Integration of sample storage and sample management for life science

• US 8,900,856 B2
• Filed: 04/08/2005
• Issued: 12/02/2014
• Est. Priority Date: 04/08/2004
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Biomatrica, Inc. (Exact Sciences Corporation)
• Original Assignee: Biomatrica, Inc. (Exact Sciences Corporation)
• Inventors: Muller-Cohn, Judy, Muller, Rolf, Herrnstadt, Corinna
• Primary Examiner(s): HOBBS, MICHAEL L
• Application Number:
  US11/102,588
• Publication Number:
  US 20050276728A1
• Time in Patent Office: 3,525 Days
• Field of Search: 435/307.1, 435/287.1, 422/6
• US Class Current: 435/307.1
• CPC Class Codes: A01N 1/00 Preservation of bodies of humans or animals, or parts thereof
• CPC Class Codes: A01N 1/02 Preservation of living parts
• CPC Class Codes: A01N 1/0263 Non-refrigerated containers specially adapted for transporting or storing living parts whilst preserving, e.g. cool boxes, blood bags or "straws" for cryopreservation
• CPC Class Codes: B01L 2300/022 Transponder chips
• CPC Class Codes: B01L 2300/023 Sending and receiving of information, e.g. using bluetooth
• CPC Class Codes: B01L 2300/043 Hinged closures
• CPC Class Codes: B01L 2300/069 Absorbents; Gels to retain a fluid
• CPC Class Codes: B01L 2300/0829 Multi-well plates; Microtitration plates
• CPC Class Codes: B01L 2400/0487 fluid pressure, pneumatics
• CPC Class Codes: B01L 3/50255 Multi-well filtration
• CPC Class Codes: B01L 3/5085 for multiple samples, e.g. microtitration plates
• CPC Class Codes: B01L 3/50853 with covers or lids
• CPC Class Codes: B01L 3/50855 using modular assemblies of strips or of individual wells
• CPC Class Codes: B01L 3/545 for laboratory containers
• CPC Class Codes: B82Y 30/00 Nanotechnology for materials or surface science, e.g. nanocomposites
• CPC Class Codes: G01N 2035/00108 Test strips, e.g. paper
• CPC Class Codes: G01N 2035/00782 reprogrammmable code
• CPC Class Codes: G01N 35/00871 Communications between instruments or with remote terminals
• CPC Class Codes: G01N 35/028 having reaction cells in the form of microtitration plates

Abstract

Compositions and methods are disclosed for automated storing, tracking, retrieving and analyzing biological samples, including dry storage at ambient temperatures of nucleic acids, proteins (including enzymes), and cells using a dry storage matrix that permits recovery of biologically active materials. RFID-tagged biological sample storage devices featuring dissolvable or dissociable matrices are described for use as supports of biological samples, which matrices can be dried and subsequently rehydrated for sample recovery. Also disclosed are computer-implemented systems and methods for managing sample data.

Claims

1. A biological sample storage device for dry storage of one or a plurality of biological samples without refrigeration and lyophilization, comprising a sample plate comprising one or a plurality of sample wells for containing a biological sample, wherein one or more of said wells comprises a matrix material that dissolves in water;

wherein the matrix comprises at least one stabilizer, wherein if the at least one stabilizer comprises a first stabilizer that is trehalose, then a trehalase inhibitor is also present as a second stabilizer;

wherein the matrix is free of fibers and cellulosic materials; and

wherein at least 50% of the biological sample is recovered from the matrix when a solvent is added to the matrix when the matrix has the biological sample stored therein without refrigeration and without lyophilization.

2. The biological sample storage device according to claim 1 which comprises a lid;

and a closure means for closing the lid onto the sample plate.

3. The biological sample storage device of claim 2 wherein the closure means comprises a magnetic closure.

4. The biological sample storage device according to claim 2 which comprises an airtight closure joint.

5. The biological sample storage device according to claim 4 comprising an airtight closure joint around each well.

6. The biological sample storage device according to claim 3 comprising an airtight closure joint around each well.

7. The biological sample storage device of claim 1 wherein the inhibitor is selected from the group consisting of validamycin A, TL-3, sodium orthovanadate, sodium fluoride, N-α

-tosyl-Phe-chloromethylketone, N-α

-tosyl-Lys-chloromethylketone, aprotinin, phenyhnethylsulfony fluoride and diisopropylfluoro-phosphate.

8. The biological sample storage device of claim 1 wherein the inhibitor is selected from the group consisting of a kinase inhibitor, a phosphatase inhibitor, a caspase inhibitor, a granzyme inhibitor, a cell adhesion inhibitor, a cell division inhibitor, a cell cycle inhibitor, a lipid signaling inhibitor and a protease inhibitor.

9. The biological sample storage device of claim 1 wherein the inhibitor is selected from the group consisting of a reducing agent, an alkylating agent and an antimicrobial agent.

10. The biological sample storage device according to claim 1 wherein the matrix material comprises polyvinyl alcohol.

11. The biological sample storage device according to claim 1 wherein the matrix material comprises hydroxyectoine.

12. A composition comprising (i) a matrix material that dissolves in water;

wherein the matrix comprises at least one stabilizer, wherein if the at least one stabilizer comprises a first stabilizer that is trehalose, then a trehalase inhibitor is also present as a second stabilizer;

wherein the matrix is free of fibers and cellulosic materials and (ii) a biological sample stored in the matrix without refrigeration and without lyophilization wherein at least 50% of the biological sample stored in the matrix is recovered from the matrix when a solvent is added to the matrix.