RNA Virus Collection Device with Stabilizing Matrix
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for preserving RNA viruses are inadequate for long-term storage at ambient conditions, as they require refrigeration and are cumbersome, and existing technologies fail to integrate nucleic acid extraction, stabilization, and storage in a single process while ensuring viral inactivation for safe handling.
Innovation Solution
A method and device that utilize a treated dry solid matrix for integrating nucleic acid extraction and stabilization, allowing for the preservation and storage of RNA viruses in an inactive state at ambient conditions, using a composition that includes protein denaturants, reducing agents, and RNase inhibitors, enabling extraction-free testing and analysis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If RNA viruses are stored under refrigerated conditions (4°C or less), then RNA stability is maintained, but storage complexity and handling requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the storage parameter from refrigerated (4°C or less) to ambient temperature by incorporating stabilizing agents into the collection device matrix. These agents chemically modify the RNA environment to prevent degradation, allowing storage without refrigeration while maintaining RNA integrity for diagnostic testing.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces stabilizing agents (intermediaries) between the RNA virus and the storage environment. These agents include chaotropic substances, reducing agents, and other chemicals that mediate protection against RNase activity and chemical degradation, enabling stable storage at higher temperatures.
2Reliability
If multiple separate steps are used for nucleic acid extraction, stabilization, and storage, then each step can be optimized, but process complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges nucleic acid extraction, stabilization, and storage into a single integrated process. The collection device matrix simultaneously performs cell lysis, RNA stabilization, and storage functions, eliminating the need for separate extraction and stabilization steps while maintaining RNA quality for downstream applications.
Solution Approach 2:
The collection device is designed with multi-functionality, serving as both the sampling tool and the stabilization/storage system. The matrix material universally handles multiple functions: capturing the sample, lysing cells, stabilizing RNA through chemical agents, and providing long-term storage capacity, replacing multiple specialized devices.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If viral inactivation is implemented for safe handling, then biosafety is improved, but RNA integrity may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts or removes the infectious viral particle structure while preserving the nucleic acid. The stabilizing agents and matrix environment selectively inactivate the viral envelope and proteins (removing infectivity) while maintaining the RNA molecule's chemical integrity, allowing safe handling and subsequent diagnostic testing.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention converts the potentially harmful viral components into beneficial stabilized nucleic acid. The viral particles are inactivated through the matrix environment and stabilizing agents, transforming the infectious threat into a safe, stable RNA source that can be reliably used for diagnostic testing without biosafety risks.
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 allows for the long-term storage of RNA viruses in a stable, intact form under ambient conditions, facilitating rapid analysis and reducing the risks associated with handling infectious substances, while maintaining RNA quality and integrity.
Implementation Method 1
a composition that includes protein denaturants, reducing agents, and RNase inhibitors
Implementation Method 2
a composition that includes protein denaturants, reducing agents, and RNase inhibitors
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure generally relates to a method and device for inactivation and dry storage, under ambient conditions, of a biological sample containing RNA virus. Methods for collecting and recovering RNA from a biological sample and subsequent analysis for a virus are also provided.