Sample extraction device and methods of use thereof
Inventors
Pais, Andrea Maria Dominic • Pais, Rohan Joseph Alexander • Zhou, Chelsea Qinjie
Assignees
Publication Number
US-11660599-B2
Publication Date
2023-05-30
Expiration Date
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Abstract
The presently disclosed subject matter provides devices and methods for sample extraction from a swab during biological sample processing. In particular embodiments, the devices and methods are configured for use in conjunction with microfluidic devices for sample processing.
Core Innovation
The presently disclosed subject matter provides devices and methods for sample extraction from a swab during biological sample processing and, in particular embodiments, the devices and methods are configured for use in conjunction with microfluidic devices for sample processing. In one embodiment, a sample extraction device is provided comprising: a swab shaft comprising a first end, a stopper, and a second end; a lid attached to the first end of the swab shaft, wherein the lid is slidable along the swab shaft; a crush O-ring on the inside of the lid; a swab tip at the second end of the swab shaft; and a sample extraction container comprising a liquid medium and a squeezing structure, wherein the squeezing structure comprises an opening smaller than the swab tip.
The background identifies a need for improved devices and methods for sample extraction because swabs require physical forces to maximize elution, vortexing is not convenient in point-of-care and low resource settings, manual shaking can result in operator to operator inconsistencies, and absorbent swabs can retain sample leading to reduced sensitivity. The disclosure provides methods for maximizing sample elution and device features to squeeze and deform the swab tip to force collected sample to detach and elute into solution; [procedural detail omitted for safety].
Claims Coverage
This patent includes one independent device claim with four main inventive features extracted from the claim language.
Swab shaft comprising first end, stopper, and second end
a swab shaft comprising a first end, a stopper, and a second end
Lid attached to swab shaft that is slidable
a lid attached to the first end of the swab shaft, wherein the lid is slidable along the swab shaft
Crush O-ring on inside of lid
a crush O-ring on the inside of the lid
Sample extraction container with squeezing structure opening smaller than swab tip
a sample extraction container comprising a liquid medium and a squeezing structure, wherein the squeezing structure comprises an opening smaller than the swab tip
The independent claim is focused on a swab-based sample extraction device combining a slidable lid with an internal crush O-ring, a defined swab shaft with stopper, and a sample extraction container having a liquid medium and a squeezing structure whose opening is smaller than the swab tip.
Stated Advantages
Maximizes elution of the sample from the swab by deforming and squeezing the swab tip so that collected sample detaches and elutes into solution.
Addresses inconvenience and operator-to-operator inconsistencies of vortexing and manual shaking in point-of-care and low resource settings.
Enables concentrating more of the analyte in a smaller volume for microfluidic systems by squeezing out liquid from swabs.
Phase change materials are advantageous because they offer high-density energy storage, store heat within a narrow temperature range, are inexpensive, non-toxic and do not require electrical energy for generating heat.
Documented Applications
Use in conjunction with microfluidic devices for sample processing.
Integration into a sample-to-answer nucleic acid amplification test (NAAT) assay from a swab sample on an integrated microfluidic device with on-board stored reagents and an integrated nucleic acid lateral flow strip for detection.
Homogenization and sample extraction for samples such as tissue, plant, food, soil and small organisms using a sample extraction container with a spring-loaded pestle and a grate.
Point-of-care and low resource settings where vortexing is not convenient and manual shaking can result in inconsistencies.
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