Do fluorescent dye-labeled oligos require special storage and handling?
Yes. Fluorescent dye-labeled oligos are more fragile than unmodified oligos. Their ability to fluoresce will decrease over time. Before opening, spin the tube at 1000 rpm for 5 minutes to ensure the oligos are at the bottom of the tube. To ensure high quality, store the oligo dry at -20°C in small aliquots. Note also that fluorescent dye-labeled oligos should be stored in the dark as light can slowly degrade the fluorescent moieties. For optimal long-term storage, it is recommended that the labeled oligonucleotides should be stored dry at -20°C in the dark. If numerous experiments are planned using the same oligonucleotide, prepare aliquots, dry all aliquots, and store the aliquots at -20°C. Use clean, sterile labware for all transfers.
