MIT Spinout Cache DNA Revolutionizes Biomolecule Storage

A new company emerging from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) aims to transform how the life sciences industry stores biomolecules. Cache DNA has developed innovative technology that allows for the preservation of DNA molecules at room temperature, eliminating the long-standing reliance on freezers. This breakthrough could have significant implications for the healthcare sector, particularly in light of challenges faced during the Covid-19 pandemic when many vaccines were rendered unusable due to thawing during transportation.

Many patient samples, drug candidates, and biologics require cold storage to remain stable. The stakes have never been higher, especially with the rise of precision medicine, which relies on pristine biological samples for therapies like CAR-T cell treatments and tumor DNA sequencing. A single power outage or shipping delay can destroy vital samples, impacting patient treatment timelines. Furthermore, in remote areas and developing nations, unreliable cold storage has barred entire populations from accessing these critical medical advancements.

James Banal, co-founder of Cache DNA and a former MIT postdoctoral researcher, emphasizes the need for a paradigm shift in the industry. “Biotech has been reliant on the cold chain for more than 50 years. Why hasn’t that changed?” he asks. The dramatic reduction in the cost of DNA sequencing—from approximately $3 billion for the first human genome to under $200 today—has highlighted storage and transport as critical bottlenecks in the supply chain.

Innovative Solutions to a Long-standing Problem

The inspiration for Cache DNA emerged from Banal’s work at MIT, where he collaborated with Mark Bathe, a professor in the Department of Biological Engineering. Banal’s projects included exploring DNA nanotechnology and its intersection with quantum computing. In 2021, after three years of research, Banal and Bathe successfully created a system for storing DNA-based data in tiny glass particles.

Following the establishment of Cache DNA, the team worked to adapt their technology for clinical applications. The technology was still in its infancy when they began collaborating with Jeremiah Johnson, a chemistry professor at MIT. Johnson’s research had already demonstrated that certain plastics could be made recyclable by incorporating cleavable molecular bonds. He suggested that Cache DNA utilize his amber-like polymers for faster and more reliable storage solutions.

The researchers developed a polymer capable of storing DNA at room temperature, inspired by the concept of using amber to preserve ancient DNA, much like in the film “Jurassic Park.” Their polymer can encapsulate materials in a liquid form and solidify into a glass-like block when heated. To access the DNA, a molecule called cysteamine and a special detergent are used, allowing researchers to store and retrieve all 50,000 base pairs of a human genome without damage.

Banal points out the limitations of traditional preservation methods, stating, “Real amber is not great at preservation. It’s porous and lets in moisture and air.” The polymer developed by the team forms an impenetrable barrier around the DNA, akin to vacuum-sealing at the molecular level, ensuring the integrity of the samples.

Addressing Global Healthcare Needs

As Cache DNA refined its technology, it became clear that sample storage is a pressing issue for hospitals and research laboratories worldwide. Facilities in locations such as Florida and Singapore reported difficulties managing humidity and space constraints affecting sample preservation. Many researchers expressed a need for reliable storage solutions that do not depend on refrigeration.

In response to these challenges, Cache DNA distributed over 100 alpha DNA preservation kits to researchers globally last year. The varied applications of the technology demonstrated its versatility; some researchers used it for field sample collection, while others sought long-term archival solutions. The overarching issue remained consistent: all required dependable storage without relying on cold conditions.

With a recent grant from the National Science Foundation, Cache DNA is working to expand its technology to preserve a wider range of biomolecules, including RNA and proteins. This advancement could unlock new insights into health and disease and further aid the pursuit of personalized medicine.

“This important innovation helps eliminate the cold chain and has the potential to unlock millions of genetic samples globally,” Bathe states. “Together, this could enable the equivalent of a ‘Google Books’ for nucleic acids stored at room temperature.”

Banal believes that removing the constraints imposed by cold storage could open new avenues for scientific research. He envisions a future where island nations can study their unique genetic makeup without the risk of sample degradation during transit. He also emphasizes the importance of including underrepresented populations in global health studies, stating, “Room-temperature storage isn’t the whole answer, but every cure starts with a sample that survived the journey.”

Cache DNA’s innovative approach to biomolecule storage has the potential to reshape the landscape of biomedical research and healthcare, allowing for broader access to genetic material and, ultimately, better health outcomes for people around the world.