Novel Uses of a Saponin and Method for Its Isolation

Simple SummaryContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

This invention discloses a novel use for a specific type of saponins (plant-derived molecules) that possess acetyl groups on one of their sugar residues. These saponins are extracted from the roots of Gypsophila elegans M. Bieb using a particular method described in the patent. The key feature is that these saponins significantly enhance the efficiency of delivering (transfecting) nucleic acids or other molecules into cells in both in vitro and in vivo contexts, outperforming well-established commercial transfection reagents like Lipofectamin and previously known saponins.

Use CasesContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• Improved delivery of DNA, RNA, peptides, or proteins into mammalian, plant, or yeast cells for basic research (gene expression, gene editing, etc.).
• Increased efficiency of gene therapy or genetic modification in therapeutic contexts, such as cancer treatment (e.g., targeted suicide gene therapy).
• Improving production and generation of genetically modified organisms, or cell lines for biotechnology and pharmaceutical manufacturing.
• Enhancing the performance of commercial transfection reagents or kits by co-formulation with these saponins.
• Development of diagnostic kits or tools where efficient delivery of nucleic acids or reporter genes into cells is required.

BenefitsContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• Significant boost in transfection efficiency (better than the current gold standard Lipofectamin), leading to higher gene delivery success rates.
• Low cytotoxicity at working concentrations, ensuring cell viability is not compromised during or after transfection.
• Broad applicability across different cell types (human, animal, plant, yeast).
• Can function both as a standalone enhancer and as a booster in combination with commercial reagents, providing flexibility.
• Isolated from natural, plant-derived sources via a reproducible process, supporting scalable and sustainable production.
• Potential to improve outcomes in research, diagnostics, and therapeutic applications involving nucleic acid delivery.

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Inventors & Applicants

Patent Abstract

The present invention relates to the novel use of saponins comprising acetyl residues on one of their sugar residues. These saponins are able to enhance the transfection efficiency to a surprisingly much higher extent than already known saponins and even than Lipofectamin.