Periodate-Ionic Liquid Composition for Polynucleotide Linearization

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing enzymatic methods for linearizing double-stranded polynucleotides in sequencing-by-synthesis reactions face challenges such as enzyme stability, cost, variability in activity, and interference with nucleotide detection, necessitating an alternative method that is stable under various conditions and compatible with downstream reactions.

Innovation Solution

A composition comprising a periodate salt and an ionic liquid additive, such as 1-benzyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride, is used to chemically cleave double-stranded polynucleotides, preventing precipitate formation and enhancing linearization efficiency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If enzymatic methods are used for linearization, then cleavage efficiency is achieved, but enzyme stability, cost, and variability in activity become problematic

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelinearization rateVSAvoidenzyme stability
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the enzymatic system with a chemical system using periodate salt and ionic liquid. This substitution eliminates the need for biological enzymes while achieving comparable or superior linearization efficiency. The chemical composition provides consistent activity without the stability and cost issues associated with enzymatic methods.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the chemical parameters by introducing ionic liquid to the periodate salt solution. This parameter modification enhances the solubility and reactivity of periodate, preventing precipitate formation and improving linearization rates by up to 300% compared to traditional periodate compositions alone.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Productivity

If traditional periodate compositions are used, then chemical cleavage is achieved, but precipitate formation reduces efficiency

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelinearization rateVSAvoidperiodate salt solubility
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The ionic liquid acts as an intermediary substance that mediates between periodate salt and aqueous solution. It prevents precipitate formation by improving the solubility and distribution of periodate ions in the solution, thereby maintaining high linearization efficiency throughout the reaction.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a composite chemical system combining periodate salt and ionic liquid. This composite composition leverages the properties of both components: periodate provides the cleaving activity while ionic liquid ensures solubility and prevents precipitation, resulting in a stable and efficient linearization reagent.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

3Productivity

If enzymes are used for linearization, then cleavage is achieved, but costs of enzyme production and handling increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelinearization efficiencyVSAvoidproduction cost
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a disposable chemical composition (periodate salt with ionic liquid) that can be synthesized inexpensively and used directly. This replaces expensive, delicate enzymes that require costly production, purification, and specialized handling. The chemical reagent can be prepared at scale with minimal infrastructure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

4Productivity

If enzymatic methods are used, then linearization is achieved, but high background intensity in sequencing reading occurs

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelinearization rateVSAvoidbackground intensity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces enzymatic reactions with chemical oxidation using periodate. This substitution eliminates enzyme-related background signals that interfere with sequencing detection. The chemical method produces cleaner reactions with lower background intensity, improving signal-to-noise ratio in sequencing reads.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical 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 chemical method improves linearization rates by up to 300% compared to traditional periodate compositions, offering stability and compatibility with sequencing processes.

Implementation Method 1

EP 2 021 415 A2 discloses a cleaving method of products containing diol linkages wherein the method uses periodate.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectOxidation: Oxidation

Data Source

PatentEP4453243B1Periodate compositions and methods for chemical cleavage of surface-bound polynucleotides
Publication Date: 2026.02.11 ILLUMINA INC
  • EP4453243B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4453243B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP4453243B1 patent drawingFigure 4A~4B

AI summary

Embodiments of the present disclosure relates to periodate salt compositions for use in the chemical linearization of double-stranded polynucleotides in preparation for sequencing application, for example, sequencing-by-synthesis (SBS). Kits containing the periodate salt composition and methods of sequencing polynucleotides are also described.