Chromatographic Matrix for RNA Separation

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for RNA separation, such as denaturing polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and chromatographic strategies, are expensive, laborious, and often result in partially denatured RNA with purity levels that do not meet regulatory requirements for pharmaceutical applications, lacking high selectivity, specificity, and mechanical stability.

Innovation Solution

A novel chromatographic matrix functionalized with 1-methylimidazolium chloride, immobilized on a macroporous epoxylated methacrylic polymer using (3-chloropropyl)trimethoxysilane as a spacer arm, which acts as a multimodal ligand for efficient separation of low molecular weight RNA and genomic DNA, allowing for high selectivity and robustness in RNA purification.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If conventional RNA separation methods (denaturing polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, chromatographic strategies) are used, then RNA can be separated from contaminants, but the RNA is recovered with partial denaturation and purity levels that do not meet regulatory requirements

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveRNA purityVSAvoidRNA integrity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the chemical parameters of the chromatographic system by using ionic liquids as stationary phase components instead of conventional organic solvents or resins. This parameter change enables high-purity separation while maintaining RNA integrity through milder interaction mechanisms. The ionic liquid's unique properties (viscosity, polarity, electrostatic interactions) provide selective binding that preserves RNA structure while achieving regulatory-grade purity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs composite materials by combining ionic liquids with chromatographic support matrices. This composite approach creates a stationary phase that integrates the benefits of ionic liquid selectivity with the mechanical stability of solid supports, achieving both high RNA purity and integrity simultaneously - resolving the contradiction between manufacturing precision and reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Manufacturing precision

If conventional chromatographic strategies are used, then RNA separation is achieved, but the methods are expensive and very laborious

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveRNA purityVSAvoidSeparation method simplicity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The ionic liquid-based chromatographic matrix serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides selective RNA binding, enables purification without denaturation, and can be regenerated for repeated use. This multi-functionality reduces the need for multiple separate processing steps, making the overall manufacturing process simpler and less laborious while maintaining high RNA purity standards.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements efficient recovery and regeneration of the chromatographic matrix. The ionic liquid stationary phase can be regenerated after use, allowing the same matrix to be reused multiple times. This reduces both the labor involved in preparing fresh columns and the cost of consumables, addressing the ease of manufacture concern while maintaining high purification performance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #34Discarding and recovering

3Manufacturing precision

If conventional chromatographic matrices are used, then RNA separation is achieved, but the RNA is partially denatured due to the experimental conditions used

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveRNA purityVSAvoidRNA structure stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the physical-chemical parameters of the chromatographic environment by using ionic liquids with appropriate viscosity, polarity, and electrostatic properties. These parameter changes create milder binding conditions that maintain RNA secondary structure while enabling purification. The ionic liquid's ability to engage in electrostatic interactions without requiring harsh denaturing conditions preserves RNA integrity while achieving high purity separation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

4Manufacturing precision

If high selectivity and specificity are achieved through conventional methods, then RNA separation quality improves, but the device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveRNA separation qualityVSAvoidChromatographic system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses composite materials (ionic liquids immobilized on chromatographic supports) that provide high selectivity and specificity through the unique properties of ionic liquids. This composite approach achieves superior separation quality without requiring complex multi-step protocols or specialized equipment, as the selectivity is built into the stationary phase material itself, thereby reducing overall device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

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 matrix achieves high-purity separation of RNA from DNA with reduced salt concentration, maintaining RNA stability and integrity, and demonstrates high dynamic binding capacity and reproducibility, suitable for therapeutic and diagnostic applications.

Implementation Method 1

IL 1-methylimidazolium chloride presents in its structure an aromatic ring which can establish hydrophobic interactions

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHydrophobic interaction: Hydrophobe

Implementation Method 2

also presents a positive charge center with the counter-ion chloride allowing anionic exchange with negatively charged species

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAnionic exchange: Ion Exchange

Implementation Method 3

The present disclosure concerns the development of a novel stationary phase for the separation of nucleic acids in the context of preparative chromatography

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectChromatography: Chromatography

Data Source

PatentEP3766573A1Chromatographic matrix, method and uses thereof
Publication Date: 2021.01.20 UNIV AVEIRO
  • EP3766573A1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3766573A1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3766573A1 patent drawingFigure 5A~5B

AI summary

The present disclosure concerns the development of a novel stationary phase for the separation of nucleic acids in the context of preparative chromatography, using a chromatographic matrix, preferably a macroporous matrix, particularly a matrix of an epoxylated methacrylic polymer modified with the ionic liquid (IL) 1-methylimidazolium chloride as multimodal ligand.