TR34: DNA PRESERVATION KIT

NURAINA ZAHIRAH BINTI AHMAD RUSLI AZHARI UNIT KOKURIKULUM

Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) is the molecular blueprint of all living things, and its preservation is crucial for genetics, biotechnology, and biomedical research. However, traditional long-term DNA storage relies on costly, electricity-dependent freezers. This reliance on a "cold-chain" creates significant barriers, especially for researchers in low-resource settings, and poses a risk to valuable samples during power outages. There's a clear need for a low-cost, sustainable, and reliable alternative.The proposed DNA Preservation Kit is a groundbreaking solution that provides a portable, energy-free alternative to traditional storage. The kit uses a combination of stabilizing buffers and desiccation technology to prevent enzymatic degradation and microbial contamination. This allows DNA to be preserved at room temperature, ensuring genetic material remains intact and suitable for downstream applications like PCR, sequencing, and genetic analysis, regardless of location or access to electricity.This innovation's core value lies in its unique combination of portability, affordability, and eco-friendliness. Its high commercial potential is clear in its ability to serve a wide range of users, from academic researchers to forensic scientists. By promoting equitable access to scientific tools, the kit enables broader participation in research, education, and conservation initiatives worldwide.The implications of this innovation extend far beyond the laboratory. By removing the need for expensive, energy-intensive equipment, the kit enables critical research and conservation in previously inaccessible regions. This can accelerate breakthroughs in global health, agriculture, and biodiversity, providing a tangible pathway to a more inclusive scientific community worldwide.This innovation directly supports several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including Quality Education, Good Health and Well-being, and Responsible Consumption and Production. By making biotechnology more accessible and sustainable, the DNA Preservation Kit has the potential to transform scientific practice and societal outcomes in the long run.