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AAV FAQs
Recombinant adeno-associated virus (rAAV) is a non-pathogenic, replication-deficient viral vector widely used for efficient and long-term gene delivery in research and preclinical studies.
Most rAAV vectors are handled at BSL-1 when they do not encode hazardous transgenes and are produced without helper viruses. BSL-2 practices may be required depending on the transgene, experimental design, or institutional biosafety committee (IBC) determination.
Yes. rAAV is considered one of the safest viral vectors because it is replication-incompetent and has no known pathogenicity in humans.
rAAV primarily persists as episomal DNA. Random integration into the host genome occurs at very low frequency compared with integrating vectors such as lentivirus.
The maximum packaging capacity is approximately 4.7 kb, including both inverted terminal repeats (ITRs). Larger constructs may lead to reduced titer or truncated genomes.
Common promoters include CMV, CAG, EF1α, Synapsin, GFAP, and other tissue- or cell-specific promoters. Custom promoter designs are also supported.
AAV serotypes differ in tissue tropism and transduction efficiency. Selection depends on the target tissue, species, route of administration, and experimental goal. Click here to the AAV serotype selection guide
Yes. rAAV can deliver shRNA, miRNA, or CRISPR-based gene silencing systems to achieve stable, long-term knockdown.
Yes. rAAV is commonly used to deliver guide RNAs and HDR donor templates. Due to size limitations, Cas proteins may require dual-vector or split-Cas strategies or use smaller Cas species like SaCas9
rAAV is commonly supplied at 1×10¹²–1×10¹³ viral genomes (vg)/mL, depending on construct design, serotype, and purification method.
Viral genome titers are measured by qPCR or ddPCR. Functional titers may also be assessed using transduction assays.
QC typically includes vg titer determination, purity assessment, capsid integrity analysis, endotoxin testing, sterility testing, and sequence verification of the expression cassette.
When stored at −80 °C, recombinant AAV is generally stable for up to 5 years with minimal loss of activity. Long-term stability depends on formulation, serotype, and handling.
After thawing, rAAV should be kept on ice and used promptly. Repeated freeze–thaw cycles should be avoided, as they can reduce viral infectivity.
Yes. Aliquoting rAAV into single-use vials before freezing is strongly recommended to preserve viral activity and consistency across experiments.
Yes. rAAV is widely used in cultured cells, small and large animal models, and preclinical studies, providing stable and long-term transgene expression.
Pre-existing antibodies against certain AAV serotypes may reduce transduction efficiency in vivo. Immune responses vary by serotype, dose, and route of administration.
Re-administration can be challenging due to neutralizing antibodies. Alternative serotypes or immune-modulation strategies may be required.
Yes. Customization options include promoter choice, transgene design, reporter genes, regulatory elements, serotype selection, purification grade, and formulation.
Typically required information includes the transgene sequence, promoter choice, target species and tissue, desired serotype, intended application, and biosafety considerations.
Lentivirus FAQs
Recombinant lentivirus is a viral vector derived from lentiviruses (commonly HIV-1–based) that has been engineered to safely deliver genetic material into dividing and non-dividing cells.
Recombinant lentiviral vectors are typically handled at BSL-2 due to their ability to integrate into the host genome. Enhanced BSL-2 (BSL-2+) practices may be required depending on the transgene and experimental use.
No. Modern lentiviral vectors are replication-deficient and are produced using split packaging systems to minimize the risk of generating replication-competent lentivirus (RCL).
Yes, when handled properly under BSL-2 conditions. Lentiviral systems are widely used and accepted in academic and industrial research settings.
Yes. Lentivirus integrates stably into the host genome, enabling long-term and heritable transgene expression.
Lentivirus has a relatively large packaging capacity of approximately 8–9 kb, making it suitable for large or complex transgenes.
Common promoters include CMV, EF1α, PGK, CAG, TRE (Tet-On), and tissue-specific or inducible promoters.
Yes. Lentivirus can efficiently transduce both dividing and non-dividing cells, including primary cells and stem cells.
Yes. Lentivirus is widely used to deliver shRNA, miRNA, and CRISPRi constructs for stable gene silencing.
Yes. Lentivirus is widely used to deliver shRNA, miRNA, and CRISPRi constructs for stable gene silencing.
Yes. Lentivirus is commonly used to deliver Cas9, base editors, prime editors, and guide RNAs, especially when long-term expression is required.
Yes, lentivirus can be used for HDR applications, but only indirectly by delivering CRISPR/Cas9, sgRNA, and an HDR donor template. After Cas9 creates a double-strand break, the cell may repair it via HDR using the provided donor DNA, which works best in dividing cells. However, because lentivirus integrates randomly into the genome, there is a higher risk of off-target donor integration. As a result, lentiviral HDR is mainly suited for in vitro or ex vivo research, while AAV or RNP-based methods are preferred for precise or therapeutic HDR.
Lentivirus is commonly supplied at 1×10⁷–1×10⁹ transducing units (TU)/mL, depending on construct, cell type, and production method.
Titers are measured by functional assays such as flow cytometry, antibiotic selection, or qPCR-based methods.
QC typically includes functional titer determination, sterility testing, endotoxin testing, plasmid sequence verification, and optional RCL testing.
When stored at −80 °C, recombinant lentivirus is generally stable for 6–12 months. Long-term stability depends on formulation and handling.
After thawing, lentivirus should be kept on ice and used immediately. Repeated freeze–thaw cycles significantly reduce viral infectivity and should be avoided.
Yes. Aliquoting into single-use vials before freezing is strongly recommended to preserve viral activity.
Lentivirus can elicit innate immune responses in some cell types. Immune activation varies depending on dose, cell type, and vector design.
Yes. Lentivirus is commonly pseudotyped with VSV-G or other engineered envelopes to enhance stability and broaden cell tropism.
Yes. Customization options include promoter choice, transgene design, reporter genes, regulatory elements, serotype selection, purification grade, and formulation.
Typically required information includes the transgene sequence, promoter choice, cell type or target tissue, selection marker or reporter, intended application, and biosafety considerations.
Adenovirus FAQs
A recombinant adenovirus is a genetically engineered adenoviral vector in which viral genes required for replication are removed and replaced with a gene of interest, allowing efficient gene delivery without viral replication in target cells.
No. Recombinant adenoviruses used for research are replication-deficient, meaning they cannot replicate in normal target cells. Viral propagation is performed only in specialized packaging cells.
Adenovirus vectors offer high transduction efficiency, rapid transgene expression, broad cell tropism, large packaging capacity, and strong expression in both dividing and non-dividing cells.
First-generation recombinant adenoviruses can typically package up to ~8 kb of foreign DNA. Helper-dependent (gutless) adenoviruses can accommodate up to ~36 kb.
Transgene expression is usually detectable within 24–48 hours post-transduction and reaches peak levels within a few days.
Adenoviral vectors remain episomal, so expression is transient, typically lasting days to weeks depending on cell type, promoter, and immune response.
Adenovirus can transduce a wide range of cell types, including epithelial cells, hepatocytes, neurons, muscle cells, and many primary cells.
No. Adenoviral DNA remains episomal and does not integrate into the host genome, minimizing the risk of insertional mutagenesis.
Common promoters include CMV, CAG, EF1α, tissue-specific promoters, and inducible promoters, depending on experimental requirements.
Yes. Recombinant adenovirus is widely used in animal studies for gene overexpression, gene editing donor delivery, vaccination, and disease modeling.
Adenovirus is typically purified using cesium chloride (CsCl) ultracentrifugation or chromatographic methods such as gel filtration, depending on the required grade.
Adenoviral titers can be measured using plaque-forming unit (PFU) assays, transduction unit (TU) assays, or physical particle measurements such as OD260 or qPCR.
Most replication-deficient adenoviruses are handled under Biosafety Level 2 (BSL-2) conditions.
Yes. Adenovirus is well suited for delivering large donor DNA templates for HDR and can also deliver CRISPR components or be combined with other vectors.
Adenovirus is typically stored at −80°C in a stabilizing buffer. Repeated freeze–thaw cycles should be avoided to maintain viral activity.
Adenovirus offers larger packaging capacity and faster expression, while AAV provides longer-term expression with lower immunogenicity.
Yes. Adenoviral vectors can be customized with specific promoters, tags, reporters, polyA signals, and regulatory elements.
Adenovirus can elicit an immune response, especially in vivo. This property is advantageous for vaccine development but may limit repeated dosing.
Recombinant adenovirus is widely used for gene overexpression, functional genomics, vaccination studies, donor delivery for gene editing, and disease modeling.
Yes. Adenovirus efficiently transduces both dividing and non-dividing cells, making it suitable for many in vitro and in vivo applications.
Ordering Information
Orders can be placed online through our website, by phone, by fax, or by email using a credit card or an official purchase order (PO).
Yes. Customers may place orders directly at https://signagen.com using a credit card or purchase order.
We accept major credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover), PayPal, and institutional purchase orders (PO).
Yes. All online transactions are protected using SSL encryption and processed through secure payment platforms in accordance with our privacy policy.
Yes. Purchase orders can be submitted online, by email, or by fax. Institutional and corporate POs are welcome.
To convert a SignaGen quote into a PO, reference the SignaGen quote number on your official PO and ensure that pricing, quantities, and terms match the quote. Submit the PO to orders@signagen.com or upload it through our website for order confirmation.
Purchase orders should be emailed to orders@signagen.com
A valid PO should include billing and shipping addresses, product or service descriptions, quantities, pricing, and authorized contact information.
Yes. You may call 866-918-6812 (toll-free in the U.S.) or 301-330-5966, then select Option 1 to speak with Customer Service.
Yes. Fax orders can be sent to 301-560-4919
For products requiring dry ice packaging, domestic shipments are scheduled Monday through Wednesday only to ensure package integrity and avoid weekend delays. For international orders, dry ice shipments are typically scheduled on Monday or Friday, depending on destination and carrier availability.
Orders received by 4:00 PM (EST) are typically shipped the same business day, subject to product availability and dry ice shipping schedules.
Yes. A dry ice handling and shipping fee may apply for temperature-sensitive products. Applicable fees will be included in your quote or order confirmation.
Yes. International customers may order directly or through authorized SignaGen distributors, depending on location.
Please contact info@signagen.com to request distributor information for your country or region, or visit our online info at https://signagen.com/distributors/
Yes. Quotes are available upon request for both catalog and custom products. Please contact Customer Service or submit an online inquiry.
Order modifications or cancellations may be possible if the order has not yet entered production or shipping. Please contact Customer Service as soon as possible.
Yes. An order confirmation will be sent by email once your order has been received and accepted.
Custom or made-to-order products are generally non-cancelable and non-refundable once production has begun.
For ordering or shipping-related questions, please contact orders@signagen.com or call our Customer Service team directly.
Please ship plasmid(s) strictly according to the instructions provided in the “Plasmid Submission Form”, which is typically issued during the quote request process. Plasmid DNA should be sequence-verified, high-purity, and endotoxin-free whenever possible. For routine production, plasmids may be shipped at ambient temperature as dried DNA or in buffer, provided the transit time is short (typically 1–3 days). For longer transit times or temperature-sensitive samples, shipment on cold packs or dry ice is recommended.
Each plasmid must be clearly labeled and accompanied by a plasmid map or full sequence file, DNA concentration information, and any relevant cloning, restriction, or regulatory details. If multiple plasmids are required (e.g., shuttle vector, helper plasmids), all components should be clearly identified and organized.
Plasmids must be securely packaged to prevent leakage or physical damage during transit. Upon receipt, all incoming plasmids undergo internal quality control checks, such as concentration measurement and restriction enzyme digestion, before being released for viral production. SignaGen will notify the customer promptly if any issues are identified that may affect production timelines.
For specific shipping questions or international shipments, customers are encouraged to contact Customer Service at info@signagen.com prior to dispatch.
You can obtain the Certificate of Analysis (CoA) for our pre-made viral vectors and transfection reagents directly through our website. Simply navigate to the product page and locate the CoA lookup section. Enter the following information exactly as shown on your product label:
- SKU # (Catalog #)
- Lot #
After submitting these details, the corresponding CoA will be generated for download.
Please note:
– If you encounter any issues or cannot locate your CoA, feel free to contact our Customer Service team, and we will be happy to assist you promptly.
– The search requires an exact match of both SKU # and Lot #.
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