Nucleic Acid Deactivation Formulation Reducing Corrosion and Odor
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for deactivating nucleic acids on surfaces and in solutions are either corrosive, produce noxious fumes, or require expensive reagents, and there is a need for a formulation that is stable, non-corrosive, and has a tolerable odor to prevent carry-over contamination in nucleic acid amplification procedures.
Innovation Solution
A formulation containing a nucleic acid deactivating agent, corrosion-inhibiting agent, wetting agent, and solubilizing agent, which includes preferred deactivating agents like sodium hypochlorite, dichloroisocyanurate, and hydrogen peroxide, combined in specific concentrations to effectively deactivate nucleic acids while minimizing corrosiveness and odor, and optionally including metal ions and piperazine for enhanced deactivation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If standard bleach solution (50% bleach) is used to deactivate nucleic acids on surfaces, then nucleic acid deactivation effectiveness is improved, but corrosiveness to laboratory equipment increases and noxious fumes are produced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical parameters of the deactivation solution by using alternative active ingredients (peracetic acid, hydrogen peroxide, sodium hypochlorite at reduced concentrations) instead of high-concentration bleach, and adjusts pH levels to achieve effective nucleic acid deactivation while reducing corrosiveness and fume production
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite formulations combining multiple deactivating agents (e.g., peracetic acid with hydrogen peroxide, or sodium hypochlorite with sodium bromide) and auxiliary components (surfactants, chelating agents, buffers) to achieve synergistic effects that maintain deactivation effectiveness while reducing harmful properties
2Reliability
If expensive specialized reagents are used to deactivate nucleic acids, then deactivation effectiveness is improved, but cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs inexpensive, readily available chemical agents such as diluted bleach, hydrogen peroxide, and peracetic acid that can be easily prepared and discarded, replacing expensive specialized decontamination reagents while maintaining effective nucleic acid deactivation
3Productivity
If high concentrations of deactivating agents are used, then nucleic acid deactivation speed is improved, but corrosiveness and odor increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the concentration parameters of deactivating agents to achieve effective nucleic acid deactivation at lower concentrations, using enhanced formulations with surfactants and chelating agents that improve agent efficacy without requiring high concentrations that produce corrosiveness and strong odors
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 formulation effectively deactivates nucleic acids, preventing them from acting as templates or contaminants, while being less corrosive and odorless, thus improving safety and efficiency in laboratory settings.
Implementation Method 1
preferred deactivating agents like sodium hypochlorite, dichloroisocyanurate, and hydrogen peroxide
Implementation Method 2
A formulation containing a nucleic acid deactivating agent, corrosion-inhibiting agent, wetting agent, and solubilizing agent
Implementation Method 3
optionally including metal ions and piperazine for enhanced deactivation
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to reagents for use in deactivating nucleic acids and methods of making and using the same.