Reversibly Cross-Linked Hydrogel for Nucleic Acid Preservation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for storing and transporting extracellular nucleic acids, such as those used in vaccines and diagnostics, are prone to degradation and loss of functionality due to mechanical and environmental stresses, particularly when shipped over long distances, which complicates their use in geographically separated locations.
Innovation Solution
A reversibly cross-linked hydrogel is used to incorporate extracellular nucleic acids, providing protection and maintaining their structural integrity and functionality during storage and transportation by encapsulating them in a sealed receptacle, exemplified with alginate hydrogels that preserve nucleic acids like human coronavirus 229E for up to 14 days.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional cold-chain shipping or freezing methods are used for storing and transporting extracellular nucleic acids, then the nucleic acids can be preserved during transit, but the methods require multiple processing steps that adversely affect the nucleic acid material or significantly increase cost
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the nucleic acid from its original liquid medium and incorporates it into a hydrogel matrix, separating the nucleic acid preservation function from the complex cold-chain logistics. The hydrogel itself provides the protective environment, eliminating the need for additional processing steps like freezing or special packaging materials.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses a composite hydrogel system combining natural polymers (alginate, gelatin, hyaluronic acid) with cross-linking agents to create a matrix that provides both structural support and biochemical protection for nucleic acids. This composite material integrates multiple protective functions (mechanical protection, moisture control, biochemical stability) into a single system.
2Reliability
If conventional storage and shipping methods are used, then nucleic acids can be transported, but they suffer from mechanical and environmental stresses that cause degradation and loss of function over time
Solution Approach 1:
The hydrogel matrix provides beforehand cushioning by creating a protective microenvironment around the nucleic acid before exposure to mechanical stresses. The gel's viscoelastic properties absorb shock and vibration during transport, while its hydrated matrix protects against environmental factors like temperature fluctuations and desiccation.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the physical state of the nucleic acid from being suspended in liquid to being embedded in a solid-like hydrogel matrix. This parameter change from liquid to gel state provides mechanical protection while maintaining biochemical accessibility, transforming the nucleic acid's physical environment to resist degradation.
3Adaptability or versatility
If extracellular nucleic acid is stored and transported for extended periods, then geographic separation between preparation and use locations is enabled, but the nucleic acid deteriorates and loses functionality
Solution Approach 1:
The hydrogel is prepared and the nucleic acid is incorporated in advance at the preparation location, allowing the sample to be stabilized before transport. This preliminary encapsulation action ensures the nucleic acid is protected from the outset of transportation, enabling extended storage periods without deterioration.
Solution Approach 2:
The hydrogel acts as an intermediary substance between the nucleic acid and the external environment during transport. It mediates the interaction by providing a controlled microenvironment that buffers against harmful external conditions, allowing the nucleic acid to remain stable during geographic transit.
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 hydrogel effectively maintains the integrity and functionality of extracellular nucleic acids during extended storage and transportation periods, outperforming conventional methods by ensuring the nucleic acids remain viable and functional, as demonstrated by the preservation of coronavirus 229E's functionality.
Implementation Method 1
incorporation of extracellular nucleic acid into a reversibly cross-linked hydrogel protects the extracellular nucleic acid from the mechanical and environmental stresses of storage
Implementation Method 2
a reversibly cross-linked hydrogel comprising a sample, wherein the sample comprises extracellular nucleic acid
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides a reversibly cross-linked hydrogel comprising a sample, wherein the sample comprises extracellular nucleic acid. Corresponding methods of preparing, transporting and/or storing the nucleic acid-containing hydrogel, as well as uses thereof, are also provided herein.