Sorbents for the extraction and stabilization of nucleic acids
Inventors
Lin, Baochuan • White, Brandy J. • Melde, Brian
Assignees
Publication Number
US-10501776-B2
Publication Date
2019-12-10
Expiration Date
2036-09-13
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Abstract
Mesoporous sorbents are effective for storing and transporting nucleic acids. In particular, two ethane-bridged silica sorbents with amine functionalities are particularly effective and capable of binding nucleic acids for storage.
Core Innovation
The invention relates to improved methods and materials applicable to the capture of nucleic acid targets from complex matrices offering subsequent stabilization of the targets in the absence of refrigeration. The core innovation includes nucleic acid sorbents comprising mesoporous ethane-bridged silica sorbents, particularly two types named N5 and CuEDA, which feature amine functionalities and are particularly effective at binding nucleic acids for storage and transport.
The problem being solved arises from the need to preserve nucleic acid integrity, especially RNA which is highly labile and susceptible to degradation from enzymes like RNases, adverse pH, metal cations, and temperatures during sample collection, transportation, processing, and storage. Conventional methods such as freezing are impractical in many field conditions due to cost and logistical constraints. Existing stabilization technologies using dehydration, chemical binding, or physical encapsulation have limitations in stability, recovery, cost, or environmental impact.
The invention addresses these challenges by providing mesoporous silica sorbents combining high surface area and tunable chemical functionality to bind and stabilize nucleic acids without refrigeration. The sorbents can be functionalized or associated with stabilizers like bovine serum albumin or trehalose, enhancing nucleic acid stability and allowing enhanced recovery. The materials allow capture and stabilization from complex solutions, eliminating the need for purification steps, and are reusable while preventing downstream assay contamination.
Claims Coverage
The patent contains a set of claims including one independent claim focused on the nucleic acid sorbent composition and several dependent claims detailing additional conditions and features. The main inventive features are identified from the independent claim and its dependent claims.
Nucleic acid sorbent composition comprising mesoporous ethane-bridged silica and both N5 and CuEDA
The invention claims a nucleic acid sorbent comprising a mesoporous ethane-bridged silica material that includes both N5 and CuEDA sorbents, combining their features to bind nucleic acids effectively.
Washing the nucleic acid sorbent with detergent to improve performance
The nucleic acid sorbent is claimed in a condition of having been washed with a detergent, which is shown to improve nucleic acid binding and elution capabilities by pre-conditioning the material.
Nucleic acid in complex with the sorbent
The claim covers a nucleic acid sorbent associated with a nucleic acid target bound in complex with the sorbent material, demonstrating target capture functionality.
Association of the sorbent with stabilizers to enhance nucleic acid stability
Claims the sorbent in a condition of being associated with a stabilizer to improve nucleic acid stabilization properties.
Use of specific stabilizers including bovine serum albumin, trehalose, and glucosamine
Specifically claims that the stabilizer associated with the sorbent can be selected from bovine serum albumin, trehalose, and glucosamine, compounds known to enhance nucleic acid preservation.
The claims collectively cover a nucleic acid sorbent composed of mesoporous ethane-bridged silica materials N5 and CuEDA, with features relating to detergent washing, nucleic acid binding, association with stabilizers, and specific stabilizing agents to enhance storage and recovery of nucleic acids.
Stated Advantages
Improved stability of nucleic acids, especially RNA, during storage at room temperature and elevated temperature (37°C) without refrigeration.
Capability to bind and stabilize nucleic acids directly from complex solutions, eliminating the need for purification steps.
Enhanced nucleic acid recovery after storage due to the use of detergent washing (pre-conditioning) of the sorbents.
Sorbents are reusable and the stabilization compounds are covalently linked or associated in a way that prevents downstream contamination during molecular diagnostic assays.
Documented Applications
Preservation and storage of nucleic acids, including RNA and DNA, from samples collected in fields such as medical, biological, environmental, forensics, and food safety.
Use in transportation and storage of nucleic acid samples at ambient or elevated temperatures without refrigeration.
Capture and stabilization of nucleic acids from complex sample matrices such as bacterial lysates.
Use in molecular diagnostics enabling downstream assays without contamination from stabilizing compounds or sorbent materials.
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