Targeted Nasal Sampling With Sheathed Cannulas for Sample Integrity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods fail to efficiently collect and preserve biological material, particularly from the olfactory region of the nasal cavity, which is uniquely rich in microbes, cerebrospinal fluid, and biomarkers, for diagnostic purposes, often leading to contamination and loss of sample integrity.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus using a delivery device with a cannula or microfluidic channel, combined with a formulation that captures and preserves biological material from targeted regions of the nasal cavity, employing sheaths to minimize contamination, and inducing patient conditions to enhance collection, along with energy application to facilitate capture.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If existing sampling methods are used to collect biological material from the nasal cavity, then the collection process is simple, but the sample integrity is compromised due to contamination and loss
Solution Approach 1:
The nasal cavity is divided into multiple regions (olfactory region, middle meatus, sphenoid sinus) and the sampling device is segmented into multiple cannulas that can be inserted into different regions simultaneously or sequentially. Each cannula is independently controlled to sample specific regions, preventing cross-contamination and ensuring sample integrity while maintaining manageable system complexity through modular design
Solution Approach 2:
A sheath is introduced as an intermediary component that covers the cannula during insertion and withdrawal. The sheath prevents contamination of the cannula from non-targeted regions of the nasal cavity, acts as a protective barrier, and can be easily removed after sampling. This intermediary element significantly improves sample integrity without adding substantial complexity to the overall device
2Measurement precision
If targeted sampling from the olfactory region is performed, then diagnostic accuracy is improved, but the difficulty of access and contamination risk increase
Solution Approach 1:
The sheath serves as a protective intermediary that isolates the olfactory region sampling site from contamination by non-olfactory regions. During insertion, the sheath covers the cannula tip, and during sampling, it prevents cross-contamination while allowing targeted access to the olfactory region through controlled opening or direct cannula placement. This enables high diagnostic accuracy through targeted sampling while mitigating contamination risks
Solution Approach 2:
The device includes pre-positioned cannulas and sheaths that are assembled and ready for immediate insertion into the olfactory region. The cannulas are pre-configured with appropriate lengths and diameters to reach the olfactory region without excessive force, and the sheaths are pre-positioned to provide protection before sampling begins. This preliminary preparation enables accurate targeted sampling while preventing contamination from the outset
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple regions of the nasal cavity are sampled simultaneously, then comprehensive diagnostic information is obtained, but the device complexity and operation difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The sampling system is divided into multiple independent cannulas, each capable of being inserted into different nasal cavity regions (olfactory region, middle meatus, sphenoid sinus). Each cannula is independently controlled and can be operated separately or simultaneously. This segmentation enables comprehensive sampling of multiple regions while maintaining operational simplicity through modular, independent control of each sampling component
Solution Approach 2:
The device is designed with universal components that can perform multiple functions: the same basic cannula structure can be used for different nasal regions by adjusting length and insertion angle, the sheath can protect against contamination during any sampling maneuver, and the formulation delivery system can be adapted for different target regions. This multi-functionality achieves comprehensive sampling capability while avoiding the need for entirely different devices for each region
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
Enables minimally invasive, targeted collection and preservation of biological material, including cerebrospinal fluid and microbiome components, for accurate diagnosis of neurological conditions.
Implementation Method 1
providing a formulation configured to capture the biological material
Implementation Method 2
allowing the formulation to capture the biological material
Implementation Method 3
applying energy comprises applying heat to the formulation through UV/VIS/IR light, through ohmic heating of the formulation, or through conduction from a heated element within the delivery device
Implementation Method 4
the sheath comprises a protective coating disposed about the cannula and/or microfluidic channel
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein, are compositions, methods, systems, and apparatus for collecting biological material from the nasal cavity of a subject or the olfactory region of a subject's nasal cavity. In some embodiments, the biological material is collected from a targeted sub-region of the nasal cavity, such as a targeted sub-region of the olfactory region, wherein such biological material is specific to the targeted sub-region. In some embodiments, the biological material collected from a targeted sub-region is preserved according to its localization. In some embodiments, the biological material comprises cerebrospinal fluid, one or more microbes of the patient's microbiome, one or more components of the patient's metabolome, one or more pathogens, and/or one or more biomarkers of interest. In some embodiments, a specific formulation is delivered to the region in the nasal cavity for facilitating biological material collection located therein.