RNA is a key molecule in biomedical research, as its analysis helps scientists understand gene expression and uncover critical cellular processes involved in the study of disease and new therapies. However, despite its importance, the management of RNA has been an ongoing challenge due to its fragile nature and extreme susceptibility to degradation. Compared to DNA, RNA is particularly susceptible to degradation processes, placing significant logistical demands on biobanks and laboratories that need to maintain these samples under optimal conditions from extraction to final analysis.
Challenges in RNA Preservation for Biobanks
Biorepositories face significant challenges in ensuring the integrity of RNA samples during storage and transport. The traditional approach of preserving RNA in -80°C ultra-low freezers or shipping it on dry ice, while effective, involves high costs, reliance on specialized infrastructure and risks inherent in cold chain logistics. Any disruption in this cold chain can lead to irreversible sample degradation. This risk, combined with high operational costs, has a negative impact on the efficiency and budget of biobanks, particularly in large-scale or multicentre research projects.
In addition, the infrastructure required to maintain RNA at ultra-low temperatures is not only expensive to install and operate, but also poses sustainability challenges. The high energy consumption of ultra-low temperature freezers and the frequent use of dry ice for transport contribute to the carbon footprint of laboratories, a growing concern for modern science.
A New Solution for an Old Problem
To address these challenges, 300K Solutions has developed an innovative solution that allows RNA to be preserved at room temperature. Our RNA Room Temperature Stabilization Solution is a lyophilization-based stabilization system that eliminates the need for cold storage. With this technology, RNA extracted from peripheral blood or other sample types can be stored at room temperature for up to two months, maintaining its genetic integrity and avoiding the problems associated with traditional refrigeration methods.
The RNA stabilized at room temperature not only preserves its integrity but is also suitable for advanced applications like RNA-Seq. Studies demonstrate that the RNA Integrity Number (RIN) remains consistent with its initial value, demonstrating that the quality is preserved over time (Table 1).
Additionally, 3’Tag RNA-Seq assays revealed no significant differences in gene expression or read numbers compared to RNA stored at -80°C, validating the use of our method for genomic research (Table. 2).
How Does the RNA Room Temperature Stabilization Solution Work?
The core of this solution is lyophilization, a process widely used in the pharmaceutical and food industries, but not yet fully optimized for biological samples. Lyophilization removes water from the RNA sample by sublimation. The removal of water inhibits the chemical reactions responsible for RNA degradation, resulting in effective stabilization.
The process is performed in vials containing an optimized buffer specifically designed to protect RNA during lyophilization. Once the sample is lyophilized, it becomes a solid pellet that can be stored and transported without the need for ultra-low freezers or dry ice. To further simplify use, 300K Solutions’ solution come with pre-configured lyophilization protocols, allowing users to perform the process efficiently with minimal intervention.
Key Benefits of RNA Stabilization at Room Temperature
- Sample Security and Protection: RNA is a fragile molecule, but with our solution, samples are protected from degradation. Lyophilization removes water, which is essential for degradation reactions. This gives researchers confidence that their RNA samples will remain in optimal condition until analysis.
- Easy Transport: Transporting RNA at room temperature, without the need for dry ice or refrigeration, greatly simplifies shipping logistics, particularly for multicentre studies or regions with limited resources.
- Reduced Operational Costs: By eliminating the need for ultra-low freezers and dry ice, biobanks and laboratories can reduce infrastructure, maintenance and logistics costs.
- Environmental Sustainability: Room temperature stabilization also has a positive impact on sustainability. The elimination of energy-intensive ultra-low freezers and dry ice transport significantly reduces the carbon footprint of biobank and laboratory operations.
300K Solutions’ Expertise in Biological Stabilization
The RNA Room Temperature Stabilization Solution from 300K Solutions is just one part of our broader offering. We are pioneers in the development of lyophilization-based technologies for the stabilisation of a wide range of biological samples, including DNA, plasma, serum, blood, cell lines and tissues. We offer a comprehensive solution that covers specialized equipment, vials, buffers, and lyophilization protocols, all designed to meet the specific needs of biobanks and research laboratories.
Conclusion
The development of a solution to stabilize RNA at room temperature represents a paradigm shift in the way biobanks and laboratories manage their samples. With this technology, researchers can overcome the limitations of the cold chain and progress in their projects with greater flexibility and security. At the same time, the reduction in operational costs and environmental impact makes this solution an ideal choice for a more sustainable future in biomedical research.
Do you want to know more? Visit RNA Solution – 300K Solutions
About the Author
300K Solutions is a biotech company committed to providing complete solutions for the stabilization of biospecimens at room temperature. 300K Solutions is a new player that strives to change the paradigm of stabilizing and storing biological samples. Our biospecimen stabilization technology ensures the preservation of good quality samples (DNA, plasma, serum, peripheral blood, cells, etc) allowing an easy-to-achieve and secure process. We developed an integral solution that comprises the revolutionary S3 (Sample Stabilization System), self-designed vials coated with specially formulated excipients for different sample types, standardized SBS racks and storage boxes. In addition, 300K offers QMS and Regulatory services to biotech companies and laboratories.
