A new system for storing and retrieving nucleic acids, including DNA and RNA, at room temperature is poised to dramatically expand access to genomic research and clinical analysis. The breakthrough sidesteps the logistical and financial hurdles associated with traditional ultra-low temperature freezers and robotic handling, potentially unlocking genomic biobanking for institutions with limited resources.
The innovation, detailed in a recent publication in Nature Communications, allows for “database-like queries” on encapsulated, barcoded, and pooled nucleic acid samples. So researchers can efficiently search for and retrieve specific samples based on a range of criteria, moving beyond previous methods limited to single-sample retrieval or simple classifications. The development promises to scale genomic repositories to millions of samples without compromising data integrity or speed.
Conventional methods for preserving biological samples, particularly unstable RNA, rely on maintaining temperatures at -80°C or lower, often requiring complex and expensive infrastructure. According to data from Veritas Innovation as of October 25, 2025, DNA and RNA in tissue can remain stable at -70 to -80°C for at least 7 to 10 years, with cryogenic storage at -150°C recommended for longer preservation. However, these methods present significant challenges, especially for researchers in under-resourced regions or those aiming to archive large sample volumes.
The new system utilizes encapsulation, barcoding, and pooling to enable efficient storage and retrieval. Researchers demonstrated the system’s capabilities using 96 mock SARS-CoV-2 genomic samples, each barcoded with theoretical patient data including age, location, and diagnostic state. They successfully retrieved samples based on these criteria, showcasing the system’s speed and scalability. Further testing involved the storage and sequencing of human patient-derived nucleic acid samples, illustrating its applicability to clinical genomic analysis. The raw sequencing data from these human-derived samples has been deposited in the NCBI BioProject database under accession number PRJNA1344794 [1].
Scalable Storage and Querying
The core innovation lies in the system’s ability to perform complex queries – incorporating numerical ranges, categorical filters, and combinations thereof – on the stored samples. This capability represents a significant advancement over previous methods. The researchers emphasize that this approach avoids the need for freezer-based storage and retrieval, enabling the creation of large-scale pathogen and genomic repositories in areas where traditional infrastructure is lacking.
Implications for Global Health and Research
This technology has the potential to revolutionize global genomic biobanking, particularly in the context of pathogen surveillance and pandemic preparedness. The ability to store and quickly retrieve nucleic acid samples at room temperature could be invaluable in responding to future outbreaks, especially in regions with limited access to cold-chain infrastructure. GeneOnline, a biotechnology platform providing news on global biotech market trends and research breakthroughs [2], highlights the potential for wider access to genomic research and clinical analysis.
The research team’s work builds on previous advancements in nucleic acid testing, including gamepad-like devices for rapid SARS-CoV-2 detection via visible nested recombinase polymerase amplification [1], and lyophilized colorimetric RT-LAMP test kits for at-home molecular testing of SARS-CoV-2 and other pathogens.
The development of this room-temperature storage system represents a significant step towards democratizing access to genomic data and accelerating scientific discovery. As the cost of genomic sequencing continues to decline, efficient and scalable storage solutions will become increasingly critical for realizing the full potential of genomic medicine.
Looking ahead, further research will focus on optimizing the encapsulation and barcoding methods to maximize long-term stability and retrieval accuracy. The team also plans to explore the application of this technology to other types of biological samples, such as proteins and metabolites. The widespread adoption of this technology could fundamentally change how genomic data is collected, stored, and utilized worldwide.
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