logo
Products
Technologies
Applications
Services
Resources
Selection Guides
About
How long can I store the oligonucleotide?
Posted October 19, 2020
Peptide and Oligonucleotide LabelingPeptide and OligonucleotideStorage
Answer

Oligonucleotides are relatively stable molecules and be stored for up to a maximum of 2 years under optimum handling and storage conditions. The exact storage time depends on the storage conditions.

Storage temperatureStorage conditionApproximate storage time at which Oligonucleotides will remain stable
Freezer at -20°Dry or in water or TE buffer solution2 years
Refrigerator at 4°C or lower temperatureDry or in water or TE buffer solution

1 year

Room temperatureDry or in TE buffer solution3-6 months
Higher temperatures such as when stored in shipping or storage warehouse under non-temperature controlled conditionsDry or in TE buffer solution1-2 months

The shelf lives mentioned above are estimates only. Various other factors may affect the stability of Oligonucleotides.

To keep Oligonucleotides stable:

  • TE buffer is the best option for dissolving Oligonucleotides at all temperatures.
  • Water that is used to create the storage solution should also be at neutral pH to prevent depurination. Laboratory-grade water may be slightly acidic, which slowly damages DNA over time.
  • Oligonucleotides should never be stored in water at temperatures above 4°C.
Additional resources
In-silico Design of DNA Oligonucleotides: Challenges and ApproachesPeptide and Oligonucleotide Labeling

What are reverse transcription primers?How do you purify oligonucleotide conjugates by HPLC?What are oligonucleotides?Why does my DNA oligonucleotide have mutations?Is there a difference between tagging GFP at the N-terminus and at the C-terminus of a gene?