Archive of Samples for Long-term Preservation of RNA and Other Nucleic Acids

The Army seeks a novel and practical approach for the collection and long-term preservation of RNA and other nucleic acids (e.g., microRNA, DNA) from blood products at ambient conditions. Nucleic acids form the basis of numerous diagnostics and long-term health monitoring military protocols and are critical to ensure battle readiness. To address this unmet need, ChromoLogic, LLC, (CL) developed and demonstrated an Integrated Membrane for Preservation of RNA Transcripts (IMPRiNT) that utilizes relatively small sample sizes coupled to membrane-adsorbent technology that fractionates and preserves RNA and other nucleic acids (e.g., microRNA) for long-term storage at ambient conditions. The Phase I prototype demonstrated 100% sample purity by removing all nucleases and debris from whole blood, >80%DNA and >95% RNA recovery and survivability for >50days at ambient conditions. Following the successful demonstration of the feasibility of the IMPRiNT technology, in Phase II, CL plans to develop a more robust prototype that will be capable of >99% DNA/RNA extraction from complex specimens, such as ~0.5ml whole blood, and preserve it for >20years at ambient conditions. Also in Phase II, based on the strong commercial interest, CL will manufacture and deliver prototypes for research use and obtain appropriate FDA clearances.