Modified Nucleotide Synthesis via Copper-Catalyzed Click Chemistry

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for synthesizing modified nucleotides are complex, require specialized equipment, and result in low yields, making it difficult to incorporate them into nucleic acids for aptamer selection with improved binding properties.

Innovation Solution

A method using copper-catalyzed Huisgen's azide-alkyne cycloaddition reaction in TEAA buffer with specific solvents and temperatures, followed by direct one-step purification via reversed-phase chromatography, to produce modified nucleotides that can be enzymatically incorporated into DNA, simplifying the process and increasing yield.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If advanced organic synthesis methods are used to prepare modified nucleotides, then structural diversity can be achieved, but the synthesis process becomes complex, requires specialized equipment, and yields are poor

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural diversity of modified nucleotidesVSAvoidsynthesis process complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the chemical reaction parameters by using copper-catalyzed azide-alkyne cycloaddition instead of traditional organic synthesis methods. This click chemistry approach uses milder conditions, readily available reagents, and achieves high yields without requiring specialized equipment, thereby resolving the contradiction between structural diversity and synthesis complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces complex mechanical synthesis equipment with a biochemical approach using enzymatic incorporation. The modified nucleotides are incorporated into oligonucleotides by DNA polymerases in PCR reactions, eliminating the need for specialized synthesis equipment while maintaining structural diversity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Adaptability or versatility

If advanced organic synthesis methods are used to prepare modified nucleotides, then structural diversity can be achieved, but the synthesis yield becomes poor

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural diversity of modified nucleotidesVSAvoidsynthesis yield
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent optimizes reaction parameters by using copper(I) catalysis with ligands such as TBTA or THPTA, which dramatically improve the yield of azide-alkyne cycloaddition reactions. The use of mild conditions and catalytic amounts of copper achieves high conversion rates and yields, resolving the contradiction between structural diversity and synthesis yield

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If modified nucleotides are incorporated into oligonucleotides, then aptamers with enhanced binding properties can be obtained, but the synthesis and purification process becomes complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetarget binding properties of aptamersVSAvoidsynthesis and purification process complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces complex chemical synthesis and purification equipment with standard molecular biology equipment. Modified nucleotides are incorporated using DNA polymerases in PCR reactions, and purification is achieved through standard gel electrophoresis or column chromatography, eliminating the need for specialized synthesis equipment while maintaining enhanced binding properties

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses universal DNA polymerase enzymes that can incorporate both natural and modified nucleotides with the same active site. This multi-functionality allows the use of standard PCR equipment and protocols for synthesizing oligonucleotides containing diverse modified nucleotides, thereby reducing process complexity while maintaining binding affinity

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

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

This method allows for high-purity, efficient synthesis and enzymatic incorporation of modified nucleotides into oligonucleotides, enabling the selection of aptamers with enhanced target binding properties without the need for complex equipment, and facilitating their use in SELEX techniques.

Implementation Method 1

A method using copper-catalyzed Huisgen's azide-alkyne cycloaddition reaction in TEAA buffer with specific solvents and temperatures

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCopper-catalyzed Huisgen's azide-alkyne cycloaddition: Catalysis

Implementation Method 2

followed by direct one-step purification via reversed-phase chromatography

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectReversed-phase chromatography: Chromatography

Data Source

PatentEP3350195B9The method of synthesis and purification of a nucleoside and/or a nucleotide, a modified nucleoside and/or nucleotide, a DNA molecule and an oligonucleotide library comprising said modified nucleoside and/or nucleotide and the use of said oligonucleotide library
Publication Date: 2021.09.29 PURE BIOLOGICS SPOLKA AKCYJNA
  • EP3350195B9 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3350195B9 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3350195B9 patent drawingFigure 1

AI summary

The object of the invention is a method of synthesis and purification of a nucleoside and/or a nucleotide being a mono-, di- or triphosphate, wherein a Huisgen' s azide-alkyne cycloaddition reaction is being performed using a compound of structure (1) with a compound chosen from the group of structures (2) to (5). The object of the invention is also a modified nucleoside and/or nucleotide of structure (10), a DNA molecule and an oligonucleotide library comprising one or more modified nucleotides and the use of said oligonucleotide library for aptamers selection.