Synthetic Molecular Tags for Precise Supply Chain Recall Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current supply chain tracking technologies, such as RFID tags and QR codes, are inadequate for providing detailed distribution histories, are prone to damage, and cannot be applied to small or non-flat objects, posing security vulnerabilities and inefficiencies in managing recalls and food safety.
Innovation Solution
Synthetic molecular tags, particularly polynucleotides like DNA, are applied at various supply chain locations, providing a record of movement through the chain, which can be sequenced using portable devices to identify origin, distribution, and potential recalls.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If RFID tags and QR codes are used for tracking, then tracking capability is provided, but the tags can be easily damaged or removed and pose security vulnerabilities
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical/electronic tracking tags (RFID, QR codes) with biological molecular tags (DNA, RNA, peptides). These molecular tags are chemically bonded to items or packaging, making them resistant to damage and removal. The molecular tags provide more reliable tracking through their stability and ability to withstand various environmental conditions while maintaining their identification function.
2Loss of information
If traditional traceability technologies are used, then basic tracking is achieved, but it is burdensome to maintain detailed distribution history
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the tracking system into modular components: molecular tags attached at different supply chain locations, portable sequencers for reading tags, and a database for storing location-sequence mappings. This segmentation allows detailed distribution history to be collected through simple, standardized operations at each location without requiring complex centralized control or manual data entry.
Solution Approach 2:
The molecular tags automatically record distribution history through their unique sequences at each location. The portable sequencers automatically read the tags and the system automatically queries the database to identify locations, eliminating manual data collection and reducing the burden of maintaining detailed distribution history.
3Adaptability or versatility
If RFID tags and QR codes are applied, then tracking is enabled, but they cannot be applied to objects that are too small or lack a flat, solid surface
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical form of tracking tags from macro-scale electronic components (RFID, QR codes) to nano-scale molecular structures (DNA, RNA, peptides). This size reduction allows the tags to be applied to any object regardless of size or surface characteristics. The molecular tags can be incorporated into liquids, powders, small items, or complex surfaces where traditional tags cannot be attached.
4Measurement precision
If molecular tags are used for tracking, then precise tracking of small or liquid goods is enabled, but the cost of molecular tag synthesis and sequencing may be higher than traditional tags
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses disposable molecular tags that can be synthesized once and then discarded after a single read operation. The portable sequencers are used once to read the tag sequence, after which the tag serves its purpose. This approach trades the higher per-unit cost of molecular tags against the elimination of expensive reusable infrastructure like RFID readers and QR code scanning systems, potentially reducing overall system cost for high-precision tracking applications.
Data Source
AI summary
Synthetic molecular tags are placed on an item at various points in a supply chain to create a molecular record of movement through the supply chain. Associations between each unique synthetic molecular tag and individual locations in the supply chain are stored in an electronic record which may be maintained in the cloud. The synthetic molecular tags are collected from the item and sequenced to determine movement of the item through the supply chain by reference to the electronic record. The synthetic molecular tags can be used for identifying recalled items based on locations in the supply chain associated with a recall. The synthetic molecular tags may be polynucleotides such as deoxyribose nucleic acid (DNA). The item may be any type of item including food.