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Enhancing Multi-User Nucleic Acid Research Capabilities Through Acquisition of a High-Throughput Oligonucleotide Synthesizer

Award Number: S15OD042561
ORGANIZATION: OFFICE OF THE DIRECTOR, NIH
OPDIV: NIH
AWARD CLASS: DISCRETIONARY
AWARD ACTIVITY TYPE: SCIENTIFIC/HEALTH RESEARCH (INCLUDES SURVEYS)
PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE START DATE: 09/01/2026
PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE END DATE: 08/31/2027

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Enhancing Multi-User Nucleic Acid Research Capabilities Through Acquisition of a High-Throughput Oligonucleotide Synthesizer - Project Abstract Carnegie Mellon University (CMU) requests $349,500 to acquire a Sierra BioSystems Shasta Oligonucleotide Synthesizer System to establish critical nucleic acid synthesis infrastructure supporting NIH-funded research programs. Multiple research groups at CMU, the Center for Nucleic Acids Science & Technology (CNAST) community, and the broader Pittsburgh region currently spend hundreds of thousands annually on oligonucleotide synthesis. While commercial DNA synthesis is accessible, RNA and chemicallymodified anti-sense oligonucleotides (ASOs) with specialized modifications cost $200-500 per sequence and upwards of $10,000 per 96-well plate, severely limiting academic research and screening capabilities. In-house synthesis reduces costs by 90% while providing access to modifications unavailable through commercial providers. There is only one 17-year-old MerMade4 functional in the region. The Shasta synthesizer will transform CMU’s Center for Molecular Analysis (CMA) into the Center for Nucleic Acids Synthesis and Molecular Analysis. The requested system features 24 amidite positions plus 8 reagent positions, making possible synthesis from individual sequences to high-throughput 2×96 synthesis. Its multi-protocol capability enables parallel synthesis of sequences with varied modifications. The integrated Cascade cleavage/deprotection and Palisade purification modules, unavailable on MerMade systems, provide complete automated workflow particularly for plates in high-throughput screening studies. This equipment supports NIH-funded research in cancer therapeutics, neurodegenerative diseases, drug delivery, and rare disease therapeutics. Representative users include: Zhang laboratory (Telomere targeting requiring specialized ASOs and FISH probes); Henninger laboratory (acute myeloid leukemia, requiring 50100 ASO variants per target); Das laboratory (engineered exosomes and RNA polymer hybrids that use custom amidites); Whitehead laboratory (lipid nanoparticle delivery for Type I diabetes). The synthesizer will enable industry collaborations including a partnership with La Jolla Labs, integrating their open-source RNA therapeutic design platform with the CMU facility for rare disease therapeutic development. CMU commits to funding two years of service contracts ($49,025) following the first-year warranty, with fiveyear financial backup guarantee. The requested system will use the existing CMA recharge center financial infrastructure. Regional use by CNAST members and University of Pittsburgh researchers, combined with La Jolla Labs partnership directing customers to the facility, ensures sustainable utilization beyond CMU. Educational integration through the MS in Nucleic Acids Science, Technology and Medicine program provides an additional user base. This infrastructure positions CMU as the regional hub for advanced nucleic acid synthesis.


Issue Date FY	Funding FY	Legal Entity Name	Legal Entity Address	Legal Entity City	Legal Entity State	Legal Entity Zip Code	Legal Entity COUNTY	Legal Entity COUNTRY	Assistance Listing	Award Code	Budget Year	Action Date	Action Type	Action Amount

Issue Date FY: 2026 ( Subtotal = $349,500 )
2026	2026	CARNEGIE-MELLON UNIVERSITY	5000 FORBES AVE	PITTSBURGH	PA	15213	ALLEGHENY	USA	Research Infrastructure Programs	000	1	8/18/2026	NEW	$349,500
														Subtotal = $349,500

Grand Total All Awards = $349,500

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Enhancing Multi-User Nucleic Acid Research Capabilities Through Acquisition of a High-Throughput Oligonucleotide Synthesizer

Award Number: S15OD042561

ORGANIZATION: OFFICE OF THE DIRECTOR, NIH

OPDIV: NIH

AWARD CLASS: DISCRETIONARY

AWARD ACTIVITY TYPE: SCIENTIFIC/HEALTH RESEARCH (INCLUDES SURVEYS)

PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE START DATE: 09/01/2026

PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE END DATE: 08/31/2027

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