GeneArt Gene Synthesis Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Why should I outsource synthesis of my gene?

The key advantages of producing genes synthetically are the following:

• Genes and DNA fragments can be less expensive than traditional cloning.
• Outsourcing gene synthesis is typically quicker than cloning and thus saves you time. Outsourcing means that you can spend time on other projects while your gene is being produced
• Gene synthesis eliminates the design restrictions required in traditional cloning. Almost any DNA sequence can be synthesized.
• Gene synthesis provides access to DNA templates that do not exist in nature.

Q: What is gene optimization and how does it differ from codon optimization?

Our proprietary GeneOptimizer software calculates the optimal DNA sequence needed to encode the protein of interest (gene optimization). Adapting the codon usage of the gene to the codon preferences of the expression organism (codon optimization) is just one of the parameters addressed. The GeneOptimizer software currently evaluates several additional parameters that can compromise mRNA stability, such as extreme GC content, ribosomal binding sites, consensus and cryptic splice sites, repeats, and secondary structures. Increased numbers of stable mRNA molecules often lead to higher yields of protein.

Q: What does your gene synthesis service include?

The GeneArt Gene Synthesis service includes gene optimization (if requested), synthesis of the DNA, cloning into our standard vector, and delivery of 5 μg of lyophilized DNA. In silico analysis and quality control documentation are provided online in Thermo Fisher Cloud or alternatively on a CD included in your shipment.

Q: Can I have my gene delivered in my vector?

Yes. We can subclone your gene into any commercially available Invitrogen vector or into a custom vector you provide to us. 

Please see our instructions for vector onboarding to learn how to send us your vector.  Once we receive your vector and load the sequence information into our database, it will appear in the drop-down menu for vector selection when you configure your gene synthesis clone project in the GeneArt Services Dashboard.

If you previously onboarded your vector with us and you don’t see it in your Dashboard, please refer to the vector onboarding instructions.

Q: How can I get a price estimate for my project?

The GeneArt Services Dashboard makes it easy to get a quick price estimate or a detailed quote for your project.  Use the Pricing option in the left navigation menu if you want a quick estimate without entering the exact sequence and other details of your project design.  If you are ready to design your project by entering the sequence, host species, and full configuration details, you can generate a quote from the cart page.

Q: What are the details of your site-directed mutagenesis services?

Variants may contain up to four of the following modifications:

• 5′/3′ deletion of any length with additional 52 nt of new sequence on each side
• 5′/3′ modification of maximum 52 nt on each side
• 5′/3′ extension of maximum 52 nt on each side
• Internal modifications of up to 40 nt (a maximum of 3 of these internal modification blocks are allowed)
• Internal deletions of any length
• Modifications (whether internal or 5′/3′) have to be separated by at least 100 bp

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Q: Where can I find the expected finish date for my order?

It is displayed both on your order confirmation email, and in your personalized GeneObserver tracking tool. A link to your GeneObserver tool will be provided in your order confirmation email.

Q: Do you guarantee delivery times?

Our production times are estimated based on our experience with over 100,000 constructs. 95% of our projects are shipped on schedule; however, since we are working in a biological system, delays occur occasionally. We distinguish between production time and delivery time whenever possible.

Q: Will I receive my order on the date shown on my order confirmation?

No, the date on your order confirmation is the “finish date” when your project is shipped from our facilities. Shipment time varies with your location and shipment terms.

Q: My gene synthesis was complete a few days ago, but it hasn't been shipped yet. Why?

Our logistics center software is configured to prioritize shipments for on-time delivery. Shipment of finished orders is initiated as soon as possible; at the very latest, they are shipped on the date agreed upon initially.

Q: How can I request an additional shipment of constructs you have made for me in the past?

Please email GeneArt customer support and provide the GeneArt reference numbers of your finished constructs. Extra charges may apply for additional shipments.

Q: When I access my project via the GeneObserver tool, I see that synthesis of my gene didn’t proceed or appears to be on hold. What does this mean?

The GeneObserver tool indicates actual steps in the production process. It is normal for your project status to pause at certain stages for a few days. If the status stays the same for >5 business days, please contact GeneArt customer support for an update.

Q: If my project is delayed, can I obtain a new estimated finish date?

We make every effort to finish every project in a timely manner. However, even with our highly automated production process, occasionally it is necessary to repeat certain steps or resynthesize sub-elements of gene synthesis projects. GeneArt production adheres to a rigorous set of standard operating procedures for both production and troubleshooting. We work on every project on a daily basis, but predicting new finish times is often difficult. Most delays can be resolved within 3–4 business days. In case of a delay, you will automatically be informed by email with an updated production finalization date. The new date will also be displayed in your personalized GeneObserver tracking tool. Alternatively, you can contact GeneArt customer support at any time for information on current production status and delivery estimates

Q: Where can I find a link for the GeneObserver online project tracking tool?

A GeneObserver project link can be found in your order confirmation email. For portal orders you can log in to your GeneArt portal account and click on the GeneObserver tab (second tab: My GeneObserver).

Q: Why is SuperSPEED gene synthesis more expensive if delivery time is not guaranteed?

SuperSPEED synthesis uses different assembly technology and several layers of redundancy in project setup to ensure high reliability. SuperSPEED synthesis cannot be directly compared to our standard construction technology.

Q: Will I have to pay the SuperSPEED surcharge if my project is delayed?

In the event that a SuperSPEED order is delayed, the surcharge is taken off the order, and you will only be charged routine synthesis rates.

Q: Where can I find the complete sequence of my construct?

The complete sequence of your construct will be included with the quality assurance documentation of your order, either in Thermo Fisher Cloud or on a CD with your shipment, depending on which option you choose. 

Q: Where can I download the sequence of the vector backbone of your standard vectors?

The sequences of our standard vectors are not available online. You can request the sequences by sending an email to geneartsupport@thermofisher.com.

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Q: I registered, but never received an activation email. Who can I contact?

Please contact the Thermo Fisher Scientific support team and we will be happy to help.

Q: I registered and received the activation link, but the portal still asks me to activate my account. What should I do?

Please contact the Thermo Fisher Scientific support team for help.

Q: Can I upload multiple sequences at once?

The Instant Designer module in the GeneArt Services Dashboard makes it easy to enter one or multiple sequences for import on a single project.  Simply copy and paste your sequences onto separate lines on the pre-import page.  Alternatively, download the Excel template and use the upload function.

Q: What is a PO number?

A PO number is a purchase order number, assigned by many institutions for accounting purposes. If your organization does not issue PO numbers, you don't need to enter one.

Q: I don’t have a credit card; do I need one to purchase GeneArt Services?

No, you can also pay by direct invoicing followed by check or wire transfer payment. If your organization uses internal reference or purchase order numbers, please enter the number in the appropriate field when placing your order.

Q: Does generating a draft in my account automatically send a request for a quote?

No, you can add your project to the Cart to obtain a cost quote/production time estimate, without any purchase obligation. If you SAVE your draft, your project will be saved online.

Q: Can I transfer projects from an old to a new account within the GeneArt portal?

Unfortunately, this is not possible. For further assistance with managing projects, contact us at geneartsupport@thermofisher.com

Q: How do I set up Thermo Fisher Scientific as a new vendor?

The information you need can be found on our Vendor Setup page.

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Q: What are Strings DNA Fragments?

GeneArt Strings DNA Fragments are custom-made, uncloned, double-stranded linear DNA fragments, available in lengths from 200 to 3,000 base pairs (bp), assembled from synthetic oligonucleotides using the same process developed for GeneArt high-quality gene synthesis. Strings Fragments can be used to quickly clone your gene of interest. At least 200 ng of Strings DNA Fragments are produced within 3–5 business days. GeneArt Strings DNA Fragments can be designed, sequence optimized, and ordered online, and are a cost-effective and smart alternative to clone your expression plasmid.

Q: How are Strings DNA Fragments quality-controlled?

Strings Fragments are amplicons of assembled oligonucleotides—an intermediate product of the gene synthesis production process. This process results in a pool of fragments, and cloning and screening must be carried out to identify the correct clone. Strings Fragments are bulk sequence-controlled before shipment to help ensure the requested sequence fragments are present in the pool.

Q: How are Strings DNA Fragments delivered?

Strings DNA Fragments are shipped dried, ready for resuspension and cloning. Before use, we recommend that you spin down the tube contents, add water or buffer to the bottom of the tube at an appropriate volume to obtain the desired concentration, and let it incubate for at least 1 hour at room temperature (alternatively incubate at 4°C overnight). Subsequently, resuspend carefully and use immediately. For longer storage, resuspended Strings DNA Fragments should be dispensed into aliquots and frozen at –20°C. Please avoid freeze–thaw cycles.

Q: Are Strings DNA Fragments always cheaper than gene synthesis?

Yes. Since you need to perform the cloning to obtain your final construct, Strings DNA Fragments prices are always below those for gene synthesis clones.

Q: Are there any sequence editing or optimization functions available when ordering Strings DNA Fragments?

Yes. We recommend using the GeneArt Dashboard for ordering, where you can use the free editing and optimization functions to adjust the sequence to meet your needs. After editing and optimization, please check again that the final sequences of the fragment(s) is(are) exactly as needed for further processing in your lab (e.g., potential homologous overlaps of the fragments or restriction sites and buffer bases needed for cloning).

Q: Do you offer services for subcloning or assembly of Strings DNA Fragments to larger genes?

No, subcloning and assembly services are not available for Strings DNA Fragments, as they are designed to offer you the fastest and most affordable way to get access to your genes. If you do not want to clone your gene yourself, we recommend that you order full gene synthesis service.

Q: Can I use Strings DNA Fragments to assemble larger genes?

Yes, it is possible to directly assemble 2 Strings Fragments without pre-cloning. Thermo Fisher Scientific offers several technologies for seamless assembly, e.g., GeneArt Type IIs Assembly or GeneArt Seamless Cloning and Assembly. Please refer to the application examples section on this page for more information. Depending on the sequence length and the number of subfragments you want to assemble, the screening effort to find a correct clone can be high. We therefore generally recommend pre-cloning the subfragments to limit the screening effort required to find a correct clone after assembly.

Q: Are all sequences producible as Strings DNA Fragments?

No. Strings DNA Fragments are limited to 200 to 3,000 bp. If your sequence is longer, you need to order it as gene synthesis or assemble your gene from two or more Strings DNA Fragments. In addition, the Strings DNA Fragments manufacturing process is streamlined to very quickly and cost-effectively provide you with your gene product. If your sequence is complex, you may receive a message that it cannot be produced as a Strings DNA Fragment due to high complexity. In that case, we recommend modifying your sequence to match the production criteria (given below) or ordering your gene as a cloned gene. In many cases, optimizing your sequence in the GeneArt Dashboard enables manufacturing with the Strings Fragments process. In addition, a "fix sequence" option is available to make the minimum number of sequence adjustments necessary for production as a fragment. Whether fixing or optimizing your sequence, any portion identified as ORF sequence will maintain the same downstream protein sequence.

Important production criteria are:

• GC content between 20% to 80% (in peaks, not overall content)
• No long secondary structures or sequence repetitions
• No A/T stretches >25 bp nor G/C stretches >20 bp

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More frequently asked questions for other GeneArt services:

• GeneArt Strings DNA Fragments FAQs
• GeneArt Directed Evolution Services FAQs