# SBIR Phase II: Rapid Ambient Preservation using Thermosets for Optimized Protection of Biomolecules

> **NSF 01002526DB NSF RESEARCH & RELATED ACTIVIT** · CACHE DNA, INC. (CA) · $1,249,319

## Abstract

The broader impact of this Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project will advance the capability to store and preserve biomolecules at room temperature, eliminating the need for energy-intensive cold storage. Current methods for preserving biological materials rely heavily on refrigeration and freezing, requiring substantial energy consumption and complex cold-chain logistics that limit access to biotechnology. This innovation may democratize access to biotechnology research by reducing storage costs and simplifying transport. The technology could benefit medical research, diagnostics, and personalized medicine by enabling more efficient preservation of biological samples. Additionally, this advancement would help reduce energy consumption and associated costs from cold storage, while also enhancing the security and longevity of stored biomolecules for both research and clinical applications.

The proposed project will develop and optimize a novel synthetic polymer-based technology for encapsulating biomolecules that enables ambient temperature storage. The research will focus on developing automated, scalable processes for efficient sample preservation. Key technical objectives include optimizing the polymer chemistry, establishing robust encapsulation methods, and validating the technology through comprehensive stability testing. The project will evaluate the technology's effectiveness in preserving both synthetic and natural biomolecules under various e

## Key facts

- **NSF award ID:** 2437984
- **Awardee organization:** CACHE DNA, INC. (CA)
- **SAM.gov UEI:** WF3PZ1EKDYM4
- **PI:** James Banal
- **Primary program:** 01002526DB NSF RESEARCH & RELATED ACTIVIT
- **All programs:** Biotechnology
- **Estimated total:** $1,249,319
- **Funds obligated:** $1,249,319
- **Transaction type:** Cooperative Agreement
- **Period:** 07/01/2025 → 12/31/2026

## Primary source

NSF Award Search: https://www.nsf.gov/awardsearch/showAward?AWD_ID=2437984

## Citation

> US National Science Foundation, Award 2437984, SBIR Phase II: Rapid Ambient Preservation using Thermosets for Optimized Protection of Biomolecules. Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-06-06 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nsf/2437984. Licensed CC0.

---

*[NSF Awards dataset](/datasets/nsf-awards) · CC0 1.0*