Blockchain Genetic Material Tracking Platform

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Solution Overview

Problem

The current lack of a universal methodology for tracking frozen eggs and other genetic materials leads to difficulties in maintaining their provenance, increasing the risk of misidentification or loss during transportation, and poses moral and emotional dilemmas regarding leftover eggs/embryos, with limited resources available for decision-making.

Innovation Solution

A blockchain-based genetic material tracking platform that assigns a digital, trackable identity to donated genetic material, creating immutable records to establish ownership and track storage locations, allowing for secure and transparent management through a user-friendly interface accessible via mobile devices.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of information

If manual tracking methods (phone calls, written requests) are used to monitor genetic material status, then patients can obtain updates, but the process is inefficient, lacks universality, and patients cannot know exact storage locations

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetracking informationVSAvoidtracking process

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a digital copy (blockchain record) of the genetic material's physical location and movement history. Each vial is assigned a unique identifier that is replicated across the distributed ledger, allowing patients to access accurate location information without manual phone calls or written requests. This digital twin approach eliminates information loss while maintaining ease of access.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The blockchain platform acts as an intermediary between the fertility clinic's physical storage operations and the patient's information needs. Instead of direct patient-clinic communication for tracking, the blockchain mediates by automatically recording and transmitting location data, eliminating the inefficiencies of manual tracking methods.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If genetic material is transported between storage vessels and locations, then storage flexibility is improved, but the risk of losing track or misidentifying the material increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestorage flexibilityVSAvoidtracking accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The blockchain system provides continuous feedback on the location and status of each genetic material vial. Every movement between storage vessels and locations is automatically recorded and verified on the distributed ledger, creating an immutable audit trail. This real-time feedback mechanism ensures tracking accuracy is maintained even as storage arrangements change, preventing loss or misidentification.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

Each genetic material vial is pre-assigned a unique identifier and registered on the blockchain before any movement occurs. This preliminary action establishes the baseline for tracking, ensuring that whenever the vial is moved to a different storage vessel or location, the new position can be accurately recorded and verified against the original registration, maintaining reliability throughout the process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Object-generated harmful factors

If no universal tracking system exists, then clinic autonomy is maintained, but patients face moral and emotional dilemmas without clear information for decision-making

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveemotional distressVSAvoidestate planning information

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-generated harmful factorsVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The blockchain platform provides a universal tracking system that serves multiple functions: monitoring current location, recording movement history, and supporting estate planning decisions. This multi-functional system addresses both the emotional need for reassurance and the informational need for decision-making, reducing harmful effects without sacrificing clinic autonomy since each clinic operates its own node.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

Patients can independently access their own genetic material tracking information through the blockchain platform without requiring clinic staff intervention. This self-service capability empowers patients to make informed decisions about their genetic material, including estate planning, by providing them direct access to accurate, immutable records of location and status, thereby reducing emotional distress caused by uncertainty.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS11676687B2Blockchain-based systems and methods for tracking donated genetic material transactions

Publication Date: 2023.06.13 EGGSCHAIN INC

AI summary

Systems and methods are provided for tracking the provenance of genetic material using blockchain-based technologies. Immutable records of transactions associated with the genetic material are generated. These records can be utilized to create an audit trail for the genetic material.