RNA Stabilization Using Aprotic Solvents to Reduce Cryogenic Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
RNA substances, such as mRNA, are prone to degradation due to their single-stranded nature and require storage at extremely low temperatures, which is complex, costly, and inefficient, especially for therapeutic applications like vaccines, where stability at warmer temperatures would significantly reduce storage and handling challenges.
Innovation Solution
The use of RNA stabilizing substances like dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) and other aprotic substances that mix with RNA to create a storage environment that enhances RNA stability at temperatures above -80°C, -20°C, 4°C, and 20°C, reducing the need for refrigeration and extending the shelf life of RNA-based products.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If RNA is stored at extremely low temperatures (below freezing point), then RNA stability is improved, but storage complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical parameters of the storage environment by introducing aprotic substances and specific buffers that alter the molecular interactions around RNA, preventing hydrolysis and degradation without requiring extreme cold temperatures. This transforms the storage conditions from physically extreme (cryogenic) to chemically optimized (room temperature or refrigerated with stabilizers).
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses aprotic substances and stabilizing agents as intermediary compounds that mediate between the RNA molecule and the aqueous environment, protecting the RNA from water-mediated degradation while allowing storage at accessible temperatures. These intermediaries form protective complexes or alter the local chemical environment around the RNA.
2Reliability
If RNA is stored at extremely low temperatures, then RNA degradation is prevented, but refrigeration infrastructure is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the chemical parameters of the storage system by incorporating aprotic substances and stabilizing buffers that change the degradation kinetics of RNA, allowing reliable storage at temperatures that do not require specialized cryogenic infrastructure, thereby improving accessibility and ease of operation.
3Ease of operation
If RNA is stored at warmer temperatures, then storage and handling become easier, but RNA degradation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces aprotic substances and stabilizing agents that act as protective intermediaries between the RNA and the warmer environment, preventing water-mediated hydrolysis and degradation while allowing the RNA to be stored and handled at more accessible temperatures, thus maintaining both stability and ease of operation.
4Loss of energy
If RNA is stored at warmer temperatures, then refrigeration costs are reduced, but RNA half-life decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical environment parameters by adding aprotic substances and stabilizing buffers that alter the degradation rate of RNA, extending its half-life at warmer temperatures without requiring energy-intensive refrigeration, thus reducing energy loss and cost while maintaining extended shelf life.
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 approach significantly improves the stability of RNA substances, allowing for storage and use at warmer temperatures, reducing the need for refrigeration and associated costs, and enhancing the stability and efficacy of RNA-based therapeutic products.
Implementation Method 1
The use of RNA stabilizing substances like dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) and other aprotic substances that mix with RNA to create a storage environment that enhances RNA stability
Data Source
AI summary
Formulations of substances comprising at least one RNA stabilizing substance and at least one substance comprising RNA or based on RNA and methods of using the formulations to improve the storage and use stability of substances comprising RNA or based on RNA.