusts the pressure within milliseconds.
During the switching operation – illustrated by the bars in the diagram – the pressure inside the container drops. The curve shows how the controller readjusts the set-point pressure within milliseconds, by either applying pressure or venting pressure. This is a bidirectional closed-loop control procedure.
Our valve blocks: solutions for your dosing process
As an alternative to single valves, Bürkert block solutions offer many advantages, including fast integration and secure cabling. Furthermore, we integrate all the required features into the compact system for you.
The software with switching point detection serves as a permanent quality control. It signals immediately if a valve has not switched. You can replace it directly and avoid the wasteful production of defective oligos.
Thanks to the LEDs on the device, you can see directly where the error has occurred and can rectify it immediately.
Built-in pressure transmitters permanently monitor the pressure in the valves and offer added reliability for your processes.
Real-time analysis or the digital communication interface allows you to track production.
The block solution can be replaced quickly and requires far fewer cables and plugs. For example, twelve valves can be supplied by just one electrical connection. The components are permanently installed, thus preventing individual wires from becoming loose.
From single valves to individually configured valve blocks – you will find the right solution for your dosing processes at Bürkert:
Real-time monitoring thanks to digital communication
With Bürkert valves, quality control is part of the dosing process: Thanks to the digital communication interface, you can monitor the production of oligos in real time. Signs of wear are detected immediately, and you can simply replace the valve.
Prevent defective oligos
The software with built-in switching point detection serves as a permanent quality control. It signals immediately if a valve has not switched. You can then simply replace the valve – and prevent defective oligos.
The easy way to find errors
The LEDs on the device allow you to see exactly where the error has occurred so you can rectify it immediately.
How Bürkert helps you detect pressure drops immediately
Bürkert solutions let you know at all times whether the pressure is correct. You can immediately see if the valve starts to leak due to wear. This is made possible by constant pressure monitoring and electrical switching point detection. The system reports the failure is immediately via the digital communication interface, allowing you to rectify it without delay.
Good to know: you only need to replace a valve when it is actually necessary.
Conventional solution:
Pressure curve for a process error: The pressure is not fully built up again after switching. If this remains undetected, the oligonucleotides produced in the meantime will be defective.
Bürkert solution:
Pressure curve with no process error: The pressure immediately increases to the previous level after switching. The Bürkert valve solution indicates a pressure drop immediately.
How much time will failure detection save you during oligo production?
We have done the calculations for you.
The comparison shows how failure detection can get your production process up and running again quickly. Depending on your routines, you can save a lot of time between the occurrence of a pressure drop and its detection.
Conventional valve solution Bürkert system solution
(defective oligos will be produced from this point on)
– and your scheduled delivery to the end customer is therefore in jeopardy
The defective valve can be replaced immediately.
(20 mins. compared to 4 hours without a Bürkert solution)
The comparison shows the minimal time loss as well as the maximum quality of the Bürkert system solution compared with the conventional solution. The schedules are met with the Bürkert solution.
Do you also want to produce high-quality DNA strands more quickly and efficiently? We look forward to hearing from you.