Following nature's lead: generating compounds for stabilizing biomolecules.
We describe here a unique approach to identifying small molecules that are useful in stabilizing biomolecules in the dry and liquid states. Using biostability screens aided by in silico docking experiments and synthetic chemistry, libraries of biostability molecules are analyzed for their ability to protect important biological materials. In the case of DNA stabilization in the dry state, interactions of suitable candidate biostability compounds with DNA are studied in initial screens to identify their ability to form glasses at elevated temperatures. The most promising compounds are then tested for their capacity to preserve DNA during long-term storage. The results have led to a commercial product for storage of DNA that is being adopted for many commercial and experimental applications. Further studies have shown that small molecules for preservation of RNA, proteins, and tissue samples can be developed by following the same progression of screens.
Biomatrica, Inc. , San Diego, California.
Omo
O
Clement
Scott
S
Whitney
Judy
J
Muller-Cohn
Rolf
R
Muller
D000818:Animals; D004247:DNA / Q000737:chemistry; D006801:Humans; D011309:Preservation, Biological / Q000379:methods*; D011506:Proteins / Q000737:chemistry; D012313:RNA / Q000737:chemistry; D013696:Temperature
D011506:Proteins; D012313:RNA; D004247:DNA