Unmet Need: A topic of research interest in the near past has been utilizing DNA as data storage, process information, and even use DNA in logic circuits. However, these applications require precise control over the chemical process responsible for storing, accessing and deleting data. Since the rate of a chemical process is usually dependent on the concentration of the reactants, the ability to control the concentration of “active” DNA strands may be useful for these applications. A common technique to control the concentration of something in solution is to use a buffer system. The most common buffer systems control pH in solution, as these are found both naturally in the human body and artificially in laboratories. While some buffers exist for other species such as metal ions, buffer systems for small molecules are sparse, with synthetic DNA buffer systems being non-existent. The development of a DNA buffer system could be an important puzzle piece in the design of DNA based computing/data storage. Additionally, a DNA buffer system could allow for controlled DNA based drug delivery.
Technology Overview: Johns Hopkins researchers have developed an oligonucleotide buffer which is capable of maintaining a constant concentration of a desired oligonucleotide sequence. These buffers operate similar in principal to a pH buffer, in that they are designed to regulate the concentration of an oligonucleotide in solution and re-establish this desired concentration when perturbations occur.
Stage of Development: The researchers have shown the buffer system has a wide ranging flexibility in its design. The researchers can design their buffer system to work with different oligonucleotide sequences. Also, different target concentrations of the desired nucleotide sequence can be achieved by changing the concentration of source and initiator used. The rate at which the buffer system can respond and re-establish the buffer concentration.
Inventors: Rebecca Schulman, Dominic Scalise
Patent Status: Provisional application pending
Publications: J. Am. Chem. Soc., 2018, 140 (38), pp 12069–12076
