Sample extraction and preparation device

Inventors

DeJohn, Marc Dominic • vanWestrienen, Jesse Wilson

Assignees

Biomeme Inc

Abstract

A fluid sample extraction device is disclosed comprising a housing defining an internal fluid passage having a distal open end and a proximal open end and a porous medium within the fluid passage, between the distal open end and proximal open end. The porous medium, which may be glass, is configured to allow fluid flow in the fluid passage to flow around the porous medium, toward the proximal open end of the housing, when fluid is drawn from the distal open end toward the proximal open end, and to allow fluid in the fluid passage to flow toward the distal open end of the housing, through the porous medium when the fluid is forced toward the distal open end. The porous medium is also configured to capture nucleic acids in the porous medium from the fluid when fluid is forced through the porous medium. Devices and kits are also disclosed.

Core Innovation

A method of extracting materials from a fluid uses a fluid extraction device having a housing with a fluid passage and a porous medium freely movable in the fluid passage. The porous medium is capable of moving, relative to the housing, between a first position that opens a space adjacent to the porous medium and a second position that closes the space adjacent to the porous medium. This movable porous medium functions as a flow-regulating element within the device.

The method directs fluid into the fluid passage through the space adjacent to the porous medium, positioning the porous medium in the first position during fluid introduction. After directing fluid, the method discharges the fluid from the fluid passage through the porous medium. Upon discharge, the porous medium is positioned in the second position, thereby closing the space adjacent to the porous medium, and the porous medium captures nucleic acids from the fluid during discharge through the porous medium.

The described approach is further supported by dependent claim refinements including wash-buffer capture where wash buffer is directed into the fluid passage through the space adjacent to the porous medium and discharged through the porous medium with nucleic acids captured. Elution is described as using an elution buffer selected from water, Tris-EDTA, or a combination thereof, and the method also includes discharge performed under conditions greater than draw pressure and porous-medium selection described by a porosity range.

Claims Coverage

The partial content provides one independent claim describing a method of extracting materials from a fluid using a movable porous medium that alternates between an open first position and a closed second position while capturing nucleic acids. The dependent claims further narrow operation by adding wash and elution selections, specifying pressure relationships, and specifying porous-medium porosity and device structure.

Across the identified independent-claim elements, nucleic-acid capture is associated with a check-valve-like behavior of a porous medium that moves between an open first position during fluid introduction and a closed second position during discharge through the porous medium.

Stated Advantages

Documented Applications