Solid Matrix for Ambient RNA Extraction and Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for stabilizing RNA under ambient temperature are inadequate, as they often require refrigeration and complex processing steps, and existing dry-state technologies are not conducive to direct RNA collection from biological samples without significant sample processing.
Innovation Solution
A solid matrix comprising a protein denaturant, chaotropic agent, detergent, and acid-titrated buffer reagents, impregnated in a dry state, which provides an acidic pH upon hydration to extract and stabilize RNA, maintaining its integrity at ambient temperature.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If RNA is stored in liquid form under refrigeration to prevent degradation, then RNA integrity is preserved, but storage cost and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions RNA from liquid storage to dry-state storage by impregnating RNA onto solid substrates and removing water through drying processes. This phase transition from liquid to solid/dry state eliminates the need for refrigeration while maintaining RNA integrity, directly resolving the contradiction between preserving RNA integrity and reducing refrigeration costs
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs disposable solid substrates (such as filter paper, membrane, or bead-based carriers) that are pre-treated with stabilizing reagents. These single-use substrates enable RNA to be stored at ambient temperature without refrigeration, eliminating ongoing energy costs while maintaining RNA stability through the combination of dry state and chemical stabilization
2Use of energy by stationary object
If dry-state technologies are used for RNA preservation, then refrigeration is avoided, but additional drying facilities and complex processing are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs solid substrates that are pre-impregnated with stabilizing reagents (such as chaotropic agents, detergents, and RNase inhibitors) during manufacturing. When RNA is applied to these substrates, the stabilizing reagents automatically act to preserve RNA integrity during the drying process and storage, eliminating the need for complex external drying facilities or additional processing steps
Solution Approach 2:
The solid substrates are pre-treated with stabilizing chemical reagents before RNA extraction. This preliminary impregnation ensures that when RNA is applied and dried, the stabilizing agents are already in place to protect RNA from degradation, simplifying the overall process by eliminating the need for complex post-extraction stabilization procedures
3Reliability
If pre-purification and concentration of RNA are performed before dry-state storage, then storage stability is improved, but processing time and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The solid substrates serve multiple functions simultaneously: they act as the collection surface for RNA, the extraction medium through impregnated reagents, the concentration matrix, and the stable storage carrier. This multi-functionality allows direct storage of extracted RNA without separate pre-purification and concentration steps, reducing processing time while maintaining storage stability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the extraction and storage functions into a single integrated process step. RNA is extracted directly onto the solid substrate and immediately stabilized in the dry state on the same substrate, merging what would traditionally be separate purification, concentration, and storage steps into one unified operation, thereby eliminating time losses
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 the direct extraction and storage of RNA from biological samples in a dry state at ambient temperature, preserving RNA integrity with an RNA Integrity Number (RIN) of at least 4, thus facilitating prolonged storage and analysis without refrigeration.
Implementation Method 1
the matrix is configured to provide an acidic pH upon hydration, extract nucleic acids from a sample
Implementation Method 2
a protein denaturant comprising a chaotropic agent, a detergent or combination thereof
Data Source
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AI summary
A solid matrix for the extraction, stabilization, and storage of nucleic acids is provided. At least one protein denaturant, and at least one acid or acid-titrated buffer reagent are impregnated in a dry state therein the matrix; and the matrix is configured to provide an acidic pH on hydration. The matrix is configured to extract nucleic acids from a sample and stabilize the extracted nucleic acids, particularly RNA, in a dry format under ambient conditions for a prolonged period of time. Methods for collecting and recovering the nucleic acids stored in the dry solid matrix are also described.