Deconstructable Thermosets for Room-Temperature Biomolecule Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for storing biomolecules such as DNA, RNA, and proteins require cryogenic temperatures, which are energy-intensive and logistically complex, and existing room-temperature storage solutions like silica use corrosive chemicals, limiting their utility for long-term storage.
Innovation Solution
The use of hydrophobic polymers or polymer networks to encapsulate biomolecules at room temperature, combined with deconstructable thermosets that can be stabilized with amphiphilic polymers and barcoded for rapid retrieval, allowing for energy-efficient and sustainable storage and retrieval of biomolecules.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If cryogenic temperatures are used for storing biomolecules, then sample stability is improved, but energy consumption and logistical complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the storage temperature parameter from cryogenic to room temperature by using hydrophobic polymer encapsulation. The polymer network maintains biomolecule stability at ambient conditions through hydrophobic interactions and physical confinement, eliminating the need for energy-intensive cryogenic infrastructure while preserving sample integrity over time.
Solution Approach 2:
The hydrophobic polymer acts as an intermediary between the biomolecule and the environment. It provides a protective matrix that stabilizes the biomolecule at room temperature through hydrophobic effects and physical confinement, mediating the interaction between the biomolecule and external factors without requiring low temperatures.
2Stability of the object's composition
If cryogenic temperatures are used for storing biomolecules, then sample stability is improved, but logistical complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the storage temperature parameter from cryogenic to room temperature, fundamentally simplifying the logistical requirements. Room temperature storage eliminates the need for complex refrigeration systems, temperature monitoring infrastructure, and cold-chain logistics, while the hydrophobic polymer matrix maintains sample stability without these sophisticated systems.
3Use of energy by moving object
If silica is used for room-temperature storage of biomolecules, then energy consumption is reduced, but chemical corrosiveness limits utility
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a composite hydrophobic polymer system comprising multiple functional components: hydrophobic monomers (styrene, dodecyl acrylate), crosslinkers (divinylbenzene), and initiators. This composite polymer network provides both the energy efficiency of room temperature storage and the chemical compatibility needed for long-term stability, avoiding the corrosiveness issues of silica through uniform hydrophobic material composition.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the material composition parameter from inorganic silica to organic hydrophobic polymer. This material substitution maintains room temperature storage benefits while eliminating chemical corrosiveness through the use of chemically inert, hydrophobic polymer components that do not interact adversely with biomolecules.
4Stability of the object's composition
If hydrophobic polymers are used for encapsulation, then room-temperature storage stability is improved, but retrieval speed must be optimized
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces dynamic control mechanisms for polymer network deconstruction using stimuli such as pH changes, temperature shifts, or enzymatic triggers. These dynamic systems allow the hydrophobic polymer matrix to transition from a stable encapsulating state during storage to a deconstructed state for rapid biomolecule release, optimizing both storage stability and retrieval speed through controlled phase transitions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses deconstruction agents or stimuli as intermediaries to facilitate rapid retrieval. These intermediaries (such as specific enzymes, pH buffers, or temperature conditions) trigger the breakdown of the hydrophobic polymer network, enabling fast release of the encapsulated biomolecule while maintaining stability during the storage phase.
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 stable storage of biomolecules at room temperature for over ten years with reduced energy consumption and logistical complexity, while maintaining sample integrity and enabling rapid retrieval using orthogonal molecular barcodes and deconstructable thermosets.
Implementation Method 1
The present disclosure provides methods and systems for alternative encapsulation chemistry using hydrophobic polymers or polymer networks to realize a room-temperature storage and retrieval approach for biomolecules
Implementation Method 2
The present disclosure provides compositions comprising (a) an amphiphilic polymer that forms a complex with a sequence-controlled polymer
Implementation Method 3
the hydrophobic polymer or polymer network is deconstructable upon application of a stimulus. In some embodiments, the stimulus comprises light
Implementation Method 4
the hydrophobic polymer or polymer network is deconstructable upon application of a stimulus. In some embodiments, the stimulus comprises heat
Implementation Method 5
biomolecules and barcodes are combined with magnetic or photonic elements to endow magnetic or photonic properties to the encapsulant
Implementation Method 6
biomolecules and barcodes are combined with magnetic or photonic elements to endow magnetic or photonic properties to the encapsulant
Implementation Method 7
selection of encapsulated samples proceeds by hybridization of probes that are complementary to the barcodes of interest
Data Source
AI summary
Provided herein are compositions, methods, and kits relating to the formation and deconstruction of thermosets capable of storing biomolecules.