Integration of sample storage and sample management for life science

• US 9,078,426 B2
• Filed: 07/30/2008
• Issued: 07/14/2015
• 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
• Primary Examiner(s): HOBBS, MICHAEL L
• Application Number:
  US12/182,926
• Publication Number:
  US 20080307117A1
• Time in Patent Office: 2,540 Days
• US Class Current: 1/1
• 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 system for the storage, organization, tracking, retrieval, and analysis of nucleic acid sample, the system comprising:

(i) a biological sample device comprising one or a plurality of wells, each well having disposed therein a matrix for dry storage of the nucleic acid sample without refrigeration and without lyophilization;

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; and

wherein the matrix is free of fibers and cellulosic materials and at least 50% of the nucleic acid sample is recovered when an aqueous solvent is added to a the matrix;

(ii) a computer-implemented system for receiving and transmitting data regarding the sample device; and

(iii) a radio frequency interface between the sample device and the computer-implemented system for providing a communication link between the computer-implemented system and the sample device.

2. The system of claim 1 wherein the radio frequency interface comprises a radio frequency interrogator coupled to the computer-implemented system and at least one transponder device associated with the sample storage device for radio frequency communication with the interrogator.

3. The system of claim 1 wherein the biological sample storage device further comprises a magnetic closure and an airtight junction around each at least one well.