This project is focused on the development of methods suitable for the large scale purification of oligonucleotides. There are two specific objectives: (1) to develop an oligonucleotide purification method using a polymerizable capping agent to cap failure sequences and (2) to develop an oligonucleotide purification method that uses a polymerizable phosphoramidite to functionalize the 5'-end of full-length sequences. The first approach is designed for the purification of large quantities of 5- to 20-mers oligonucleotides while the second one is designed for the purification of 20- to 100-mers.
With this award, the Organic and Macromolecular Chemistry Program is supporting the research of Professor Shiyue Fang, of the Department of Chemistry at Michigan Technological University. Professor Fang's research efforts revolve around the development of simple methods for the large scale purification of oligonucleotides. Successful accomplishment of Professor Fang's project could make oligonucleotides readily available, thus assisting the development of practical therapeutic agents using oligonucleotides.
