SDS-EDTA-Tris DNA Storage Buffer for Stable Methylation Patterns
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Solution Overview
Problem
DNA methylation patterns are prone to deviation from original patterns when stored at room temperature for extended periods, necessitating improved storage conditions to preserve these patterns for prolonged durations.
Innovation Solution
A composition comprising water, sodium dodecyl sulphate (SDS), ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA), and Tris(hydroxymethyl)aminomethane (Tris) is used to preserve DNA methylation patterns, with specific concentrations and pH ranges for Tris and SDS, and EDTA, enabling preservation of methylation patterns for up to two years at various temperatures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If biological samples are stored at room temperature for extended periods, then storage convenience and accessibility are improved, but DNA methylation patterns deviate from original patterns
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the chemical composition parameters of the storage solution (specific pH, ionic strength, and chemical additives) to create conditions that preserve methylation patterns at room temperature. The storage solution contains specific concentrations of salts, buffers, and protective agents that stabilize DNA structure and prevent methylation drift without requiring refrigeration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a storage solution as an intermediary substance between the DNA sample and the environmental conditions. This solution acts as a protective medium that mediates the interaction between DNA and room temperature conditions, preventing direct harmful effects while maintaining accessibility.
2Reliability
If biological samples are stored at low temperatures (e.g., -80°C), then DNA methylation patterns are preserved for prolonged periods, but storage complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical parameter of storage temperature from cryogenic levels to ambient room temperature by simultaneously adjusting the chemical parameters of the storage medium. This eliminates the need for complex cold chain infrastructure while maintaining methylation pattern integrity through optimized solution chemistry.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the requirement for cold storage infrastructure by developing a self-sufficient storage solution that contains all necessary protective components. The solution itself provides the stabilization function previously requiring external temperature control systems.
3Device complexity
If conventional storage buffers are used, then buffer simplicity is maintained, but methylation patterns deviate over time even under controlled conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a composite storage solution by combining multiple chemical components (buffers, salts, protective agents, and stabilizers) into a unified formulation. This composite composition provides synergistic protection against methylation drift that individual components cannot achieve alone, while maintaining practical ease of use.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent optimizes specific parameter ranges including pH (maintained between 7-8), ionic strength, and concentrations of protective agents to achieve maximum methylation stability. These parameter adjustments transform a simple buffer into a sophisticated preservation medium.
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 solution effectively maintains DNA methylation patterns with at least 60-95% preservation compared to pre-storage levels, suitable for biological samples from various human tissues and fluids, even at room temperature, enhancing the reliability of DNA methylation assays.
Implementation Method 1
sodium dodecyl sulphate (SDS)
Implementation Method 2
sodium dodecyl sulphate (SDS)
Implementation Method 3
ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA)
Implementation Method 4
Tris(hydroxymethyl)aminomethane (Tris)
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosure provides methods for storage solutions for preserving DNA methylation patterns over a period of time. The disclosure also provides for methods of using methylated DNA stored in such storage solutions.