Saliva Collection Device with Polyurethane Foam Absorbent
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing saliva collection methods and devices face issues with material binding, limited recovery of specific molecules, imprecision in results, handling difficulties, especially in self-collection by individuals with limited skills, and safety risks due to improper handling of biological materials.
Innovation Solution
A device comprising a test tube with an absorbent element made of polyurethane foam and a collector with radial holes, allowing easy saliva absorption and release, designed for autonomous use by anyone, including children, with a viral inactivation buffer pre-filled in the test tube for safety and increased sensitivity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional absorbent materials (cellulose, cotton) are used for saliva collection, then the device is simple and easy to manufacture, but the recovery of specific molecules is limited and binding issues occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs polyurethane foam as the absorbent material, which is a porous material with high surface area and controlled pore structure. This porous structure enables efficient absorption of saliva while facilitating release of specific molecules (such as viral RNA) for diagnostic analysis, resolving the binding issues associated with traditional cellulose materials.
Solution Approach 2:
The device combines polyurethane foam with a plastic collector and test tube system, creating a composite collection device. The foam is integrated into a structured collector with specific geometric features (narrowing, holes) that work together to achieve both easy manufacture and high molecular recovery efficiency.
2Ease of operation
If self-collection is enabled without proper handling mechanisms, then ease of operation improves, but safety risks and handling difficulties increase
Solution Approach 1:
The test tube is pre-filled with viral inactivation buffer before the user performs collection. This preliminary action ensures that as soon as the saliva sample contacts the buffer upon collection, the virus is inactivated, eliminating safety risks associated with improper handling or delays in processing.
Solution Approach 2:
The viral inactivation buffer acts as an intermediary substance between the collected saliva sample and the laboratory analysis process. It mediates the safety concern by chemically inactivating the virus while preserving the diagnostic integrity of the sample, allowing safe transport and handling.
3Ease of operation
If absorbent material is designed for easy release of saliva, then handling in laboratory improves, but collection efficiency may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The device separates the collection function (foam absorbent element) from the transport function (test tube with buffer). The foam is designed to release saliva easily into the pre-filled test tube, while the test tube provides stable transport conditions. This segmentation allows optimization of each component for its specific function.
Solution Approach 2:
The collector design includes a narrowing that dynamically changes the compression state of the foam during insertion. The foam is compressed during collection to maximize absorption, then naturally expands as it's removed, facilitating automatic release of the saliva sample into the test tube without requiring additional manual manipulation.
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 enhances diagnostic sensitivity for SARS-CoV-2 detection, ensures safe and reproducible sample collection, and facilitates easy laboratory analysis, suitable for various analytical methods, including point-of-care tests, while being intuitive and safe for all users.
Implementation Method 1
an absorbent element (22) made of polyurethane foam and suitable for absorbing a specified amount of saliva
Implementation Method 2
a viral inactivation buffer pre-filled in the test tube for safety
Data Source
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AI summary
A device (12) for taking and handling a saliva sample comprises: a test tube (14) suitable for containing a sample of saliva; a collection element (16) comprising a stem (20) provided at a first end (202) with an absorbent element (22) suitable for absorbing a specified amount of saliva, and suitable for being squeezed to release at least part of the amount of saliva absorbed. The device further comprises a collector (24) provided at a first end (242) with a mouth (244) of a shaped seat (26) suitable to allow the insertion of said absorbent element (22), said shaped seat (26) comprising a narrowing (28) suitable for allowing the squeezing of said absorbent element (22); said collector (24) at a second end (246) comprising at least one collection hole (30, 31). The collector (24) is suitable for being at least partially inserted inside the test tube (14) so that said at least one collection hole (30, 31) is suitable for realizing a fluidic communication between the shaped seat (26) and the inside of the test tube (14).