WO2009074177A1

WO2009074177A1 - Forensic sample processor

Info

Publication number: WO2009074177A1
Application number: PCT/EP2007/063818
Authority: WO
Inventors: Steve Elliott; Graeme Daniels
Original assignee: Tecan Trading Ag
Priority date: 2007-12-12
Filing date: 2007-12-12
Publication date: 2009-06-18

Abstract

A forensic sample processor (1) for collecting solid forensic samples (2) and/or for extracting biological material from these forensic samples, the forensic sample processor (1) comprises (a) a number of tubes (3), each tube (3) comprising a peripheral wall (4) that encloses a sample space (5) and a bottom (6); and (b) a frame (7) with a footprint (8) that essentially corresponds to the footprint of a standard microplate, the frame (7) comprising a series of parallel, longitudinal walls (9) and parallel, transverse walls (10) that extend essentially perpendicular to each other and to the foot print (8) of the sample processor (1) and that encase compartments (11), within each one of which an individual tube (3) can be closely placed in an upright manner. The forensic sample processor (1) according to the invention is characterized in that each tube (3) comprises an essentially vertical partition wall (13) adjoining to an essentially horizontal partition wall (14), both partition walls (13,14) being sealingly attached to the inner surface of the tube peripheral wall (4) and enclosing an evacuation space (15) with a pouring channel (16) that is open at a top end (17) and that is connected to the tube bottom (6), wherein each vertical partition wall (13) comprises at least one opening (18) that is located near the tube bottom (6).

Description

Forensic sample processor

The present invention relates to a forensic sample processor for collecting solid forensic samples and/or for extracting biological material from forensic samples according to the features of claim 1 as well as to the use of such a forensic sample processor. The forensic sample processor comprises a number of tubes. Each tube comprises a peripheral wall that encloses a sample space and a bottom. The forensic sample processor also comprises a frame with a footprint that essentially corresponds to the footprint of a standard microplate. The frame comprises a series of parallel, longitudinal walls and parallel, transverse walls that extend essentially perpendicular to each other and to the foot print of the sample processor and that encase compartments, within each one of which an individual tube can be closely placed in an upright manner.

The collection of samples containing nucleic acid in order to determine the genetic code is currently increasingly gaining in significance. In connection with combating crime, the collection of genetic samples in the meaning of a "genetic fingerprint" is becoming more and more important in two regards: firstly, the ge- netic code is to be acquired from criminals who have already been arrested and secondly the acquired data is to be compared to unknown traces found at a crime scene, for example. In the first case, fresh and clearly identified samples are used to build up a data bank, which may be accessed in the second case. However in the second case, the collected samples are often incomplete, con- taminated, and damaged, thus complicating the forensic work. Additionally, individual countries have already begun to collect biological samples in order to preventively acquire the genetic code of all individuals entering the country or even all the inhabitants of the country. The attribute "forensic" refers to anything, which has a legal or criminological character. The term is thus not only restricted to the fields of criminal law (e.g., legal medicine), but rather comprises any professional activity within any legal proceeding. Forensically relevant samples also comprise proteins (e.g., the pri- ons causing Creutzfeld-Jacob syndrome, or bovine spongiform encephalopathy, or BSE respectively), viruses, bacteria, and other microorganisms, human or animal bodily fluids (such as blood, sputum, feces, sperm, and urine), and single cells (such as oral mucosa cells and hair follicles).

Methods for isolating and analyzing human deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) ribonucleic acids (RNA) are known from the prior art (cf., for example, Molecular Diagnostics: Isolation and Analysis of Human Genomic DNA, 1998 Promega Notes No. 68, p. 20). These methods comprise the PCR methods (PCR = Polymerase Chain Reaction) well known per se for increasing the sample yield and thus the sensi- tivity of the analysis.

Containers for collecting samples and for manually preparing the collected samples for an analysis or a PCR reaction are known from WO 2004/105949 Al. Containers for performing the collection and subsequent PCR reaction in the field are known from US 2004/0214200 Al. However, these known methods appear quite complicated and the containers appear unsuitable for automated and/or robotic processing of samples.

Automated nucleic acid isolation is e.g., known from US 5,863,801. However, the device described in this patent is designed to be used as a stand-alone device and does not work with the existing automation and instruments typically used in forensics and research laboratories, such as a TECAN automated liquid handler (TECAN Schweiz AG, Seestrasse 103, CH-8708 Mannedorf, Switzerland). Given the resources required for such a laboratory to validate their processes, it is of significant value to have a consumable that can closely mimic their validated manual processes and be used on existing instrumentation.

A device for incubation, centrifugation and separation of DNA samples on a solid support is known as the Slicprep™ 96 device from PROMEGA Corp. (2800 Woods Hollow Road, Madison, WI 53711 USA). This device is made from polypropylene and is based on a 96 - deep well microplate, a 96 spin basket unit, and a collar for raising the baskets. In the incubation mode, the solid supports or forensic samples (e.g. dried buccal swabs) are placed in the baskets that are fully in- serted in the deep well plate. Digestion buffer or lysis buffer is added to cover the samples and the sealed unit is incubated at a desired temperature. The baskets are then raised and a collar is inserted so that centrifugation in a swinging plate rotor will remove the extract, i.e., the DNA-containing solution from the solid supports or forensic samples. After removal of the 96-spin basket unit and the collar, the deep well plate can then be placed on a workstation for purifying the DNA. Although this device has been designed to make DNA extraction from forensic samples more automation compatible, manual procedure steps are still required for adding the collar and then later removing the collar and the basket unit.

Nucleic acid isolation that is carried out similarly as just described and that also requires significant manual steps during the process is known from FITZCO Inc. (4300 Shoreline Drive, Spring Park, MN 55384, USA). The FITZCO Spin-eze™ device is a single tube device consisting of a basket unit and an Eppendorf type receiving tube. In the initial extractions steps, solid supports containing DNA (i.e., swabs) are placed in the basket, which is then inserted into the Eppendorf type tube. Digestion or lysis buffers are added to cover the forensic samples and the sealed unit is incubated and later centrifuged to make the DNA-containing solution flow from the basket to the tube. The basket is then manually removed and the tube can be placed on a workstation for purifying the DNA.

Another system that is known from TECAN consists of two tubes, which can be attached end-to-end with a "filter", placed between them for processing. A sample tube contains the swab or other DNA containing forensic material. Buffers are added to the sample tube for initial processing and a receiving tube is attached upside down to the top of the sample tube. A rack with an array of such "double- tubes" is moved into a "flipping" device, which rotates the two connected tubes so that the liquid can flow via the filter from the now upper sample tube into the lower receiving tube during a subsequent centrifugation. The tubes then may be separated. Also this system needs manual manipulation and in addition, special devices for flipping the tubes are required.

An object of the present invention is to suggest an alternative device and/or an alternative method, which enable bound molecules, such as nucleic acids, to be collected, processed and/or removed fully automatically from solid supports, such as buccal swabs.

This object is achieved according to a first aspect by a forensic sample processor for collecting solid forensic samples and/or for extracting biological material from these forensic samples according to the features of claim 1. The forensic sample processor comprising : (a) a number of tubes, each tube comprising a peripheral wall that encloses a sample space and a bottom; and (b) a frame with a footprint that essentially corresponds to the footprint of a standard microplate, the frame comprising a series of parallel, longitudinal walls and parallel, transverse walls that extend essentially perpendicular to each other and to the foot print of the sample processor and that encase compartments, within each one of which an individual tube can be closely placed in an upright manner.

The forensic sample processor according the present invention is characterized in that each tube comprises an essentially vertical partition wall adjoining to an essentially horizontal partition wall, both partition walls being sealingly attached to the inner surface of the tube peripheral wall and enclosing an evacuation space with a pouring channel that is open at a top end and that is connected to the tube bottom, wherein each vertical partition wall comprises at least one opening that is located near the tube bottom.

A first particularly preferred embodiment of the forensic sample processor is characterized in that the peripheral wall of each tube is cylindrical, the tube comprising a collar that ensures an exact fit and orientation of the tube in its compartment. A second particularly preferred embodiment of the forensic sample processor is characterized in that the peripheral wall of each tube is octagonal.

The forensic sample processor according to a first variant of the present inven- tion is characterized in that the pouring channel of each tube has a lower end with a nozzle that reaches beyond the tube bottom.

The forensic sample processor according to a second variant of the present invention is characterized in that the pouring channel of each tube has a lower end that is formed as a funnel in the underside of the tube bottom.

This object is achieved according to a second aspect by a method for collecting solid forensic samples and/or for extracting biological material from these forensic samples according to the features of claim 26.

Additional preferred features according to the present invention result from the dependent claims.

Advantages of the present invention comprise:

Each forensic sample is individually processed in a single tube, which serves to the chain of custody with respect to the safe tracking of each sample. The single tube functionality greatly minimizes the danger of cross contamination between samples. - The utilization of the forensic sample processor/tube assembly provides for a higher throughput of samples and for at least the same reliability of the achieved results than tip aspiration methods.

The utilization of the forensic sample processor/tube assembly preferably is automated and allows biological and/or chemical samples to be sepa- rated/extracted from samples such as solid supports like buccal swabs.

The procedures can be run on automated systems that usually comprise one or more pipetting apparatus operating on liquid containers situated on a worktable of a workstation. The present invention will be explained in greater detail on the basis of exemplary embodiments and schematic drawings, which do not restrict the scope of the present invention. Whereas it is shown in :

Fig. 1 a partially transparent presentation of a plane view of a forensic sample processor with a frame that contains 24 cavities and with cylindrical tubes that are inserted in the four different orientations according to a first embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 2 a partially transparent presentation of a plane view of a forensic sample processor, the frame of which is superimposed on a 96-well microplate, one of the 24 cavities being occupied by a tube with a pouring channel that directs liquids from the tube into a well positioned in register below;

Fig. 3 a vertical section through the frame of Fig. 1 according to a first variant of the invention with an elongated pouring channel formed as a nozzle;

Fig. 4 a vertical section through the frame of Fig. 1 according to a second variant of the invention with a piercing bottom plate of the compartments of the frame formed as a nozzle;

Fig. 5 a horizontal partial section through the tubes and a plane view of a forensic sample processor with a frame that contains 24 compartments and with octagonal tubes that are inserted in the four different orientations according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 1 shows a partially transparent presentation of a plane view of a forensic sample processor with a frame that contains 24 cavities and with cylindrical tubes that are inserted in the four different orientations according to a first embodiment of the present invention. The forensic sample processor 1 is accomplished for collecting solid forensic samples 2 and/or for extracting biological material from these forensic samples. The forensic sample processor 1 comprises a number of tubes 3. Each tube 3 comprises a peripheral, cylindrical wall 4 that encloses a sample space 5 and a circular bottom 6. The frame 7 most preferably has a footprint 8 that essentially corresponds to the footprint of a standard mi- croplate. The frame 7 comprises a series of parallel, longitudinal walls 9 and parallel, transverse walls 10 that extend essentially perpendicular to each other and to the foot print 8 of the sample processor 1 and that encase compartments 11, within each one of which an individual tube 3 can be closely placed in an upright manner. Each tube 3 preferably comprises a collar 12 that ensures an exact fit and orientation of the tube 3 in its compartment 11. Because of the shape of this collar 12, each tube 3 can only be inserted in one way into an accordingly shaped compartment 11. Each tube 3 further comprises a siphon-type evacuation tube with an essentially vertical partition wall 13 that adjoins to an essentially horizontal partition wall 14. Both partition walls 13,14 are sealingly attached to the inner surface of the tube peripheral wall 4 and enclose an evacuation space 15 with a pouring channel 16. The pouring channel 16 is open at a top end 17 and is connected to the tube bottom 6. Each vertical partition wall 13 comprises at least one opening 18 (see Figs. 3 and 4) that establishes fluidic communication between the sample space 5 and the evacuation space 15. This opening 18 is located near the tube bottom 6.

"Standard microplates" in the context of the present invention are to be understood as multi-well plates according to the ANSI (American National Standards Institute) standards that are widely accepted in the technical field of the development of biological and chemical laboratory equipment.

"Fluids" in the context of the present invention are to be understood as liquids, gases, or liquid/gas mixtures. "Solid" is interpreted as hard or soft material other than fluidic. A "sample" preferably is a solid forensic sample, but it can be any other sample that contains biological material. A "finding" can be an artifact or casework sample as found at a criminal scene or any other non-specific solid ma- terial that contains biological material that can be extracted.

"Automated systems" in the context of the present invention are to be understood as "workstations", as they are called, or special apparatus for the transfer and manipulation of samples as well as for liquid handling. These workstations may be operated individually by hand or connected together into an automated system. With automatic systems, the user does not have to carry out or provide for all the individual methods of processing. Another common factor uniting such known systems lies in the fact that samples are often processed in standardized microplates. Such microplates can be obtained in every possible format, but typically comprise 96 sample containers or "wells" arranged in a regular 8 x 12 raster with an interval of 9 mm between centers (according to the ANSI standards).

For most applications, the use of so-called "deep well plates", preferably with 96 wells is preferred. Each one of the deep wells preferably is able to take up a volume of 2.42 ml (as a maximal geometric volume) or 2.3 ml (as a standard working volume). The wells usually have a height of 44 mm and a square horizontal cross section. Also known round wells for the take up of about 1.2 ml exhibit a height of 41.5 mm. All 96-well microplates possess the same array geometry and projection arrangement of the wells with respect to the footprint of the mi- croplate like the 96-well standard plates with a volume of 300 μl.

Microplates with a multiple, or even only a part (such as 24 wells in a 4 x 6 raster with an 18 mm interval) of this number of wells are also used. Different workstations may be connected to one or more robots to carry the microplates. One or more robots, preferably moving in accordance with the system of Cartesian coordinates, may be used on a workbench top. These robots can carry plates or other sample containers and also transfer fluids. A central control sys- tern or computer monitors and controls these known systems, the outstanding advantage of which lies in the complete automation of work processes. As a consequence, such systems can be operated for hours or days on end, without the need for any human intervention. Such automated systems can be equipped with one or more devices for transferring fluid samples from the wells of a first mi- croplate into the wells of second microplate placed below (see e.g., WO 03/053585) by the application of vacuum or overpressure)

Each one of these tubes 3 according to the first embodiment comprises a peripheral, cylindrical wall 4 with an outer diameter that encloses a sample space 5 and a circular bottom 6. According the first embodiment of the present invention, each tube comprises a collar 12 of an essentially square shape, the lengths of which being essentially equal to the outer diameter of the tube 3 and slightly less than a side of a cubic compartment 11. This collar 12 thus ensures an exact fit of the tube 3 in its compartment 11. Because the collar 12 is either integrally molded to the tube peripheral wall 3 or irremovably attached to the latter, the tubes 3 can only be inserted into the individual compartments in one of four ways. These four different positions of a tube 3 all differ by a turn of at least approximately 90 ° from the two next positions.

In order to provide a frame 7 that can only be loaded with tubes that are inserted in one of these four directions, the collar 12 of each tube 3 has an essentially square projection with a cut corner 19 and the compartments 11 of the frame 7 according to the first embodiment have an essentially cubic shape with a filled angle 20. The dimensions of the essentially square collar 12 and its cut corner 19 are essentially equal to an outer diameter of a tube 3 and slightly less than the dimensions of the cubic compartment 8 with its cut corner 19.

Preferably, the microplates are provided with an identifier 36 in the form of a one-dimensional bar code (see Fig. 1) or a two-dimensional bar code (not shown). Alternatively the microplates can be provided with an identifier in the form of a radio frequency identification or RFID tag (not shown, but per se known to the skilled person). Such an identifier 36 enables tracking of the particular microplates or sample processors respectively during sample preparation and/or analysis and also during storage of microplates, whether they contain at least one sample within a sample tube 3 or not.

Figure 2 shows a partially transparent presentation of a plane view of a forensic sample processor 1, the frame 7 of which is superimposed on a 96-well mi- croplate. One of the 24 cavities of the frame 7 is occupied by a tube 3 with a pouring channel 16 that directs liquids from the tube 3 into a well 31 positioned in register below. Preferably, also the tubes 3 are provided with an identifier 36 in the form of a one or two dimensional bar code or with an RFID tag. The application of a two- dimensional bar code to the top side of the collar 12 is particularly preferred (see (Fig. 2). This identifier 36 enables tracking of the particular tube 3 during sample preparation and/or analysis and also during storage. Preferably, tubes 3 that contain a sample 2 are inserted in a forensic sample processor for storage. The use of the identifiers 36 on tubes 3 and forensic sample processors 1 provides a key benefit for the "chain of custody" and the traceability of the forensic samples.

Figure 3 shows a vertical section through the frame of Fig. 1 according to a first variant of the invention with an elongated pouring channel formed as a nozzle. It is clearly seen in Fig. 3 that the pouring channel 16 of each tube 7 (according to this fist variant) has a lower end 21 with a nozzle 22 that reaches beyond the tube bottom 6. In order to accept such a tube 3 in each one of the compartments 11, the frame 7 has a bottom plate 24 with an orifice 25, through which the nozzle 22 of an inserted tube 3 reaches. Preferably, the nozzle 22 of each tube initially is provided with a cap 26 that closes the nozzle 22 and that has a diameter, which is larger than a diameter of the orifice 25 in the tube bottom 6. Such a cap 26 provides for a completely closable tube 3 for sampling the solid specimens in the field. In addition, the "oversize" of the cap 26 with respect to the orifice 25 ensures that for processing in the frame 7, the tube is open at its lower end. Figure 4 shows a vertical section through the frame of Fig. 1 according to a second variant of the invention with a piercing bottom plate of the compartments of the frame formed as a nozzle. It is clearly seen in Fig. 4 that the pouring channel 16 of each tube 7 has a lower end 21 that is formed as a funnel 23 in the underside of the tube bottom 6. The frame 7 has a bottom plate 24 with a nozzle 27, which's upper side 28 sealingly fits in the funnel 23 of an inserted tube 3. Preferably, each tube 3 has a film structure 29 that is pierceable by an upper side 28 of a nozzle 27 of the bottom plate 24. Such a film structure 29 provides for a completely closable tube 3 for sampling the solid specimens in the field. In addition, piercing the film structure 29 with the nozzle 27 in the bottom plate 24 of the frame's compartments 11 ensures that for processing in the frame 7, the tube is open at its lower end. Both variants of the tube 3 according to the invention preferably possess a sample space 5 that is sized to accommodate a buccal swab. In the most preferred embodiment of the frame 7 of the invention, the frame 7 with its longitudinal and transverse walls 9,10 defines 24 compartments 11 in a 4 x 6 array. However, less than 24 compartments 11 per frame are also conceivable.

For easy and safe positioning of a tube 3 in a compartment of the frame 7, in each tube 3, the pouring channel 16 is located in that corner, which is marked by the cut corner 19 of the collar 12 and in each compartment 11 of the frame 7, the orifice 25 in or the nozzle 27 of the bottom plate 24 is located in that corner, which is marked by the filled angle 20 of the collar 12. Thus, a tube 3 can only entered in one way (out of a group of originally four ways) in a compartment 11. In consequence, the nozzles 22 of the pouring channels 16 of tubes 3 that are inserted into a frame 7 or the nozzles 27 of the bottom plates 24 of the com- partments 11 of a frame 7 are in each case essentially in register with one of a quartet 30 of four wells 31 of a 96-well microplate 32 that is situated in register below the frame 7.

Most preferably, the tube 3 is accomplished as an integrally formed, single piece of injection molded polymer material and comprises at least the peripheral wall 4, the tube bottom 6, the collar 12, the partition walls 13,14, and the pouring channel 16. In the Figures 3 and 4, a fusion line 35 is indicated in each case. This fusion line 35 shows a possible fusion area for fusing two parts of the tube that have been injection molded.

Preferably, each tube 3 is accomplished to receive a stopper or cap 33 for at least temporarily closing the sample space 5. This cap 33 can be removed manually or automatically by utilizing a "decapping tool" distributed by REMP AG (REMP AG, Oberdiessbach, Switzerland, a company owned by the current appli- cant).

Figure 5 shows a horizontal partial section through the tubes 3 and a plane view of a forensic sample processor 1 with a frame 7 that contains 24 compartments or cavities and with octagonal tubes 3 that are inserted in the four different ori- entations according to a second embodiment of the present invention. As can be seen in Fig. 5, the cross section of an octagonal tube does not show eight identical surfaces. This irregular octagonal cross section of the tubes 3 enables positioning of the axis of the pouring channel in register with the axis of a well (pref- erably a deep-well) of a microplate that is positioned in register below the forensic sample processor. The octagonal cross section of the tubes 3 according to the second embodiment of the present invention thus allows the four wells 31 of a quartet 30 of wells (e.g. A1,A2,B1,B2) in a deep-well microplate that is positioned in register below a forensic sample processor 1 to be addressed exactly. For better orientation, the lattice lines 34 of the microplate wells 30 are superimposed to the forensic sample processor 1

In Fig. 5, there are shown three individual alternative versions of the tubes 3 according to the second embodiment of the invention. All these alternative versions have in common that the tubes 3 do not need a collar 12 for exact fit and orientation, because the octagonal form of each tube 3 and of the respective compartments 11 already provide for an exact fit. However, the orientation of the tubes 3 is established in three different ways according to the three different alternative versions that are now explained :

Alternative version A: The tube 3 may be inserted in all four possible orientations, two of which are shown for the quartet of wells [A-B, 1-2] and [C-D, 1-2]. On the one hand, only the location of the pouring channel 16 that is accomplished as a nozzle 22 and that enters into the orifice 25 in the bottom plate 24 of the compartment 11 of the forensic sample processor 1 (cf. Fig. 3) decides whether the orientation of the tube 3 is correct or not. On the other hand, only the location of the pouring channel 16 with its lower end accomplished as a funnel 23 that enters into sealing contact with a nozzle 27 in the bottom plate 24 of the compartment 11 of the forensic sample processor 1 (cf. Fig. 4) decides whether the orientation of the tube 3 is correct or not. Correct orientation and insertion preferably may be controlled visually by checking, whether the insertion mark 37 (see Fig. 3 and 4) vanishes in the compartment 11 or not. If the insertion mark 37, is still visible or not even close to the surface of the adjoining transverse wall 10, the tube 3 is not correctly inserted into the compartment. There could be three reasons for such incorrect insertion :

First, the optional cap 26 (see Fig. 3, dashed lines) that closes the nozzle 22 of the pouring channel 16 has not been removed. Withdrawal of the tube 3, removal of the cap 26 and reinsertion into the compartment 11 is necessary.

Second, the tube could have been entered into the compartment in a wrong orientation and thus, the pouring channel 16 is not meeting with the orifice 25 or nozzle 27 of the compartment bottom plate 24 (there are three possibilities for such misalignment). Withdrawal of the tube 3 and reinsertion into the compartment 11 after alignment is necessary. Alignment is facilitated, if the insertion mark 37 is applied (e.g. printed) onto the small outer surface of the tube (see arrows in Fig. 5) that is adjacent to the pouring channel. This is particularly help- ful, when the tube 3 that is to be inserted into a compartment is closed on its upper side with a stopper 33 and the horizontal partition wall 14 that covers the pouring channel 16 is not visible at all.

Third, there is the possibility that the tube 3 has not been fully inserted, despite of proper alignment within the compartment 11. The reason for this could be that the pierceable film structure 29 that at least closes the funnel 23 at the lower end of the pouring channel has not been pierced properly or the friction fit of the tube 3 inside the compartment 11 created a too high resistance. In both cases harder pushing in the tube 3 is necessary.

Alternative version B: The layout of the compartments 11 is identical to that of the alternative version A. However, as can be seen in Fig. 5 in case of the two well quartets [A-B, 3-4] and [C-D, 3-4], the tubes 3 have indentations 38 on their outside along the evacuation space 15. These indentations 38 clearly indicate the position of the pouring channel 16 inside the tube 3 and considerably facilitate the proper alignment of the tube 3 when this is inserted into a compartment 11 of the sample processor 1. Alternative version C: Here, the tubes have the indentations 38 and the compartments have respective elevations 39 on their inside walls, which correspond in size and shape with the indentations 38 of the tubes 3 as this can be seen in Fig. 5 in case of the two well quartets [A-B,5-6] and [C-D, 5-6]. In this particu- larly preferred alternative version, there is only one possible orientation or alignment of a tube 3 that is to be inserted into a compartment 11 of forensic sample processor 1. Thus, by the corresponding shape of the outer surface of the tubes 3 and of the inner surface of the compartments 11, a collar 12 as it is preferable for the first embodiment of the invention (see Figs. 1 and 2) can be dispensed with according to the second embodiment of the invention.

Departing form the octagonal construction as shown in Fig. 5, the tubes 3 according to the second embodiment of the inventive sample processor can also have a polygonal shape or a curved shape. This is particularly useful with the al- ternative version C for as shown for the well quartets [A-B, 5-6] and [C-D, 5-6], in which the corresponding cross sectional shape of the tube 3 and the respective compartment 11 define the particular well that is to be targeted by the pouring channel 16 of the tube 3 and the cooperating orifice 25 or nozzle of the bottom plate 24 of the compartments.

Besides separately supplying frames 7 and tubes 3 of the forensic sample processor according to the invention, it is preferred to establish a forensic sample processor kit for collecting solid forensic samples 2 and/or for extracting biological material from these forensic samples. This kit preferably contains four frames 7 and an appropriate number of tubes 3 according to the invention. Each one of the four frames 7 is accomplished to locate all the nozzles 22 of the pouring channels 16 of tubes 3 that are inserted into a frame 7 or all the nozzles 27 of the bottom plates 24 of the compartments 11 of a frame 7 in each case essentially in register with one particular of a quartet 30 of four wells 31 of a 96-well microplate 32 that is situated in register below the frame 7. The lattice lines 34 in the axes of the wells 31 of a 96-well microplate 32 are indicated in the Figures 1 and 2. In a particularly safe forensic sample processor kit, each one of the four frames 7 of one kit exhibits a different color that indicates one particular well 31 of a quartet 30 of four wells four wells 31 of a 96-well microplate 32 that is situated below the frame 7 (see e.g. on the lower right of Fig. 1). Accordingly, the collar 12 of all tubes 3 or the tubes 3 themselves (if no collar is present) for one frame 7 exhibits the same color as the particular frame 7.

In order to carry out such a transfer of fluids from the tubes into the wells of a microplate, the microplate preferably is placed inside a vacuum chamber that is sealed with the frame that is placed on top of the microplate. Of course, prerequisite procedures that have to be carried out prior this fluid transfer are the collection of biologically relevant samples, such as traces of blood or other human or animal body fluids. Such samples preferably are collected using buccal swabs that can be placed inside a tube 3, which is then closed with a stopper or cap 33. Fluids for processing the buccal swabs and the forensic samples are entered into the sample space (5) of a tube (3) using liquid handling equipment such as e.g. an automatic pipetter that preferably is provided on a workstation.

Alternative to or in combination with the application of a negative pressure below the tubes 3 of a frame 7, a positive pressure can be applied above these tubes. All pressure differences applied to the tubes 3 of a frame 7 will force the fluids in the tubes out of the tubes 3 via a siphon that is constituted by the peripheral, cylindrical wall 4, the vertical and horizontal partition walls 13,14 and the evacuation space 15 with the pouring channel 16.

If a tube according to the first variant of the invention (see Fig. 3) is used for collecting samples, preferably the nozzle 22 of the pouring channel 16 is closed with a cap 26. Preferably, this cap 26 has a dimension that is larger than the dimension the orifice 25 of the bottom plate 24; thus, only if the cap 26 is re- moved (preferably immediately before processing of the sample in the lab) automatic processing and evacuation of liquids is possible.

If a tube according to the second variant of the invention (see Fig. 4) is used for collecting samples, preferably the bottom 6 of the tube 3 is sealed with a pierce- able film structure 29, e.g. an aluminum foil that has been glued or welded to the tube bottom 6. As soon as a sample tube 3 is correctly inserted into the compartment 11 of a frame 3, the upper side 28 of the nozzle 27 of the bottom plate 24 of the compartment 11 pierces the film structure 29. Then, automatic proc- essing and evacuation of liquids is possible too.

The next step will be washing of the solid sample (the swab) and then treatment of the biological relevant sample, incubation with a lysis buffer, and finally elu- tion of the collected nucleic acids into the wells of a 96-well microplate with the help of negative pressure. If the stoppers or caps 33 that close the sample entry ports of the tubes 3 need to be removed, automatic decapping can be performed as this is known from the REMP technology.

Any combinations of the features of the individual embodiments disclosed herein belong to the scope of the present invention. The utilization of the tubes 3 and frames 7 of the forensic sample processor 1 according to the invention is not restricted to the described working steps. It goes without saying that the forensic sample processor according to the present invention can also be used for other purpose in liquid handling and beyond forensics.

The same reference numbers are given to the same features shown in the drawings, even when they are not specifically addressed in the specification in each case.

List of reference numerals:

1 forensic sample processor 21 lower end of 16

2 forensic sample 22 nozzle of 16

3 tube 23 funnel

4 peripheral wall 24 bottom plate of 11

5 sample space 25 orifice 6 tube bottom 26 cap

7 frame 27 nozzle of 24

8 footprint 28 upper side

9 longitudinal walls 29 pierceable film structure

10 transverse walls 30 quartet of four wells 11 compartments 31 well

12 collar 32 96-well microplate

13 vertical partition wall 33 stopper or cap

14 horizontal partition wall 34 lattice lines

15 evacuation space 35 fusion line 16 pouring channel 36 identifier

17 top end 37 insertion mark

18 opening 38 indentations

19 cut corner 39 elevations

20 filled angle

Claims

Patent Claims

1. A forensic sample processor (1) for collecting solid forensic samples (2) and/or for extracting biological material from these forensic samples, the fo- rensic sample processor (1) comprising :

(a) a number of tubes (3), each tube (3) comprising a peripheral wall (4) that encloses a sample space (5) and a bottom (6); and

(b) a frame (7) with a footprint (8) that essentially corresponds to the footprint of a standard microplate, the frame (7) comprising a series of parallel, longitudinal walls (9) and parallel, transverse walls (10) that extend essentially perpendicular to each other and to the foot print (8) of the sample processor (1) and that encase compartments (11), within each one of which an individual tube (3) can be closely placed in an upright manner, characterized in that each tube (3) comprises an essentially vertical partition wall (13) adjoining to an essentially horizontal partition wall (14), both partition walls (13,14) being sealingly attached to the inner surface of the tube peripheral wall (4) and enclosing an evacuation space (15) with a pouring channel (16) that is open at a top end (17) and that is connected to the tube bottom (6), wherein each vertical partition wall (13) comprises at least one opening (18) that is located near the tube bottom (6).

2. The forensic sample processor (1) of claim 1, characterized in that the peripheral wall (4) of each tube (3) is cylindrical, the tube (3) comprising a collar (12) that ensures an exact fit and orientation of the tube (3) in its compartment (11).

3. The forensic sample processor (1) of claim 2, characterized in that the collar (12) of each tube (3) has an essentially square projection with a cut corner (19), and in that the compartments (11) of a frame (7) having an essentially cubic shape with a filled angle (20), wherein the dimensions of the essentially square collar (12) and its cut corner (19) are essentially equal to an outer diameter of a tube (3) and slightly less than the dimensions of the cubic compartment (8) with its cut corner (19).

4. The forensic sample processor (1) of claim 3, characterized in that in each tube (3), the pouring channel (16) is located in that corner, which is marked by the cut corner (19) of the collar (12) and in that in each compartment (11) of the frame (7), an orifice (25) in or a nozzle (27) of the bottom plate (24) is located in that corner, which is marked by a filled angle

(20) of the collar (12).

5. The forensic sample processor (1) of claim 1, characterized in that the peripheral wall (4) of each tube (3) is octagonal.

6. The forensic sample processor (1) of claim 5, characterized in that the compartments (11) of a frame (7) having an essentially octagonal shape, wherein the dimensions of the octagonal tube (3) are slightly less than the dimensions of the octagonal compartment (8) providing an exact fit for the tube (3) in its compartment (11).

7. The forensic sample processor (1) of claim 6, characterized in that the tubes (3) have indentations (38) on their outside along the evacuation space (15).

8. The forensic sample processor (1) of claim 7, characterized in that the compartments (11) of a frame (7) have elevations (39) on their inside walls, which correspond in size and shape with the indentations (38) in the tubes (3).

9. The forensic sample processor (1) of claim 8, characterized in that in each tube (3), the pouring channel (16) is located adjacent to a small outer surface of the tube (3) and in that in each compartment (11) of the frame (7), an orifice (25) in or a nozzle (27) of the bottom plate (24) is located adjacent to a small inner surface of the compartment (11) that is close to a small outer surface of a tube (3) that is to be inserted.

10. The forensic sample processor (1) of one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the pouring channel (16) of each tube (7) has a lower end (21) with a nozzle (22) that reaches beyond the tube bottom (6).

11. The forensic sample processor (1) of claim 10, characterized in that the frame (7) has a bottom plate (24) with an orifice (25), through which the nozzle (22) of an inserted tube (3) reaches.

12. The forensic sample processor (1) of claim 11, characterized in that the nozzle (22) of each tube initially is provided with a cap (26) that closes the nozzle (22) and that has a diameter, which is larger than a diameter of the orifice (25).

13. The forensic sample processor (1) of one of the claims 1 to 9, character- ized in that the pouring channel (16) of each tube (7) has a lower end (21) that is formed as a funnel (23) in the underside of the tube bottom (6).

14. The forensic sample processor (1) of claim 13, characterized in that the frame (7) has a bottom plate (24) with a nozzle (27), which's upper side (28) sealingly fits in the funnel (23) of an inserted tube (3).

15. The forensic sample processor (1) of claims 13 or 14, characterized in that each tube (3) has a film structure (29) that is pierceable by an upper side (28) of a nozzle (27) of the bottom plate (24).

16. The forensic sample processor (1) of one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the sample space (5) of the tube (3) is sized to accommodate a buccal swab.

17. The forensic sample processor (1) of one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the frame (7) with its longitudinal and transverse walls (9,10) defines 24 compartments (11) in an 4 x 6 array.

18. The forensic sample processor (1) of claim 17, characterized in that the nozzles (22) of the pouring channels (16) of tubes (3) that are inserted into a frame (7) or the nozzles (27) of the bottom plates (24) of the compartments (11) of a frame (7) are in each case essentially in register with one of a quartet (30) of four wells (31) of a 96-well microplate (32) that is situated in register below the frame (7).

19. The forensic sample processor (1) of one of the claims 2 to 4, characterized in that the tube (3) is accomplished as an integrally formed, single piece of injection molded polymer material and comprises at least the peripheral wall (4), the tube bottom (6), the collar (12), the partition walls (13,14), and the pouring channel (16).

20. The forensic sample processor (1) of one of the claims 5 to 8, character- ized in that the tube (3) is integrally accomplished as two fused pieces of injection molded polymer material and comprises at least the peripheral wall (4), the tube bottom (6), the partition walls (13,14), and the pouring channel (16).

21. The forensic sample processor (1) of one of the preceding claims, characterized in that each tube (3) is accomplished to receive a stopper or cap (33) for at least temporarily closing the sample space (5).

22. A forensic sample processor kit for collecting solid forensic samples (2) and/or for extracting biological material from these forensic samples, characterized in that the kit contains four frames (7) and an appropriate number of tubes (3) according to the preceding claims, wherein each one of the four frames (7) is accomplished to locate all the nozzles (22) of the pouring channels (16) of tubes (3) that are inserted into a frame (7) or all the noz- zles (27) of the bottom plates (24) of the compartments (11) of a frame (7) in each case essentially in register with one particular well (31) of a quartet (30) of four wells (31) of a 96-well microplate (32) that is situated in register below the frame (7).

23. The forensic sample processor kit of claim 22, characterized in that each one of the four frames (7) of one kit exhibits a different color that indicates one particular well (31) of a quartet (30) of four wells four wells (31) of a 96-well microplate (32) that is situated below the frame (7).

24. The forensic sample processor kit of claim 23, characterized in that the collars (12) of all tubes (3) or the tubes (3) themselves for one frame (7) exhibit the same color as the particular frame (7).

25. The forensic sample processor kit of claim 22 to 24, characterized in that all (3) tubes and frames (7) comprise an identifier (36) in the form of a one- or two-dimensional bar code or an RFID tag.

26. A method for collecting solid forensic samples (2) and/or for extracting bio- logical material from these forensic samples with a forensic sample processor (1), comprising :

(a) providing a number of tubes (3), each tube (3) comprising a peripheral wall (4) that encloses a sample space (5) and a bottom (6); and

(b) providing a frame (7) with a footprint (8) that essentially corresponds to the footprint of a standard microplate, the frame (7) comprising a series of parallel, longitudinal walls (9) and parallel, transverse walls (10) that extend essentially perpendicular to each other and to the foot print (8) of the sample processor (1) and that encase compartments (11), within each one of which an individual tube (3) can be closely placed in an upright manner, characterized in that a tube (3) is inserted into an individual compartment (11) of a frame (7), the tube (3) comprising an essentially vertical partition wall (13) adjoining to an essentially horizontal partition wall (14), both partition walls (13,14) being sealingly attached to the inner surface of the tube peripheral wall (4) and enclosing an evacuation space (15) with a pouring channel (16) that is open at a top end (17) and that is connected to the tube bottom (6), wherein each vertical partition wall (13) comprises at least one opening (18) that is located near the tube bottom (6).

27. The method of claim 26, characterized in that a buccal swab with a forensic sample (2) is entered into the sample space (5) of a tube (3) and the buccal swab is processed within this sample space of the tube (3).

28. The method of claim 26 or 27, characterized in that fluids for processing the swab and/or the forensic sample (2) are entered into the sample space (5) of a tube (3) using liquid handling equipment.

29. The method of claim 28, characterized in that fluids are transferred from the sample space (5) of a tube (3) into a well (31) of a microplate that is located in register below the frame (7), the transfer being carried out via a siphon that is constituted by the peripheral wall (4), the vertical and horizontal partition walls (13,14) and the evacuation space (15) with the pouring channel (16).

30. The method of claim 29, characterized in that the transfer of fluids is forced by application of a negative pressure below and/or a positive pressure above the tubes (3) of a frame (7).