Chewable matrix and use thereof for the collection of saliva samples and infection detection
AssigneeWm. Wrigley Jr. Company
InventorsDavid R. PHILLIPS, Jingping LIU, Michael W. DODDS
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Abstract
The present disclosure is directed to a chewable matrix that can be used as a tool for collection of saliva samples. Also disclosed herein are methods for extracting saliva, and in particular microorganisms or nucleic acid, from the chewable matrix, methods for detecting an illness or infection in subjects using the chewable matrix, and kits for performing these methods.
Claims38
A chewable matrix comprising low molecular weight polyvinyl acetate in an amount of from about 5% to about 40% by weight of the matrix, and de-oiled lecithin in an amount of from about 13% to about 50% by weight of the matrix.
A chewable matrix comprising low molecular weight polyvinyl acetate and a low molecular weight elastomer.
A chewable matrix comprising low molecular weight polyvinyl acetate and at least one plasticizer, wherein the matrix is essentially free of elastomers.
The method of claim 34, wherein the nucleic acids are amplified using polymerase chain reaction.
The method of claim 36, wherein the microorganisms are selected from the group consisting of bacteria, virus, fungus, protozoa, and combinations thereof.
The kit of claim 38, further comprising at least two containers for collection of a saliva sample following mastication of the chewable matrix.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.