Vaccines and enzymes constitute proteins and nucleic acids that are sensitive to denaturation with the loss of secondary and tertiary structures when exposed to high temperatures. To avoid this, and to increase the long-term storage of protein and nucleic acids, it is important to employ stabilization techniques that can facilitate these goals. Conventionally, techniques such as cryo storage or refrigeration-based storage, and lyophilization techniques have been used to achieve this stabilization. However, these techniques are associated with several limitations such as use of complex matrix systems, lack of functioning and poor monitoring of maintenance systems, intolerance of some proteins to extreme conditions and these techniques can be expensive. Furthermore, even lyophilized vaccines can still be sensitive to heat exposure. Sol gel silica is a porous and amorphous material that is synthesized at ambient conditions such as low temperature and mild pH. There have been multiple reports on using silica sol gel matrix that demonstrated the ability to retain protein structure and functionality but the release of proteins from the silica matrix and compatibility with the downstream analysis are two main critical issues that makes this process difficult to adapt in clinical settings. Herein, we demonstrate our technology “BioCARGOS” which can be achieved using a very low concentration of tetramethoxysilane and water suspension by hydrolyzing in a standard microwave. . Our technique is facile, reproducible, and previously demonstrated stabilization of DNA and proteins, within few minutes using a standard benchtop microwave. Herein, we demonstrate complete integrity of miRNA 21, a highly sensitive molecule at 4, 25, and 40 °C over a period of ~ 3 months. In contrast, the control samples completely degrade in less than 1 week. We attribute excellent stability to entrapment of miRNA within silica-gel matrices.

Bio-CARGOS: Capture and release gels for optimized storage of pancreatic cancer biomarkers at room temperature and its compatibility with downstream analysis

Fall 2022 abstracts, posters, and presentations will launch in mid-September.

ACS Fall 2022

The official archive and repository for all ACS Meetings & Expositions abstracts and select posters or presentations.