Design and Use of Multi-targeting DNA Nanoswitches for Increased Sensitivity Detection of Long RNAs

Background:

The COVID-19 pandemic created an unprecedented need for large scale diagnostic testing. Unfortunately, the pandemic also created a number of challenges for traditional in vitro diagnostic techniques. These challenges include reagent shortages, cost, deployment delays, and turnaround time. This has accelerated the development of alternative COVID-19 testing strategies. These approaches rely on enzymatic amplification for detection, or the use of proteins and antibodies for signal generation, which add cost and logistical challenges for transportation, storage, and use. To address these challenges, several methods have been developed for non-enzymatic detection of viral RNA. One promising approach is based on DNA nanotechnology, which allows for construction and dynamic control of nanoscale objects built from DNA.

Technology Overview:

This invention details innovations in the design and use of DNA nanoswitches for detection of long RNAs, especially viral RNAs. The basic design is a single nanoswitch that has multiple targeting regions on it, which are staggered along the length to produce several targeting regions that all produce the same loop size. When used with RNA that has been fragmented, all of the signals from these multiple targets align and have an additive effect, improving the sensitivity of the assay for long RNA detection. This technique has been shown to be effective for detecting SARS-CoV-2 in clinical samples.

Advantages:

•    Improves sensitivity for detection of viral RNAs.
•    Provides improved COVID-19 detection methods.
•    Offers advances toward point of care diagnostics for other viruses.
•    May offer advantages such as lower cost, quick results, and less stringent storage requirements.

Applications:

The primary market for this technology is detection for COVID-19, and potentially other virus-based diseases.

Stage of Development:

TRL 3 – Experimental proof of concept

Licensing Status:

This technology is available for licensing.

Licensing Potential:

This technology would be of interest to entities involved in detecting COVID-19 and other virus-based diseases. These include:
•    Pharmaceutical and healthcare companies.
•    Hospitals and other healthcare facilities.
•    Universities.
•    Medical research laboratories.
•    Humanitarian organizations involved in providing healthcare.
•    Government health organizations.