A Solvent For The Extraction And Preservation Of mRNA At Room Temperature

A buffer that allows the extraction and long-term room temperature preservation of mRNA.
Problem:
mRNA is unstable in aqueous environments, so different formulations have been explored as water-free solvents for RNA. However, these solvents often contain toxic heavy metals, resulting in biological incompatibility. Additionally, current mRNA vaccines require ultralow storage temperatures and have limited room temperature stability. There is a need for a solvent that mRNA may be dissolved in such that it maintains long-term room temperature stability and integrity.
Solution:
The inventors have developed two metal-free hydrophobic deep eutectic solvent (hDES) formulations for mRNA preservation. One formulation achieves nearly 100% extraction efficiency of mRNA and preserves mRNA at room temperature for at least 227 days, and the other formulation is biocompatible.
Technology:
Both hDES formulations are created in one-pot reactions by combining two hydrophobic organic compounds. The resulting hDES has a melting point lower than that of either starting organic compounds. The preliminary formulation (hDES1) achieves near 100% extraction efficiency of mRNA and protects mRNA against degradation for at least 227 days at room temperature. The biocompatible formulation (hDES2) is only composed of generally recognized as safe and clinically approved components.
Advantages:

RNA stable at room temperature in hDES1 for at least 227 days
hDES1 achieves almost 100% extraction efficiency of mRNA
hDES1 prevents RNAse A degradation of mRNA
hDES1 and hDES2 do not contain toxic metals
hDES2 is biocompatible and is composed of GRAS components

Stage of Development:

Proof of Concept

hDES-based extraction and preservation of mRNA. Left Panel: Emulsification of mRNA in the aqueous phase with the hDES phase. Center Panel: Extraction of the mRNA into the hDES phase. Right Panel: Long-term storage and stability of mRNA in hDES.
Intellectual Property: