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

SM Research Inc.(SMR)希望使用一种新的基于乳液的聚合酶链式反应(EmPCR)技术来放大DNA，以实现高精度和准确的检测。EmPCR利用油包水(W/O)乳状液的多次热循环，其中水滴充当DNA的微反应器，这可以显著提高DNA扩增效率，并允许检测极低浓度的DNA。然而，SMR面临着W/O乳状液在热循环中不稳定的严重问题。在拟议的Engage研究项目中，S大学的研究人员将利用基础科学方法开发先进的成分配方，以简单、易于使用的技术形成所需的W/O乳状液，并在多次热循环下保持稳定。将采取三步走的方法来解决与该问题相关的技术复杂性。使用不同类型的乳化剂组合降低界面张力将减少乳状液固有的热力学不稳定，而通过增加界面弹性将防止液滴间膜的破裂。最后，通过增加连续土相的粘度来防止液滴的接近和它们的沉积。这种预防乳剂热失稳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确立其市场领导者地位并在利润丰厚的基因检测领域获得全球关注具有巨大的好处。有了这项先进的技术，可以在早期阶段检测到危及生命的危重疾病，从而为加拿大人改善健康和疾病预防提供重大好处。

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.