Gradient-Pore Swab Tip for Cleaner Biological Sample Collection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current sampling devices for biological specimens face challenges in standardizing sample collection, leading to inaccurate results due to improper methodologies, degradation of pathogens, and contamination from impurities, especially in complex matrices like blood and feces, which affects diagnostic accuracy and speed, particularly in point-of-care diagnostics and reference laboratories.
Innovation Solution
A sampling device with a swab tip and support body, featuring a filter material with a decreasing pore size from the external to internal surface, allows simultaneous collection, isolation, and purification of biological specimens, reducing the need for additional handling and re-immersion in collection fluids, and utilizing a pressure gradient for efficient transfer into a collection tube.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If classical swab devices are used for sample collection, then sample collection is simple, but sample quality deteriorates due to improper collection methodologies and degradation of pathogens
Solution Approach 1:
The sampling device merges the swab tip for collection with an integrated support body that provides structural support and contains a collection tube. This integration allows simultaneous collection, isolation, and purification functions in a single device, eliminating the need for separate handling steps and reducing pathogen degradation risks
Solution Approach 2:
The support body is pre-configured with a collection tube and filter system before sample collection. This preliminary setup enables immediate purification and isolation of the biological specimen upon insertion, preventing degradation that would occur with delayed processing in conventional swab devices
2Reliability
If multiple handling steps are used for sample purification, then sample purification is thorough, but time consumption increases and material loss occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The device combines multiple purification functions (filtration, isolation, and collection) into a single integrated support body structure. The filter material with decreasing pore size performs size-based separation automatically during the sampling process, eliminating the need for multiple separate purification steps
Solution Approach 2:
The sampling device performs self-purification through its integrated filter system. The filter material with gradient pore sizes automatically separates and isolates the biological specimen from contaminants during the sampling action itself, without requiring additional manual intervention or time-consuming external purification procedures
3Ease of manufacture
If filter material with uniform pore size is used, then manufacturing is simple, but sample purification efficiency is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The filter material features a gradient pore size structure where pore dimensions vary from the external surface to the internal surface. This local variation in pore quality allows different regions of the filter to perform different functions: larger pores near the external surface for initial particle capture and smaller pores internally for fine filtration, significantly improving overall purification efficiency
4Quantity of substance
If additional re-immersion in collection fluid is performed, then sample dissolution is complete, but material loss and contamination increase
Solution Approach 1:
The sampling device dissolves and transfers the biological specimen directly into the collection tube during the sampling action itself. The support body's internal structure and filter system work together to facilitate this direct transfer, eliminating the need for separate re-immersion steps and preventing material loss through repeated handling
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 maintains sample quality, reduces material loss, and enhances diagnostic accuracy by standardizing collection, enabling fast and hygienic on-site processing of biological specimens, including viruses, bacteria, and parasites, while preventing contamination and degradation.
Implementation Method 1
the swab tip comprises a filter material (8, 9) with a pore size that decreases from the external surface of the swab tip to the internal surface of the swab tip
Implementation Method 2
utilizing a pressure gradient for efficient transfer into a collection tube
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention is directed to a sampling device for the collection and isolation of a biological specimen from a sample or from a location. The sampling device comprises a swab tip and a support body wherein the support body has a hollow conformation with a first end and a second end and wherein said first end is in fluid connection with the internal surface of the swab tip. Typical for the present sampling device is that the swab tip comprises a filter material with a pore size that decreases from the external surface of the swab tip to the internal surface of the swab tip. The invention further also discloses the use of said sampling device and a method for the collection and isolation of a biological specimen.