Porous polymer monoliths, processes for preparation and use thereof

摘要

The present invention generally relates to porous polymer monoliths. The present invention also relates to processes for the preparation of porous polymer monoliths, storage mediums formed from porous polymer monoliths and use thereof in the drying and storage of body fluids including blood and blood plasma samples.

主权项

1. A method of storing whole blood for analysis comprising:
applying a whole blood sample directly to a formed porous polymer monolith medium, said porous polymer monolith comprising an integral body with a pore size and/or specific surface area adapted to facilitate the drying and storage of body fluids; wherein the pore size of the porous polymer monolith is in the range of 50 to 5,000 nm and the specific surface area of the porous polymer matrix when measured by nitrogen adsorption using BET isotherm is in the range of 0.5 to 1000 m2/g; drying the whole blood sample such that the whole blood sample at least partially solidifies and adsorbs or adheres to the formed porous polymer monolith medium; and storing the sample adsorbed or adhered to the formed porous polymer monolith medium.