Inert Nucleic Acid Cassette Integration for Biological Traceability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing DNA-based biomarking technologies for supply chain products are expensive and unstable, and genetically engineering organisms for bioengineering introduces regulatory risks and modifications.
Innovation Solution
Inert bioengineering of a biological entity by introducing an inert nucleic acid cassette without modifying characteristics, using optimized primer sequences, stop codons, and disrupted start codons, and integrating it into a selected site within the genome to ensure no traits are introduced or altered.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If DNA-based biomarkers are used for supply chain tracking, then identification capability is improved, but cost and stability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an inert nucleic acid cassette as an intermediary element that carries the identification barcode. This cassette is integrated into the genome of a biological entity (such as yeast) which then produces a product containing the identifier. The biological entity serves as a mediator that protects the DNA barcode from degradation while enabling identification, thus resolving the contradiction between identification capability and stability.
2Measurement precision
If synthesized cell-free DNA markers are used, then identification is enabled, but cost increases prohibitively
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a biological entity (such as yeast) that naturally replicates and produces the identification marker as part of its normal biological functions. The organism serves itself by incorporating the inert nucleic acid cassette into its genome and propagating it through cell division, eliminating the need for expensive industrial-scale PCR manufacturing systems while maintaining identification capability.
3Measurement precision
If genetic engineering is used to insert DNA barcodes, then traceability is improved, but regulatory risks and organism modification increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by making the nucleic acid cassette inert and non-functional within the biological entity. The cassette contains disrupted start codons and optimized stop codons that prevent it from being transcribed or translated, ensuring it serves only as a passive identification marker without affecting the organism's characteristics. This localized inertness allows traceability while minimizing regulatory concerns about organism modification.
4Measurement precision
If extracellular DNA is used for marking, then identification is possible, but stability in extracellular environment deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a biological entity (such as yeast cells) as an intermediary carrier that protects the DNA barcode from degradation in extracellular environments. The DNA is integrated into the organism's genome and maintained within the protective cellular structure, which then produces a product containing the protected identifier, thus resolving the stability issue while maintaining identification capability.
Data Source
AI summary
A bioengineering method which comprises introducing an inert nucleic acid cassette into a biological entity without introducing or modifying characteristics or traits in the biological entity. The method comprises receiving or providing a sample comprising the biological entity having a nucleic acid sequence; selecting an integration site in the nucleic acid sequence for inserting the inert nucleic acid cassette; designing the inert cassette with optimized primer sequences, optimized probe sequences, optimized stop codons and disrupted start codons, and inserting the inert nucleic acid cassette into the biological entity at the integration site; and validating that no characteristics have been added or modified in the biological entity.