COLLECTING, TRANSPORTING AND STORING DEVICE
The multi-compartment collection device efficiently gathers multiple distinct samples in a single motion, supporting various preservation methods and modular multi-omics analysis for sustainable medical sampling.
Background of the Invention
Biological samples are a cornerstone of modern biomedical research, diagnostics, and precision medicine. Samples such as blood, tissue, saliva, urine, and feces contain a wealth of biomolecular information, including DNA, RNA, proteins, metabolites, and microorganisms, which can provide valuable insights into human health, disease mechanisms, treatment response, and patient stratification. The quality of downstream analyses depends heavily on the reliable collection, transport, and preservation of these biological materials.
A major challenge in biospecimen management is maintaining the integrity of biomolecules from the time of sample collection until laboratory analysis. Biological samples are highly dynamic and can undergo rapid changes after collection, resulting in degradation of nucleic acids, proteins, and metabolites or alterations in microbial composition. These changes can compromise analytical accuracy and reproducibility, particularly in clinical studies and biomarker-driven research.
Stool samples have emerged as a particularly valuable source of biological information due to their relevance for microbiome, metabolomic, proteomic, and molecular analyses. However, existing collection systems are often optimized for a single class of biomolecules and therefore limit the ability to perform comprehensive multi-omics investigations from a single specimen. In addition, sample handling can be inconvenient for users and may increase the risk of contamination or improper collection.
To address these challenges, the present invention introduces an innovative sampling device designed for the collection, transport, and storage of biomolecules from biological samples, particularly fecal samples. The system enables the simultaneous collection of multiple subsamples from a single specimen, with each subsample preserved under different conditions tailored to specific downstream analyses. This approach supports comprehensive characterization of microbiome composition, metabolites, proteins, nucleic acids, and other biomarkers while improving user convenience, sample quality, and analytical reliability.