Link Technologies introduces new modifier for oligo delivery

Link Technologies has announced the launch of the first palmitate phosphoramidite modifier available commercially for the improvement of oligonucleotide delivery.

This latest addition to the company's range of lipophilic modifiers for the effective delivery of oligonucleotides into cells, the palmitic acid derivative 5'-Palmitate-C6-CE Phosphoramidite has been optimised to improve the cellular uptake and utilisation of oligos.

Palmitic acid is known to conjugate to proteins via cysteine residues, thereby aiding the movement of proteins between intracellular compartments. It is also known that improved cell delivery is achieved when an oligonucleotide is modified with palmitic acid.

The new dedicated delivery reagent represents one of the first efficient methods of achieving this, leading to better oligo uptake and enhancing therapeutic applications.

Catherine McKeen, head of technology commercialisation at Link Technologies, said: "Labelling oligos with hydrophobic compounds has proved a successful technique for enhancing cell delivery. We are continuing to develop our range of reagents for use in this field."

Earlier this year, the firm launched the Link Help Centre, a new online customer support platform to serve the oligo chemistry community.