In order to obtain accurate concentration measurements using extinction coefficients provided by Trilink Biotech, what variables need to be held constant? I am assuming that extinction coefficients are determined experimentally by Beer’s law, when volume and path length are held constant. Can you provide details? Thank you, Jacob

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Dear Jacob,

Thank you for your question. TriLink calculates the extinction coefficient of an oligonucleotide by using the nearest neighbor method and reports it on the Certificate of Analysis. You can learn more about extinction coefficients in our Technical Article, An Introduction to Extinction Coefficients and Molecular Weights of Oligonucleotides. After diluting an oligonucleotide, the concentration can be determined by measuring absorbance with a spectrophotometer with UV lamp and quartz cuvette. Beer’s law can be used to calculate the concentration. If your oligonucleotide was supplied lyophilized, I recommend diluting to your preferred concentration using the method described.

Please let us know if you have any further questions.

Best regards,
Elizabeth