Apparatus and method for cell, spore, or virus capture and disruption

Abstract

Embodiments disclose an apparatus and methods for biological sample processing enabling isolation and enrichment of microbial or pathogenic constituents from the sample. A vessel for sample containment and extraction is further disclosed for engagement with a transducer capable of efficient sample disruption and lysis. Together these components provide a convenient and inexpensive solution for rapid sample preparation compatible with downstream analysis techniques.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e) to U.S. Provisional Application No. 62 / 074,325, filed Nov. 3, 2014, entitled “APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR CELL, SPORE, OR VIRUS CAPTURE AND DISRUPTION,” and the contents of the foregoing application are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE[0002]The present disclosure is directed generally to inventive apparatus and methods for biological sample processing and analysis. Specifically, the disclosure relates to a method and apparatus for sample disruption and lysis.BACKGROUND[0003]Rapid and accurate identification of infectious agents in resource limited settings is considered critical for controlling the prevalence and spread of disease. This is especially the case in high burden areas of the globe where economic and technological limitations constrain efficient disease management. Accurate disease diagnosis and pathogen monitoring may involve obtai...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The patent text describes a sample processing system that uses an innovative coupling mechanism between a sample collector and a transducer. This allows for efficient energy transfer into the sample collector, resulting in improved sample processing performance compared to conventional methods. The system can use lower frequency sonic energy to homogenize, lysis, and release bimolecular constituents, while reducing degradation of nucleic acids and proteins. The transducer has a tapered section that provides efficient energy transduction, and the sample collector can be heated or cooled during processing. The system has automated and semi-automated processing capabilities, with improved isolation and decontamination capabilities for user safety while maintaining sample integrity. Overall, the system requires fewer user interactions, has lower user training requirements, and reduces user-induced failure points.

Problems solved by technology

This is especially the case in high burden areas of the globe where economic and technological limitations constrain efficient disease management.

For such samples it can be challenging to perform sample collection and biomaterial isolation in a manner compatible with downstream processing and analysis techniques.

Efficiently breaking down sputum, tissue isolates, and other biological samples can be difficult to perform in a safe and effective manner.

Furthermore, low yield isolation protocols may increase the difficulty in detecting the presence of suspected pathogens.

A particular problem exists when attempting to extract and analyze pathogen-identifying nucleic acids from biological samples where the overall amount of the sample or the amount of nucleic acid present in the sample is limited.

This problem is further exacerbated in resource limited settings, such as field applications, rural settings, or in underdeveloped communities and countries where lab facilities and sophisticated lab equipment may not be readily available.

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