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High-titer virus packaging service, tailored to your study
AAV Packaging Service
Need your gene of interest packaged into AAV? Our AAV production service delivers research-grade recombinant AAV (rAAV) across common serotypes with documented quality control, including qPCR titer, sterility testing, and capsid purity by SDS-PAGE. Typical titers reach up to ~1×10¹³ vg/mL (serotype and cargo dependent). Request a quote to match serotype, purification method, and scale to your study.
- Common Serotypes: AAV1, AAV2, AAV5, AAV6, AAV8, AAV9, AAVrh10, AAV-DJ (+ others on request)
- Payload Capacity: ≤4.7 kb (single-stranded); ask about dual-AAV strategies
- QC Included: qPCR titer + sterility + capsid purity (SDS-PAGE)
Begin Inquiry
Why AAV is the Right Vector for Your Gene Delivery Experiments
Understand the advantages that make adeno-associated virus a powerful, low-risk choice for research and therapeutic applications.
Non-Pathogenic Safety Profile
AAV vectors are derived from a naturally occurring virus that causes no known disease in humans. This inherent safety profile reduces experimental risk and translates well to therapeutic development, giving you confidence in both in vitro and in vivo studies.
Low Immunogenicity
AAV triggers minimal immune responses compared to other viral vectors, enabling longer transgene expression in animal models and reducing confounding variables in your experiments. This characteristic is especially valuable for chronic gene therapy studies.
Broad Tropism Options
Multiple AAV serotypes provide natural tropism for specific tissues including CNS, muscle, liver, and retina. This diversity lets you select the right vector for your target cell type without extensive optimization, saving time and experimental resources.
AAV Services Overview
Gene Synthesis
Sequence-verified
Clone Gene into Vector
Plasmid map + Sanger confirmation
AAV Production + Purification
HEK293 triple transfection AAV packaging protocol
Quality Control
qPCR titer + SDS-PAGE + sterility (+ optional endotoxin)
How To Order?
As easy as 1, 2, 3.
AAV serotypes
Important: Tropism varies by species, route (IV/IT/IM/subretinal), dose, and promoter; use tables as starting points.
- From serotype to tissue type:
Serotype Tissue Tropism AAV1 Smooth muscle, skeletal muscle, CNS, brain, lung, retina, inner ear, pancreas, heart, liver AAV2 Smooth muscle, CNS, brain, liver, pancreas, kidney, retina, inner ear, testes AAV2.7m8 Retina, inner ear AAV2-retro Spinal nerves AAV3 Smooth muscle, liver, lung AAV4 CNS, retina, lung, kidney, heart AAV5 Smooth muscle, CNS, brain, lung, retina, heart, immune system AAV6 Smooth muscle, heart, lung, pancreas, adipose, liver, immune system AAV7 Smooth muscle, retina, CNS, brain, liver AAV8 Smooth muscle, CNS, brain, retina, inner ear, liver, pancreas, heart, kidney, adipose AAV9 Smooth muscle, skeletal muscle, lung, liver, heart, pancreas, CNS, retina, inner ear, testes, kidney, adipose AAVShH10 Retina AAVrh10 Retina, liver, brain AAV-DJ Liver, heart, kidney, spleen, retina AAV-PHP.eB CNS AAV10 Kidney, Uterus, heart, liver, lung, skeletal muscle AAV11 Kidney, spleen, stomach, heart, lung skeletal muscle
- From tissue type to serotype:
Tissue Type Recommended AAV Serotype Smooth Muscle AAV1, AAV2, AAV3, AAV5, AAV6, AAV7, AAV8, AAV9 Skeletal Muscle AAV1, AAV9, AAV10, AAV11 CNS AAV1, AAV2, AAV4, AAV5, AAV7, AAV8, AAV9, AAV-PHP.eB Brain AAV1, AAV2, AAV5, AAV7, AAV8 Retina AAV1, AAV2, AAV2.7m8, AAV4, AAV5, AAV7, AAV8, AAV9, AAVShH10, AAVrh10, AAV-DJ Inner Ear AAV1, AAV2, AAV6.2, AAV8, AAV9, AAV2.7m8 Lung AAV1, AAV3, AAV4, AAV5, AAV6, AAV6.2, AAV9, AAV10, AAV11 Liver AAV1, AAV2, AAV3, AAV6, AAV6.2, AAV7, AAV8, AAV9, AAVrh10, AAV-DJ, AAV10 Pancreas AAV1, AAV2, AAV6, AAV8, AAV9 Heart AAV1, AAV4, AAV5, AAV6, AAV8, AAV9, AAV-DJ, AAV10, AAV11 Kidney AAV2, AAV4, AAV8, AAV9, AAV-DJ, AAV10, AAV11 Adipose AAV6, AAV8, AAV9 Testes AAV2, AAV9 Spleen AAV-DJ, AAV11 Spinal Nerves AAV2-retro
We may be able to source additional serotypes upon request. Please contact us for more information.
Contact UsDesign Your AAV Construct Within Packaging Limits
Know the size constraints and design principles for efficient packaging.
AAV Packaging Capacity: 4.7 kb Maximum
The Limit You Need to Respect
AAV can package about 4.7 kilobases of single-stranded DNA between the two ITR sequences. Constructs exceeding this limit will package inefficiently or not at all.
Your total insert size, including promoter, transgene, regulatory elements, and polyadenylation signal, must fit within ~4.7 kb. For reference, a CMV promoter is about 0.6 kb, a standard polyA is 0.2 kb, leaving approximately 3.9 kb for your gene of interest and any additional elements.
Design Rule: The ITR sequences are NOT counted toward the 4.7 kb limit. Plan your construct elements accordingly and contact us if your design approaches the size maximum.
Packaging Capacity Calculator
Maximum Cargo: 4.7 kb
Typical Components:
- Promoter: ~0.6 kb
- PolyA signal: ~0.2 kb
- Available for transgene: ~3.9 kb
Need help optimizing your construct size? Our team can suggest compact promoters and regulatory elements.
[Visual Module: Infographic - AAV Construct Design]
Labeled diagram showing ITR-Promoter-Transgene-PolyA-ITR with size annotations and color-coded regions
Labeled diagram showing ITR-Promoter-Transgene-PolyA-ITR with size annotations and color-coded regions
Match AAV Packaging to Your Research Application
From gene therapy to CRISPR editing, see how AAV vectors support diverse experimental workflows.
Gene Replacement Therapy
Deliver functional copies of genes to correct genetic deficiencies in disease models. AAV's long-term expression makes it ideal for evaluating therapeutic efficacy in monogenic disorders affecting liver, muscle, CNS, and retinal tissues.
CRISPR Gene Editing
Package Cas9, base editors, or prime editors alongside sgRNAs for targeted genome modification. AAV's episomal nature reduces off-target integration risk compared to lentiviral delivery, providing cleaner editing outcomes for validation studies.
Optogenetics & Imaging
Express channelrhodopsins, calcium indicators, or fluorescent reporters in specific cell populations using serotype-specific tropism. AAV enables stable, long-term expression for chronic imaging and behavior studies without repeated injections.
RNA Interference
Deliver shRNA or miRNA expression cassettes for sustained gene knockdown. AAV-mediated RNAi provides months-long suppression in vivo, offering an alternative to CRISPR knockout when reversibility or dose titration is needed.
Neuroscience Tracing
Map neural circuits using retrograde AAV serotypes and fluorescent proteins. Combine with Cre-dependent constructs for intersectional genetic targeting in complex brain region studies.
CAR-T Cell Engineering
Transduce T cells with chimeric antigen receptors for adoptive cell therapy research. AAV's lower integration rate compared to lentivirus may reduce insertional mutagenesis risk in certain CAR-T protocols.
Scalability for Pilot Studies to Production Batches
Start small with research-grade AAV, then scale seamlessly to preclinical and GMP production as your program advances.
Small Scale Research
1-5 mL at 1x1012 GC/mL
Ideal for in vitro validation, construct screening, and small animal pilot studies. Fast turnaround for iterative design optimization.
Typical use: Cell culture transduction, 5-10 mice
Mid Scale Preclinical
10-50 mL at 1x1013 GC/mL
Sufficient for multi-dose efficacy studies, biodistribution analysis, and early toxicity assessment in rodents or NHP.
Typical use: Dose-response studies, 50-100 animals
GMP-Ready Manufacturing
100+ mL, CDMO partnerships
Boster will not handle GMP in-house but will transition seamlessly to a GMP and AAV CDMO partner. We provide tech transfer support and process validation documentation.
Typical use: IND-enabling studies, clinical trials
Related Products and Services That Integrate With AAV Packaging
Complete your gene delivery workflow with complementary viral vector services designed to work together.
- ITR-Verified Plasmid Backbones: Pre-sequenced AAV vectors ready for your insert
- Custom AAV Serotype Screening: Test 6-8 serotypes to find optimal tropism
- Lentiviral Packaging Service: For constructs exceeding AAV capacity limits
- Stable Cell Line Development: Alternative delivery for chronic expression studies
- In Vivo Transduction Protocols: Injection guides for target tissues
- AAV Neutralizing Antibody Testing: Screen animals for pre-existing immunity
- Transgene Expression Analysis: qPCR and Western blot services
- Empty Capsid Removal: Enhanced purification for demanding applications
Plan for GMP Early
If your research-grade AAV shows promise, you'll eventually need GMP manufacturing for clinical development.
Our preclinical AAV protocols are designed with GMP compatibility in mind. We document processes, maintain batch records, and can provide tech transfer packages to reduce friction during scale-up.
Ask about our CDMO partnerships and CMC consulting services.
AAV Packaging Service Specifications
Clear deliverables, timelines, and pricing structure so you can plan your project budget and schedule.
| Service Tier | Scale | Titer | Purity | Turnaround | Typical Applications |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Research Grade | 1-5 mL | ≥1x1012 GC/mL | Standard purification | 3-4 weeks | In vitro studies, construct screening, small pilot experiments |
| Preclinical Grade | 10-50 mL | ≥1x1013 GC/mL | Ultracentrifugation + ion exchange | 4-6 weeks | Animal efficacy studies, biodistribution, proof-of-concept in vivo |
| High Purity | 10-50 mL | ≥1x1013 GC/mL | >95% by SDS-PAGE, empty capsid removal | 5-7 weeks | Toxicity studies, IND-enabling research, demanding applications |
| Custom Scale | 100+ mL | Custom | Custom purification protocol | 8-12 weeks | Large animal studies, manufacturing process development |
Available AAV Serotypes
- AAV1 (muscle, CNS)
- AAV2 (broad tropism)
- AAV5 (CNS, lung)
- AAV6 (muscle, lung)
- AAV8 (liver, muscle)
- AAV9 (CNS, cardiac)
- AAV-DJ (broad tropism)
- AAV-rh10 (CNS, liver)
- AAV-PHP.eB (CNS, systemic)
- AAV-PHP.S (PNS)
- AAV-Retro (retrograde)
- Custom AAV production and capsids (contact us)
Not sure which serotype? We offer serotype screening panels to test 6-8 variants in your target tissue.
Standard QC Testing Included
- Genome Titer: qPCR with ITR and transgene-specific primers
- Purity Assessment: SDS-PAGE analysis of capsid proteins
- Endotoxin Testing: LAL assay, <10 EU/mL
- Sterility: Mycoplasma and bacterial contamination testing
Optional Add-On Testing
- Full/Empty ratio by AUC or TEM (+$500)
- Functional titer by transduction assay (+$800)
- Replication-competent AAV test (+$600)
- Capsid sequencing verification (+$400)
About Boster Bio's AAV packaging
High
efficiency
High Purity
high Potency
Guaranteed
titer
Proprietary
technologies
Serving Science
since 1993
Example Data
Left: EGFP expression (Green) in lumbar neuronal cells 4 weeks after intrathecal injection of AAV-EGFP Serotype 9 (Cat. # iAAV01509) into mice.
Right: Overlay with β-tubulin (red) and DAPI (blue).
Representative data (partner-provided): Image courtesy of Dr. Douglas Lopes, King's College London.
Immunohistochemical staining reveals robust NeuN gene disruption in the spinal cord.
Reference: Gene Therapy (2021)
Get Expert AAV Packaging Support for Your Project
Speak with our technical team about your construct design, timeline requirements, and application needs. We provide free design reviews and detailed quotes within 24 hours.
Email Quote Request
services@bosterbio.com
Technical Support
(888)466-3604
Schedule Consultation
FAQs
Still got questions about our AAV packaging services?
Q1. What AAV Volumes Do You Offer?
We offer AAV packaging services for small-scale experimentation, all the way through to large scale commercial production. Please refer to our team to discuss custom orders and specific volume requirements.
Q2. What Is Your Expected Turnaround Time?
The turnaround time for AAV packaging services depends on your specific order details. In general this usually takes 6-8 weeks for the Triple Transfection System. To find out more about expected turnaround times before you make an order, please get in contact with our team via our Project Concierge.
Q3. How Do I Choose The Right AAV Packaging Service For My Needs?
Choosing the right AAV Packaging Service will depend on your project requirements. You will need to choose your serotype depending on the tissue type or tropism of your sample. Please refer to the section Choose the Right AAV Serotype which helps guide you to choosing an AAV Serotype based on tissue type or tissue tropism. Finally, the best resource you can use is to engage our Project Concierge, who are happily available to help with your specific requirements.
Q4. What Experiments Can I Perform With AAVs?
Our AAV packaging services are suitable for a range of different experimentation requirements. Due to its targeted specificity and low immunogenicity the predominant use of AAV technology is in gene therapy applications. AAV can be used in a wide range of pre-clinical applications in multiple diseases due to its unique biological and biophysical properties—from in vitro to preclinical in vivo studies. Contact our Project Concierge to discuss translational needs and your specific project requirements.
Yes. Wild type AAV lacks many proteins necessary to reproduce on its own, making it a prime candidate for gene therapy research. All of Boster's rAAVs are replication-defective, non-communicable and can be used in BSL1 and 2 settings. For the Triple Transfection Method we utilize a 3-plasmid co-transfection system which makes the recombinant AAV non-replicable.
Q6. What disadvantages are there in using AAV?
AAV's major drawback is its very small genome size compared to other existing viral vectors. For instance, compared to adenovirus or lentivirus, AAV is 5 to 10X smaller in genome size. The smaller genome size restricts the size of the gene that can be inserted to less than 4.7 kb in length. To discuss your specific requirements and dual-AAV strategies, please contact our Project Concierge.
Q7. Is high yield or high purity of more importance?
In general, the titer is of more importance because it is a measurement of the number of viral particles per volume.
Purity will be a more important consideration for in vivo studies. If the virus is not pure, it could cause undesired responses in experimental animals. Our high titer AAVs are suitable for in vivo studies.
For more information on why AAV titer is important click here.
Q8. Is the small cellular immune response going to be an issue?
AAVs are known to have low immunogenicity, so it should not be an issue. Compared to other viral vectors (i.e. Lentivirus, Adenovirus), AAV elicits the least amount of immune response in vivo. For more information see Why use AAV?.
Q9. Storage, ordering and shipping
Our storage solution for AAVs produced via triple transfection is PBS with 5% Glycerol, which is suitable for in vivo injection. AAV stability at 4°C allows for short-term use and room temperature for immediate use. For long-term storage, AAV should be stored at -80°C for best quality and longevity. Although AAV is a very stable virus, multiple freeze-thaw cycles may reduce the titer of the product.
Shipments are typically shipped in dry ice overnight, however alternative shipping methods are available at an additional cost. Please get in contact to discuss your requirements.
Q10. What sequences do you not accept for AAV packaging?
We reserve the right to refuse sequences that pose safety risks or regulatory concerns. Contact our team to discuss your specific construct.