Korean researchers have developed the world's first core technology to synthesize desired DNA using only temperature, eliminating chemical processes.
KAIST announced Monday that a research team led by Professor Choi Young-jae of the Graduate School of Engineering Biology, together with ATG Lifetech and a research team led by Professor Choi Han-sol of the Department of Life Sciences at Ewha Womans University, developed a core platform technology that synthesizes desired DNA sequences by controlling only temperature.
DNA is the "blueprint" that contains the genetic information of all living organisms, including humans. Scientists create desired DNA to diagnose diseases, develop new drugs, or create microorganisms with new functions, using it in a wide range of biotechnology applications.
Until now, however, connecting the four bases that make up DNA (A, T, G, and C) one at a time required repeated cycles of adding chemical reagents and washing them out. For this reason, automated DNA synthesis equipment costing hundreds of millions of won and specialized research facilities were essential.
The research team solved these problems by developing "hairpin DNA that reacts only at specific temperatures." The team placed several types of hairpin DNA that operate at different temperatures into a single test tube and succeeded in sequentially synthesizing desired DNA simply by changing the temperature in order.
Previously, chemical reagents had to be continuously replaced to make DNA. This time, the team implemented a new method in which the necessary materials are placed in a single test tube from the start, and DNA is created in sequence simply by changing the temperature. This opens the way to synthesizing DNA using only an ordinary temperature control device, without complex reagent replacement or large equipment.
The research team changed the "method" of making DNA itself. Whereas chemical reagents previously controlled the DNA synthesis process step by step, they have now made "temperature," which anyone can easily control, take over that role.
To demonstrate that the technology developed this time can actually be used, the research team also implemented a battery-free "DNA temperature black box." This device is normally stored in a freeze-dried state, and it begins operating when a single drop of water is added just before use. It automatically records into the DNA sequence when, how much, and in what order the temperature changed during delivery. When exposed to temperatures above a certain level, it changes color, allowing abnormalities to be checked immediately by eye.
"We expect this to make DNA synthesis easier and more economical, lowering the barriers to entry for basic biological research and leading to new industrial applications such as the battery-free DNA temperature black box," Professor Choi Young-jae said. "It could be used for quality control of products where cold-chain distribution is important, such as vaccines, biopharmaceuticals, cell therapies, and fresh food."
KAIST researcher Choi Jang-ho and GIST doctoral candidate Kim Jin-ho participated as co-first authors, and the research findings were published in the international journal Nature Communications on July 2.
