Biopsy carrier, method for asepticly transporting a biopsy sample and method for preparing a biopsy sample for subsequent processing operation

Abstract

biopsy carrier. The present invention relates to a device adapted to facilitate the transport of a biopsy sample from a sterile extraction site to laboratory-type equipment whereby the biopsy sample is processed, while keeping the biopsy sample wet and sterile, and which automatically transfers the biopsy sample from the device to the laboratory-type equipment.

Description

1 / 59 “BIOPSY CARRIER, METHOD FOR ASEPTICALLY TRANSPORTING A BIOPSY SAMPLE AND A METHOD FOR "Prepare a biopsy sample for subsequent processing." Field of Invention

[001] The present invention relates to the field of devices for handling tissue samples. More particularly, the invention relates to a device adapted to facilitate the transport of a viable biopsy sample from a sterile extraction site, where it is extracted from the patient, to laboratory-type equipment where the biopsy sample is processed. Fundamentals of the Invention

[002] Skin grafts have become more common and useful in recent years, primarily for the treatment of burns and other skin lesions. However, the limiting factor in effective treatment, particularly when large areas of the patient's body are affected, is the ability to provide an adequately large skin graft. As will become apparent to the specialist in the technique, the best skin graft will always be made from the patient's own skin. However, when the affected area is large, this presents a challenge, as only relatively small areas of skin can be removed from a patient to be grafted onto a different location on their body. Petition 870250026630, dated 02 / 04 / 2025, page 37 / 96 2 / 59

[003] Recently, attention has been paid to the culture of larger autologous skin grafts in the laboratory, using the patient's own skin as a precursor. This involves performing a skin biopsy on the patient and processing it in the laboratory by a variety of methods, so as to ultimately produce a skin graft substantially larger in area than the biopsy originally taken. As a first step in processing the biopsy, the skin sample can be cut into smaller pieces and further processed according to a variety of existing methods.

[004] A substantial problem arises, however, in the transfer and handling of the skin biopsy, which can easily become infected and / or damaged during transfer from the medical site where the biopsy is performed to the laboratory that needs to process it, as well as in the process of transferring the biopsy to additional equipment for further processing.

[005] The risk of contamination of a biopsy sample would be significantly reduced if the laboratory equipment by which the biopsy sample is processed were used in the same sterile environment as the site of the biopsy procedure; however, the space available in the sterile environment needed for patients and medical staff to facilitate the biopsy and other medical procedures would be compromised. Petition 870250026630, dated 02 / 04 / 2025, p. 38 / 96 3 / 59

[006] It is therefore clear that there is a need for a device that avoids the problems identified above and that allows for the safe transfer and handling of skin biopsies.

[007] It has been an object of the present invention to provide such a device.

[008] It is a further objective of the present invention to provide a biopsy carrier from which the biopsy sample can be aseptically transferred to laboratory-type equipment by which the biopsy sample can be processed. Summary of the Invention

[009] In one aspect, the present invention provides a biopsy carrier for transporting a biopsy sample, comprising the carrier: - an aseptically sealed structure that has a cavity pre-filled with transport medium; - a selectively sealable and non-sealable outlet tube attached to a port in said structure, the port being in fluidic communication with the cavity; where the cavity is configured to receive a biopsy sample in such a way that the biopsy sample is kept in sterile and moist conditions while being transported to laboratory-type equipment, thus maintaining the viability of the biopsy sample; and Petition 870250026630, dated 02 / 04 / 2025, p. 39 / 96 4 / 59 where the biopsy sample is discharged through the outlet tube to the laboratory-type equipment.

[0010] According to some embodiment, the biopsy sample is discharged through the outlet tube to the laboratory-type equipment by suction facilitated by the laboratory-type equipment.

[0011] According to other embodiments, the biopsy carrier further comprises a selectively sealable and non-sealable inlet tube fixed to a port in said structure, the port being in fluidic communication with the cavity. In one embodiment, the biopsy sample is discharged through the outlet tube to laboratory-type equipment by discharging fluid that can flow through the inlet tube into the cavity of the biopsy carrier.

[0012] According to one embodiment, the biopsy carrier further comprises immobilization means to protect the biopsy sample from damage or disfigurement.

[0013] According to another embodiment, the biopsy carrier further comprises one or more pre-processing elements, for pre-processing the biopsy sample before discharging the biopsy sample to laboratory-type equipment. The pre-processing element may be a plurality of cutting blades. Petition 870250026630, dated 02 / 04 / 2025, page 40 / 96 5 / 59 the biopsy sample in pieces and / or other pre-processing elements selected from at least one of: - one or more nozzles for introducing liquid into the biopsy sample, wherein the liquid is a washing solution, a disinfectant solution, a solution comprising a reagent or a buffer; - one or more additional ports for the introduction of liquid into the biopsy sample, wherein the liquid is a washing solution, a disinfectant solution, a solution comprising a reagent or a buffer; - one or more additional ports for extracting fluid from the biopsy carrier cavity; - one or more microneedles to condition the surface of the biopsy sample; - one or more sensors to measure pH, dissolved oxygen (DO), biochemical components and / or the temperature of the liquid inside the cavity; - a test component for bacteria; and - a transparent part that allows visual contact with the biopsy sample by an image generator.

[0014] According to a further embodiment, the biopsy carrier further comprises one or more contact elements which, following the movement between the one or more contact elements in relation to the plurality of slides, are placed in compression contact with both the Petition 870250026630, dated 02 / 04 / 2025, page 41 / 96 6 / 59 biopsy sample as with the plurality of slides to cause comminution of the biopsy sample and to immobilize the biopsy sample.

[0015] In a specific embodiment, the biopsy carrier further comprises a lid that carries one or more contact elements and that is in releasable engagement with the structure, to obstruct the aseptically closed cavity; wherein the engagement of the lid with the structure causes the one or more contact elements to be placed in compression contact with the biopsy sample and the plurality of slides.

[0016] The biopsy carrier may additionally comprise a sample support assembly, comprising the sample support assembly: - a blade holder, which is recessed with a plurality of slots that receive blades, within each of which a corresponding blade is received from the plurality of blades, and with a plurality of spaced openings, so that each opening is delimited by one or more slots that receive blades; and wherein the blade holder comprises a plurality of legs extending from the underside of the blade holder. - a removal plate comprising a flat plate abutting the underside of said blade holder, a plurality of blade guards that Petition 870250026630, dated 02 / 04 / 2025, p. 42 / 96 7 / 59 project upwards from the flat plate, each blade guard is accommodated in a corresponding opening in the blade holder and an opening that accommodates the corresponding leg of the blade holder; - a force transmission unit located below the stripping plate and comprising a contact plate, which is placed parallel to the stripping plate and the blade holder and which is in contact with the plurality of legs of the blade holder and a force applicator extending perpendicularly from the bottom of the contact; and optionally - a blade structure placed in juxtaposition with a corresponding portion of the blade support that is positioned radially outward from the opening formation of the blade support, the blade structure comprising a plurality of spaced grooves, each of which is configured to receive the end of a corresponding blade, and a curved peripheral portion of the same curvature as that of the peripheral portion of the blade support and aligned with it; wherein, when no force is applied to the force applicator, the blade guards extend higher than the plurality of blades and form a grid over which the biopsy sample is introduced; and wherein, when force is applied to the force applicator Petition 870250026630, dated 02 / 04 / 2025, p. 43 / 96 8 / 59 force, the contact plate pushes the blade holder by means of the plurality of legs away from the removal plate, in the direction of the transmitted direction, thus causing the plurality of blades to exceed the height of the plurality of blade guards, thus causing the plurality of blades to cut through the biopsy sample.

[0017] In one embodiment, the biopsy carrier further comprises a lid and, optionally, means for displacing the sample holder assembly upward relative to the frame when the lid is removed, wherein the means for displacing the sample holder assembly upward relative to the frame comprise a plurality of legs extending from the underside of the flat plate of the removal plate and chambers configured to receive a corresponding leg of the flat plate; wherein each of the chambers comprises a spring encircling the leg of the flat plate; wherein, when the lid is engaged in the frame, a compressive force is applied to the plurality of blade guards, which is transmitted to the removal plate, thereby causing compression of the springs encircling the legs of the flat plate; and wherein the springs encircling the legs of the flat plate are extended to cause displacement of the sample holder assembly when the lid is removed.The cover may additionally include one or more contact elements which, after the cover is engaged with the... Petition 870250026630, dated 02 / 04 / 2025, page 44 / 96 9 / 59 structure, one or more contact elements are placed in compression contact with both the biopsy sample and the plurality of blade protectors to immobilize the biopsy sample and to keep it in a moist condition while it is submerged in transport medium.

[0018] In some embodiments, one or more contact elements are a plurality of protrusions formed on a releasable cover and the plurality of blades is fixed to a body member associated with the structure.

[0019] In other embodiments, the cover is provided with two or more guides and the body member is provided with two or more guide rails, each of the rails adapted to receive a sliding guide inside them and the structure is provided with a thermoplastic elastomer configured to undergo deformation when the cover is engaged in the structure.

[0020] According to one embodiment, the biopsy carrier further comprises an additional lid configured to keep one discharge end of the inlet and outlet tubes in a closed environment.

[0021] In specific embodiments, the force that is transmitted to the force applicator is transmitted manually, or transmitted automatically by a wirelessly operated piston mechanism located between the bottom of the carrier and the force applicator. Petition 870250026630, dated 02 / 04 / 2025, page 45 / 96 10 / 59

[0022] In another aspect, the present invention provides a method for aseptically transporting a biopsy sample using the biopsy carrier described above, comprising the method: - Filling the biopsy carrier with transport medium, while the inlet and outlet tubes connected to the biopsy carrier are secured by closure means; - placing a biopsy sample into a cavity of the biopsy carrier; - Transporting the biopsy carrier to laboratory-type equipment; - connecting the biopsy carrier outlet tube to a laboratory-type equipment interface; - release of the closing means of the outlet tube, thus opening the biopsy carrier tube; and - Discharge of the biopsy sample through the outlet tube into the laboratory-type equipment.

[0023] In one embodiment, the biopsy sample is discharged through the outlet tube into the laboratory-type equipment by suction facilitated by the laboratory-type equipment.

[0024] In another embodiment, before the biopsy sample is discharged through the outlet tube into the laboratory-type equipment, the above method further comprises connecting the tube to Petition 870250026630, dated 02 / 04 / 2025, page 46 / 96 11 / 59 biopsy carrier inlet to a source of discharge liquid and release the means of closing the biopsy carrier inlet tube, thus opening the biopsy carrier inlet tube, so that the discharge of the biopsy sample through the outlet tube into the laboratory-type equipment occurs by introducing discharge liquid through the inlet tube into the cavity.

[0025] In some embodiments, the method further comprises pre-processing the biopsy sample before discharging the biopsy sample through the outlet tube into the laboratory-type equipment.

[0026] In yet another aspect, a method is provided for preparing a biopsy sample for subsequent processing using the biopsy carrier of the invention, comprising the method: - placing a biopsy sample into a cavity of the biopsy carrier; - Immobilization of the biopsy sample by engaging the biopsy carrier lid with the biopsy carrier frame, as follows; a. defining one or more contact elements of the lid in compression contact with the biopsy sample, as well as with multiple slides, thus causing comminution of the biopsy; or Petition 870250026630, dated 02 / 04 / 2025, page 47 / 96 12 / 59 b. defining one or more contact elements of the cap in compression contact with the biopsy sample, as well as with the plurality of blade guards; wherein, when one or more contact elements are placed in compression contact with the biopsy sample, as well as with the plurality of blade guards, the method further comprises applying force to the force applicator, thereby causing the plurality of blades to cut the biopsy sample into pieces; - connecting the biopsy carrier's outlet tube to a laboratory-type equipment interface and releasing the outlet tube's closing mechanism, thereby opening the biopsy carrier tube; and - causing the biopsy sample to be discharged through the biopsy carrier's outlet tube into the laboratory-type equipment.

[0027] In one embodiment, the biopsy sample is discharged through the outlet tube into the laboratory-type equipment by suction facilitated by the laboratory-type equipment.

[0028] In another embodiment, before the biopsy sample is discharged through the outlet tube into the laboratory-type equipment, the above method further comprises connecting the inlet tube of the biopsy carrier to a source of liquid. Petition 870250026630, dated 02 / 04 / 2025, page 48 / 96 13 / 59 discharge and release the means of closing the biopsy carrier inlet tube, thereby opening the biopsy carrier inlet tube, such that the discharge of the biopsy sample through the outlet tube into the laboratory-type equipment occurs by introducing discharge fluid through the inlet tube into the cavity.

[0029] All the above features and advantages of the invention will be better understood through the following illustrative description of a specific embodiment thereof. Brief Description of the Drawings

[0030] In the drawings: Fig. 1A shows the steps of a method for aseptically transferring a biopsy sample from the biopsy procedure site to laboratory-type equipment using the biopsy carrier of the invention; Fig. 1B is a schematic illustration of a biopsy carrier according to an embodiment of the invention comprising an outlet port and an outlet tube; Fig. 2A is a schematic illustration of a biopsy carrier according to an embodiment of the invention, configured with a set of blades. Fig. 2B is a schematic illustration of a biopsy carrier according to an embodiment of the invention, configured with a nozzle. Petition 870250026630, dated 02 / 04 / 2025, page 49 / 96 14 / 59 Fig. 2C is a schematic illustration of a biopsy carrier according to an embodiment of the invention, configured with an additional port. Fig. 2D is a schematic illustration of a biopsy carrier according to an embodiment of the invention, configured with a microneedle. Fig. 2E is a schematic illustration of a biopsy carrier according to an embodiment of the invention, configured with a sensor. Fig. 2F is a schematic illustration of a biopsy carrier according to an embodiment of the invention, configured with a bacterial test strip. Fig. 2G is a schematic illustration of a biopsy carrier according to an embodiment of the invention, configured with a transparent part that allows visual contact with an image generator. Fig. 3 is a perspective view of a biopsy carrier according to a specific embodiment of the invention; Fig. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the carriageway in Fig. 3, taken along the D-D plane of Fig. 3; Fig. 5 is a perspective view of a biopsy carrier according to another specific embodiment of the invention; Fig. 6 is a perspective view of the carrier in Fig. 5 fitted into a shipping container in one state. Petition 870250026630, dated 02 / 04 / 2025, p. 50 / 96 15 / 59 ready for transport; Fig. 7 is a perspective view of a biopsy carrier according to yet another specific embodiment in a closed, transport-ready configuration; Fig. 8 is a cross-sectional view of the carriageway of Fig. 7, taken along plane A - A of Fig. 7; Fig. 9 is another cross-sectional view of the device in Fig. 7, taken along plane B-B of Fig. 7; Fig. 10A is a schematic illustration of a biopsy carrier according to one embodiment, shown when positioned in a horizontal orientation and without a lid; Fig. 10B is a schematic illustration of the carrier of Fig. 10A, shown when positioned in a horizontal orientation and with a cover; Fig. 10C is a schematic illustration of the carrier of Fig. 10A, shown when positioned in a vertical orientation and with a cover; Fig. 11 is a perspective view of a biopsy carrier according to an additional specific embodiment, shown with a lid; Fig. 12 is a perspective view of a housing member used in conjunction with, and separate from, the carrier of Fig. 11; Fig. 13 is a perspective view of a second Petition 870250026630, dated 02 / 04 / 2025, page 51 / 96 16 / 59 cover used in conjunction with, and separate from, the carrier of Fig. 11; Fig. 14 is a cross-sectional view of the carriageway of Fig. 11, taken along the C-C plane of Fig. 11; Fig. 15 is a cross-sectional perspective view of the carrier of Fig. 11, taken along the C-C plane of Fig. 11, while a set of sample holders received inside it is shown in an unsectioned perspective view; Fig. 16 is a perspective view of a blade holder used in conjunction with, and separate from, the carrier of Fig. 11; Fig. 17 is a perspective view of a stripping plate used in conjunction with, and separate from, the carrier of Fig. 11; Fig. 18 is a perspective view of a blade structure used in conjunction with, and separate from, the carrier of Fig. 11; Fig. 19 is a perspective view of a power transmission unit used in conjunction with, and separate from, the carrier of Fig. 11; Fig. 20 is a cross-sectional view of the carrier of Fig. 11, taken along the CC plane of Fig. 11, shown when an aseptically sealed cavity thereof is filled with a liquid transport medium; Petition 870250026630, dated 02 / 04 / 2025, page 52 / 96 17 / 59 Fig. 21 is a cross-sectional view of the carrier of Fig. 11, taken along plane C - C of Fig. 11 without the second cover 53, and with the inlet and outlet piping exposed; Fig. 22 is a cross-sectional perspective view of the upper part of the carrier in Fig. 11, which schematically illustrates the sample support assembly being displaced upwards in response to the detachment of a first cover thereof; Fig. 23 is a cross-sectional perspective view of the upper part of the carrier in Fig. 11, which schematically illustrates the placement of a biopsy sample in the upper part of the sample holder assembly; Fig. 24 is a cross-sectional perspective view of the upper part of the carrier in Fig. 11, which schematically illustrates the engagement of a first cover with it; Fig. 25 is a cross-sectional perspective view of the upper part of the carrier in Fig. 11, which schematically illustrates the closing of a first cover in relation to a projecting edge; Fig. 26 is a cross-sectional perspective view of the lower part of the carrier in Fig. 11, which schematically illustrates the detachment of a second cover from the same; Petition 870250026630, dated 02 / 04 / 2025, page 53 / 96 18 / 59 Fig. 27 is a cross-sectional perspective view of the lower part of the carrier in Fig. 11, which schematically illustrates the linear displacement of the power transmission unit, the blade support that carries the blade assembly, and the blade structure; Fig. 28 is a cross-sectional perspective view of the upper part of the carrier in Fig. 11, which schematically illustrates the comminution of the biopsy sample; Fig. 29 is a schematic illustration of a biopsy carrier according to an embodiment of the invention, configured with a wirelessly operated piston mechanism; Fig. 30 is a perspective view of the side of the carrier in Fig. 11, when oriented vertically and ready to be connected to laboratory-type equipment by means of sterile connectors; Fig. 31 is a perspective cross-sectional view of the carrier of Fig. 30, which schematically illustrates a biopsy sample discharge procedure; and Fig. 32 is a perspective cross-sectional view of the carrier of Fig. 30, which schematically illustrates a rinsing procedure. Detailed Description of the Invention

[0031] A biopsy carrier is well suited to facilitate the transport of viable biopsy samples by Petition 870250026630, dated 02 / 04 / 2025, page 54 / 96 19 / 59 can be configured with a housing that maintains an introduced biopsy sample under sterile and moist conditions within a pre-filled transport medium without being damaged or disfigured during transport to a laboratory or laboratory-type equipment by which the biopsy sample can be processed. The biopsy carrier can also be provided with a grid of blades (or a set of blades) or other pre-processing elements and with means to fully discharge the pre-processed biopsy sample to laboratory-type equipment.

[0032] Unlike prior art methods, in which the container in which the biopsy sample is stored during transport is opened before it is manually transferred to laboratory equipment, thus risking contamination, the biopsy carrier of the present invention allows the biopsy sample to be discharged and transferred directly to laboratory-type equipment without being exposed to a non-sterile environment, since the biopsy carrier remains aseptically sealed.

[0033] The term aseptically sealed, as used herein, refers to a structure or cavity that does not permit the passage of materials, such as liquids, to or from said structure or cavity. However, the aseptically sealed structure or cavity may permit the exchange of Petition 870250026630, dated 02 / 04 / 2025, p. 55 / 96 20 / 59 gases between the interior of said structure or cavity and the ambient air for ventilation purposes through ventilation membranes that allow only the exchange of gases, but prevent the passage of contaminating agents, such as bacteria, into the interior of the closed structure or cavity. Thus, although aseptically closed structures or cavities are not necessarily and completely sealed, said structures or cavities remain sterile. As will be understood, a completely sealed structure or cavity is also covered by the term “aseptically closed.”

[0034] As will be understood, laboratory-type equipment may be located in the same facility as the biopsy extraction site or in a laboratory located in a different facility.

[0035] The biopsy sample can be kept viable during transport by the biopsy carrier of the invention for a period of up to one week from the time the biopsy is extracted from the patient, provided that the appropriate transport medium and transport conditions (such as temperature) have been selected according to the expected duration of transport.

[0036] The term transport medium, as used herein, refers to a solution that is suitable for maintaining a viable tissue sample, such as physiological saline (NaCl). Petition 870250026630, dated 02 / 04 / 2025, p. 56 / 96 21 / 59 0.9% in water), phosphate-buffered saline (PBS), and any conventional cell culture medium, such as Dulbecco's Modified Eagle Medium (DMEM) – or Roswell Park Memorial Institute Medium (RPMI) based medium, supplemented with one or more sera, buffers, and antibiotics. Obviously, the composition of the transport medium is selected according to the time the biopsy sample is expected to be in transport. The longer the transport duration, the richer a medium in nutrients and pH buffers should be. For example, for a transport duration of up to 1 hour, transport medium in the form of saline or PBS would be sufficient, whereas for a longer transport duration, a transport medium comprising a cell culture medium supplemented as indicated above would be recommended.

[0037] During transport, the biopsy carrier can be kept at any temperature suitable for maintaining the biopsy sample viability; for example, the biopsy carrier can be kept at room temperature during short-term transport (such as up to 16 hours), whereas for longer periods, it is recommended to keep the biopsy carrier at a low temperature, typically around 4°C, by external cooling. Because it is aseptically sealed, the device can be transported in Petition 870250026630, dated 02 / 04 / 2025, p. 57 / 96 22 / 59 any refrigeration environment without compromising its sterility.

[0038] A biopsy sample is generally a skin sample obtained in a minimally invasive procedure; however, the biopsy carrier also has the capability to handle and transfer other types of biopsy samples under sterile conditions that are obtained invasively or by minimally invasive techniques, such as biopsy samples of liver tissue, kidney tissue, spleen tissue, corneal tissue, bone tissue, tumor tissue, and extracts or tissue from the gastrointestinal tract. The biopsy carrier also has the capability to handle and transfer other types of human and animal tissue, including connective tissue and small organs present in the body, provided they have sufficient cohesion so as not to disintegrate in the transport medium.

[0039] In general terms, a biopsy sample can be aseptically transported from a sterile environment at the biopsy procedure site to laboratory-type equipment using the biopsy carrier of the present invention according to the method set out in Fig. 1A. First, the biopsy carrier is pre-filled with liquid transport medium in step 174, while the inlet and outlet tubes connected to the biopsy carrier are tightly closed, such as by means of closure for Petition 870250026630, dated 02 / 04 / 2025, page 58 / 96 23 / 59 prevent leakage of the pre-filled transport medium. Next, the biopsy sample is received into the aseptically sealed cavity of the biopsy carrier in a sterile environment in step 176. After the biopsy carrier is transported to the laboratory-type equipment in step 178, the outlet tube is connected to a suitable interface of the laboratory-type equipment in step 180. Optionally (as indicated by the dashed line in Fig. 1A), the inlet tube is connected to a source of a discharge liquid in step 182.After releasing the closure means previously fixed to the outlet tube, thus opening the outlet tube of the carrier and also the inlet tube if connected to a liquid source, in step 184, the biopsy sample is discharged from the biopsy carrier through the outlet tube and the interface of the laboratory-type equipment in step 186, by vacuum suction facilitated by the laboratory-type equipment or, if the inlet tube is connected to a liquid source, by introducing discharge liquid through the inlet tube into the cavity.

[0040] Because the biopsy sample is never exposed to non-sterile environments while being transported and transferred to laboratory-type equipment, the risk of contamination of the biopsy sample is eliminated.

[0041] In an optional step 177 (as indicated by Petition 870250026630, dated 02 / 04 / 2025, page 59 / 96 24 / 59 (a dashed line in Fig. 1A), the biopsy sample is preprocessed in preparation for the subsequent processing operation. Although step 177 is listed as being performed before step 178, it will be understood that step 177 may also be performed before other steps.

[0042] It should be noted that the transport medium can also be extracted from the biopsy carrier and subsequently analyzed for its contents, for example, in order to comply with the regulatory and quality control procedures of a Regulatory Authority to analyze the biological load of the medium (e.g., sterility of the medium and presence of mycoplasma).

[0043] The terms “transport aseptically” and “aseptic transport,” as used herein, refer to the transport of a biopsy sample while maintaining said sample under sterile conditions.

[0044] The term closure means, as used herein, refers to any means of preventing leakage of liquids through them, such as a clamp and / or a sterile connector, for example, the AseptiQuik® gender-neutral CPC connector.

[0045] Consequently, the present invention provides a biopsy carrier for transporting a biopsy sample as schematically illustrated in Fig. 1B. The biopsy carrier 400 comprises a structure Petition 870250026630, dated 02 / 04 / 2025, p. 60 / 96 25 / 59 aseptically closed 401 having a cavity 402 pre-filled with transport medium. The biopsy carrier also comprises a selectively sealable and non-sealable outlet tube 403 fixed to a port 404 in said structure, the port being in fluid communication with the cavity.

[0046] When the biopsy carrier 400 arrives at the laboratory, it can be sterilely connected to a laboratory-type device via the outlet tube 403 and a laboratory device interface. Then, after the outlet tube is unsealed, the biopsy sample is discharged by suction facilitated by the laboratory equipment.

[0047] Alternatively, the biopsy carrier may also comprise a selectively sealable and non-sealable inlet tube connected to a port in the carrier structure, the port being in fluidic communication with the cavity, such that, when the inlet tube is connected to a liquid source and said inlet tube is not sealed, the discharge of the biopsy sample through the outlet tube connected to a laboratory-type equipment interface is caused by the introduction of a washing fluid through the inlet tube.

[0048] According to one embodiment, the biopsy carrier further comprises immobilization means to protect the biopsy sample from damage or disfigurement. Petition 870250026630, dated 02 / 04 / 2025, page 61 / 96 26 / 59

[0049] Figs. 2A-G schematically illustrate various biopsy carriers, each configured with different integrated preprocessing elements in order to perform a corresponding preprocessing operation to prepare the biopsy sample for subsequent processing by laboratory-type equipment. It is anticipated that any of these biopsy carriers can be configured with more than one of the illustrated preprocessing elements. Each of these biopsy carriers can be configured with an anti-rotation lock or other means to reduce the risk of accidentally opening the lid.

[0050] The biopsy carrier 190A in Fig. 2A is configured with a set of blades 191 for preprocessing the biopsy sample by comminution.

[0051] The biopsy carrier 190B in Fig. 2B is configured with one or more nozzles 192 for washing or disinfecting the biopsy sample, after the entry port, which can be resealed, is connected to a source of washing or disinfecting fluid; alternatively, a reagent or buffer (such as a washing solution, molecules, antibodies and labeling enzymes) can be introduced into the cavity through the nozzle.

[0052] The biopsy carrier 190C in Fig. 2C is configured with an additional port 193, which can be sealed. Petition 870250026630, dated 02 / 04 / 2025, p. 62 / 96 27 / 59 again, through which a reagent or buffer as described above is introduced or from which the sampling medium can be extracted for analysis.

[0053] The biopsy carrier 190D of Fig. 2D is configured with a microneedle 194 or a microneedle array to condition the surface of the biopsy sample.

[0054] The biopsy carrier 190E of Fig. 2E is configured with a sensor 195, such as a sensor for measuring pH, dissolved oxygen (dO), biochemical compounds or temperature within the biopsy carrier. The term biochemical compounds refers to compounds present in the transport medium during transport that are components in the composition of the fresh transport medium, compounds secreted by cells or tissues transported by the biopsy carrier of the invention, and metabolites and derivatives thereof. Non-limiting examples of such biochemical compounds are carbohydrates (e.g., glucose and lactate), amino acids, pyruvates, bicarbonates, proteins (such as cytokines and enzymes), and reactive oxygen species.

[0055] The biopsy carrier 190F in Fig. 2F is configured with a bacterial test strip 196 to quickly determine if the biopsy sample has a condition requiring special treatment, such as the presence Petition 870250026630, dated 02 / 04 / 2025, p. 63 / 96 28 / 59 of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), which is resistant to commonly used antibiotics and therefore requires a specific reagent for its elimination.

[0056] The biopsy carrier 190G of Fig. 25G, which has a transparent part, such as the transparent window 197, allowing visual contact with the biopsy sample inside the carrier, would allow imaging and / or measurement of the biopsy sample, for example, to assess its size or to determine if it has undergone staining, by an image generator / camera 198 or by other types of monitoring means. It is emphasized that measuring the area of ​​the immobilized skin biopsy while inside the carrier is an important parameter for calculating the amount of reagents, such as enzymes, needed for processing the sample within the carrier itself and / or after transferring the biopsy sample to laboratory-type processing equipment.

[0057] The sterile biopsy carrier of the present invention may further comprise immobilization means for fixing the biopsy sample in place during transport or for preventing damage to or disfigurement of the biopsy sample. The immobilization means generally comprise a component that is placed in compression contact with the biopsy sample and another component generally located on the opposite side of the biopsy sample. Petition 870250026630, dated 02 / 04 / 2025, page 64 / 96 29 / 59

[0058] The structure of the biopsy carrier is described in relation to its orientation when it has the capacity to receive and transport a biopsy sample, for example, when a housing member cap is located above the housing member; however, the biopsy carrier can be repositioned in any other orientation without impairing its functionality, as it is configured to ensure that the biopsy sample will remain submerged in the transport medium, regardless of the orientation of the biopsy carrier, assuming sufficient medium is present.

[0059] Reference will now be made to various detailed embodiments of the present invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying figures. Wherever practicable, similar or like reference numbers may be used in the figures and may indicate similar or like functionality. The figures represent embodiments of the present invention for illustrative purposes only. A person skilled in the art will readily recognize from the following description that alternative embodiments of the structures illustrated herein can be employed without departing from the principles of the invention described herein. [00 60] Figs. 3 and 4 illustrate an embodiment of a biopsy carrier 210, in which the biopsy sample is introduced into a tube 211 pre-filled with medium of Petition 870250026630, dated 02 / 04 / 2025, p. 65 / 96 30 / 59 transport. The immersion tube 212 is positioned inside the tube 211, so that the lower end of the immersion tube 212 is slightly spaced vertically from the bottom of the tube 211, so as to be in liquid communication with the interior of the centrifuge tube 211. The immersion tube 212 facilitates suction-assisted discharge of the biopsy from the biopsy container into laboratory-type equipment.

[0061] Tube 211 can be any commercially available sterile tube, for example, a sterile conical centrifuge tube. In a specific example, tube 211 is a 50 mL centrifuge tube. As will be understood, a conical bottom for tube 211 contributes to the suction effect of the biopsy sample through the immersion tube 212.

[0062] After placing the biopsy sample in tube 211, tube 211 is covered by cap 213, for example, by a barbed connection, from which projects upwards the relatively narrow inlet tube 214, which has, for example, an internal diameter of 3.2 mm, and a relatively wide outlet tube 215 which, for example, has an internal diameter of 9.6 mm. The upper end of the immersion tube 212 is positioned in an intermediate region within the interior of the outlet tube 215, and a sterile connector 217b is in communication with the terminal end of the outlet tube 215. The sterile connector 217a is in communication with Petition 870250026630, dated 02 / 04 / 2025, pp. 66 / 96 31 / 59 the terminal end of the inlet tube 214. Both connectors can be removed and attached separately to the bracket 216.

[0063] When connectors 217a-b are in a released condition and a discharge solution is introduced through connector 217a or vacuum suction is applied through connector 217b, the biopsy sample is discharged through outlet tube 215 and connector 217b to facilitate sterile transfer of the biopsy sample from the carrier to laboratory-type equipment.

[0064] Figs. 5 and 6 illustrate an embodiment of a biopsy carrier 220, which is similar to the biopsy carrier 210 in Figs. 3 and 4, but which is configured without support. The biopsy sample and transport medium are received in the processing container 223. The relatively narrow inlet tube 225, terminating with the sterile connector 229a, projects from the bottom of the processing container 223, and the relatively wide outlet tube 226, terminating with the sterile connector 229b, projects from the side at the bottom of the processing container 223. The processing container 223 is covered by the lid 224 with an anti-rotation lock 227 and is fitted inside the transport container 221 so that the anti-rotation lock 227 and the lid 224 project upwards relative to the transport container 221. The transport container 221 may have a three-dimensional rectangular shape. Petition 870250026630, dated 02 / 04 / 2025, p. 67 / 96 32 / 59 basic, optionally with 228 niches to allow better grip of the container by a user.

[0065] When connectors 229a-b are in a released condition and a discharge solution is introduced through connector 229a or vacuum suction is applied through connector 217b, the biopsy sample is discharged through outlet tube 226 and connector 229b to facilitate sterile transfer of the biopsy sample from the carrier to laboratory-type equipment.

[0066] It should be noted that, in order to prevent the discharge of the liquid transport medium from the process vessel 223 during transport, clamps 222a and 222b may be fitted over tubes 225 and 226, respectively.

[0067] Reference is now made to the embodiment of Fig. 7, which comprises pre-processing elements. The biopsy carrier 100 in the form of a box has a central section 101, a thermoplastic elastomer section 102, which is a part of the central section 101, the purpose of which will be explained below, an upper lid 103 and a lower lid 104. The lid 103 or portions thereof may optionally be made transparent to allow visualization of the biopsy sample once housed in the device.

[0068] The operation of the device and its various parts will be easily understood by looking at Fig. 8, which shows the interior of the device. The underside of the Petition 870250026630, dated 02 / 04 / 2025, p. 68 / 96 The top cap 103 is provided with a plurality of pressure elements in the form of protrusions or bumps 201, which are designed to come into contact with a plurality of blades 202, associated with the central section 101 and located above the thermoplastic elastomer section 102. Obviously, alternative shapes may be provided for the pressure elements, provided they fulfill their function of causing the blades to cut the biopsy sample by applying pressure to their surface. The biopsy sample is placed on the blades 202, which are arranged, according to one embodiment, in a regular grid, and then the cap 105 located on the top cap 103 is closed. Once closed, the cap 105 is hermetically sealed, thus ensuring that the biopsy sample is kept under sterile conditions.Before closing the lid 105, the chamber located inside the thermoplastic elastomer section 102 and the top lid 103 is filled with a transport medium in order to maintain the biopsy sample in viable conditions during transport. The top lid is provided with guides 203 and 203', which can slide into the guide rails 204 and 204', which are part of the central section 101. When pressure is applied to the top lid 103, the guides 203 and 203' slide into the guide rails 204 and 204', thus allowing the pressure elements 201 to apply pressure to the surface of the. Petition 870250026630, dated 02 / 04 / 2025, p. 69 / 96 34 / 59 biopsy sample, causing it to be cut into smaller pieces by blades 202 and administered into the chamber below filled with the medium. The thermoplastic elastomer band 102 is designed to absorb the displacement of liquid resulting from the downward movement of the lid 103.

[0069] Two sterile fluid connectors, 205 and 205' (e.g., CPC AseptiQuik®), are provided for the purpose of aseptically transferring the comminuted biopsy sample from the device once it reaches the laboratory-type equipment or once it is placed in liquid communication with the laboratory-type equipment and is connected, via said fluid connectors, to the inlet of the next processing device. As will be understood by a person skilled in the art, when the fluid connectors 205 and 205' are closed, the chamber within the carrier and the biopsy sample remain sterile. The bottom cap 104 is removed only when it is desired to discharge the comminuted biopsy sample through said fluid connectors 205 and 205'.It should also be noted that, in order to prevent the discharge of the liquid transport medium from the chamber during transport, a check valve or clamp may be provided in the piping between the chamber and the fluid connectors 205 and 205'.

[0070] Fig. 9 shows the device of Fig. 7 in a Petition 870250026630, dated 02 / 04 / 2025, p. 70 / 96 35 / 59 side view in cross-section taken along plane BB, with fluidic connector 205' partially visible.

[0071] Figs. 10-28 and 30-32 illustrate another embodiment of a biopsy carrier that is configured to prevent spillage of the liquid transport medium when its lid is opened, for example, when the biopsy sample is introduced into the carrier.

[0072] Reference is first made to Figs. 10A-C, which schematically illustrate inventive aspects of a biopsy carrier 10 in three different operating stages, respectively.

[0073] In Fig. 10A, the biopsy carrier 10, provided with a housing 5 and a mobile sample holder 7 received within the housing, is positioned in a horizontal orientation, so that the inlet 2 and outlet 4 in liquid communication with the housing 5 are spaced laterally from each other. The liquid transport medium 1 is introduced into the housing 8 to a level that is above the inlet 2 and outlet 4, while providing an air-vacuum region 9 above the transport medium, and the holder 7 is inclined to its normal height which is above the upper surface of the transport medium 1 and above the inlet 2 and outlet 4. The inlet 2 and outlet 4 are blocked with caps to prevent the discharge of the liquid transport medium 1 from them. A biopsy sample 3 is placed on top. Petition 870250026630, dated 02 / 04 / 2025, pp. 71 / 96 36 / 59 of support 7. Two spaced ventilation membranes 11 and 12, which are generally permeable to gases and impermeable to liquids, cover corresponding small ventilation openings formed in the upper regions 16 and 17, respectively, of housing 5 and in fluidic communication with the exterior of the housing, so as to prevent contamination of the biopsy sample 3. At least one of the ventilation membranes is located above the biopsy sample 3.

[0074] In Fig. 10B, the lid 15 of the biopsy carrier 10 is positioned in pressure contact with the biopsy sample 3 and the support 7 and in sealing contact with the upper regions 16 and 17 of the housing 5, thus preventing the entry of contaminating air into the biopsy sample 3. Due to the pressure contact of the lid 15, the support 7 is forced downwards and the liquid transport medium 1 is displaced upwards, causing air 19 to be expelled through the vent membranes 11 and 12 and reducing the size of the empty region 9. It should be noted that the vent membranes 11 and 12 are filtered so that the sterile conditions inside the carrier are not compromised by these membranes. Once the lid 15 is removed, the support 7 is propelled to gradually return to its original position at a height above the inlet 2 and outlet 4.

[0075] Both support 7 and cover 15 are configured with pre-processing means adapted for Petition 870250026630, dated 02 / 04 / 2025, page 72 / 96 37 / 59 preprocess the biopsy sample 3, such as by comminution. The preprocessing means are configured to be operational so as to preprocess the biopsy sample 3 by configuring the lid 15 in pressure contact with the biopsy sample 3 and the holder 7.

[0076] After pre-processing the biopsy sample 3, the biopsy carrier 10 can be repositioned to a vertical orientation, as shown in Fig. 10C, so that the inlet 2 is located above the outlet 4. After removing the caps from inlet 2 and outlet 4, a discharge medium is injected into inlet 2 to force the pre-processed biopsy sample along with the transport medium to be discharged downwards through outlet 4, so as to be received by the laboratory-type equipment. Even though the cap 15 is no longer in pressure contact with the holder 7, the cap remains in sealing contact with the upper housing regions 16 and 17 and therefore the liquid is discharged only downwards through outlet 4.

[0077] Fig. 11 illustrates a biopsy carrier 40 provided with at least the same inventive aspects shown in Figs. 10A-C.

[0078] As shown, the biopsy carrier 40, which is made of biocompatible materials, comprises a housing member 41, a cap 45 attached to the housing member 41, a first cap of relatively small size 32 Petition 870250026630, dated 02 / 04 / 2025, p. 73 / 96 38 / 59 which can be attached, so that it can be released, to the lid 45 to facilitate the introduction of the biopsy sample when released, and a second, relatively large lid 53 which can be attached, so that it can be released, to the housing member 41 in a portion thereof that opposes the first lid 32. The first lid 32 may, in turn, comprise a plurality of elements – for example, a threaded ring 34 which can be engaged on a protruding edge of the lid 45, a flat window 38 for viewing the biopsy sample, and a support 37 for the window 38. Optionally, when the ring 34 is rotated to open (or close) the lid 32, the support 37 and the window 38 lock into their proper places. It should be noted, however, that when the cover 32 is lifted during opening, the ring 34, the support 37 and the window 38 are all lifted as a single unit. The ventilation opening 301 associated with the ventilation membrane 54 (Fig. 14) is also visible.

[0079] Optionally, the entire 45 cover can be transparent.

[0080] As shown in Fig. 12, the housing member 41 has a curved perimeter wall 43, although any perimeter wall of another shape is also within the scope of the invention, and a flat support surface 44 substantially perpendicular to the perimeter wall 43. The support surface 44 is adapted for connection with the cover. Petition 870250026630, dated 02 / 04 / 2025, pp. 74 / 96 39 / 59 through a plurality of openings 46 and can be chamfered to provide a smooth transition to the outer surface of the perimeter wall 43.

[0081] The housing member 41 is configured with a main cavity 48 recessed from the support surface 44 for the insertion of a movable sample support assembly therein. A secondary cavity 52 for accommodating a force applicator of the sample support assembly may be recessed relative to a central region of a lower surface 49 of the main cavity 48. The spring chambers 69, whose purpose will be explained below, which project from the lower surface 49, are also visible.

[0082] The peripheral wall thickness 43 in region A of the housing member 41 is significantly greater than the peripheral wall thickness 43 in region B of the housing member 41. Region B surrounds the main cavity 48 by an angular distance of approximately 200 degrees, while region A surrounds the main cavity 48 by the remaining angular distance.

[0083] To facilitate gas exchange with respect to the main cavity 48, a ventilation opening 51 is formed in region B of the peripheral wall 43 that extends to an inner surface 42 of the housing member that delimits the main cavity 48, such that the opening Petition 870250026630, dated 02 / 04 / 2025, pp. 75 / 96 Ventilation opening 51 is in fluidic communication with the main cavity 48 and ambient air outside the peripheral wall 43. Cross-contamination through the ventilation opening 51 is prevented by means of a gas-permeable and liquid-impermeable ventilation membrane 58 (Fig. 14). The ventilation opening 51 may have two orifices of different sizes to accommodate the ventilation membrane 58, the latter being tightly engaged at the interface between the two orifices of different sizes, such that the larger orifice is in communication with ambient air and the smaller orifice is in communication with the main cavity 48.

[0084] The housing member 41 may have an additional inner surface 36 that extends substantially perpendicularly from the bearing surface 44 and that is shorter and disposed externally relative to the inner surface 42. An additional bearing surface 33 for supporting a complementary cover element 45 is defined by the additional inner surface 36.

[0085] An opening for the passage of additional fluid, such as an outlet port 116 communicating with the main cavity 48, may be formed in the thickened peripheral wall region A of the housing member 41.

[0086] As shown in Fig. 15, an inlet orifice 61 may be in fluidic communication with the smaller orifice. Petition 870250026630, dated 02 / 04 / 2025, pp. 76 / 96 41 / 59 size 59 of the ventilation opening, in order to bypass and avoid the ventilation membrane 58 fitted at the interface between the larger size hole 55 and the smaller size hole 59 of the ventilation opening, which is shown as being oblique in relation to the surface of the outer peripheral wall 43 through which it is perforated.

[0087] The second cover 53 is illustrated in Fig. 13. The second cover 53 has a flat lower surface 62 and a peripheral wall 64 substantially perpendicular to the flat surface 62 which can be aligned with the peripheral wall of the housing member around its entire perimeter. The second cover 53 is used to cover the operating parts located on the underside of the carrier, such as the piston and the tubing connected to the inlet and outlet of the main cavity 48 (Fig. 15), thus providing a physical barrier to protect the valuable operating parts from mechanical damage along their path. As will be understood, in order to connect the biopsy carrier to laboratory-type processing equipment via the inlet and outlet tubes, the second cover 53 must first be removed in order to expose said inlet and outlet tubes.Additionally, in order to pre-process the biopsy sample by cutting, both the second cap 53 and the cap 35 must then be removed in order to gain access to the force applicator 94, as will be explained in. Petition 870250026630, dated 02 / 04 / 2025, pp. 77 / 96 42 / 59 Additional details below.

[0088] Fig. 14 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the biopsy carrier 40 when the first cap 32 and the second cap 53 are fixed to the housing member 41. That is, the first cap 32 engages rotatably and thread-wise with the annular protruding edge 47 of the cap 45, and a plurality of fasteners 68 are used to fix the second cap 53 to the housing member 41, for example, by passing through the mounting holes 63 and 66 (visible in Fig. 13) formed in the second cap 53 and which can be inserted into corresponding coupling elements supplied with the housing member 41 (the coupling element 66' in the housing member 41 for the mounting hole 66 is visible in Fig. 27).

[0089] When the first cover 32 is fixed to the housing member 41, as shown, and the sealing ring 900 is fixed around the tubular force applicator 94 by the sealing fastener 901, the main cavity is aseptically closed, such that the cavity is capable of gas exchange with ambient air only through ventilation membranes: ventilation membrane 58 provided in the non-thickened region B of the peripheral wall, as described above, and through ventilation membrane 54 engaged in a sealed manner at an interface between two holes of different sizes formed in the cover 45 in a region adjacent to Petition 870250026630, dated 02 / 04 / 2025, pp. 78 / 96 43 / 59 protruding edge 47 and positioned obliquely in relation to the upper flat surface 50 of the lid 45 so as to be in fluidic communication with the main cavity. A similar vent membrane 902 is located in the lid 35. A lid seal 111 fixed to the surface 36 of the housing member 41 to provide sealing engagement with the lid 45 and an edge seal 113 fixed to the edge 47 of the lid 45 to provide sealing engagement with a peripheral portion of the sample contactor 39 assists in the aseptic closure of the main cavity 48. Similarly, a lid seal 903 fixed to the lid 35 also contributes to the aseptic closure of the main cavity 48.

[0090] An outlet port 116, to which the outlet tube 136 is connected, is in fluidic communication with the main cavity and can be configured with two holes of different sizes formed in the thickened peripheral wall region A of the housing member 41. The outlet port 116 can be positioned obliquely relative to the inner surface 42 of the housing member 41 near its junction with the support surface 33 (Fig. 12) and extend to one of the lower multi-level surfaces 70 formed in the thickened peripheral wall region A.

[0091] Also with reference to Fig. 15, the movable sample support assembly 65 is shown as being received within the main cavity 48 of the member of Petition 870250026630, dated 02 / 04 / 2025, pp. 79 / 96 44 / 59 housing 41. Assembly 65 can only be received inside the main cavity after cover 45 is removed, since the side dimension of assembly 65, usually its diameter, is larger than the inner diameter of rim 47.

[0092] The sample holder assembly 65 comprises a circular blade holder 71, a stripping plate 72, a force transmission unit 93, and a blade structure 88. The circular blade holder 71, which has a flat surface that is recessed, as shown in Fig. 16, comprises a plurality of first slots receiving elongated and mutually parallel blades 73 and a plurality of second slots receiving elongated and mutually parallel blades 74 that are substantially perpendicular to the first slots receiving blades 73. Each of the first 73 and second 74 slots receiving blades extends between two peripheral regions of the circular blade holder 71. The blade holder 71 is also recessed with a plurality of spaced openings 76 arranged in a rectangular, for example, square formation.Each opening 76 is delimited by one or more first 73 and second 74 slots that receive blades and accommodate an elongated blade guard 82 that projects from the removing plate 72, the purpose of which will be explained below. A plurality of circumferentially spaced legs 79, for example, eight,. Petition 870250026630, dated 02 / 04 / 2025, pages 80 / 96 45 / 59 extends from the lower side of the blade support 71.

[0093] A first blade 86 is received in each first slot 73 and a second blade 87 is received in each second slot 74, for example, by means of a thickened portion of the blade. In order to ensure the perpendicularity of the first blades 86 and the second blades 87, each first blade 86 may be taller than each second blade 87, although shorter than each blade protector 82. Thus, each first blade 86 may contain slots, to allow a second blade 87 to be received in aligned blade slots. Other arrangements of interconnected blades are also within the scope of the invention.

[0094] The stripping plate 72, shown in Fig. 17, comprises a flat plate 905 that rests against, and has a larger diameter than, the blade support 71. A plurality of legs 77, for example, four, extend from the underside of the flat plate 905 and are received in corresponding spring chambers 69, within each of which is inserted a spring 67 that surrounds a leg 77 and is adapted to decrease the rate of displacement of the stripping plate 72. A plurality of spaced blade guards 82 of equal length, projecting from the flat plate 905, define a platform on top of which Petition 870250026630, dated 02 / 04 / 2025, p. 81 / 96 46 / 59 a biopsy sample can be placed. Each opening hole 56 in the removal plate 72 accommodates the blade support leg 79. The flat plate 905 can be circular or can have an asymmetrical shape, so that a tip 906 can be in contact with the inner surface of the thickened peripheral wall region A, allowing better accommodation of the removal plate 72 within the main cavity 48. The removal plate 72 also comprises a central leg 300 (visible in Figs. 15 and 21), which projects from the lower surface of the central region of the flat plate 905 and is received in the hollow cavity 92 of the force transmission unit 93, where it is surrounded by the central spring 78.

[0095] A blade structure 88 is placed in juxtaposition with a corresponding portion of the blade support 71 which is positioned radially outward with respect to the formation of rectangular openings. As shown in Fig. 18, the blade structure 88 has a straight edge 84 formed with a plurality of spaced grooves 89, for example, V-shaped grooves, each of which is adapted to receive the end of a corresponding blade and a curved peripheral portion 85, generally having the same curvature as the peripheral portion of the blade support 71 and aligned with it.

[0096] Four 88-blade structures can be employed, one in juxtaposition with a corresponding portion. Petition 870250026630, dated 02 / 04 / 2025, p. 82 / 96 47 / 59 positioned radially outward from the blade support 71. Alternatively, a single blade structure with four interconnected sections may be employed, each section being identical to blade structure 88.

[0097] Fig. 19 illustrates a force transmission unit 93. The force transmission unit 93 comprises a contact plate 91 substantially parallel to the stripping plate, the blade support, and the hollow tubular force applicator 94, which extends perpendicularly from a central region on the lower side of the contact plate 91 and generally has a significantly smaller diameter than that of the contact plate 91. The longitudinal axis of the hollow cavity 92 formed within the tubular force applicator 94 preferably coincides with the center of the contact plate 91, allowing the force transmitted by the force applicator 94 to be balanced and dampened by the central spring 78 received in the cavity 92, and which generally projects from the same until it comes into contact with the stripping plate 72.The outer edge 96 of the contact plate 91 can be formed with a plurality of circumferentially spaced semicircular notches 97, to accommodate the extension through the corresponding legs of the stripping plate 77. Once the spring 78, which surrounds the central leg 300 of the separating plate 72, is compressed during the application of the compression force to the force transmission unit 93, the spring. Petition 870250026630, dated 02 / 04 / 2025, pp. 83 / 96 48 / 59 extends back to its rest position after the compression force is removed, thus causing the power transmission unit 93 and, consequently, the blade support 71 to be displaced back to their rest positions.

[0098] Each blade structure 88 is fixed to the blade support 71, for example, by means of an elongated fastener that passes through an opening 83 formed in the blade structure 88, a through hole 75 drilled in a corresponding blade support leg 79 and aligned with the opening 83, and a hole 99 aligned with the through hole 75 and which is formed in a region of the contact plate 91 that is located between the projection of the outer surface of the force applicator 94 and the outer edge 96 of the contact plate 91. The fastener can be fixed by well-known means, such as the threading formed within the hole 99.

[0099] In the position shown in Figs. 14 and 15, the force applicator 94 is received inside the hollow cover 35 and contacted by it. The hollow cover 35 has a cylindrical shape, the bottom of which is a threaded ring that can be engaged with the outer wall 57 of the secondary cavity 52, thus fixing the hollow cover 35 in place. The hollow cover 35 may also comprise a groove to accommodate the cover seal 903. When the cover 35 is fixed inside the cavity 52, the Petition 870250026630, dated 02 / 04 / 2025, pages 84 / 96 49 / 59 force applicator 94 is prevented from unintentionally applying force to spring 78 and making accidental cuts in the biopsy sample with blades 86 and / or 87.

[00100] When the first cap 32 is fully engaged on the annular protruding edge 47 of the cap 45, the transparent sample contactor 39, which is located below the window 38 and may be made of silicone, rests against the biopsy sample from above, while the plurality of blade guards 82 press against the biopsy sample from below, thus immobilizing the biopsy sample during transport. Additionally, the sample contactor 39 acts as a counter-pressure during biopsy cutting, such that the removal plate 72 is not displaced by the force applied during the cutting procedure. Furthermore, the blades 86 and / or 87 will pierce through the silicone, allowing for better and more complete cuts of the biopsy sample.As will be understood, the sample contactor 39 is an integral part of the first cap 32, such that, by removing the first cap 32 from the biopsy carrier, the sample contactor 39 would also be removed and the slide assembly would then be accessible from the top. The sample contactor 39 may be porous or microporous to also ensure wetting from the top of the biopsy sample.

[00101] With reference to Figs. 14 and 15, the cavity Petition 870250026630, dated 02 / 04 / 2025, pp. 85 / 96 50 / 59 main 48 of the housing member 41, in which the movable sample support assembly 65 is received, is consequently defined and sealed from the top by the sample contactor 39 and cover 45, from the sides by the peripheral wall regions A and B and, from the bottom, by the lower surface 49 of the housing member and by the sealing ring 900.

[00102] Consequently, when the main cavity 48 is completely filled with liquid transport medium 1 from the lower surface of the housing member 49 to the level of the sample contactor 39, as shown in Fig. 20, all the blade guards 82 are completely covered by the liquid transport medium. Furthermore, the liquid transport medium flows through the opening 51 to the vent membrane 58, through the inlet port 61 to the inlet tube 134, and through the outlet port 116 to the outlet tube 136. It should be noted that tubes 134 and 136 are closed with a sterile clamp and / or connector to prevent leakage of the transport medium. When the main cavity 48 is completely filled with liquid transport medium 1, air is expelled through the vent membranes 54 and 58 (Fig. 14).

[00103] Fig. 21 shows a cross-sectional view of the biopsy carrier 40 without secondary cap 53, thus revealing the inlet tube 134 and the outlet tube. Petition 870250026630, dated 02 / 04 / 2025, pp. 86 / 96 51 / 59 134. Fig. 21 clarifies that all parts of the sample support assembly 65, including the force applicator 94 and cap 35 extending under the housing member 41, are in fact associated with the housing member 41 and are not connected to the second cap 53. The inlet tube 134 is connected to the main cavity 48 via the inlet port 61, while the outlet tube 136 is connected to the main cavity 48 via the outlet port 116. Furthermore, in order to prevent leakage of the transport medium from tubes 134 and 136, each of them is secured and closed by clamps 800 and 801, respectively. The distal end of the inlet tube 134 is attached to the sterile connector 141 to facilitate a sterile connection to a source of a discharge liquid. The distal end of the outlet tube 136 is secured in a manner similar to the sterile connector 143 in order to facilitate a sterile connection to a laboratory-type equipment interface.

[00104] It should be noted that any commercially available sterile connectors may be used to facilitate the connection between the inlet and outlet tubes of the biopsy carrier with their respective connection target. Optionally, tube welding is also covered by the present invention to facilitate a sterile connection between the tubes of the biopsy carrier and their respective connection target. Petition 870250026630, dated 02 / 04 / 2025, pp. 87 / 96 52 / 59

[00105] When the first cap 32 is removed, as shown in Fig. 22, a compressive force applied by the first cap 32 to the sample support assembly 65 is removed, allowing the elasticity of the springs 67 (Fig. 14) to be released. The springs 67 consequently extend and apply an upward force F to the removal plate 72. Consequently, the removal plate 72 and the blade guards 82 are displaced upwards and slowly, at such a slow rate that it is ensured that the liquid transport medium is not spilled from the main cavity. As will be understood, the rate of upward displacement of the sample support assembly 65 depends on the rate of rotation of the threaded ring 34 when the first cap 32 is removed.

[00106] After the sample support assembly 65 has been successfully erected, so that the blade structure 88 is in contact with the lower surface of the protruding edge 47, the biopsy sample 3 is placed on top of the blade guards 82, as shown in Fig. 23. The first cap 32 is then lowered onto the top of the protruding edge 47 of the cap 45 until it is positioned in threaded engagement with it, as shown in Fig. 24. After the threaded ring 34 of the first cap 32 is rotated to its maximum, as shown in Fig. 25, the sample contactor 39 is driven into compression contact with the biopsy sample 3, while the plate Petition 870250026630, dated 02 / 04 / 2025, pages 88 / 96 53 / 59 remover 72 and legs 77 force the springs 67, compressing them and thus keeping the biopsy sample 3 submerged in the transport medium, even if the biopsy carrier 40 is reoriented, for example, when the biopsy carrier 40 is adjusted to a vertical orientation or when inverted.

[00107] The procedure illustrated in Figs. 26-28 is performed in order to pre-process the biopsy sample by comminution.

[00108] First, when the biopsy carrier 40 is inverted, for example, where the force applicator 94 is located below the second cap 53, as shown in Fig. 26, the second cap 53 is detached from the housing member 41, such as by removing fasteners, and then the cap 35 is rotated to be detached from the wall of the secondary cavity 57, thereby gaining access to the force applicator 94.

[00109] An applied force M, manually or automatically, is then transmitted through the uncovered force applicator 94, causing the contact plate 91 to push the blade holder 71 by means of the legs 79 away from the removal plate 72 (which remains static due to the back pressure on the blade guards 82 caused by the sample contactor 39 when the first cover 32 is fully engaged in the cover 45) in the direction of the force M, as shown in Fig. 27. During the transmission of the force M, it is Petition 870250026630, dated 02 / 04 / 2025, pp. 89 / 96 54 / 59 compresses the spring 78, which surrounds the central leg 300 of the removing plate 72. Consequently, when the transmission of force M is interrupted, the spring 78 extends back to its rest position, causing the force transmission unit 93 and, consequently, the blade support 71 to be displaced back to their rest positions (as shown in Fig. 26).

[00110] When the blade holder 71 is moved to its maximum extent, as shown in Fig. 28, a grid 98 of blades 86 and / or 87 extends beyond the blade guards 82, which remain statically positioned along with the removal plate 72. The grid 98 of blades thus cuts through the biopsy sample 3 and becomes incorporated into the sample contactor 39.

[00111] It should be noted that automatic application of force M can be achieved by wirelessly activating a piston mechanism located between the cap 35 and the force applicator 94. Fig. 29 schematically illustrates a biopsy carrier 700 comprising a force transmission unit 701 (similar to the force transmission unit 93 of the carrier 40), wherein force M is applied by a wirelessly operated piston mechanism 703 located between the lower part of the carrier and the force applicator 702.

[00112] After pre-processing the biopsy sample, the biopsy carrier can be advantageously used to aseptically discharge the pre-processed parts. Petition 870250026630, dated 02 / 04 / 2025, page 90 / 96 55 / 59 processed for laboratory-type equipment.

[00113] As shown in Figs. 30-32, the biopsy carrier 40 is adjusted to a vertical orientation, wherein the B region of the non-thickened peripheral wall is located above the A region of the thickened peripheral wall. As mentioned above, the second cap 53 is removed to reveal the inlet tube 134 and the outlet tube 136. Since the inlet tube 134 and the outlet tube 136 are in fluidic communication with the main cavity, a rinsing solution introduced through the inlet tube 134 will flow into the main cavity and cause the pre-processed biopsy specimens to be discharged through the outlet tube 136 and into the laboratory-type equipment, whereby the pre-processed biopsy specimens will be further processed. After the main cavity is rinsed, it can be rinsed with a rinsing solution, such as culture medium or PBS, to ensure that all biopsy parts have been discharged from the carrier.

[00114] The laboratory-type equipment to which pre-processed biopsy specimens are transported may be any type of tissue processing device, for example, a device for isolating individual cells from tissue samples. The tissue processing device may be automated.

[00115] Inlet pipe 134 and outlet pipe 136 Petition 870250026630, dated 02 / 04 / 2025, pp. 91 / 96 56 / 59 can be connected with sterile connectors 141 and 143, respectively, such as the gender-neutral AseptiQuik® CPC connector to facilitate connection to a laboratory-type equipment interface.

[00116] It should be noted that although the biopsy carrier embodiments shown in Figs. 3-32 feature inlet and outlet tubes, the present invention also relates to a biopsy carrier having only one outlet tube (or a plurality of outlet tubes) that is suitable for connection to a laboratory-type device having a vacuum suction operation that causes the biopsy sample to be discharged aseptically from the biopsy carrier. Obviously, a suction-facilitated biopsy sample discharge can also occur from a biopsy carrier comprising inlet and outlet tubes, whether the inlet tube is connected to a discharge fluid source or not.

[00117] The materials comprising the biopsy carrier 40 can be selected according to their biocompatibility, sterilization capability, and intended application. For example, the housing and frame materials can be made of polycarbonate (PC) or a mixture of PC and acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), components that come into contact with the biopsy sample can be made of biocompatible materials, such as Petition 870250026630, dated 02 / 04 / 2025, pages 92 / 96 57 / 59 polyether ether ketone (PEEK) and polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), the carrier blades and springs can be made of stainless steel, while silicone can be used for the seals. The ventilation membranes can be polyethylene terephthalate (PET) or polypropylene (PP) membranes with standard 0.2 µm filters.

[00118] The present invention also provides a method for preparing a biopsy sample for subsequent processing using the biopsy carrier of the invention, comprising the method: - placing a biopsy sample into a cavity of the biopsy carrier; - Immobilization of the biopsy sample by engaging the biopsy carrier lid with the biopsy carrier frame, as follows: a. defining one or more contact elements of the lid in compression contact with the biopsy sample, as well as with the plurality of slides, thus causing comminution of the biopsy; or b. defining one or more contact elements of the lid in compression contact with the biopsy sample, as well as with the plurality of blade protectors; wherein, when one or more contact elements are placed in compression contact with the biopsy sample, as well as with the plurality of blade protectors, the method comprises Petition 870250026630, dated 02 / 04 / 2025, pages 93 / 96 58 / 59 additionally apply force to the force applicator, thereby causing the plurality of blades to cut the biopsy sample into pieces; - connecting the biopsy carrier's outlet tube to a laboratory-type equipment interface and releasing the outlet tube's closing mechanism, thereby opening the biopsy carrier tube; and - causing the biopsy sample to be discharged through the biopsy carrier's outlet tube into the laboratory-type equipment.

[00119] According to one embodiment, the discharge of the biopsy sample through the outlet tube is performed by vacuum suction facilitated by the laboratory device. Alternatively, the method further comprises connecting the inlet tube of the biopsy carrier to a discharge fluid source and releasing the closing means, thus opening the inlet tube, so that the discharge of the biopsy sample through the outlet tube is performed by introducing discharge fluid through the inlet tube into the cavity.

[00120] It should be noted that the biopsy carrier of the invention is also suitable for transporting a tissue sample, such as a tissue graft, from laboratory-type equipment to the location where the tissue will be grafted into the patient. Petition 870250026630, dated 02 / 04 / 2025, pages 94 / 96 59 / 59

[00121] The entire above description of an embodiment of the invention has been provided for illustrative purposes only, it being understood that the invention is in no way limited to the specific illustrative embodiment. Many different arrangements of blades and cutting implements may be provided, different flow channels and ways of discharging comminuted skin may be devised, and many different shapes, sizes and arrangements of the device may be provided by skilled technicians, without exceeding the scope of the invention. Petition 870250026630, dated 02 / 04 / 2025, pages 95 / 96

Claims

1 / 13 CLAIMS 1. Biopsy carrier for transporting a biopsy sample, characterized in that the carrier comprises: - an aseptically closed structure (401) with a cavity (402) pre-filled with transport medium; - a selectively sealable and non-sealable outlet tube (403, 106) fixed to an orifice (404, 116) in said structure, the orifice being in fluid communication with the cavity; wherein the cavity is configured to receive a biopsy sample so that the biopsy sample is maintained in sterile and wet conditions while being transported to laboratory-type equipment, thus maintaining the viability of the biopsy sample; wherein the biopsy sample is discharged through the outlet tube to the laboratory-type equipment;and a sample holder assembly (65), the sample holder assembly comprising: - a slide holder (71), which is recessed with a plurality of slots receiving slides within each of which is received a corresponding slide from the plurality of slides (86, 87) and with a plurality of spaced openings (76), so that each opening is Petition 870260061899, dated 06 / 24 / 2026, page 14 / 48 2 / 13 delimited by one or more slots receiving slides; and wherein the slide holder comprises a plurality of legs (79) extending from the lower side of the slide holder;- a stripping plate (72) comprising a flat plate (905) in a relationship that rests against the lower side of said blade holder, a plurality of blade guards (82) projecting upwards from the flat plate, each blade guard being accommodated in a corresponding opening (76) in the blade holder and an opening (56) accommodating the corresponding leg of the blade holder; - a power transmission unit (93) located below the stripping plate and comprising a contact plate (91), which is placed parallel to the stripping plate and the blade holder and which is in contact with the plurality of legs of the blade holder, and a power applicator (94) extending perpendicularly from the lower part of the contact plate;and optionally - a blade structure (88) placed in juxtaposition with a corresponding portion of the blade holder that is positioned radially outward from the opening formation of the blade holder, the blade structure comprising a plurality of spaced grooves (89), each of which is configured to receive the end of a corresponding blade, and a curved peripheral portion of the same curvature as that of the peripheral portion of the blade holder and aligned with it; wherein, when no force is transmitted to the force applicator (94), the blade guards (82) project above the plurality of blades (86, 87) and form a grid (98) over which the biopsy sample is introduced;wherein, when force is transmitted to the force applicator (94), the contact plate (91) pushes the blade holder (71), by means of the plurality of legs (79), away from the removal plate (72), in the direction in which the force is transmitted, thus causing the plurality of blades (86, 87) to surpass the blade guards (82) in height, causing the plurality of blades to cut through the biopsy sample; and wherein the force transmitted to the force applicator (94) is transmitted manually or automatically by a cordless operated piston mechanism (703), located between the lower part of the carrier and the force applicator (94).

2. Biopsy carrier, according to claim 1, characterized in that it further comprises immobilization means to protect the biopsy sample from damage or disfigurement.

3. Biopsy carrier, according to claim 1, characterized in that it further comprises a lid (32) and optionally means for moving the sample support assembly (65) upwards in Petition 870260061899, dated 06 / 24 / 2026, page.16 / 48 4 / 13 with respect to the structure when the lid is removed, wherein the means for displacing the sample support assembly upwards relative to the structure comprise a plurality of legs (77) extending from the underside of the flat plate (905) of the removal plate (72) and chambers (69) configured to receive a corresponding leg of the flat plate; wherein each of the chambers comprises a spring (67) encircling the leg of the flat plate; wherein, when the lid is engaged in the structure, a compressive force is applied to the plurality of blade guards (82), which is transmitted to the removal plate (72), thereby causing compression of the springs (67) encircling the legs (77) of the flat plate; and wherein the springs (67) encircling the legs (77) of the flat plate are extended to cause displacement of the sample support assembly (67) after removal of the lid.

4. Biopsy carrier, according to claim 3, characterized in that the lid further comprises one or more contact elements (39)n which, after the lid (32) is engaged with the aseptically closed structure, the one or more contact elements are placed in compression contact with both the biopsy sample and the plurality of blade guards (82) to immobilize the biopsy sample.

5. Biopsy carrier, according to Petition 870260061899, dated 06 / 24 / 2026, page 17 / 48 5 / 13 claim 1, characterized in that it further comprises a selectively sealable and non-sealable inlet tube (134, 61) fixed to an orifice (404) in said structure, the orifice being in fluid communication with the cavity.

6. Method for aseptically transporting a biopsy sample using the biopsy carrier, as defined in claim 5, characterized in that it comprises: - pre-filling the biopsy carrier with transport medium, while an inlet tube (134) and an outlet tube (136) connected to the biopsy carrier are secured by the closing means; - placing a biopsy sample in a cavity (402) of the biopsy carrier; - transporting the biopsy carrier to a laboratory-type device; - connecting the outlet tube (403, 136) of the biopsy carrier to an interface of the laboratory-type device; - releasing the closing means from the outlet tube (403, 136) of the biopsy carrier, thereby opening the outlet tube of the biopsy carrier; and - cause the biopsy sample to be discharged through the outlet tube (403,136) into the laboratory type equipment.

7. Method according to claim 6, characterized in that the biopsy sample is discharged through the outlet tube (403, 136) into the laboratory-type equipment by suction facilitated by the laboratory-type equipment.

8. Method according to claim 6, characterized in that before the biopsy sample is discharged through the outlet tube (403, 136) into the laboratory-type equipment, the method further comprises connecting the inlet tube (134, 61) of the biopsy carrier to a source of a discharge liquid and releasing the closing means of the inlet tube (134, 61) of the biopsy carrier, thereby opening the inlet tube of the biopsy carrier; and wherein the discharge of the biopsy sample through the outlet tube (403, 136) into the laboratory-type equipment occurs by introducing discharge liquid through the inlet tube (134, 61) into the cavity (402).

9. Method according to claim 6, characterized in that it further comprises pre-processing the biopsy sample before discharging the biopsy sample through the outlet tube (403, 136) into the laboratory-type equipment. Petition 870260061899, dated 06 / 24 / 2026, page 19 / 48 7 / 13 10. Method for preparing a biopsy sample for subsequent processing operation using the biopsy carrier, as defined in claim 1, the method characterized in that it comprises: - placing the biopsy sample in the cavity (402) of the biopsy carrier; - immobilizing the biopsy sample by engaging the lid (32) of the biopsy carrier in the structure (401) of the biopsy carrier, thus: a. placing one or more contact elements (39) of the lid in compression contact with the biopsy sample as well as with the plurality of blades (86, 87), thereby causing comminution of the biopsy; or b.placing one or more contact elements (39) of the lid in compression contact with the biopsy sample, as well as with the plurality of blade guards (82); wherein, when one or more contact elements are in compression contact with the biopsy sample, as well as with the plurality of blade guards (82), the method further comprises applying force to the force applicator (94), thereby causing the plurality of blades (86, 87) to cut the biopsy sample into pieces; connecting the output tube (403, 136) of the biopsy carrier to a laboratory-type equipment interface and releasing the closing means of the output tube (403, 136), Petition 870260061899, dated 06 / 24 / 2026, page 20 / 48 8 / 13, thereby opening the biopsy carrier tube; and cause the biopsy sample to be discharged through the outlet tube (403, 136) of the biopsy carrier into the laboratory-type equipment.

11. Method according to claim 10, characterized in that the biopsy sample is discharged through the outlet tube (403, 136) of the biopsy carrier into the laboratory-type equipment by suction facilitated by the laboratory-type equipment.

12. Method according to claim 10, characterized in that before the biopsy sample is discharged through the outlet tube (403, 136) into the laboratory-type equipment, the method further comprises connecting the inlet tube (134, 61) of the biopsy carrier to a source of a discharge liquid and releasing the closing means of the inlet tube (134, 61) of the biopsy carrier, thereby opening the inlet tube of the biopsy carrier; and wherein the discharge of the biopsy sample through the outlet tube (403, 136) into the laboratory-type equipment occurs by introducing discharge liquid through the inlet tube (134, 61) into the cavity (402).

13. Biopsy carrier for transporting a biopsy sample, characterized in that the carrier Petition 870260061899, dated 06 / 24 / 2026, page 21 / 48 9 / 13 comprises: - an aseptically closed structure (401) with a cavity (402) pre-filled with transport medium; - a selectively sealable and non-sealable outlet tube (403, 106) fixed to an orifice (404, 116) in said structure, the orifice being in fluid communication with the cavity; wherein the cavity is configured to receive a biopsy sample so that the biopsy sample is maintained in sterile and wet conditions while being transported to laboratory-type equipment, thus maintaining the viability of the biopsy sample; - whereby the biopsy sample is discharged through the outlet tube (403, 136) into the laboratory-type equipment;one or more preprocessing elements, for preprocessing the biopsy sample before discharge of the biopsy sample to the laboratory-type equipment; wherein the one or more preprocessing elements is selected from at least one of: - a plurality of blades (86, 87) for cutting the biopsy sample into pieces; - one or more nozzles (192) for introducing liquid into the biopsy sample, wherein the liquid is a washing solution, a disinfectant solution, a solution comprising a reagent or a buffer; - one or more additional orifices (193) for introducing liquid into the biopsy sample, wherein the liquid is a washing solution, a disinfectant solution, a solution comprising a reagent or a buffer; - one or more additional holes for extracting fluid from the cavity (402) of the biopsy carrier; - one or more microneedles (194) for conditioning the surface of the biopsy sample;- one or more sensors (195) for measuring pH, dissolved oxygen, biochemical components and / or the temperature of the liquid inside the cavity (402); - a bacteria test component (196); and - a transparent part (197) that allows visual contact with the biopsy sample by an image generator (198); one or more contact elements (39) which, following the movement between one or more contact elements in relation to the plurality of slides (86, 87), are placed in compression contact with both the biopsy sample and the plurality of slides to cause comminution of the biopsy sample and to immobilize the biopsy sample; Petition 870260061899, dated 06 / 24 / 2026, p. 23 / 48 11 / 13 a cover (32, 103) that carries one or more contact elements (39, 201) and that is in a releasable engagement with the aseptically closed structure (401), to occlude the cavity (402);where the attachment of the lid to the structure causes one or more contact elements to be placed in compression contact with both the biopsy sample and the plurality of slides (86, 87).; 14. Biopsy carrier, according to claim 13, characterized in that the lid (32) is provided with two or more guides (203) and the body member is provided with two or more guide rails (204), each of the rails adapted to receive a sliding guide inside them and the structure is provided with a thermoplastic elastomer (102) configured to undergo deformation when the lid is engaged in the structure.

15. Biopsy carrier for transporting a biopsy sample, the carrier characterized by comprising: - an aseptically closed structure (401) having a cavity (402) pre-filled with transport medium; - a selectively sealable and non-sealable outlet tube (403, 136) fixed to an orifice (404, 116) in said structure, the orifice being in fluid communication with the cavity; wherein the cavity is configured to receive a biopsy sample so that the biopsy sample is maintained in sterile and moist conditions while being transported to laboratory-type equipment, thus maintaining the viability of the biopsy sample; and wherein the biopsy sample is discharged through the outlet tube (403, 136) to the laboratory-type equipment;one or more preprocessing elements for preprocessing the biopsy sample before its discharge to laboratory-type equipment, wherein the one or more preprocessing elements are selected from at least one of: - a plurality of blades (86, 87) for cutting the biopsy sample into pieces; - one or more nozzles (192) for introducing liquid into the biopsy sample, the liquid being a washing solution, a disinfectant solution, a solution comprising a reagent or a buffer; - one or more additional orifices (193) for introducing liquid into the biopsy sample, the liquid being a washing solution, a disinfectant solution, a solution comprising a reagent or a buffer; - one or more additional orifices for extracting liquid from the cavity (402) of the biopsy carrier; - one or more microneedles (194) for conditioning the Petition 870260061899, dated 06 / 24 / 2026, page. 25 / 48 13 / 13 biopsy sample surface;- one or more sensors (195) for measuring pH, dissolved oxygen, biochemical components and / or temperature of the liquid inside the cavity (402); - a test component for bacteria (196); and - a transparent part (197) that allows visual contact with the biopsy sample by an imaging system (198); one or more contact elements (39) which, after relative movement between the one or more contact elements and the plurality of blades (86, 87), are placed in compression contact with both the biopsy sample and the plurality of blades, causing comminution of the biopsy sample and immobilizing it; wherein the one or more contact elements (39) are a plurality of protrusions (201) formed in a releasable cap (103), and the plurality of blades (86, 87) is fixed to a body member associated with the structure. Petition 870260061899, dated 06 / 24 / 2026, page 26 / 48;

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