Long RNA In Vitro Transcription Services

Custom long RNA IVT services for research, assay development, and advanced RNA programs, with scalable production from microgram to gram quantities. Choose either a full-service workflow from gene synthesis through RNA transcription, modification, and conjugation, or transcription using your supplied plasmid DNA or PCR template.

Long RNA IVT ssRNA & dsRNA chemical vs enzymatic RNA microgram to gram scale full service or client template RNA modification & conjugation U.S. facilities in Texas

Overview

Long RNA in vitro transcription is often the preferred route when RNA constructs extend beyond practical chemical synthesis lengths or when programs require a flexible template-driven workflow. We support both single-stranded RNA (ssRNA) and double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) production for applications ranging from functional genomics and RNA biology to RNA interference workflows.

Our service is structured around two practical entry points. The first is a full-service workflow in which we support the program from gene synthesis and template construction through RNA transcription, optional modification, and conjugation. The second is a transcription-only workflow in which clients provide the DNA template and we perform transcription, purification, and QC.

A major differentiator is scale flexibility. We support projects from microgram quantities for early feasibility and screening through gram-scale production for larger development needs, allowing one service framework to cover both small pilot work and expanded program requirements.

For customers who want a clearer view of how our platform works, the manufacturing process can be summarized in five phases: Phase I, synthesizing the gene of the target RNA; Phase II, plasmid DNA expansion; Phase III, plasmid preparation for RNA synthesis; Phase IV, RNA synthesis by in vitro transcription; and Phase V, purification and storage of the properly sized product.

RNA Synthesis and Manufacturing Process showing five phases from gene synthesis to purification and storage

Illustrative phase-based workflow for long RNA manufacturing, from gene synthesis through plasmid expansion, IVT RNA synthesis, purification, and storage.

RNA scale

microgram to gram

From screening quantities to larger production campaigns

Service model

2 pathways

Full service or client-provided DNA template workflow

Transcript type

ssRNA / dsRNA

Support for single-stranded and double-stranded RNA

Downstream options

Modify

Modification and conjugation support for advanced programs

Chemical RNA Synthesis vs Enzymatic IVT RNA Transcription

Chemical RNA Synthesis

Chemical synthesis is best suited for shorter RNA constructs that require precise sequence control, defined end groups, or incorporation of selected modifications and labels.

  • Exact sequence fidelity as designed
  • Supports selected modifications and labeling strategies
  • Typically limited to about 150–200 nt depending on sequence composition
  • Lower overall yield and higher cost for longer RNAs
  • Typically delivered as 5′-OH and 3′-OH

Enzymatic IVT RNA Transcription

IVT is the preferred method for long RNA production, especially when transcript length, yield, and scalability are important.

  • Supports very long RNA transcripts, including 3,000 nt or more
  • More scalable than chemical synthesis
  • Commonly performed using T7, T3, or SP6 polymerases
  • May introduce additional 5′ leader bases from the promoter sequence
  • Typically delivered as 5′-triphosphate; dephosphorylation available upon request

Important Design Note for IVT Transcripts

Depending on the promoter and sequence context, IVT-generated RNA may include additional 5′ bases. In many applications, these extra bases do not affect performance, particularly for long RNA constructs. However, they should be considered during sequence planning and application review.

  • T7 or T3 transcription may introduce GGG at the 5′ end
  • SP6 transcription may introduce GAA at the 5′ end
Method selection guidance: Chemical synthesis is generally preferred for shorter RNAs requiring strict sequence precision and defined modification placement, while enzymatic IVT is typically preferred for long RNA transcripts, higher yield, and scalable production.

Two Service Models

1. Full-Service Long RNA Workflow

This option is built for clients who want a single partner from sequence concept to final RNA output.

  • Gene synthesis and sequence build
  • Template generation and cloning support
  • In vitro transcription of long RNA
  • Optional RNA modification and conjugation
  • Purification and QC before delivery

2. Transcription from Client-Provided DNA Template

This option is ideal for clients who already have a validated plasmid, PCR product, or other template and need expert transcription, purification, and QC.

  • Transcription using customer-supplied plasmid DNA or PCR template
  • Flexible support for plasmid or linear template workflows
  • Purification aligned to project needs
  • QC for identity, integrity, and yield
  • Faster path when template development is already complete

RNA Transcription Packages

Package selection depends on your required level of purity, contamination control, and analytical validation. Our current long RNA transcription platform includes tiered package options to support different QC and contamination-control requirements.

Standard Package

  • QC by PAGE or agarose >80%
  • Irrelevant signal contamination <1% vs. target
  • Approximately 7 Ct difference in qPCR reference comparison

Silver Package

  • QC by PAGE or agarose >90%
  • Irrelevant signal contamination <0.1% vs. target
  • Approximately 10 Ct difference in qPCR reference comparison

Gold Package

  • Independent lot-to-lot processing
  • QC by PAGE or agarose >90%
  • Irrelevant signal contamination <0.01% vs. target
  • High stringency contamination control

qPCR is not included in the regular Gold package unless the client provides assay primers or sequence information.

Gold Package Plus

Enhanced QC with qPCR validation

  • Includes all Gold Package features
  • qPCR-based analysis for template or impurity detection
  • Higher confidence in transcript purity and performance

Gold Package Plus can only be performed when the client provides the assay primers or sufficient sequence information to design the qPCR assay.

Optional additional analysis: Trace DNA template analysis by PCR and template DNA analysis by PCR up to 35 cycles.

Expected RNA Yield by Transcription Scale

Transcription Scale RNA Expected Yield
(uncapped, no poly(A) tail)
mRNA Expected Yield
(capped, poly(A) tailing)
Plasmid DNA Required
0.1 mL 0.02 – 0.3 mg 0.01 – 0.1 mg ~15 µg
0.5 mL 0.5 – 1.5 mg 0.25 – 0.75 mg ~50 µg
1.0 mL 1 – 3 mg 0.5 – 1.5 mg ~100 µg
2.0 mL 2 – 6 mg 1 – 3 mg ~200 µg
4.0 mL 4 – 12 mg 2 – 6 mg ~400 µg
6.0 mL 6 – 18 mg 3 – 9 mg ~600 µg
10 mL 10 – 30 mg 5 – 15 mg ~1000 µg

Yields vary with sequence length, base composition, template quality, and any modified nucleotide incorporation. These values are planning ranges rather than fixed guaranteed outputs.

Core Capabilities

Custom Long RNA Production

Support for long transcript designs across a broad range of sequence lengths and application types.

Single-Stranded and Double-Stranded RNA

We provide both ssRNA and dsRNA for functional genomics, RNA interference, gene silencing, and broader RNA biology studies.

Template Flexibility

Programs can begin from Bio-Synthesis-supported template generation or from client-provided plasmid DNA or PCR templates.

Scale Flexibility

Production planning can match project stage, from early screening quantities to larger campaign output.

Upstream Integration

Gene synthesis, cloning, and plasmid preparation can be integrated when the client wants an end-to-end path.

Modification & Conjugation Support

Optional RNA modification, labeling, and conjugation support can be incorporated when the program requires more than standard transcription.

Common Base & Nucleoside Modifications

We support a range of nucleotide modifications and structural enhancements to optimize RNA stability, reduce immunogenicity, and tailor performance for specific applications.

Modified Nucleotides

  • Pseudouridine (Ψ)
  • N1-methyl-pseudouridine (m1Ψ)
  • 5-methylcytidine (m5C)
  • 5-methyluridine (m5U)
  • 2-thiouridine (s2U)

Used to enhance RNA stability, reduce innate immune activation, and improve translation efficiency.

Cap & Structural Modifications

  • 5′ cap structures (Cap 0, Cap 1)
  • Co-transcriptional capping
  • Post-transcriptional enzymatic capping
  • Custom 5′ and 3′ end modifications

Important for stability, translation efficiency, and overall RNA performance.

Labeling & Conjugation

  • Biotin labeling
  • Fluorescent labeling
  • Click chemistry-compatible handles
  • Custom conjugation strategies

Supports detection, tracking, and downstream functional characterization.

Flexible integration: Modifications can be incorporated during transcription or applied post-transcription depending on sequence design, scale, and downstream application requirements.

Quality & QC

Template and Transcript Control

  • Template preparation aligned to the selected workflow
  • Purification options matched to project needs
  • Batch handling designed for reproducibility
  • Purity checks by PAGE, agarose, and optional PCR-based template analysis

Project-Fit Deliverables

  • Yield and concentration verification
  • RNA integrity and purity assessment
  • Documentation aligned to the selected package and program scope
  • Normalized, lyophilized delivery options can be scoped as needed

Applications

Long RNA Applications

Our long RNA IVT platform supports a broad range of research and development applications where transcript length, scale flexibility, and custom workflow design are important. In addition to standard single-stranded RNA production, we also support double-stranded RNA strategies for gene silencing and functional studies.

Because we offer both full-service workflows and client-template transcription workflows, the same platform can support early assay design, control generation, mechanistic studies, and larger-scale RNA supply for expanded programs.

Best fit: This service is particularly useful when you need custom long RNA beyond typical chemical synthesis length limits, scalable output from microgram to gram quantities, or optional downstream modification and conjugation support.

Representative Use Cases

  • RNA control templates for qPCR and RT-qPCR workflows
  • In situ hybridization RNA probes
  • RNA template for in vitro translation
  • Ribozyme biochemistry and aptamer discovery workflows
  • Double-stranded RNA for RNAi-oriented studies
  • Internal controls for housekeeping genes and external RNA spike-in assays
  • Expression control via antisense RNA
  • RNA structural studies and protein–RNA interaction analysis
  • Long RNA tools for functional genomics
  • Custom transcripts for assay development and validation

FAQ

Do you offer full-service RNA transcription?

Yes. We provide a complete workflow starting from gene synthesis and template construction through RNA transcription, purification, and optional modification or conjugation. This option is ideal for clients who want a single partner for the entire project.

Can you perform RNA transcription using client-provided DNA templates?

Yes. We support transcription from client-supplied plasmid DNA or PCR templates. This is often the faster path when a validated template is already available.

What are the requirements for client-supplied plasmid DNA?

The plasmid should include a T7 or T3 promoter upstream of the target sequence, with T7 preferred, and a unique restriction site at the 3′ end for linearization before transcription.

The target sequence must be correctly positioned downstream of the promoter for efficient transcription.

How much plasmid DNA should be provided?

As a planning guideline, about 5 µg plasmid DNA is recommended for 10–20 µg final RNA transcript. A typical reaction uses approximately 1 µg linearized plasmid per 20 µL reaction.

After linearization and purification, plasmid recovery is often about 50–80%, so we recommend providing at least double the minimum amount for safe processing.

Can you work from PCR templates as well?

Yes. In addition to plasmid-based workflows, we can also support transcription from client-supplied PCR templates when the design is appropriate for IVT processing.

What is delivered at the end of transcription?

IVT RNA is typically delivered with a 5′-triphosphateDephosphorylation is available upon request. When chemical synthesis is selected instead, products are typically delivered as 5′-OH and 3′-OH.

Can you quantitate the RNA product?

Yes. RNA concentration is determined by measuring absorbance at 260 nm (OD260) and calculated based on molecular weight to provide accurate concentration and yield.

Do you retain plasmids or E. coli strains for future orders?

We can store plasmids for up to 6 months for a storage fee. Please note that a new plasmid preparation is typically required for each order, with an additional fee (for example, $100 for 10–20 µg RNA production).

Contact & Quote Request

For the fastest quote, include whether you need the full-service workflow or transcription from a client-provided plasmid DNA or PCR template, along with sequence or template details, target quantity, and any modification or conjugation requirements.

Fastest path

What to include

  • Full-service workflow or client-template workflow
  • Sequence or DNA template details
  • Target quantity from microgram to gram scale
  • Any modification, labeling, or conjugation needs

Why Choose Bio-Synthesis

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