Controlled Transfer Biological Sample Collection Device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for collecting and storing biological samples, such as buccal cells, are invasive, labor-intensive, and lack reproducibility, leading to forensic traceability issues due to separation of collection and storage media in the chain of custody.
Innovation Solution
A controlled transfer biological collection device with a moveable sample collection member and a dry solid storage medium holder that maintains constant pressure for consistent transfer of biological samples to a storage medium, ensuring traceability and compatibility with automated analysis systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional buccal swabs are used to collect samples separately from the storage medium, then non-invasive collection is achieved, but forensic traceability is compromised due to separation in the chain of custody
Solution Approach 1:
The collection device merges the sample collection swab and storage medium into a single integrated unit. The swab tip is positioned in direct contact with the storage medium, ensuring that collected samples are immediately transferred and stored together, maintaining chain of custody traceability while preserving non-invasive collection benefits
2Adaptability or versatility
If separate collection and storage media are used, then flexibility in sample collection is improved, but transfer consistency and reproducibility deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The device combines collection and storage functions in one unit with the swab tip in direct contact with the storage medium, ensuring consistent sample transfer. The integrated design eliminates variability in transfer technique while maintaining adaptability for different sampling locations
Solution Approach 2:
The storage medium acts as an intermediary between the collection swab and final sample storage. It receives samples directly from the swab tip through controlled contact, ensuring consistent transfer while allowing flexibility in collection methodology
3Ease of manufacture
If manual extraction methods are used for DNA analysis, then cost is reduced, but labor intensity and time consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The storage medium incorporates specific chemical treatments that change the parameters of sample stabilization and DNA preservation. This enables automated extraction systems to process samples more efficiently while maintaining cost-effectiveness through standardized, scalable processing
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
The device provides a reproducible and efficient method for collecting and storing biological samples, maintaining sample integrity and facilitating automated analysis, with consistent DNA extraction and PCR amplification results, while ensuring chain of custody traceability.
Implementation Method 1
a dry solid storage and transfer medium... that controls the transfer of the biological sample to the storage medium
Data Source
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AI summary
The field of the present invention pertains to a controlled transfer biological collection device using a dry solid storage and transfer medium and a method for the collection of biological material of interest (genetic or proteinaceous material) in a form suitable for storage and/or subsequent analysis. Specifically, the present invention provides for a sampling device that controls the transfer of the biological sample to the storage medium by holding the storage medium and a moveable sample collection member having an analyte collection surface. The invention further provides for a method not only for storing a biological analyte on this collection device but also for analyzing the stored biological analyte using methods that are suited for automated analyzing systems.