Detachable Nucleic Acid Storage Card for Room-Temperature Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for storing and distributing nucleic acids are inefficient, requiring large freezers, are costly, and lack a compact, trackable format suitable for large-scale production and distribution, with potential for cross-contamination and damage from environmental factors.
Innovation Solution
A card comprising a thin substrate with detachable tabs featuring absorbent material, treated to protect nucleic acids, allowing for labeling and storage of multiple species without cross-contamination, suitable for mailing or shipping.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If nucleic acids are stored in aqueous solution at subzero temperatures, then nucleic acid stability is maintained, but storage space requirements increase and distribution costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical state of nucleic acid storage from liquid (aqueous solution) to solid (dried on substrate), and from requiring cold temperatures to allowing room temperature storage. This parameter change eliminates the need for freezer space while maintaining nucleic acid stability through the protective substrate environment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses disposable dried nucleic acid cards that can be mailed at room temperature, eliminating the need for expensive cold storage infrastructure and continuous electricity supply. Each card is a self-contained, disposable unit that maintains nucleic acid integrity without requiring active temperature control.
2Reliability
If nucleic acids are stored in aqueous solution, then nucleic acid stability is maintained, but distribution costs increase due to cold packaging requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the storage state from liquid to dried form on a substrate, which allows room temperature storage and eliminates the need for cold packaging during distribution. This parameter change reduces distribution costs while maintaining nucleic acid stability through the protective substrate environment.
3Productivity
If multiple nucleic acid species are stored on a single card, then distribution efficiency increases, but cross-contamination risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the card into multiple discrete, physically separated zones or wells, each capable of holding a separate nucleic acid species. This segmentation allows multiple samples to be stored on a single card for efficient distribution while preventing cross-contamination through physical barriers between zones.
4Ease of operation
If traditional filter paper methods are used for nucleic acid storage, then storage simplicity increases, but tracking and identification capabilities decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a multi-functional storage system that combines the simplicity of dried nucleic acid storage on a substrate with integrated tracking and identification capabilities. The card serves multiple functions: physical storage, sample separation, identification through labels/barcodes, and efficient distribution, all in a single unified system.
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 card provides stable storage and distribution of nucleic acids over extended periods, preventing damage and ensuring integrity for PCR amplification and bacterial transformation.
Implementation Method 1
a card suitable for adsorbing nucleic acids
Data Source
AI summary
A card having a plurality of tabs comprising absorbent or binding material that can be spotted with nucleic acid solutions for storage and/or distribution to an end user, such as a customer purchasing the nucleic acids. An aqueous solution of nucleic acid molecules is spotted onto the absorbent or binding material, which is adhered to the tips of the tabs. Individual tabs may be cut or snapped off the card for recovery of the nucleic acid molecules. The card provides a convenient means of storage of small aliquots of the nucleic acid solution for weeks, months or years. Methods of assembling the cards and for spotting, storing and eluting the nucleic acid molecules are provided.