Stabilized chemical dehydration of biological material

Abstract

The present invention provides compositions and methods that enable the stabilization and storage of samples by contacting a sample with an assembly of particles, and reducing the water activity level of the contacted sample. By reducing the water activity level of the sample, the assembly of particles minimizes the degradation of the sample. Stabilizers may or may not be added to the assembly of particles to further minimize the degradation of the sample. Subsequently to storage in the assembly of particles, the samples are recoverable by eluting the assembly of particles with a fluid solution. In one embodiment, the entire assembly of particles will dissolve into the solution. In another embodiment, only part of the assembly of particles will dissolve into the solution. The assembly of particles provides the advantage that while it is porous, it comprises non-porous particulate material.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.