Evaluation of a system for dry preservation of RNAs

• Grant number: 23/12723-9
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants
• Start date: August 01, 2025
• End date: July 31, 2027
• Field of knowledge: Biological Sciences - Genetics
• Principal Investigator: Tiago Campos Pereira
• Grantee: Tiago Campos Pereira
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Filosofia, Ciências e Letras de Ribeirão Preto (FFCLRP). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). Ribeirão Preto , SP, Brazil
• Associated researchers: Danyel Fernandes Contiliani ; João Renato Carvalho Muniz ; Silvana Aparecida Creste Dias de Souza ; Vitor Nolasco de Moraes

Abstract

Typically, the storage and transport of RNAs requires very low temperatures (-80 ºC) and/or large volumes of dry ice, making the entire chain of research and biotechnological services related to this class of molecules very costly. The increasing developments in technologies focused on RNA, such as RNA-Seq, or based on this molecule, such as RNA vaccines, require strategies for the preservation and transit of isolated/synthesized RNA samples. However, the main commercially available kit for this purpose, RNAstable, has been discontinued. Recently, our research group identified an element capable of providing partial protection to total RNAs kept dry at room temperature for up to a week. Therefore, in this project, we intend to evaluate this element in more depth, in association with other elements, for long periods, aiming to build a dry preservation and transport system for RNAs independent of refrigeration. (AU)