Biomaterial collection system and / or particle deposition system on a target and associated process

Abstract

The present invention relates to a biomaterial collection system (100), comprising an array of angular, biocompatible micro-dots (14), the micro-dots (14) being made of a biocompatible material, comprising an identification code (15) delimiting at least one slot (18) adapted for collecting biomaterial (100), said micro-dots (14) being intended to be applied to an individual without penetrating the skin. Abstract figure: Figure 1

Description

Title of the invention: System for collecting biomaterial and / or depositing particles onto a target and associated method. Technical field

[0001] The present invention relates generally to the field of biosensors and more specifically to a system for collecting biomaterial from a target, in particular an individual.

[0002] The biomaterial collection system, also referred to as a biocollector system, is in the form of micro-points adapted to be projected or applied to a target via an aerosol, varnish, projectile, etc., and to collect biomaterial from said target.

[0003] In addition, the biocollectors according to the invention can be configured to also be distributors of marking agents, biological or chemical. STATE OF THE ART

[0004] The collection of biomaterial taken from an individual may be useful or necessary for various reasons, including in the context of a judicial investigation, or to ensure the tracing and identification of individuals.

[0005] The term "biomaterial" refers to biological or biochemical particles such as skin, blood, saliva, sweat, etc., emanating from and enabling the identification of an individual, particularly through DNA analysis. Such biomaterial samples can constitute essential biological evidence, especially in the context of criminal investigations.

[0006] Current methods of collecting biomaterial, in particular for carrying out DNA analyses, have limitations in terms of invasiveness, user comfort, and traceability of the biomaterial samples collected.

[0007] There is therefore a need for a device and a method for collecting biomaterial that are non-invasive, while ensuring effective tracing, as well as good durability of the collected samples.

[0008] To this end, the invention relates to a biomaterial collection system comprising an array of angular, biocompatible microdots, particularly metallic ones. The term "microdot" refers to metallic microparticles, generally substantially flat and structured. PRESENTATION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] More specifically, the invention relates to a biomaterial collection system, comprising an array of angular, biocompatible micro-dots, the micro-dots being made of a biocompatible material, comprising a code identification delimiting at least one slot suitable for collecting biomaterial, said micro-dots being intended to be applied to an individual, without penetrating the skin.

[0010] The biomaterial collection system according to the invention has many advantages, including those listed below.

[0011] The micro-dots, and therefore the biomaterial collection system according to the invention, can be applied to the target individual via aerosols, gels or liquids, or even be loaded into non-lethal munitions for application during law enforcement or crowd control operations.

[0012] The biomaterial collection system according to the invention is autonomous in the ability of the micro-points to attach and collect biomaterial.

[0013] The micro-dots are small enough to be barely visible to the naked eye and allow in particular use in aerosol form or as a charge for ammunition.

[0014] The microdots can be coded, in particular by means of an engraved identification code. The identification code is thus configured to be indelible and to allow the tracing and identification of biomaterial collection systems.

[0015] Advantageously, the microdots have a metallic matrix; in particular, they are made of nickel. The microdots, especially metallic ones, particularly those made of nickel, are durable, notably because of their structure and their collection capacity.

[0016] More generally, the biocompatible material, of which the micro-dots are made, is nickel or is composed of one or more of the following materials: nickel; carbon; platinum; gold; titanium; silver.

[0017] The micro-dots are configured to be biocompatible, in particular with regard to human contact, under normal conditions of use.

[0018] The micro-points are configured so as not to degrade the collected biomaterial, which constitutes potential biological indicators. The through-slits described below allow, in particular, for housing and protecting the collected biomaterial.

[0019] As described in detail below, metallic micro-dots, particularly those composed of nickel, are detectable by selective electromagnetic induction detectors. Thanks to this characteristic, detection portals can be configured to detect such micro-dots, for rapid and targeted discrimination.

[0020] As described in detail below, the micro-points are easily recovered after use, by methods such as brushing, magnetic capture or the use of special adhesive strips, facilitating recovery without invasion or pain.

[0021] Advantageously, the micro-points are substantially planar in shape, comprising two faces, and polygonal, in particular hexagonal.

[0022] According to one embodiment, the micro-dots have a main section inscribed within a square of approximately 0.3 mm on each side and have a thickness of approximately 0.015 mm.

[0023] Advantageously, the identification code is an alphanumeric code.

[0024] Advantageously, the identification code is engraved through and through in the direction of the thickness of the micro-dots.

[0025] According to one embodiment, the micro-dots have a biocompatible and hydrophobic coating.

[0026] According to one embodiment, the micro-dots comprise a preload of microparticles or nanoparticles to be deposited on the individual. Said microparticles or nanoparticles are then labeling agents, distributed on the target by means of said micro-dots.

[0027] According to one embodiment, the microparticles or nanoparticles of the preload comprise one or more of the following: radionuclides, radioactive molecules.

[0028] The invention also relates to a method of collecting biomaterial by application of a biomaterial collection system as briefly described above.

[0029] Depending on the chosen method of implementation, the application is carried out by aerosolization or by varnish deposition or by projection of a projectile comprising an envelope intended to burst on contact with the individual to deposit on the individual a biomaterial collection system contained in the envelope. PRESENTATION OF THE FIGURES

[0030] The invention will be better understood upon reading the following description, given solely by way of example, and referring to the accompanying drawings given by way of non-limiting examples, in which identical references are given to similar objects and on which:

[0031] [Fig. 1] is a representation of a microdot, comprising an alphanumeric identification code; and

[0032] [Fig.2] is a representation of a biomaterial collection method according to the invention.

[0033] It should be noted that the figures set out the invention in detail to enable implementation of the invention; although not limiting, said figures serve in particular to better define the invention where appropriate. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0034] The invention relates to a system of biocompatible microdots for collecting biomaterial from an individual, such as skin cells, blood, saliva, and sweat. These microdots are designed to be applied to the individual and retrieved non-invasively. The microdots also incorporate an identification code, notably to determine the origin and context of use of the system.

[0035] Biocompatible materials that can be used as constituent materials for the micro-dots according to the invention include, in particular, platinum, carbon, gold, silver, titanium and nickel.

[0036] According to a preferred embodiment, the micro-dots are composed of nickel.

[0037] To choose the most efficient material for forming the micro-dots according to the invention, it is preferable to take into account the intended conditions of use, the interactions with the target biomaterial (in other words to be captured / collected), and the economic constraints.

[0038] Indeed, nickel has characteristics suitable for the present invention, in terms of biocompatibility, physical characteristics (lightness, mechanical resistance, rigidity), chemical characteristics (corrosion resistance, low interactions likely to degrade the collected biomaterials), electrical, electrostatic and machinability, associated with a reasonable cost.

[0039] In particular, nickel lends itself easily to precision micromachining, by laser cutting and structuring. This makes it possible to apply micro or nano-structuring techniques (“patterning”) to nickel micro-dots, particularly by laser, to create surfaces with specific topographies in order to increase the effective surface area for capturing biomaterial on the target, and to influence the physical interaction with the collected biomaterial, or even to allow specific patterns to be printed on the nickel as an identification code and / or to mechanically improve the adhesion of the collectable biomaterial to the target.

[0040] It should be particularly noted that nickel advantageously generates electrostatic charges when rubbed against a non-conductive material, including human skin. This phenomenon is known as static electricity, which results from the transfer of electrons from one surface to another. When two materials are in contact and then separated, one can become positively charged (loss of electrons) and the other negatively charged (gain of electrons). According to the invention, particularly when the microdots are composed of nickel, this accumulation of electrical charge is exploited to capture biomaterial, especially skin, which also becomes charged and is attracted by the opposite charges generated on the nickel surface, thus adhering to the surface of the microdots.

[0041] Figure 1 shows a microdot as defined in the invention. For the sake of clarity, it should be noted that those skilled in the art also refer to microdots as "microdots" in English.

[0042] As shown in [Fig.1], each micro-point 14 has two faces, a first face 16 and a second face 17, opposite each other.

[0043] One of the faces 16, 17 may present the identification code 15 of the micro-point 14.

[0044] The identification code 15 is a numeric or alphanumeric code which allows a large number of combinations.

[0045] Advantageously, the identification code 15 is engraved, in particular by laser cutting, in a through-through manner through the first and second face 16, 17 thereby delimiting at least one through-slot 18.

[0046] Advantageously, each micro-dot 14 is polygonal in shape, in particular hexagonal. The plurality of angles in the polygonal shape of the micro-dots 14 allows for a plurality of sharp angles, enabling better attachment of the micro-dots 14 to the target.

[0047] The micro-dots 14 are configured to be applied to the target and to collect biomaterial 100. In particular, the angular shape, notably the substantially planar and polygonal shape of the micro-dots 14, and the constituent material of the micro-dots 14, in particular nickel, are adapted to allow the micro-dots 14 to be charged by means of a friction mechanism. Friction between surfaces, including the generation of electrostatic charges, falls within the domain of tribology. Thus, the nickel micro-dots 14, rubbed against the skin, accumulate sufficient charges to influence the surrounding biomaterial 100 particles, which then adhere to the surface of the micro-dots 14.

[0048] Electrostatic properties depend on the materials in contact. Human skin, in particular, is an insulator and can contribute to the generation of a significant static charge when rubbed against nickel.

[0049] Thus, the biomaterial 100, composed of skin particles that detach by desquamation, can become electrostatically charged. When these skin particles enter the electrostatic field generated by the charged nickel, they are attracted and attach themselves to the metallic surface of the micro-dots 14.

[0050] The electrostatically charged nickel micro-dots 14 can accumulate biomaterial 100 on their surface, in particular skin particles resulting from the natural desquamation of the target individual, due to electrostatic attraction. This effect can be enhanced by increasing the interaction surface area, by structuring the surface of the micro-dots 14, for example by creating cavities, grooves, or perforations.

[0051] Furthermore, in order to maximize the amount of biomaterial 100 collected, the surface of the micro-dots 14, in particular nickel, can be structured or textured so as to increase the efficiency of the generation of electrostatic charge, and thus of the capture of the particles forming said biomaterial 100. For example, the surface of the micro-dots 14 can be textured so as to be rough or so as to have micro-structures adapted to increase the friction between the surface of the micro-dots 14 with the skin.

[0052] To further optimize the collection of biomaterial 100 by the micro-points 14, one or more coatings can be applied to the external surface of the micro-points 14.

[0053] These coatings can improve the adhesion of skin particles, blood, saliva, hair, fur or other bodily fluids, constituting biomaterial 100, to the micro-points 14, but also improve their preservation, while being chosen to be biocompatible, and preferably non-irritating, as well as adapted to withstand various conditions of use, including high humidity conditions (rain or immersion).

[0054] In particular, certain specific coatings are listed below. These coatings can be used individually or in combination; some micro-points 14 can be covered with one coating while other micro-points 14 are covered with another type of coating.

[0055] According to one embodiment, the micro-dots 14 are covered with a hydrophilic coating. For example, a polyethylene glycol (PEG) coating may be applied. A PEG coating can reduce biofouling and increase the hydrophilicity of the surface, which can help capture water-containing particles, such as skin particles, constituting biomaterial 100. According to another example of a hydrophilic coating, a polysaccharide coating may be applied. Coatings such as hyaluronate or dextran can increase the adhesion of skin particles due to their hydrophilic and biocompatible nature.

[0056] According to one embodiment, the micro-points 14 are covered with a biomimetic coating. For example, a coating comprising peptides and / or proteins may be applied to the micro-points 14. Such a coating comprising peptides or proteins that have an affinity for skin components may enhance the specific capture of water-containing particles, such as skin particles constituting biomaterial 100. For example, such a coating may comprise peptides that bind specifically to keratins or other skin proteins. According to another example of a biomimetic coating, a coating containing collagen gel may be applied to the micro-points 14. Such a collagen gel-based coating is suitable for mimicking the natural environment of the skin and facilitating the adhesion of skin particles, constituting biomaterial 100, in particular.

[0057] According to one embodiment, the micro-spots 14 are covered with a conductive coating. For example, a coating comprising metal oxides can be applied to the micro-spots 14. In this case, thin films of oxides such as zinc oxide or titanium dioxide can be used for their semiconducting properties and applied so as to form a coating for the micro-spots 14, thus improving capture and subsequently facilitating the electrochemical analysis of the collected biomaterial 100.

[0058] According to one embodiment, the micro-dots 14 are covered with an antibacterial coating.

[0059] According to one embodiment, a coating applied to the micro-points 14 may contain silver or copper nanoparticles, so as to offer antibacterial properties, preventing contamination and degradation of the collected biomaterial 100.

[0060] To improve their efficiency in collecting biomaterial, the micro-points can also be subjected to surface treatment.

[0061] According to one embodiment, the surface of the micro-dots 14 is thus treated with chemical agents that introduce specific functional groups, such as carboxyl or amine groups. This improves the chemical interaction with the target biomaterial 100, such as cellular components.

[0062] The micro-dots 14 are substantially flat, angular, preferably hexagonal in shape, with preferred dimensions such that the main section of a micro-dot fits within a square approximately 0.3 mm wide and has a thickness of approximately 0.015 mm. This shape and these dimensions improve the contact area between the micro-dot and the target, particularly the skin of the targeted individual, while minimizing the intensity of the impact and the risk to the skin.

[0063] Micro-slits 18, preferably through-slits, are integrated into each micro-slit, along the thickness. These slits 18 are specifically designed to collect and house, outside the area of ​​physical contact, the collected biomaterial 100. According to one embodiment, the slits 18 created on the surface of the micro-slits 14, particularly through-slits along the thickness, correspond to a numeric or alphanumeric code, for example composed of 4 to 6 characters, allowing each batch of micro-slits 14 to be traced, to ensure traceability.

[0064] In the case where the micro-dots 14 are, according to the preferred embodiment, composed of nickel, and although the physical, electrostatic characteristics The chemical properties of nickel microdots 14 are generally suitable for the desired efficacy in most applications. However, the efficacy of microdots 14 can be further improved by adding modular coatings selected for their biocompatibility, hydrophobicity, or to ensure specific functionalization for the desired biomaterial particles 100. A polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) coating can be used for its skin compatibility and hypoallergenic properties.

[0065] A coating composed of hydrophobic polymers can be applied to protect the micro-dots 14 against moisture and preserve their integrity in various humid environments (rain, immersion).

[0066] Specially designed coatings to bind targeted biomaterial particles 100, thereby increasing the specificity and efficiency of collection, can also be applied to nickel micro-dots 14.

[0067] To apply the micro-dots 14 to a target, different methods are possible. According to one embodiment, the dispersion vectors are aerosols, or gels, or liquids, or projectiles integrated into non-lethal munitions for application during judicial operations or crowd control, for example.

[0068] Furthermore, according to one embodiment, the micro-dots can be pre-loaded, in that they can comprise particles—in particular nanoparticles or microparticles—to be deposited on the target, for example, for labeling purposes. Thus, nanoparticles or microparticles can be carried on the micro-dots before they are applied to the target. These nanoparticles or microparticles, particularly labeling particles, are deposited on the target when the micro-dots are applied to the target. For example, said nanoparticles or microparticles are radionuclides, or radioactive molecules.

[0069] Fig. 2 thus shows steps of a biomaterial 100 collection process according to the invention.

[0070] Step El relates to the application of micro-points 14 on the target.

[0071] Step E2 relates to the recovery of the micro-points 14 once they have collected biomaterial 100 from the target.

[0072] The 14 micro-points are designed to be easily retrieved after use by methods such as brushing, magnetic capture or the use of special adhesive strips, facilitating non-invasive and painless recovery.

[0073] Once retrieved, the microdots 14, which ensured the collection of biomaterial 100 from a target, consequently allow for the safe, non-invasive, and painless collection of biological samples, in other words, biomaterial 100, from a target individual. The collected biomaterial 100 can be immediately traced. In particular, the identification code 15 engraved on the microdots 14 makes it possible to determine the origin and context of the application of micro-points 14 on the target, providing essential information for judicial investigations for example.

[0074] Step E3 therefore concerns the tracing and determination of the origin and context of the application of micro-points 14 in step El, after having retrieved said micro-points in step E2.

[0075] Step E4 relates to the analysis of the biomaterial 100 collected by the micro-points 14 recovered.

[0076] Thanks to the invention, the collection of biomaterial 100 by a discreet, non-invasive and painless method makes it possible to obtain essential biological clues in the context of judicial investigations in particular.

[0077] It should also be noted that the invention is not limited to the embodiments described above. It will indeed be apparent to a person skilled in the art that various modifications can be made to the embodiment described above, in light of the information just disclosed to them.

[0078] In the detailed presentation of the invention given above, the terms used shall not be interpreted as limiting the invention to the embodiment set forth in this description, but shall be interpreted to include all equivalents which can be foreseen by a person skilled in the art by applying their general knowledge to the implementation of the teaching which has just been disclosed to them.

Claims

Demands

1. Biomaterial collection system (100), comprising an array of angular biocompatible micro-dots (14), the micro-dots (14) being made of a biocompatible material, comprising an identification code (15) delimiting at least one slot (18) suitable for collecting biomaterial (100), said micro-dots (14) being intended to be applied to an individual, without penetrating the skin.

2. Biomaterial collection system according to claim 1, wherein the biocompatible material is nickel or is composed of one or more of the following materials: nickel; carbon; platinum; gold; titanium; silver.

3. Biomaterial collection system (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 2, wherein the micro-points (14) are substantially planar, comprising two faces (16, 17), and polygonal, in particular hexagonal.

4. Biomaterial collection system (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the micro-points (14) have a main section inscribed within a square of approximately 0.3 mm on each side and have a thickness of approximately 0.015 mm.

5. Biomaterial collection system (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the identification code (15) is an alphanumeric code.

6. Biomaterial collection system (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the identification code (15) is engraved through in the direction of the thickness of the microdots.

7. Biomaterial collection system (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the micro-dots (14) have a biocompatible and hydrophobic coating.

8. Biomaterial collection system (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the micro-points (14) comprise a preload of microparticles or nanoparticles to be deposited on the individual.

9. Biomaterial collection system (100) according to the preceding claim, wherein the microparticles or nanoparticles of the preload comprise one or more of the following: radionuclides, radioactive molecules.

10. Method of collecting biomaterial (100) by applying a biomaterial collection system (100) according to one of the preceding claims on an individual.

11. A method according to the preceding claim, wherein the application is carried out by aerosolization or by varnish deposition or by projection of a projectile comprising an envelope intended to burst on contact with the individual to deposit on the individual a biomaterial collection system (100) contained in the envelope.

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