Chemically Treated Sample Collector for Biomarker Stabilization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current diagnostic methods for infectious diseases like Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) are inadequate for decentralized healthcare settings with limited infrastructure, requiring improved sample collection and handling to enable rapid, safe, and effective testing and research.
Innovation Solution
A multiple format sample collection device using a cellulose fibre matrix with chemically treated areas for DNA, RNA, and protein stabilization, allowing for safe storage and analysis without extensive biosafety requirements, and incorporating UV light treatment for viral inactivation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If molecular assays and laboratory testing are used for EVD diagnosis, then diagnostic accuracy is improved, but infrastructure requirements and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The sample collection device is divided into distinct functional zones: a first area for DNA collection/stabilization, a second area for RNA collection/stabilization, and a third area for protein collection/stabilization. This segmentation allows different biomarkers to be collected and stabilized independently on the same device, enabling comprehensive diagnostic testing without requiring complex separate collection systems for each biomarker type.
Solution Approach 2:
The sample collection device serves multiple functions: it collects, stabilizes, and preserves multiple types of biomarkers (DNA, RNA, proteins) simultaneously. The chemically treated areas provide stabilization properties that allow the device to function as both a collection tool and a sample preservation system, reducing the need for complex cold chain infrastructure and enabling use in resource-limited settings.
2Measurement precision
If venous blood sampling is used for diagnosis, then sample quality is improved, but patient safety and infection risk worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The device incorporates chemically treated areas with specific stabilization properties tailored for different biomarker types. Each treated area is optimized for its specific function (DNA stabilization, RNA stabilization, or protein stabilization), allowing effective sample preservation from simple finger-prick samples without requiring large-volume venous draws, thereby reducing patient exposure risk while maintaining diagnostic quality.
3Reliability
If extensive sample preparation is required, then diagnostic reliability is improved, but time consumption and operational complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The chemically treated areas are pre-prepared with stabilization agents during device manufacturing. When a sample is applied to the device, the stabilization occurs automatically without requiring additional preparation steps by the user. This preliminary action ensures sample integrity is maintained from the moment of collection, providing reliable diagnostic samples while minimizing preparation time and operational complexity.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Facilitates early diagnosis, reduces infection risks during sample handling, and provides stable biological samples for research, enabling efficient analysis and understanding of infectious diseases.
Implementation Method 1
The solid support includes plural discrete areas which are chemically treated, or untreated. In this case the areas of the solid support include a first area chemically coated to aid in the stabilisation of DNA, a second area chemically coated to aid in the stabilisation of RNA, and a third area chemically coated to aid in the stabilisation of proteins
Implementation Method 2
incorporating UV light treatment for viral inactivation
Data Source
Figure 1~2a
Figure 2b~2c
Figure 3a~3c
AI summary
Disclosed is a biological sample collector 500 comprising a solid support 12 having plural discrete areas (22, 24, 26, 28 Fig 1) for accepting a biological sample, each area being chemically differentiated, for example by having a different chemical treatment sorbed onto the solid support. An envelope 530 encloses the solid support. A cover portion 520 can cover the biological sample after collection to prevent infection. UV light can be applied to the collected sample to reduce the risk of infection.