End attachment of phenol-oligonucleotide conjugates to diazotized cellulose

The synthesis of a novel phosphoramidite reagent with a hexanediol backbone is described. This reagent has been used to incorporate a phenol moiety on an oligonucleotide (ODN) directly in the course of its automated synthesis. Multiple phenol attachments can be achieved by repetitive coupling cycles. A simple and rapid immobilization method is described where phenol-modified ODNs are covalently attached to diazotized cellulose. The binding capacity of the membrane can be modulated, depending on the ODN concentration used, to ca. 180 pmol/cm2. There is at least 80% end attachment of the ODN through the phenol group. In addition, the phenol residue can be used as a carrier for the radiolabeling with 125I. The non-nucleosidic hexanediol derivative incorporated at the 5'-end of the ODN is recognized as a substrate by the T4 polynucleotide kinase and the terminal hydroxyl group is successfully phosphorylated allowing its 32P labeling.