Development of thermally-stable water-in-oil emulsions for the creation of DNA micro-reactors in polymerase chain reaction

SM Research Inc. (SMR)他们希望使用一种新的乳液聚合酶链反应（emPCR）技术来扩增DNA，以实现高度精确和准确的检测。emPCR利用了油包水（W/O）乳液的多次热循环，其中水滴作为DNA的微反应器，这可以显著提高DNA扩增的效率并允许检测极低浓度的DNA。在拟议的Engage研究项目中，来自美国的研究人员将使用基础科学方法开发先进的成分配方，该方法将以简单，易于使用的技术形成所需的W/O乳液，并在多个热循环下保持稳定。将采取三步方法来解决与该问题相关的技术复杂性。通过使用不同类型的乳化剂的组合降低界面张力将减少乳液的固有热力学不稳定性，同时通过增加界面弹性将防止液滴间膜的破裂。最后，通过增加连续土壤相的粘度，可以防止液滴的接近和沉降。这种防止乳剂热不稳定的多步骤方法是新颖的，无疑将导致乳剂配方的创新和emPCR的成功实施。这项技术的实施将对SMR建立市场领导者地位和在利润丰厚的基因检测领域获得全球关注有巨大的好处。有了这项先进的技术，可以在早期阶段检测出严重的、危及生命的疾病，从而为加拿大人改善健康和预防疾病带来重大利益。

SM Research Inc. (SMR) wants to use a novel emulsion-based polymerase chain reaction (emPCR) techniqueto amplify DNA for their highly precise and accurate detection. The emPCR utilizes multiple thermal cycles ofwater-in-oil (W/O) emulsion where the water droplets act as micro-reactors for DNA This could significantlyimprove the efficiency of DNA amplification and allow detection of the extremely low concentration of DNA.However, SMR is facing a significant problem with W/O emulsion destabilization during thermal cycles. In theproposed Engage research project, the researchers from U of S will develop advanced ingredient formulationsusing a fundamental scientific approach that will form the desired W/O emulsion in a simple, easy to usetechnology and remain stable under multiple thermal cycles. A three-step approach will be taken to address thetechnical complexities associated with the problem. The inherent thermodynamic destabilization of emulsionwill be reduced by lowering of interfacial tension using a combination of different types of emulsifiers, whilethe breakage of the inter-droplet film will be prevented by increasing the interfacial elasticity. Finally, closeapproach of the droplets and their sedimentation will be prevented by increasing the viscosity of the continuousoil phase. This type of multi-step approach of prevention of emulsion thermal destabilization is novel and willundoubtedly lead to innovation in emulsion formulation and successful implementation in emPCR.Implementation of this technology will be of tremendous benefit to SMR to establish themselves as a marketleader and to secure global attention in a lucrative gene detection field. With this advanced technology,detection of critical, life-threatening disease could be done at an early stage, thus providing a significant benefitto Canadians for improved health and disease prevention.