Plasmid Vectors

The VDL offers “Clean DNA” from its plasmid production. One tentative problem plaguing delivery of naked DNA has been the large amounts of contaminants that exist in standard DNA preparations. These contaminants belong to a class of molecules known to inhibit both DNA and RNA polymerase activities. Therefore, gene expression post-transfection can be increased by orders of magnitude if they are removed from the preparations. The presence of these contaminants in DNA also precludes high dose delivery of DNA-liposome complexes intravenously. These contaminants co-purify with DNA by anion exchange chromatography and by cesium chloride density gradient centrifugation and are not endotoxin-free. The VDL has developed methods for their detection in plasmid DNA preparations and can now make plasmid DNA that does not contain these contaminants. Hence this DNA provides greater efficacy and gene expression at lower doses compared to use of other plasmid DNA preparations of the identical plasmid.

The VDL currently offers both laboratory- (40-80 mg.) and pilot-scale (200 mg) plasmid production carried out using either 7.5 L or 20 L fermenter.

To initiate service for plasmid production and purification, fill out the Service Request Form and return it to us by fax (713-798-1230) or by e-mail (vector@bcm.edu).