Portable device for the storage, transport and recuperation of biological material
The present invention refers to a portable device for the collection of biological samples. The device comprises a receptacle ( 8 ) with a cover ( 2 ), which comprises a pierceable area ( 3 ) and may include a collection instrument ( 1 ), comprising a rod ( 4 ), and a collection arrangement at the end, which may include a solid matrix, for instance a sponge or a tampon ( 5 ). The receptacle ( 8 ) has a rounded or conical shaped bottom ( 10 ), at the center of which there is a conical or rounded-shaped projection ( 11 ), with one or more holes ( 12 ). The bottom of the receptacle ( 8 ) is in contact with a collector recipient through a system of close-aperture, which may comprise screw or a fitting system with protrusions ( 13 ). In this way, the device referred in the present invention allows for the collection, storage, transportation and separation of biological material without significant manipulation and without risk of cross-contamination.
1. A process for recovering a treated biological sample, comprising the following steps:
a) providing a device for collection and treatment of biological samples comprising:
a receptacle with a conical or round-shaped end, at the center of which there is a conical or rounded shape protuberance and one or more holes;
a cover to be operably connected with the receptacle, which comprises a pierceable area, the cover being connected to a rod and a collection arrangement disposed at a distal end of the rod; and
a tube that mates with the conical or round-shaped end of the receptacle;
b) contacting the collection arrangement with anogenital, oropharyngeal or respiratory areas of origin of a biological sample to be treated;
c) inserting the collection arrangement comprising the biological sample to be treated into the receptacle;
d) assembling the receptacle comprising the collection arrangement onto the tube and connecting the cover;
e) piercing the piercable area of the cover and introducing a treatment solution into the receptacle to treat the biological sample;
f) centrifuging the device;
g) recovering the treated biological sample at a bottom of the tube.
2. The process according to claim 1 , further comprising removing the treatment solution through pipetting.
3. The process according to claim 1 , further comprising detecting at least one of nucleic acids or proteins in the treated biological sample.
4. The process according to claim 1 , wherein the one or more holes of the receptacle are filled with at least one of a solid, fiber or gel matrix for at least one of storage, treatment or selective separation of the biological sample.
5. The process according to claim 1 , wherein the biological sample is at least one of exfoliated cells, cervical mucus, saliva, body fluids or exhaled breath.
6. The process according to claim 1 , wherein the treatment solution is a washing solution.
7. A process for recovering a treated biological sample, comprising the following steps:
a) providing a device for collection and treatment of biological samples comprising:
a receptacle comprising at a bottom end of the receptacle a protuberance and one or more holes;
a cover for the receptacle, comprising a pierceable portion to permit introduction of a pipette tip, the cover comprising a collection instrument extending from a bottom of the cover and that extends into the receptacle when the receptacle is closed by the cover; and
a tube that contacts with the bottom end of the receptacle when assembled with the receptacle;
b) contacting at least a portion of the collection instrument with anogenital, oropharyngeal or respiratory areas of origin of a biological sample to be treated;
c) inserting the collection instrument comprising the biological sample to be treated into the receptacle;
d) assembling the receptacle comprising the collection instrument onto the tube and connecting the cover;
e) piercing the pierceable portion of the cover and introducing a treatment solution into the receptacle to treat the biological sample;
f) centrifuging the device;
g) recovering the treated biological sample at a bottom of the tube.