The Future of DNA is Here: Making DNA with Enzymes

DNA is the code of life, and being able to create custom DNA sequences is essential for modern research. For a long time, scientists have used a method called phosphoramidite chemistry to make DNA. But this method has limitations, especially when it comes to making long or complex DNA. Now, DNA Script is overcoming these limits with a proprietary Enzymatic DNA Synthesis (EDS) technology designed to simplify and accelerate DNA synthesis, making advanced research and healthcare applications more accessible.

How Does Enzymatic DNA Synthesis (EDS) Work?

Instead of harsh chemicals, EDS uses enzymes to build DNA.

Here’s the simple version:

1. A modified enzyme called Terminal Deoxynucleotidyl Transferase (TdT) adds nucleotides.
2. These nucleotides have a temporary “cap” that ensures only one is added at a time, making the process very accurate.
3. The enzyme adds a nucleotide, the cap is removed, and the process repeats until the desired DNA sequence is complete.
4. It all happens on a solid support, like a scaffold, that makes it easy to wash away leftover materials, resulting in pure DNA.

DNA Script: Your Partner in EDS

We at DNA Script are making EDS accessible to all researchers. We offer you two ways to access this technology:

• DNA Synthesis Service: We have custom synthesis services capable of producing single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) up to 500 nucleotides in length and highly complex sequences including poly(A) tails, telomeric sequences, ITRs and sequences with secondary structure. We can also deliver your standard oligos in bulk, enabling scaled-up research and development efforts from a single vendor.
• SYNTAX^® Platform: The SYNTAX benchtop instrument allows you to create your own custom DNA oligonucleotides directly in-house. With fast turnaround for sequences up to 120 nucleotides, you can save valuable time without relying on external providers. Furthermore, it ensures complete control and security for highly confidential sequences.

Why is EDS a Big Deal?

EDS lets you create oligos of all complexities, quickly, in a protected manner, that’s better for the environment.

These oligos can be used for mRNA vaccine development, AAV therapy research, and antibody/protein engineering applications and more.

• Long poly(A) tails for mRNA vaccines: Essential for stability and performance, poly(A) sequences often exceed traditional synthesis capabilities, but our EDS method easily tackles these challenges.
• Inverted Terminal Repeats (ITRs) for gene therapy: Our technology simplifies the production of complex and repetitive sequences like ITRs, frequently used in Adeno-associated virus (AAV) gene therapy vectors.
• High-GC content sequences: Sequences with extreme GC content can be notoriously problematic using traditional approaches. Our enzyme-driven technology significantly improves success rates for these “difficult-to-make” sequences.

Collaborations Transforming Global Healthcare

DNA Script’s enzymatic DNA synthesis doesn’t just push scientific limits; it also helps address urgent healthcare challenges worldwide. For example, DNA Script and CEPI have partnered to accelerate vaccine development by automating the manufacturing of synthetic DNA templates, the essential blueprints needed to rapidly produce mRNA vaccines. This collaboration aims to shorten the timeline of DNA template synthesis from weeks to days, reducing a key bottleneck in mRNA vaccine manufacturing.

We also recently joined a collaborative project to develop a first-of-its-kind digital-to-biological, end-to-end RNA-based vaccine production platform in Africa. This collaboratively developed platform aims to produce up to 100 million RNA-based vaccine doses annually to address critical needs for rapid outbreak responses, including the ability to address zoonotic diseases through vaccines targeting both human and animal health under the One Health approach.

Looking Ahead: From Personalized Therapies to Global Health

DNA Script’s enzymatic DNA synthesis technology represents more than an advance in DNA production, it’s a step toward a future where healthcare is more equitable, responsive, and personalized. Rapid, accurate DNA synthesis holds huge promise for personalized medicine, where producing customized therapies tailored specifically to individual genetic profiles could soon become routine, affordable, and accessible.

By providing you with fast, accurate, and environmentally sustainable ways to make DNA, we at DNA Script are helping create a world where barriers to DNA-based research and healthcare no longer exist.

Stay tuned: In future posts, we’ll share more about our ongoing work and show you exactly how enzymatic DNA synthesis can aid your research and help you bring innovative solutions to life!