Thin Layer Chromatography of Radiolabeled Oligonucleotide Analogues: A Rapid and Sensitive Purity Assay

Abstract

Oligonucleotide analogues are being developed for use in cell culture, animals and for therapy. Prior to use it is important to have an indication of the oligomers' purity. Thin layer chromatography (TLC) has been applied to analyze hosphoromonothioate and phosphorodithioate oligonucleotides radiolabeled with either ³²P Or ¹⁴C. TLC coupled with radioactivity has been compared to Polyacrylamide Gel Electrophoresis (PAGE) and High Pressure Liquid Chromatography (HPLC). TLC is a rapid and sensitive alternative to these methods and is particularly suited for chemically modified oligonucleotides.