(742h) Capture and Release Gels for Optimized Storage of Biomolecules [Bio-Cargos]

Storage of biospecimens in their near native environment at room temperature can have a transformative global impact, however, it remains an arduous challenge to date due to the rapid degradation of biospecimen over time. Currently, most isolated biospecimens are refrigerated for short-term storage and frozen (-20 °C, -80 °C, liquid nitrogen) for long-term storage. An aqueous storage solution that can preserve the biospecimen nearly “as is” has yet to be achieved by any current technology. Here, we demonstrate an aqueous Capture and Release Gels for Optimized Storage (Bio-CaRGOS) of biospecimens. We demonstrate complete recovery of miRNA 21 at 4, 25, and 40 °C over a period of ~ 3 months and 95 % recovery of hemoglobin at 25°C (1-month) and 96 % recovery (7-months) at 4 °C. In contrast, the control miRNA samples completely degrade in less than 1 week and two-thirds of the control hemoglobin samples degrade in less than 1- month (25°C) and 7-months (4 °C). Our technique can achieve stabilization of any biospecimen of interest including RNA, DNA and proteins within few minutes using a standard benchtop microwave and is highly compatible with downstream applications.