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Oligonucleotide–Drug Conjugation Services for siRNA & ASO

Custom oligonucleotide–drug conjugation with defined attachment sites, linker strategy selection, and analytical confirmation of identity and purity.

Payload-focused ODC support: cancer drug payloads, antibiotic payloads, delivery small molecules (PK/uptake modifiers), and endosomal escape agents for siRNA, ASO, DNA, PNA, and PMO constructs.

Overview

What is an oligonucleotide–drug conjugate (ODC)?

Oligonucleotide–drug conjugates (ODCs) are hybrid molecules in which a small-molecule payload is covalently linked to an oligonucleotide (e.g., siRNA, ASO, DNA, aptamer, PNA, or PMO) through a defined chemical linker.

In a typical ODC design, the oligonucleotide contributes sequence-specific recognition (gene silencing, splice modulation, or target binding), while the payload contributes a second pharmacologic function (e.g., cytotoxicity, antimicrobial activity) or a delivery function (e.g., uptake/PK modulation or endosomal escape enhancement). The linker model—stable vs cleavable—determines whether the payload must be released to function.

ISO 9001:2015 / ISO 13485:2016 45+ Years of Expertise U.S.A. Facilities-Texas GLP/GMP-Aligned siRNA & ASO ODCs Cleavable & Non-Cleavable Linkers 5′ / 3′ / Internal Modification Defined Loading Targets Purification + Fit-For-Purpose QC

Payload-Aware Design

Route selection is driven by payload functional groups, stability, solubility, and the required release model.

Defined Attachment

Site selection (5′, 3′, or internal) reduces heterogeneity and preserves oligo function when properly planned.

Analytical Verification

Confirm identity/purity by HPLC/UPLC and LC-MS when feasible; report conversion/loading as appropriate.

Oligonucleotide–polymer conjugation overview schematic
ODC architecture diagram showing oligonucleotide formats, linker classes (cleavable vs non-cleavable), and payload categories (cancer drugs, antibiotics, delivery modifiers, endosomal escape).

Built for discovery and IND‑enabling programs

Oligonucleotide–drug conjugates (ODCs) sit at the intersection of medicinal chemistry and oligonucleotide therapeutic design. Success depends on controlling three variables simultaneously: payload functional integrity, oligo biological compatibility (siRNA RISC loading / ASO RNase H or steric‑block behavior), and linker performance (stable vs trigger‑cleavable release).

We support defined, site‑specific conjugation on siRNA, ASO, DNA, aptamers, PNA, and PMO with controlled loading targets, purification, and QC aligned to your application. Typical projects include oncology payload conjugates, antibiotic payload conjugates, and delivery‑active small molecules used to tune biodistribution or improve endosomal escape.

If you share the payload structure and your intended release model, we’ll recommend a practical attachment site, spacer length, and coupling route.

Oligonucleotide–Drug Conjugation Services

Bio-Synthesis provides oligonucleotide–drug conjugation services (ODCs) for discovery and preclinical programs. We support siRNA and ASO drug conjugates[1,3] with site-defined attachment, stable or cleavable linker strategies (structure-dependent), purification, and fit-for-purpose analytical characterization.

Custom ODC Synthesis

Build ODCs around your oligo modality, payload structure, attachment constraints, and intended biology.

Linker & Release Models

Choose stable vs cleavable chemistry depending on whether intracellular payload release is required.

Purification & QC

HPLC/UPLC profiles; LC-MS when feasible; optional stability or conversion reporting (structure-dependent).

ODC Payload Categories

Expand each category for representative payloads and practical notes. Payload feasibility is chemistry-dependent and driven by functional groups, stability, solubility, and the desired linker/release model.

Oncology Payloads Cleavable Release Models Dual-Mechanism Concepts
Payload class Representative payloads (examples) Practical notes for ODC builds
Anthracyclines Doxorubicin, Epirubicin, Daunorubicin Often paired with cleavable linkers; attachment site/spacer helps reduce steric masking and aggregation risk.[1,3,5]
Topoisomerase inhibitors Camptothecin (CPT), SN-38, Topotecan, Irinotecan Common for intracellular release concepts; handle placement should preserve the pharmacophore.[1,3]
Microtubule agents Paclitaxel, Docetaxel Hydrophobic payloads require solvent-aware purification; spacer/linker selection often improves handling.[1,3]
Antimetabolites Methotrexate, Gemcitabine (chemistry-dependent) Define a unique handle to avoid multi-site products; evaluate whether release is required for activity.[1,3]

Tip: For duplex siRNA, specify whether the payload is intended on the sense strand, antisense strand, or a terminus-specific position.

antimicrobial payloads handle planning
Payload class Representative payloads (examples) Practical notes for ODC builds
Rifamycins Rifampicin (example) Plan chemistry to preserve sensitive motifs; specify whether the payload must be released to act.[2,3]
Fluoroquinolones Ciprofloxacin, Levofloxacin (examples) Handle placement should avoid disrupting key binding groups; consider spacer length to reduce steric masking.[2,3]
Aminoglycosides Neomycin, Gentamicin (examples) Highly polar/cationic payloads impact purification; confirm desired loading and analytical plan early.[2,3]

Note: Uptake into bacteria is often the limiting factor. Share your intended delivery strategy (CPP, nanoparticle, etc.) so the construct is designed accordingly.

delivery-active conjugates biodistribution tuning solubility balance
Modifier type Representative modifiers (examples) What it does
Lipophilic anchors Cholesterol, α-tocopherol, fatty-acid derivatives Can increase membrane interaction, alter biodistribution, and reduce rapid renal clearance (feasibility-driven).[1,2,3,4]
Model drug-like compounds Custom research small molecules (feasibility-driven) Used for proof-of-concept uptake/PK studies; handle planning avoids mixed products.

Tip: If you need “delivery without drug activity,” classify the payload as a delivery modifier rather than a therapeutic drug payload.

cytosolic exposure potency enabling release model optional
Agent type Representative examples Design notes
Endosomal destabilizers Chloroquine-like motifs (derivatives), membrane-active amphiphiles (examples) Best results typically require careful tuning of hydrophobicity vs oligo solubility; spacer length can reduce self-association.[1,2,3]
pH-responsive motifs Ionizable / pH-triggered small molecules (feasibility-driven) Can be used as stable conjugates or cleavable designs depending on mechanism.[1,3]

Endosomal escape is often the dominant barrier for functional delivery. If you share your cell model and target tissue, we can recommend a practical design direction.

Feasibility note

ODC feasibility depends on payload functional groups, oligo modification site, stability, and solubility.[1,2,3] We plan the conjugation route to minimize heterogeneity and align purification/QC to your intended use.

Linkers & Conjugation Chemistry

Thiol–Maleimide (thiol-selective)

Efficient coupling using 5′/3′ thiol or a thiolated internal position.

  • Stable Thioether Linkage
  • Common for 1:1 Payload Attachment
  • Compatible with many Payload Handles

Click Chemistry (SPAAC / CuAAC)

Bioorthogonal coupling using azide/alkyne or DBCO handles; SPAAC avoids copper exposure.

  • High selectivity
  • Good for sensitive payloads
  • Supports site-defined constructs

Amide coupling (NHS / EDC)

Direct carboxyl–amine coupling using a unique 5′/3′ amine (or payload amine).

  • Simple chemistry
  • Handle planning reduces mixtures
  • Widely used for small molecules

Cleavable Linkers (feasibility-driven)

Used when payload release is required for activity or to reduce on-target steric burden.

  • Disulfide (reducible)
  • pH-labile linkers
  • Enzyme-cleavable motifs
  • Self-immolative spacers (where appropriate)

Non-cleavable Linkers

Preferred when stable permanent linkage is desired (e.g., uptake/PK modifiers or mechanistic studies).

  • Triazole linkages (click)
  • Stable thioether or amide linkages
  • Lower risk of premature release

Attachment Site Options

5′ end attachment

Common for siRNA sense-strand designs or ASO termini; minimizes interference with base pairing when planned.

  • 5′-amine / 5′-thiol / 5′-azide
  • Supports defined 1:1 loading
  • Spacer length available

3′ end attachment

Often used to preserve 5′ requirements (e.g., siRNA antisense loading considerations).

  • 3′-amine / 3′-thiol / 3′-azide
  • Good for hydrophobic payloads with spacers
  • Compatible with many linkers

Internal attachment

Used when terminal attachment is constrained; requires careful placement to preserve function.

  • Modified base or backbone position
  • Allows precise architecture control
  • Best with early design review

siRNA-specific note

For duplex siRNA, specify strand (sense vs antisense), terminus (5′ vs 3′), and whether the payload should be compatible with RISC loading. We can also support asymmetric designs and spacer variants for screening.

Workflow: from Concept to ODC

Design Review

Oligo sequence/modality • payload structure/handle • linker/release goal • loading target.

Synthesis & Conjugation

Site-defined coupling • stable vs cleavable selection • route chosen for payload integrity.

Purification & QC

HPLC/UPLC • LC-MS when feasible • conversion/loading report • documentation.

Quality Control & Typical Deliverables

Standard QC

  • Analytical HPLC/UPLC purity profile
  • Identity confirmation by LC-MS when structurally compatible with the construct
  • COA + method summary

Conjugation Reporting

  • Conversion / residual starting material (as appropriate)
  • Payload loading target (1:1 typical; feasibility-driven)
  • Orthogonal methods if required

When to add more

If your decision depends on stability or release, share that goal so methods can align to it.

FAQ

What do you need to start an ODC project?

Send the oligo sequence/modality (siRNA/ASO/etc.), desired attachment site (5′/3′/internal and strand for siRNA), payload name/structure (or catalog number), stable vs cleavable preference (if any), quantity/purity targets, and intended use.

Can you support cleavable linkers?

Yes. Cleavable linkers (e.g., disulfide, pH-labile, enzyme-cleavable) are supported when payload release is required (feasibility-driven).

Where should the payload go on siRNA?

This is goal-dependent. Many designs place delivery-active payloads on the sense strand (often 3′), while preserving antisense features needed for RISC loading.[1,2,3] We can provide spacer/position variants for screening.

Can you work with hydrophobic payloads?

Yes (feasibility-driven). Hydrophobic payloads often require spacer/linker planning and solvent-aware purification/QC methods.

Contact & quote request

For the fastest quote, share your oligo sequence/modality, payload name/structure (or catalog number), desired attachment site (and strand/terminus for siRNA), stable vs cleavable preference, quantity/purity targets, and intended use. We’ll recommend a practical route plus purification/QC aligned to your application.

Fast quote checklist

  • Oligo modality: siRNA / ASO / DNA / aptamer / PNA / PMO
  • Sequence(s) and strand info (for siRNA duplex)
  • Preferred attachment site: 5′ / 3′ / internal + desired handle (amine/thiol/azide/alkyne/DBCO)
  • Payload name + structure (or catalog number) and known functional groups
  • Stable vs cleavable linker preference (if any)
  • Quantity (mg) + purity target + intended use

If you’re unsure which coupling is best, send the payload structure—route selection is driven by functional groups and stability constraints.

Fastest path

What happens next: We review feasibility, recommend handle/linker options, confirm QC deliverables, and provide pricing.

References

  1. Roberts T.C., Langer R., Wood M.J.A. (2020). Advances in oligonucleotide drug delivery. Nature Reviews Drug Discovery.
  2. Juliano R. (2016). The delivery of therapeutic oligonucleotides. Nucleic Acids Research.
  3. Prakash T.P., & colleagues (2019). Oligonucleotide conjugates and delivery approaches. Annual Review of Pharmacology and Toxicology.
  4. Nair J.K., & colleagues (2014). Multivalent N-acetylgalactosamine conjugates for siRNA delivery. Journal of the American Chemical Society.
  5. Zhou J., Rossi J. (2017). Aptamer-targeted RNAi and oligonucleotide delivery concepts. Nature Reviews Drug Discovery (and related reviews).

Citations are provided as entry points for background and design rationale (payload release, biodistribution, uptake, trafficking, and endosomal escape). For payload-specific chemistry precedent, we can provide a targeted bibliography aligned to your exact drug/linker.

Common Development Objectives

Clients typically engage us for dual-mechanism oncology conjugates, antibiotic–antisense platforms, delivery-modulating small-molecule attachment, and linker optimization strategies designed to balance stability and intracellular release.

Why Choose Bio-Synthesis

Trusted by biotech leaders worldwide for over 45+ years of delivering high quality, fast and scalable synthetic biology solutions.