In general non-labelled oligonucleotides can be stored for more than a year with little or no degradation. They can be stored in media (such as water, ammonia, 20% acetonitrile, dilute buffer containing EDTA, salt etc.) or as a dry pellet. Most important is to keep them cold to avoid bacterial growth and minimize degradation. The degradation is mainly caused by oxygen dissolved in the storage liquid.

 

Avoid storing oligos in solutions that are mutagenic, oxidizing or outside the pH range 5-12. If you prefer storing your oligo freeze dried, please note that too many freeze drying cycles might degrade your oligo. Make aliquots before drying it.

 

Dye-labelled oligos should be stored lyophilized in the dark at -20oC. Dye-labelled oligos should be stabile for at least one year in lyophilized form. Dye primers are stabile for at least one month dissolved in water or TE-buffer when stored at -20 oC in the dark. For maximum stability, limit both the number of freeze thaw cycles and exposure to light. c