DNA Aptamer Binding L-Ascorbic Acid to Inhibit Oxidation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Vitamin C, a key antioxidant, is prone to oxidation due to its high reducing power and sensitivity to substances with high oxidation potential, leading to rapid degradation and loss of antioxidant effect, posing challenges in industries that rely on its stability for product storage and efficacy.
Innovation Solution
A single-stranded DNA aptamer with a stem-loop structure, featuring CG bonds at the stem ends and G or C bases at the loop beginnings, selectively binds to L-ascorbic acid, inhibiting its oxidation and maintaining its reduced state.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If Vitamin C is used as an antioxidant, then antioxidant effect is improved, but oxidation resistance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an aptamer as an intermediary substance that binds to Vitamin C and protects it from oxidation. The aptamer acts as a mediator between Vitamin C and the oxidizing environment, preventing direct contact between Vitamin C and oxidizing agents while maintaining its antioxidant functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical state and binding characteristics of Vitamin C by forming a complex with the aptamer. This parameter change from free Vitamin C to aptamer-bound Vitamin C alters its oxidation resistance while preserving its antioxidant effect.
2Reliability
If Vitamin C is used in formulations, then antioxidant function is improved, but storage stability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The aptamer serves as a protective intermediary that shields Vitamin C from degradation during storage. By binding to Vitamin C, the aptamer prevents direct exposure to degrading factors such as oxygen and metal ions, thereby extending storage stability while maintaining antioxidant function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies prior cushioning by pre-binding Vitamin C to the aptamer before exposure to degrading conditions. This pre-protection mechanism cushions Vitamin C against oxidative stress and degradation that would otherwise occur during storage.
3Reliability
If Vitamin C is applied to skin, then antioxidant protection is improved, but oxidation resistance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
When applied to skin, the aptamer-Vitamin C complex provides antioxidant protection while the aptamer intermediary protects Vitamin C from rapid oxidation in the skin environment. This allows sustained antioxidant activity without quick degradation from exposure to skin conditions and external oxidants.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The aptamer effectively prolongs the antioxidant function of vitamin C, allowing for continuous and maximized antioxidant effects even with small amounts, suitable for various formulations, dietary supplements, and health beverages, and facilitates a transition from chemical-based to DNA-based markets.
Implementation Method 1
Aptamer specifically binding to L-Ascorbic acid
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a single-stranded DNA aptamer which inhibits oxidation by binding to L-ascorbic acid, characterized in that the single stranded DNA aptamer has at least one of stem-loop structure, has CG bond at the end of the stem-loop structure, and both of the beginning parts of the stem-loop structure are G or C, in which the same bases are faced to each other. The aptamer of the present invention has an anti-oxidative effect of vitamin C, it can be used for functional cosmetics of various formulations, oral nutritional supplements, foods, etc. by maintaining the reduced state of vitamin C using the aptamer which selectively binds to vitamin C to maintain the anti-oxidative function of vitamin C for a long time. In addition, it can be anticipated that the anti-oxidative effect is continued and maximized even with a small amount of vitamin C by using the aptamer selectively binding to vitamin C.