Device for trapping rare cells from fluid samples

A method of collecting biomarkers, the method comprising:

• connecting at least one fluid port of a collection vessel to a source of fluid, the collection vessel carrying a 3D scaffold within an inner volume defined by the collection vessel, the 3D scaffold being chemically functionalized to bind the biomarkers in a fluid stream, wherein the biomarkers are eukaryotic cells of interest, extracellular vesicles associated with the eukaryotic cells of interest, or combinations thereof;
• circulating a fluid stream from the source of fluid through the collection vessel such that the fluid stream interacts with the 3D scaffold and such that the 3D scaffold binds to the biomarkers carried in the fluid stream, wherein at least 10 mL of fluid circulates through the collection vessel;
• returning the fluid stream to the source of the fluid;
• and
• releasing the biomarkers from the 3D scaffold into a sample vial.