Aqueous Composition Stabilizes Saliva DNA for Room Temperature Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current DNA amplification methods, such as PCR, face challenges with inhibitors in bodily fluids like saliva, requiring separate extraction steps that are time-consuming and costly, and existing methods for storing DNA are not suitable for ambient temperature storage without refrigeration, limiting the reliability and convenience of using saliva as a DNA source.
Innovation Solution
An aqueous composition that stabilizes nucleic acids in saliva for at least 14 days at room temperature, allowing direct use in nucleic acid amplification reactions without additional processing, comprising chelating agents, denaturing agents, and a pH buffer, which inhibits nucleases and maintains DNA stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate extraction steps are performed to remove inhibitors from bodily fluids, then DNA amplification reliability is improved, but time consumption and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the DNA extraction and purification steps with the amplification reaction setup into a single integrated process. The aqueous composition is added directly to the PCR reaction mixture containing the bodily fluid, eliminating the need for separate extraction steps while maintaining amplification reliability through the inclusion of inhibitor-removal components in the same reaction vessel
Solution Approach 2:
The aqueous composition acts as an intermediary substance that mediates between the inhibitory bodily fluid and the sensitive PCR reaction. It contains chelating agents that bind inhibitors and protective agents that shield the amplification reaction from inhibition, allowing direct mixing without prior purification
2Reliability
If separate extraction steps are performed to remove inhibitors from bodily fluids, then DNA amplification reliability is improved, but cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions (inhibitor removal, DNA protection, and amplification) into a single aqueous composition that is added directly to the PCR reaction. This eliminates the need for separate extraction reagents, columns, and equipment, reducing overall cost while maintaining reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The aqueous composition serves multiple functions simultaneously: it chelates inhibitors, protects DNA from degradation, and enables direct amplification. This multi-functionality replaces multiple separate extraction and purification steps, reducing both material costs and procedural complexity
3Stability of the object's composition
If refrigeration is used to store DNA samples, then DNA stability is improved, but convenience and accessibility worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical parameters of the storage environment by using an aqueous composition with specific pH, ionic strength, and protective agents that create conditions allowing DNA stability at ambient temperature. This eliminates the need for refrigeration while maintaining DNA integrity
Solution Approach 2:
The aqueous composition contains self-protective components that automatically maintain DNA stability without external intervention. The chelating agents continuously bind inhibitors and the protective agents continuously shield DNA, providing ongoing stabilization at room temperature without requiring active refrigeration
4Quantity of substance
If invasive blood collection procedures are used, then DNA quantity is improved, but patient comfort and safety worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the sample type parameter from blood to saliva, which provides sufficient DNA quantity for amplification without the invasive collection procedure. The aqueous composition is optimized to work with saliva's specific chemical parameters, enabling reliable amplification from this less invasive source
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
Enables reliable and efficient DNA amplification from saliva samples stored at room temperature for extended periods, reducing the need for invasive DNA extraction procedures and improving the sensitivity and convenience of DNA-based analyses.
Implementation Method 1
comprising a chelating agent
Implementation Method 2
comprising a denaturing agent
Implementation Method 3
comprising a pH buffer
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides an aqueous composition and method for extracting nucleic acid from a sample of bodily fluid, such as saliva, such that the nucleic acid within said sample remains stable for at least fourteen days at room temperature. The composition permits direct use of the extracted and stored DNA in an amplification reaction without further processing.