IDT SciTools

IDT SciTools provides analysis and design of DNA and RNA oligomers to optimize oligonucleotide sequences including PCR primers, antisense oligonucleotides, RNA interference (RNAi) sequences, and probes by predicting thermodynamics, secondary structure, and sequence interactions.

Key Features:

• Oligonucleotide Design: Enables design of PCR primers, antisense oligonucleotides, and RNA interference (RNAi) sequences by predicting biophysical, chemical, and hybridization properties of native and chemically modified nucleic acids.
• Thermodynamic Calculations: Incorporates thermodynamic models to calculate stable secondary structures of oligonucleotides.
• Sequence Interaction Evaluation: Assesses potential interactions between two nucleic acid sequences to predict hybridization events and specificity.
• Probe and Primer Selection: Supports selection of optimal probes and primers for PCR and hybridization-based detection methods.

Scientific Applications:

• Molecular Biology Research: Supports gene expression studies, genetic engineering, and functional genomics through design and evaluation of oligonucleotides.
• Biotechnology and Drug Development: Facilitates design of antisense oligonucleotides and RNAi sequences for therapeutic targeting of specific genes or pathways.
• Structural Biology: Enables prediction of nucleic acid secondary structures for studies of nucleic acid conformation and folding.

Methodology:

Computations use algorithms that predict biophysical, chemical, and hybridization properties of native and chemically modified nucleic acids, thermodynamic models to calculate stable secondary structures, and sequence interaction assessments to evaluate hybridization potential.