5/17/01

Kimberly Mitchell-Porter, 334/844-5964

AU PRESERVATION METHOD HAS PRIMORDIAL ROOTS, MODERN USES

AUBURN -- Auburn University research has produced a new technology for preserving biological materials that is rooted in natural history, but has modern applications ranging from medicine, to biochemistry, to criminology.

Dr. Vitaly Vodyanoy, a professor in College of Veterinary Medicine's Department of Anatomy, Physiology and Pharmacology in the College of Veterinary Medicine, says the new technology is capable of preserving biological materials in a dormant state and later restoring them unharmed to their natural state.

"This technology can benefit criminology, medicine and biochemistry," Vodyanoy said. "It also can improve the storage of blood and DNA by maintaining the quality of the sample."

Based on capturing and encasing the materials in a protective polymer, Vodyanoy discovered the revolutionary method by observing the natural preservation process. He said he noticed how small insects had remained preserved in amber for millions of years. The insects suspended in their amber vault stayed the same as if they were frozen in time, yet they could not be removed without risking damage and destruction of the sample.

"By examining the history of preservation, I wanted to develop a way to preserve samples and restore them without harm" Vodyanoy said.

The AU-developed technique is similar to natural preservation, because it traps the sample in its natural state. The sample is suspended in a water-soluble polymer that forms a solid protective film around it. The water molecules in the sample are replaced with plastic molecules. The protective film, in turn, provides indefinite storage for the sample. Once the material is placed in water, the plastic dissolves, restoring the sample to its original state.

This technique differs from others because it allows the sample to be stored and restored unharmed for as long as necessary, Vodyanoy said. Also, unlike other sample preservation methods, this technique does not require refrigeration.

"Current techniques for preservation of biological materials have significant drawbacks," Vodyanoy said. "Other methods sometimes cause dehydration of biological cells and tissues. They also sometimes cause structural damage to the sample that often results in the loss of viability. This method is non-destructive to living samples, reversible, cost efficient and non-toxic."

Vodyanoy first tested the method on Salmonella and the E. Coli bacteria. The bacteria were immobilized in the solid polymer. After being stored for seven days at room temperature, the samples were restored.

"It successfully immobilized, preserved and restored the bacteria without destroying them," he said. "Upon release from the polymer, the bacteria showed no difference in mobility and viability when compared to an original culture."

The unique cured polymer is created in a powder form. When the polymer is ready for use, it is combined with water and then poured over the sample. The cured polymer results in a solid protective film covering the sample. The plastic can be cured without raising the temperature and without the use of UV radiation. The cured plastic is stable in many organic solvents, but is removable by water. The polymer is compatible with many biological molecules, proteins, DNA, cells and tissues.

AU's Office of Technology Transfer is working with Vodyanoy to license the development with a commercial producer.

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CONTACT: Vodyanoy, 334/844-5405, AU Office of Technology Transfer, 334/844-4977; or Mitch Emmons, 334/844-5964.