Sample extraction device and methods of use thereof
The presently disclosed subject matter provides devices and methods for sample extraction from a swab during biological sample processing. In particular embodiments, the devices and methods are configured for use in conjunction with microfluidic devices for sample processing.
1. A sample extraction device comprising:
a swab shaft comprising a first end, a stopper, and a second end;
a lid attached to the first end of the swab shaft, wherein the lid is slidable along the swab shaft;
a crush O-ring on the inside of the lid;
a swab tip at the second end of the swab shaft; and
a sample extraction container comprising a liquid medium and a squeezing structure, wherein the squeezing structure comprises an opening smaller than the swab tip.
2. The sample extraction device of claim 1 , wherein the lid is a screw top lid or a press fit lid.
3. The sample extraction device of claim 1 , wherein the squeezing structure is an O-ring.
4. The sample extraction device of claim 1 , wherein the liquid medium is located between two frangible seals.
5. The sample extraction device of claim 1 , wherein the sample extraction container further comprises an outlet port.
6. The sample extraction device of claim 5 , wherein the outlet port is fluidically connected to a microfluidic device through a fitting connector.
7. The sample extraction device of claim 6 , wherein the fitting connector is a luer, screw, press fitting, or snap fitting.
8. The sample extraction device of claim 7 , wherein the microfluidic device comprises a sharp structure capable of breaking a frangible seal in the sample extraction container to allow transfer of the liquid medium into the microfluidic device.
9. The sample extraction device of claim 7 , further comprising a check valve between the sample extraction container and the microfluidic device to prevent backflow of the liquid medium.
10. The sample extraction device of claim 7 , wherein the microfluidic device further comprises a filter, a semipermeable membrane, or a porous membrane to filter out undesirable materials.
11. The sample extraction device of claim 7 , wherein the microfluidic device further comprises a microfluidic cartridge with on-board stored reagents in reagent pouches, an integrated nucleic acid lateral flow strip for detection, and one or more actuator elements.
12. The sample extraction device of claim 7 , further comprising a ring-shaped heater that forms a jacketed sheath around the sample extraction container.
13. The sample extraction device of claim 12 , wherein the heater is a resistive heating element comprising a resistor embedded in a block of thermally conducting material.
14. The sample extraction device of claim 12 , wherein the heater is a resistive thin-film heater or a peltier element or a positive temperature coefficient (PTC) self regulating heater.
15. The sample extraction device of claim 12 , wherein the heater comprises a phase change material in a sealed pouch.
16. The sample extraction device of claim 1 , wherein the squeezing structure comprises a narrow sleeve, wherein the narrow sleeve is configured to form a tight fit around the swab head and thereby deform and squeeze the swab head when it is inserted into the squeezing structure.
17. The sample extraction device of claim 16 , wherein the liquid medium is fluidically connected to the top of the sleeve via a channel.
18. The sample extraction device of claim 1 , wherein the squeezing structure comprises an O-ring and the sample extraction container comprises a piston plunger.
19. The sample extraction device of claim 1 , wherein the sample extraction container further comprises a spring-loaded pestle and a grate.
20. A method for sample extraction from a swab tip comprising the use of the sample extraction device of claim 1 comprising the steps of:
a. inserting the swab tip into the sample extraction container;
b. pushing the swab tip through the squeezing structure and into the liquid medium;
c. sliding the lid along the swab shaft and closing the lid, thereby forming an airtight seal between the swab shaft and the sample extraction container;
d. pulling the swab tip out until the stopper makes contact with the inside of the lid; and
e. connecting the sample extraction device to an inlet on a microfluidic device.
21. The method of claim 20 , wherein steps (b) and (d) are repeated one or more times.
22. The sample extraction device of claim 1 , wherein the swab shaft is a breakable swab shaft comprising a scored breakpoint.
23. A method for sample extraction from a swab tip comprising the use of the sample extraction device of claim 22 comprising the steps of:
a. opening the lid of the sample extraction device;
b. inserting the swab tip through the squeezing structure and into the liquid medium;
c. pulling the swab tip back out of the squeezing structure;
d. breaking the breakable swab shaft at the scored breakpoint and allowing the swab tip to rest atop the squeezing structure;
e. closing the lid of the sample extraction device by securing the lid to the sample extraction container; and
f. connecting the sample extraction device to an inlet on a microfluidic device.
24. The method of claim 23 , wherein steps (b) and (c) are repeated one or more times.