Micro-needle array sampling for consistent biological material collection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for sample collection, such as venepuncture and buccal swabs, are invasive, painful, and inconsistent, leading to discomfort and potential avoidance of medical care, while existing micro-needle technologies primarily focus on drug delivery and lack standardization for nucleic acid preservation.
Innovation Solution
A method utilizing an array of micro-needles on a flexible base plate to collect biological samples from the epidermis or dermis, with the ability to penetrate and adhere biological material, followed by transfer to a solid medium for stabilization and storage, utilizing micro-needles with varying lengths, shapes, and surface modifications for enhanced adherence and consistency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If venepuncture or finger prick is used for sample collection, then blood samples can be obtained for diagnostic purposes, but the subject experiences pain and discomfort leading to avoidance of medical care
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the sampling function into multiple micro-needles arranged in an array on a flexible base plate. Each micro-needle penetrates the skin independently to collect cellular material, distributing the invasive action across many small points rather than a single large puncture, thereby reducing pain while maintaining sampling reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The micro-needles are designed with specific local properties: varying lengths (0.2-2mm), different geometries (conical, pyramidal, cylindrical tips), and surface modifications (roughened, barbed, coated) to optimize penetration and cellular material adherence at the skin interface, while the flexible base plate adapts to the skin surface geometry
2Object-affected harmful factors
If buccal swabs are used for sample collection, then the procedure is less invasive, but the number of cells collected varies significantly depending on technique and donor factors
Solution Approach 1:
The invention systematically varies key parameters of the micro-needles including length (0.2-2mm), diameter (50-500μm), tip geometry (conical, pyramidal, cylindrical), and surface properties (roughened, barbed, coated) to optimize both penetration depth and cellular material adherence, ensuring consistent sampling across different donors and operators
Solution Approach 2:
The array of micro-needles creates multiple identical sampling points on the skin surface, ensuring that each location contributes equally to the total sample. This replicates the sampling function across many points rather than relying on a single variable swabbing action, thereby improving consistency
3Adaptability or versatility
If existing micro-needle devices are used for drug delivery, then transdermal delivery is achieved, but the devices lack standardization for nucleic acid preservation and sample collection
Solution Approach 1:
The micro-needle array device is designed to serve multiple functions: it can deliver drugs transdermally through hollow or dissolving needles, collect cellular material for diagnostic purposes through solid needles, and preserve nucleic acids using needles coated with stabilization reagents. This multi-functionality allows a single platform to address various medical needs while maintaining reliability for each specific application
Data Source
Figure 1A~1C
Figure 2A~2C
Figure 3A~3E
AI summary
The present invention relates to a device (10) for obtaining a sample (30) from a biological material (40) in solid form, said device comprising an array of micro-needles (30) arranged on a base plate (20). It further relates to a method for obtaining a sample (50) from a biological material (40) in solid form, comprising pressing the micro-needles (30) of the device (10) into said biological material (40), and subsequently removing the device from the biological material (40), and to the use of the device (10) in such a method.