Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

Why choose our catalog mRNA?

At etherna, we don't claim quality, we prove it. We rigorously benchmarked our mRNA against global manufacturers, and the results speak for themselves: our mRNA consistently demonstrates superior integrity. This means greater stability, reliability, and performance for your research. When you choose our mRNA, you are not just choosing cutting-edge technology; you are choosing the best on the global market. Trust the data. 

What catalog mRNA do you supply?

At the moment we are supplying 7 catalog mRNA's:

  • eGFP: This expresses an enhanced version of green fluorescent protein which yields bright green fluorescence with an emission peak at 509nm. eGFP was originally isolated from the jellyfish, Aequorea Victoria and is commonly used as a direct detection reporter in mammalian cell culture.
  • Fluc: This expresses a luciferase protein, which emits bioluminescence in the presence of the substrate, luciferin. Fluc was originally isolated from the firefly, Photinus pyralis, and is commonly used in mammalian cell culture to assess gene expression and cell viability. Fluc mRNA can be used in vivo to track biodistribution of the mRNA using In Vivo Bioluminescent imaging (BLI).
  • HA: Our HA mRNA will express a hemagglutinin protein. The specific sequence is derived from the Influenza A Virus (A/PertoRico/8/1934/H1N1 (ACF41834.1).
  • hEPO: This encodes the human erythropoietin (EPO) protein, a hormone naturally produced by the kidney that controls red blood cell production (erythropoiesis). EPO is also believed to play a role in wound healing and neural regeneration.
  • Ova: Ovalbumin (OVA), a member of the serpin family of proteins, is the predominant glycoprotein found in avian egg whites. It is commonly used in biochemical studies as a molecular weight marker and is an established model allergen for airway hyperresponsiveness.
  • LacZ: The lacZgene produces the enzyme beta-galactosidase (LacZ). This lactose metabolism enzyme is part of the lactose operon and breaks down lactose into glucose and galactose. The protein derived from the nuclear localization signal (NLS) LacZ RNA has two nuclear localization signals to achieve transport to the nucleus. The nucleus of transfected cells will stain intense blue in the presence of XGal.
  • mCherry: This mRNA codes for a monomeric red fluorescent protein. It's often used as a labeled tag for genes and cells of interest. The sequence was originally derived from Discosoma sea anemones. It has an excitation peak at 587 nm and an emission peak at 610 nm.

What is the specification of your catalog mRNA?

All our stock mRNAs are research grade, silica purified, contain standard NTPs, and are capped using CleanCap™ AG. A 90A poly(A) tail is encoded in our template using our proprietary 5’ and 3’ UTRs to improve translation efficiency.

Contact us if you would like mRNA produced to a different specification. 

What quantities do you supply?

Our off-the-shelf mRNA's are available in quantities starting from 100ug aliquots and 1mg aliquotes for 1mg and above. You can choose the number and the quantities in our webshop. Larger quantities can be ordered and aliquoted as required. Contact us if you need more than 5mg mRNA. 

Do you ship internationally?

Yes, we currently ship to all countries within Europe. If you are located in the USA or the UK and would like to place an order, contact us directly for a custom shipping quote. Our team will be happy to assist you in finding the best shipping solution to meet your needs. 

Which quality control method is being utilized?

Our standard QC for off-the-shelf materials is: 

  • Purity/integrity by capillary gel electrophoresis (CGE) - Expected
    size and peak profile
  • Endotoxin
  • Content (UV)

How is my RNA stored and shipped?

Our RNA is stored in water for injection (WFI) and is very stable when stored in water at temperatures -20°C +/-5°C. We ship our RNA frozen on dry ice (-80°C). During transportation, the temperature is not monitored. Contact us if you would like to monitor your shipment. 

How long will it take for my order to be delivered?

Orders of off-the-shelf RNA are usually shipped within 1-3 business days. Delivery times may vary based on location. 

How do I handle my RNA after delivery?

Our recommendations:

  • Perform a brief centrifugation before opening the tubes to ensure any product dislodged during shipping is collected at the bottom. 
  • Mix thoroughly before use. 
  • Maintain RNase-free conditions when handling RNA to prevent contamination. 
  • Minimize freeze-thaw cycles and exposure to frequent temperature fluctuations to preserve product integrity. 

How do I obtain a Certificate of Analysis (CoA)?

Along with the mRNA we supply a CoA. We always include the Certificate of Analysis (CoA) with the mRNA shipment. 

Do you offer RNA customization services?

Yes, in addition to our off-the-shelf products, we offer customized RNA tailored to your specific research needs. Contact us if you want to learn more about our customized services. 

What payment methods do you accept?

We accept major credit cards and bank transfers. Contact us for specific details if needed. 

Will I receive an invoice for my order?

Yes, a link to download a receipt will be included in your order confirmation for your records and an invoice will be included in your shipment. 

Do you offer discounts for bulk orders?

Yes, we provide discounts for bulk purchases and long-term customers. Please contact our team for a custom quote.