Advanced Enzymatic DNA Synthesis Technology
Ansa’s innovative enzymatic DNA synthesis technology offers key benefits over other DNA synthesis methods — chemical and enzymatic. Watch the video to learn more.
Our DNA Synthesis Technology Is…
Capable of synthesizing long and complex sequences
Fully enzymatic and does not damage DNA during synthesis
A simple process optimized for speed and reliability
Powered by TdT-dNTP Conjugates
Ansa’s enzymatic DNA synthesis technology is based on TdT-dNTP conjugates, enzymatic reagents that enable rapid and controlled single-base additions to a DNA molecule. With our approach, we’ve previously demonstrated direct synthesis, with no assembly, of DNA molecules more than 1,000 bases long. We call them AnsamersTM.
First described by Ansa’s founders in a Nature Biotechnology paper, a TdT-dNTP conjugate is made by tethering a single deoxyribonucleoside triphosphate (dNTP) molecule to the template-independent polymerase TdT. The TdT enzyme can extend a DNA molecule by one base using its one tethered dNTP.
How Our Technology Works
Enzymatic DNA Synthesis Process
- A DNA primer attached to solid support is exposed to the TdT-dNTP conjugate of the first desired base to add to the primer of the sequence.
- A conjugate extends the primer using its tethered dNTP and then remains covalently attached to the 3’ end, blocking other conjugates from further extending the primer. (1. Extend)
- Cleaving the linker releases TdT from the primer, enabling subsequent extension. (2. De-block)
- The process is repeated with a sequence of conjugates to synthesize the desired DNA sequence.
DNA Manufacturing Platform
Ansa has developed a series of highly multiplexed, fully custom instruments that use our TdT-dNTP conjugates to synthesize DNA. The instruments feature a novel liquid handling approach that is optimized for speed and reliability. The DNA manufacturing process, from synthesis to downstream processing to final QC, is orchestrated by custom informatics software, and all sequences are screened for biosecurity following industry best practices.
Flexible DNA Fragment or Clonal DNA Formats
Ansa’s synthetic DNA manufacturing process has a single, streamlined workflow that begins with a single-stranded DNA oligonucleotide or Ansamer™ that is processed into a double-stranded DNA fragment or clonal gene up to 900 bp long. Sequence-perfect clonal DNA products can be further assembled up to 50 kb. The Ansa Clonal DNA and Ansa DNA Fragments are easy to use and make for simple integration into downstream experimental workflows.
How does our enzymatic DNA synthesis technology actually work?
We approach enzymatic synthesis a little differently. We leverage a custom-designed TdT enzyme which contains the next nucleotide conjugated to the enzyme. This allows us to add one base at a time, remove the block and repeat the cycle to add additional basepairs. This is a fully aqueous reaction which ensures the growing DNA is not damaged by chemicals, which commonly occurs with phosphoramidite chemistry. This technology allows us to synthesize DNA with almost no sequence limitations.
What sequence lengths can we deliver today?
Ansa offers direct, contiguous synthesis of double stranded DNA as a fragment up to 900 bp, and clonal DNA up to 50 kb.
How fast will my DNA arrive?
We aim for competitive turnaround times (TAT) depending on your size and format.
- For fragments (200-900 bp), we ship in as few as 4 business days.
- For clones (100bp – 7.5 kb), we ship these in as little as 11 days.
- For clones (7.5 kb – 50 kb), we ship these in as little as 25 days.
Shipment times are dependent on when your order is placed. Reach out to your account manager or email us at customerservice@ansabio.com for more details.
How do we make sure every base is correct?
Before we ship, every construct is validated end‑to‑end with high‑accuracy, long‑read sequencing and a proprietary informatics pipeline, so you get exactly the sequence you ordered.
Is enzymatic DNA synthesis really greener than chemical methods?
Yes. Because our reactions run in aqueous buffers instead of acetonitrile or other harsh organic solvents, hazardous waste is dramatically reduced—a clear win for your lab and the planet. We have also optimized our process with labware sustainability in mind, minimizing the amount of plasticware we utilize to synthesize your sequence.