RNAs CHEMICAL SYNTHESIS FOR DIFFERENT BIOTECHNOLOGICAL APPLICATIONS

• Grant number: 24/17742-4
• Support Opportunities: Research Grants - Innovative Research in Small Business - PIPE
• Start date: July 01, 2025
• End date: March 31, 2026
• Field of knowledge: Biological Sciences - Biochemistry - Molecular Biology
• Principal Investigator: Caio Perez Gomes
• Grantee: Caio Perez Gomes
• Company: OMIKKA LTDA
• CNAE: Pesquisa e desenvolvimento experimental em ciências físicas e naturais
• Pesquisadores principais: João Bosco Pesquero
• Associated researchers: Raquel Leão Neves

Abstract

The chemical synthesis of RNA is of great importance for several areas of science and technology, especially in biotechnology, pharmacology and biomedical research. It allows the precise production of RNA molecules with specific sequences, facilitating the study of biological functions of RNA, including gene regulation and protein translation. Furthermore, chemical synthesis has been essential in the development of mRNA vaccines, such as those used against COVID-19, and in the creation of innovative gene therapies. The ability to chemically modify RNA molecules also makes it possible to improve their stability, durability and therapeutic efficacy, making this technique an important tool in current medicine. Considering the lack of companies in Brazil that synthesize and offer RNA molecules on the market, this project aims to install in our company, Omikka, a production line for these molecules, which are so important for the development of our science, technology and of our country. Once the methodology is established, we will synthesize positive RNA controls for the viruses that cause Zika, Chikungunya and Dengue, which will be integrated into the diagnostic kit that we are developing in partnership with IPT through the Deeplab-Sebrae initiative. (AU)