How to Choose the Right Vendor for Gene Synthesis
Gene synthesis, also known as artificial gene synthesis, is the process of creating DNA sequences or genes from scratch without relying on an existing template strand. It involves assembling nucleotides to form desired DNA sequences. From gene therapy to vaccine development, gene synthesis is being widely recognized as a revolution.
Given the popularity of gene synthesis in numerous fields, large-scale biotechnology companies have started to offer gene synthesis services to help fast-track research and development. Research institutions, academic labs, pharmaceutical labs, and even research agricultural groups can avail gene synthesis services. However, the process of choosing a reliable vendor can be difficult to navigate.
Here are seven steps you should follow to choose the right vendor for your scientific needs:
Define Your Needs and Goals
The first step is outlining the scope of your project and the scale of production. You should also consider the sequence complexity you’re aiming for, such as high GC content and repetitive regions. Choose between unmodified oligos or highly-modified ones.
There are numerous modified DNA building blocks available, from modified bases, sugars, quenchers, linkers, and tags. Inquire about the vendor’s experience in offering such services. Some vendors also offer cloning services, which can be useful for researchers.
In addition to project needs, you should also consider the budget. Gene synthesis orders can cost a fortune, so take precautionary measures to determine how much you can spend.
2. Research Various Vendors
The next step is researching various gene synthesis vendors. Many research institutions have connections with reputable vendors, which can help you skip complex vetting tasks and make the deal.
If not, you should consider the experience and expertise of different vendors. A vendor with a robust industry record and certifications is more likely to offer satisfactory gene sequences for various synthetic biology applications.
3. Consider Features and Services
Gene synthesis vendors offer a range of features, such as:
Cloning
Vector preparation
Gene fragments
Oligo synthesis
Codon optimization
Plasmid preparation
Mutagenesis
You should also inquire about customized services. Many vendors provide on-demand gene synthesis procedures to help meet specific project demands. If you need large constructs, inquire about the vendor’s capabilities and previous experience with such orders.
4. Conduct Due Diligence
Once you’ve shortlisted some synthesis vendors, it is recommended to perform due diligence for each of them. Here are some features you should evaluate:
Compliance with technical specifications
Positive track record
Compliance with security standards
On-time delivery
Financial records
Experts also recommend conducting site visits or attending product demos to understand the functioning and customer service of a vendor. Due diligence can help ensure peace of mind, allowing you to focus on more critical aspects of your project.
5. Consider Customer Reviews
Making a deal with a gene synthesis vendor without scrutinizing its previous experience can be a costly mistake. Ask for references from previous clients and assess how well the vendor met their demands.
Many large-scale synthesis vendors have case studies explaining their competence, turnaround time, and role in a specific project. Research and collaboration before finalizing the deal can make a world of difference.
6. Get Quotes and Negotiate
Once you’ve analyzed the features and services of a vendor, it is time to get to know the pricing structure. Communicate the scope of the project, your budget, and your target timeline with your shortlisted vendors. Then, ask them to give you quotes and inquire whether it’s negotiable.
Most vendors allow you to negotiate favorable terms, such as:
Pricing
Payment terms
Timeline
Additional features
Remember to discuss the terms and conditions of intellectual property rights with your vendor. Gene synthesis vendors have a legal obligation to ensure confidentiality, ensuring that your data and required gene sequences are not shared with third parties. This is especially important for pharmaceutical research centers that need maximum confidentiality.
You can also take biosecurity and screening practices to check the validity of a vendor’s claim. Biotech research projects are costly and take a lot of time. Therefore, take the necessary measures to prevent any unfortunate circumstances in the future.
7. Settle Legal Matters
When working with gene synthesis vendors, legal matters primarily revolve around biosecurity and compliance with regulations.
First, the vendor must comply with industry standards such as the International Gene Synthesis Consortium (IGSC) guidelines. It involves screening both customers and gene sequence orders. For research institutions, adhering to these guidelines means a commitment to excellence.
For further security, you can ask vendors to sign non-confidentiality agreements (NDAs) to protect information about gene sequences and applications. Lastly, keep accurate records of all your communication and dealings with the vendor. This will protect you from legal fallout and costly matters if there are any discrepancies in the future.
By following these steps, you can find a gene synthesis vendor that not only complies with security standards but also provides custom sequences and products.
