Room Temperature Specimen Preservation via Sol-Gel Encapsulation and Peg Extraction

Overview

The storage and transport of sensitive proteins is highly expensive and challenging due to the need for refrigeration. This makes it difficult for impoverished areas to send specimens and samples to the lab in order to diagnose patients. In this research study, we introduced an innovative method of protein preservation based off sol-gel technology, which allows for the transport of specimens at room-temperature storage conditions. Using hemoglobin and fibrinogen as model proteins, we created a preservation mechanism using only a microwave and a modified two-step Sol-Gel process. Tetramethyl Orthosilane was hydrolyzed via microwave radiation and then condensed to form a silica-cage structure. Upon the addition of Polyethylene Glycol, the pores of the silica structure expanded allowing for the extraction of the preserved protein. Overall, the sol-gel was able to successfully increase the shelf life of hemoglobin from 48 hours to 31 days, and fibrinogen from 4 hours to 5 days. This innovative method allowed for over 72 samples to be created in under 30 minutes and costs only $6 to produce. Lastly, over 91% of the hemoglobin was extracted from the gel upon the addition of polyethylene glycol. Our sol-gel method will revolutionize the medical industry, as it allows for robust long-term storage, and is the only method that permits the preserved specimens to be extracted and used for diagnosis. This method will also increase the affordability of Sickle Cell Anemia Diagnosis, as it decreases the overall cost from $225 to $24 by eliminating the need for refrigerated shipping.

Competition history

• AJAS 2020 Category not listed

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