Biopolymers for Sample Collection, Protection, and Preservation

Abstract

One of the principal challenges in the collection of biological samples from air, water, and soil matrices is that the target agents are not stable enough to be transferred from the collection point to the laboratory of choice without experiencing significant degradation and loss of viability. At present, there is no method to transport biological samples over considerable distances safely, efficiently, and costeffectively without the use of ice or refrigeration. Current techniques of protection and preservation of biological materials have serious drawbacks. Many known techniques of preservation cause structural damages, so that biological materials lose their structural integrity and viability. We review applications of a novel bacterial preservation process, which is nontoxic and water soluble and allows for the storage of samples without refrigeration. The method is capable of protecting the biological sample from the effects of environment for extended periods of time and then allows for the easy release of these collected biological materials from the protective medium without structural or DNA damage. Strategies for sample collection, preservation, and shipment of bacterial, viral samples are described. The water-soluble polymer is used to immobilize the biological material by replacing the water molecules within the sample with molecules of the biopolymer. The cured polymer results in a solid protective film that is stable to many organic solvents, but quickly removed by the application of the water-based solution. The process of immobilization does not require the use of any additives, accelerators, or plastifiers and does not involve high temperature or radiation to promote polymerization.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
May 19, 2015
Accession Number
ADA618421

Entities

People

  • Eric Olsen
  • Iryna Sorokulova
  • Vitaly Vodyanoy

Organizations

  • United States Air Force School of Aerospace Medicine

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Biomedical

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Air Force
  • Biodegradation
  • Biomedical And Dental Materials
  • Biopolymers
  • Cells
  • Environment
  • Fungi
  • Health Services
  • High Temperature
  • Materials
  • Microbiology
  • Microbiomes
  • Microorganisms
  • Molecules
  • Pathogenic Bacteria
  • Polymers
  • Stem Cells

Readers

  • Environmental Engineering.
  • Immunology
  • Nanocomposite Materials Science