The technical field of the present invention is that of devices designed to come collect microorganism colonies on agar culture medium for analysis. More particularly, the present invention relates to a sampling tip having in its distal part a sampling end in polymeric materials. The invention also relates to a sampling device comprising such a nozzle and a removal method using the implement.

Currently, the removal of a microorganism colony (bacteria, molds, yeasts or the like) grown on agar culture medium in a Petri dish, or any other medium, is formed using sterilized tools or tools disposable such qu'œses (or handles), rods, tubes or cones.

However, these tools do not allow to charge safely and efficiently all types of microorganisms as they can take forms, sizes, consistencies, structures or very different aspects.

Moreover, these supplies do not easily allow an optimum deposit of biological material taken from the analysis media such as plates for mass spectrometry analysis by MALDI-TOF. Moreover, it is also very important to take a bacterial colony or part of this settlement, without removing the culture medium beneath the colony. This may indeed affect the results of further analysis.

The quality of the analysis results may also depend on the concentration of the deposition of biological material, formed from the sample taken, as well as its homogeneity on the support on which it is deposited. This is particularly the case for analysis of microorganisms in MALDI-TOF, in which the sample is to form a thin and uniform for optimal analysis.

Traditionally, it is made use of disposable or sterilized œses flame, to remove a Petri dish with microorganisms colony and remove the

biological material on the plate of MALDI-TOF. This is not easy and requires some dexterity. The grip of such a tool between the thumb and index finger can cause musculoskeletal disorders. The Oese is typically held away from its end to that operator's hand does not contaminate the sample, but this hand position makes more delicate precision of movement after the Oese, especially when necessary to achieve a fine and homogeneous deposition over a small area of the order of a few mm 2 . Finally Oese, having been designed for taking a calibrated manner a given quantity of micro-organisms (generally between Ι μΙ ^and ΙΟμί) comprises at its end a metal or plastic loop that has a diameter generally greater than 1mm. This tip may be larger than the surface on which the deposit must be done. Furthermore, the rigid nature of the Oese (metal or plastic) is not particularly suitable for spreading on a hard surface of a microbial colony in a thin uniform layer.

It is also possible to use other consumables such as swabs, wooden sticks, the micropipette tips.

Thus, US 9,181, 522 describes a method and apparatus for the aseptic transfer of biological material. The apparatus consists of a dual-chamber walls to accommodate one size ferrules having a ball head, for transferring the biological material from one place to another, aseptically. Such a device has as a first disadvantage of being relatively complex design, with an integrated UV ends sterilization system, its double-walled architecture and internal load and ejection system of the ferrules. One such complexity is undoubtedly affects the cost and therefore sales. Furthermore, the material used to make the ball present in disposable tip head is made of hard material, of the type metal or polypropylene, which do

FR 2668495 describes a sterile collection cone bacteriological use. Said cone has at its distal end a full protuberance and

slightly frustoconical, offset with respect to the longitudinal axis of the cone. This protrusion allows the collection of biological material. It may have to this end, in one particular embodiment, an optional handle. Even with a particular architecture, the cone described in this document remains consisting of a conventionally used for this kind of product material. Namely, a smooth hard plastic material which is not adapted to the collection and deposit of biological material. Furthermore, its particular shape does not make it easy to use for the deposit of biological material, such as a bacterial colony on a very small surface such as a plate of MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry analysis.

The Applicant has previously resolved all or part of the disadvantages mentioned above by proposing a collection of all or part of a sample of biological material process cultivated in contact with an agar culture medium, which uses a probe provided with a terminating end. Said sampling method is essentially based on the cooling of the terminating end of the probe, allowing the bonding of all or part of the biological material sample to be collected by contact of the terminating end on the sample of material biological or by applying a pressure from the terminating end on the sample of biological material and the release of all or part of the sample of biological material by heating the probe terminating end. This method is described in patent application WO 2012/004545.

This process has the major disadvantage of requiring a cooling apparatus of relatively compact probe, which consumes energy and represents a significant financial cost.

It appears from the analysis of the state of the art, there is not to date of sampling system of biological material, easy to use, simple in design and implementing a disposable sampling tip with suitable physical properties to optimize not only the removal but also the deposition of biological material such as a bacterial colony.

The objectives of the present invention are to address these shortcomings by providing a simple tip design, easy to produce, for when placed on a biological material sampling device to collect and precisely deposit the biological material, including on a mass spectrometry analysis plate of MALDI-TOF.

These objectives, among others are achieved by the present invention which relates in the first place, a tip adapted to be fitted on the body of a sampling device, manual or automated, of biological material of microbial origin, comprising:

a) a distal end comprising a biological material picking means of microbial origin,

b) a proximal free end intended to come into contact with the body of said sampling device and allow the attachment of said tip to said body,

said tip being characterized in that all or part of the distal free end is made of a fibrous material having a porosity of at least 30%.

Biological material of microbial origin, essentially means of biological material consisting of bacteria, yeasts or molds.

According to an advantageous embodiment, the cap according to the invention is wholly made of a fibrous material having a porosity of at least 30%.

Preferably, the fibrous material has a porosity greater than 50%, preferably greater than 70%.

Advantageously, the fibrous material is selected from the group comprising: polyethylene, polyesters, polyethylene terephthalate (PET), PET copolymer / polyethylene copolymer PET / PET, polyamide, cotton.

The sampling tip has a substantially conical or frustoconical overall shape. The sampling means is preferably about him generally cylindrical, frustoconical or spherical.

Another object of the present invention relates to a biological material sampling device of microbial origin comprising:

a nozzle according to the invention

a body comprising at least:

a proximal portion for at least partially gripping zone of said device and

a distal portion having a free end at the end of which is fixed said tip.

This device further comprises an ejection system of the nozzle. Advantageously, the ejection system comprises a stem positioned within said body and movable in translation, so as to come to press the end piece and thus ejected.

According to a particular embodiment, said rod is movable in translation by means of a pushbutton.

Another object of the invention relates to a biological material sampling method of microbial origin comprising the following steps:

a) Place a piece according to the invention on the distal portion of the sampling device,

b) Place the collection device near a biological material of microbial origin colony present in a culture medium to contacting the sampling means of said tip with the biological material,

c) select all or part of the biological material with the sampling device, so that the sampled biological material is secured to the picking means.

Another object of the present invention relates to a method for preparing an assay plate for microbiological analysis by mass spectrometry MALDI-TOF from a sample of biological material comprising the steps of:

a) Place a tip on the distal portion of the sampling device according to the invention

b) Place the collection device near a biological material of microbial origin colony present in a culture medium to contacting the tip of the sampling means with the biological material,

c) select all or part of the biological material with the sampling device, so that the sampled biological material is secured to the picking means,

d) To a uniform deposit of biological material taken from at least one analysis region of a spectrometry analysis plate of MALDI-TOF, by contacting the sample medium with the surface of said at least an analysis zone.

For microbiological testing, essentially means any analysis for identifying a microorganism, such as bacteria or yeast, but also to highlight any resistance marker antimicrobial, feature typing or expression by said a microorganism virulence factor.

Another object of the invention relates to a biological material process for isolating microbial origin on an agar culture medium, comprising the steps of:

a) obtaining a sample of biological material into contact with the sampling means of the tip of a sampling device according to the invention,

b) Place the collection device near the surface of the agar culture medium, so that the sampling means is in contact with said surface, c) moving the sampling device such that the picking means moves over surface of the culture medium, while remaining in contact therewith, thereby releasing all or part of the sample of biological material in contact with said drawing means on the surface of the culture medium.

According to a particular embodiment, all the methods described above, further comprises a final step of ejecting the sample tip.

The sample of biological material can be obtained from biological material of colony, according to the sampling method described above.

Alternatively, the sample of biological material may be obtained from a biological material suspension. Such a suspension is typically obtained by resuspending one or more biological material of colonies in saline. According to this alternative, the sampling tip is dipped in a fraction of the suspension, to allow the absorption of liquid by the sampling means, thanks to the absorbency of the fibrous material, constituting said extraction means. The organic material is then in contact with the said collection means. The concentration of the bacterial suspension is determined by the skilled person, depending on the growth characteristics of the microorganism considered. This is part of the general knowledge. Similarly, the fraction of suspension for charging the endpiece in biological material is determined by design. It is advantageously a few microliters to tens of microliters.

The objects and advantages of the invention will be better understood in light of the detailed description and in no way limit the invention, which follows, in reference to the drawing in which:

Figure 1A shows a perspective view of a sampling tip according to the present invention, according to a first embodiment.

1B shows a side view of the tip shown in Figure 1 A.

1C shows a perspective view of a sampling tip according to a second embodiment

2A shows a side view of a biological material sampling device according to a first embodiment.

Figure 2B shows an exploded side view of the biological material removal device, shown in Figure 2A.

2C shows a perspective view of the body of the biological material sampling device as shown in the Figure 2A.

2D shows a side view of a biological material sampling device as shown in the FIG 2A, in the ejection configuration of the sampling tip.

3A shows a side view of a biological material sampling device according to a second embodiment.

3B shows an exploded side view of the biological material removal device, shown in Figure 3A.

Figure 3C shows a perspective view, enlarged and exploded view of the fastening system of Γ push ring on the stem of the sampling device shown in Figure 3A.

4A shows a side view of a biological material sampling device according to a third embodiment.

FIG 4B shows an exploded side view of the biological material removal device, shown in Figure 4A.

4C shows an enlarged view of the ejection mechanism of the tip of the sampling device shown in Figure 4A.

5A shows a perspective view of a biological material sampling device according to a fourth embodiment.

5B shows an exploded perspective view of the biological material removal device, shown in Figure 5 A.

5C shows a perspective view of the biological material removal device, shown in Figure 5A, in the ejection of the sampling tip configuration.

In Figure 1A, the nozzle 10 according to a first embodiment is shown in a perspective view. It is shown in side view in Figure 1B. According to this embodiment, the nozzle 10 is of generally frustoconical shape. Nevertheless, it is quite possible that the tip 10 of the invention may be shaped differently. It consists of three distinct parts. First, a distal portion 12 of substantially frustoconical shape. This distal portion 12 constitutes the receiving portion of a sampling means 14. To this end, the distal portion 12 has a free end 16 at which is formed a blind cavity 18 in which is positioned the sampling means 14. for this purpose, the shape of the cavity 18 and that of the sampling means 14 must be complementary. Ideally, the dimensions of the sampling means 14 should be slightly less than that of the cavity 18 to allow insertion. However, it is preferred that they be close enough to prevent the collection means do separates the cavity. The tip 10 further comprises a proximal portion 20, also frusto-conical but shorter and wider than the distal portion 12. The end 22 of the proximal portion 20 is free and has a blind cavity 24 within which houses the distal end of a sampling device. they are close enough to prevent the collection means do disengaged from the cavity. The tip 10 further comprises a proximal portion 20, also frusto-conical but shorter and wider than the distal portion 12. The end 22 of the proximal portion 20 is free and has a blind cavity 24 within which houses the distal end of a sampling device. they are close enough to prevent the collection means do disengaged from the cavity. The tip 10 further comprises a proximal portion 20, also frusto-conical but shorter and wider than the distal portion 12. The end 22 of the proximal portion 20 is free and has a blind cavity 24 within which houses the distal end of a sampling device.

The tip 10 may be molded into the materials usually used for molding the pipette tips. The material may for example be a polyolefin type polymer. This type of material is generally cheap, sterilizable and suitable for use for the production of single-use product.

Regarding the sampling means 14, the material constituting the latter has its importance. Indeed, the sampling means has the dual technical constraint of having to provide a sample of biological material, such as a bacterial colony, but also a release of said biological material when deposited on an analytical device such as a plate mass spectrometry analysis. The inventors have discovered that the porosity of the material used to make the sampling means 14 was an essential feature to help find the right compromise between sampling performance and release of biological material performance.

Moreover, beyond the intrinsic characteristics of the sampling means, it is important to have in mind that when the biological material to be taken is a bacterial colony, how it behaves during its removal or during its deposition can vary from one bacterial species to another. It is indeed well known that the bacterial colonies are more or less consistent, more or less viscous, more or less according spinners bacterial species considered. It is therefore essential to have a collection means which is capable of handling any type of bacterial colony, whatever its properties.

Thus the inventors have identified a porosity of at least 30% was required to obtain the desired properties. Ideally a porosity of at least 70% provides the best results.

By porosity of the material is meant all of the voids (pores) of a solid material which can be filled with fluid (liquid or gas). We will also hear from the physical quantity porosity defined as the ratio of the void volume and total volume of the porous medium studied.

The porosity measurement of the material is performed as follows:

A sample of the dry fibrous material is collected.

The sample is weighed a first time.

The sample is immersed in water, the time required for its complete impregnation.

The impregnated sample is again weighed.

The mass of the water trapped in the material is derived by calculating the difference between the weight of the impregnated material and that of the dry material.

The density of the water is close to 1, it is deduced the amount of trapped water, and so the volume of voids in the material.

The volume of the impregnated sample is then measured.

By dividing the value of gaps in the material sample obtained above by the measured volume of the impregnated sample, it is thus possible to obtain the value of the porosity of the material.

Particularly suitable materials for producing the sampling means can be fibrous materials. Among the materials include synthetic materials such as polyethylene, polyesters, polyamides. Among the polyesters include polyethylene terephthalate (PET). It can be also copolymers, such as polymers of polyethylene / polyester, such as a copolymer of polyethylene / PET or a PET copolymer / PET. In the case of a fibrous material, the fibers may consist of a mono-component or bi-component material. A bi-component fiber may for example be constituted by a heart PET and a polyethylene sheath.

Natural fibrous materials can also be used. This is the case of the cotton fibers.

A second embodiment of the nozzle shown in FIG 1C. This end piece 11 consists of three parts: a proximal portion 13 substantially cylindrical or possibly conical. Unlike the first embodiment, the free end 15 of the proximal portion 13 does not have any blind cavity and is blocked. According to this embodiment, the distal end of the sampling device does not is inserted into the nozzle 11. On the contrary, the mouthpiece 11 which is inserted into the distal end of the device sampling, and more specifically its end

proximal 15. Of course, to do this, the sampling device should have a free distal end capable of receiving the mouthpiece 11. It should thus have a cavity for receiving the endpiece 11 whose dimensions are slightly greater than the dimensions of the proximal portion 13. the tip 11 also has a flange 17 allowing the ejection of said tip after use. It can also serve as a stop when the tip 11 is inserted into the sampling device. Finally, the tip 11 has a distal portion 19 for receiving a collecting means 14, as in the case of the nozzle 10 according to the first embodiment. To this end, the distal portion 19 has a free end 21 at which is formed a blind cavity 23,

According to an alternative embodiment of the sampling end 11, the proximal end 13 may have an orifice for generating a through hole between the distal and proximal ends. It is then possible to use a longer pick-up means positioned in the through hole and secured to the tip at the orifice of the proximal end or at both ends. Such an alternative is simpler design and less expensive to produce.

The picking means 14, as shown in Figures 1A to 1C has a cylindrical shape. It is possible that the sampling means 14 has a different shape. Thus, the free end of the latter may be for example conical to further improve the accuracy of sample and deposition of biological material. The free end of the tip 14 may also have any other shape adapted to the sampling of biological material.

According to a variant of the invention, it could be envisaged to have a sampling tip that is integrally formed of the porous material. According to this alternative embodiment, the sampling tip also constitute the collecting means.

According to another variant of the invention, the sampling means, the sampling tip and the sampling device may be one. Indeed, it may be considered a disposable sampling device, which is secured a porous sampling tip. Alternatively, the sampling device can be fully

made of porous material. To do this, the picking means of the dimensions must permit easy gripping and handling.

The combined sampling tip to the picking means or the single sampling means, if there is one with the sampling tip can be adapted for use with an automated sampling of biological material. Such a system could for example carry out automatically the removal of bacterial colonies on petri dishes and the preparation for mass spectrometry analysis plates.

In Figure 2 A, is represented a sampling device 30 according to a first embodiment. This sampling device 30 includes a distal portion 32, an intermediate portion 34 and a proximal portion 36. The distal portion 32, substantially frustoconical, has a function to bring the sampling tip 10 according to the invention. The intermediate portion 34, also cylindrical, has the function of enabling gripping of the sampling device 30 by its user. Finally, the proximal portion 36 has a general shape of a cup, whose inner diameter is slightly greater than the outer diameter of the intermediate portion 34 of such so that the proximal portion may partially cover the proximal end of the intermediate portion.

2B shows the sampling device 30 in an exploded view so that each element of this device is shown separately. It is found that the distal portions 32 and intermediate 34 are actually a single piece 38 constituting the body of the sampling device.

As shown in the Figure 2C, the body 38 has three substantially cylindrical recesses 382 and through longitudinal peripheral and a central recess 384. The recesses 382 are provided to receive each blade 401 a of the rod 40, as shown in Figure 2B. As to the recess 384, it is provided for receiving a helical spring 42, as shown in Figure 2B. The rod 40 therefore consists mainly of three blades 401 whose base is secured to a ring-stop 402. The rod 40 is positioned within the body of the device 38 by introducing the free ends of the blades 401 in the recesses 382 until Γ-ring stopper 402 comes into pressed against the distal end of the intermediate portion 34,

The blades 401 have a length greater than the intermediate portion 34 such that when the rod 40 is positioned within the body 38, the upper free end of the blade 401 emerges from the recesses 382. These free ends are secured with the button 36, once the spring in place. This securing may be mechanical. Thus, it is conceivable to have lugs projecting radially close to the free end of the blades 401 which are received in recesses in the internal wall of the pusher 36. Alternatively, it is possible to fasten the free end blade 401 with the inner face of the pusher 36 by chemical bonding.

As shown in Figure 2D, when a pressure in the longitudinal axis of the sampling device is exerted on the pusher 36, the latter is slidable on the body 38. This sliding action is reflected on the rod 40 which is secured to the button 36 and slides within the body 38. this sliding occurs at the distal end of the sampling device by a translational Γ push ring 402. Since the latter is in abutment against the proximal end of the tip 10, it drives in translation said hub so that the latter is disengaged from the distal end 32 of the sampling device 30. the pressure exerted by the pusher 36 on the coil spring 42 causes the compression of the latter. This compression affects the rod 40, which slides as explained supra. When the pressure on the proximal portion 36 is released, the spring 42 tends to return to a rest position in which there is more pressure on the rod 40. The latter then returns to its initial position by reverse translation, releasing the distal portion 32 which is then available for receiving another sampling tip.

The various steps of the implementation process of the sampling device 30 with a sampling tip 10 can thus be summarized as follows:

A nozzle 10 is positioned on the free end 32 of the sampling device. This step is generally carried out from the device positioned in vertical position in line with a sterile tip, generally positioned on a suitable rack. The end of the distal portion 32 of the sampling device is then fitted into the cavity 24 of the proximal portion 20 of the hub 10 until it abuts the bottom of the cavity 24.

To achieve a biological material sample such as a microorganism colony on an agar culture medium, the collection device is positioned such that the tip of the sampling means comes into contact with the microorganism colony. All or part of the colony is then taken.

To carry out the deposition of all or part of the biological material collected on a surface such as the surface of a plate of MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry analysis, the collection device is approached to said surface, such that the picking means of the end carrying the biological material comes into contact with the surface. Light circular movements are then carried out with the sampling device for depositing a layer of organic material on said surface.

Once the deposited layer, the sampling tip is ejected by operating the ejecting means and thrown into a trash can. In the case of the sampling device as shown in Figures 3 to 5, the ejection is carried out by exerting pressure on the proximal portion 36.

A second embodiment of the sampling device is shown in Figures 3A to 3C. This sampling device 50 is constituted by a substantially cylindrical and hollow body 52. The body 52 has in its distal part a free end 521 of substantially frustoconical shape, for carrying a sampling tip 10. This free end 521 is secured to body 52 by three fins (not shown) defining three interstitial spaces. The body 52 also has a hooking clip or system 522 for attaching the sampling device in the pocket of a garment, for example, as can be done with a pen. Finally, in Figure 3 A, there is also a push button 54 which exits through the proximal end of body 52. ​​As can be seen in Figure 3B, the pushbutton 54 is secured to a rod 56, taking place within the body 52. ​​The rod of substantially cylindrical shape 56 terminates at its distal end with three mounting lugs 561, shown in close-up on the enlarged view 3C. The central space between said mounting lugs 561 for receiving a helical spring 58, as shown in Figure 3B.

The rod 56 is inserted into the body 52 through the proximal end thereof, the coil spring 58 being previously inserted. Said coil spring 58 is positioned in abutment against the fins and the upper portion of the distal end 521. The rod 56 once inserted, is positioned astride the spring so that the fixing lugs 561 are cross interstitial spaces defined between the fins and out at the base of the body 52 around the free end 521. a ring 60 is inserted around the free end 521. the ring 60 has three recesses 601 for receiving the end fixing lugs 561. the fixing lugs have at their end radial pins 5611, which once the tabs positioned within the ring 60, will come to lock within the recesses 601 and thus secure the collar 60 and the rod 56. Alternatively and in order to simplify the mechanism, it is quite possible to replace this mechanical locking system with a system comprising lugs without lugs which are secured to the ring by adhesive. As shown in Figure 3A, the ring 60 comes into abutment against the body 52 at the upper portion of the free end 521, owing to the action of the helical spring 58 which exerts on the rod 56, a force repulsion towards the upper body 52. it is quite possible to replace this mechanical locking system with a system having tabs without lugs which are secured to the ring by adhesive. As shown in Figure 3A, the ring 60 comes into abutment against the body 52 at the upper portion of the free end 521, owing to the action of the helical spring 58 which exerts on the rod 56, a force repulsion towards the upper body 52. it is quite possible to replace this mechanical locking system with a system having tabs without lugs which are secured to the ring by adhesive. As shown in Figure 3A, the ring 60 comes into abutment against the body 52 at the upper portion of the free end 521, owing to the action of the helical spring 58 which exerts on the rod 56, a force repulsion towards the upper body 52.

because of the pressure release on the push button 54, the latter returns to its rest position. The rod 56 is driven in reverse translation by spring pressure, until the ring 60 return to bear against the body 52, making the distal portion 521 again available to receive another sampling tip 10.

A third embodiment of a sampling device is shown in Figure 4A to 4C. This sampling device 70 is constituted by a substantially cylindrical and hollow body 72. The body 72 has in its distal part a free end 721 of substantially frustoconical shape, for carrying a sampling tip 10. This free end 721 is secured to body 72 by three fins (not shown) defining three interstitial spaces. There is also a push button 74 positioned laterally on the body 72, which is inserted in a recess 722 formed in the side wall of the body 72, as can be seen in Figure 4B. It also comprises a rod 76 which is inserted into the body 72 at its upper end. This rod 76 consists of an integral proximal portion 761 of cross-section substantially rectangular and a distal portion comprised of three mounting lugs 762. At the interface with the distal portion, the proximal portion 761 has on both opposite sides an inclined shoulder 7611, for to cooperate with the push button 74. the stem 76 is inserted into the body 72 of the sampling device 70, through the proximal end thereof. Once the rod 76 inserted, the mounting lugs 762 come through the interstitial spaces defined between the support fins of the free end 721 and out to the base of the body 72 around the free end 721. A ring 78 is inserted around the free end 721.

The push button 74 has a cross section in the form of inverted "U", designed to enable it to be positioned astride around the proximal portion 761 of the stem 76, particularly at the shoulders inclined 7611. The push button 74 has on each of these three lateral faces lugs 741 intended to prevent out, once positioned in the housing 722. When the rod 76 and the push button 74 are positioned in the body 72 of the sampling device 70, the pushbutton 74 abuts at its distal portion 7611 against the sloping shoulders, preventing the rod 76 out. The interaction between the pushbutton and the sloping shoulders 7611 allows the movement of the rod 76 between a rest position and an ejection position of the

positioned on the distal end 721 of the sampling device 70, the latter comes to bear against the ring 78. The latter is then positioned in the upper position against the body 72, as shown in the Figure 4A. The rod is then in the rest position, wherein the push button 74 is found in the high position.

When the user of the sampling device 70 wishes to eject the sampling tip 10, it exerts pressure on the push button 74. This pressure causes the depression of the pushbutton in the housing 722, which then slides on the sloping shoulders 7611 . the pushbutton can not move laterally, its sliding on the sloping shoulders 7611 causes movement of the rod 76 in horizontal translation toward the distal end of the body 72. the rod then passes from its rest position towards its position of ejection of the nozzle, wherein the ejector ring 78 is found in the low position after having exerted pressure on the connector and cause the ejection of the latter, as shown in Figure 4C.

A fourth embodiment is shown in Figures 5A and 5C. This embodiment is very similar to the third embodiment as regards the operation of the sampling device. Indeed, the retrieval device 80 shown in Figures 5 A to 5C is constituted by a substantially cylindrical and hollow body 82. This body 82 is in one piece and has at its distal portion a free end 821 of substantially frustoconical shape. This end 821 is pierced by a circular hole 822. This hole is intended to receive the proximal portion 13 of a sampling tip 11, as described in connection with Figure 1C. In this configuration, the tip of sample 11 is pressed into the body of the sampling device 80 until the collar 17 of the end 11 abuts against the end 821 of the body 82. The body 82 also comprises a push button 84 positioned laterally on the body 82, which is inserted in a recess 823 formed in the side wall of the body 82. It comprises finally, a rod 86 which is inserted into the body 82 at its upper end. This stem 86 comprises an integral proximal portion 861 of substantially rectangular cross-section, of an integral distal portion 862 of substantially round cross-section terminating in a stud 863. At the interface between the proximal portion 861 and distal portion 862 are formed of 8611 inclined shoulders on either side of the proximal portion 861. These shoulders 8611 and the pushbutton 84 are caused to cooperate as a mechanism end 821 of the body 82. The body 82 also comprises a push button 84 positioned laterally on the body 82, which is inserted in a recess 823 formed in the side wall of the body 82. Finally, it comprises a rod 86 which is inserted into the body 82 at its upper end. This stem 86 comprises an integral proximal portion 861 of substantially rectangular cross-section, of an integral distal portion 862 of substantially round cross-section terminating in a stud 863. At the interface between the proximal portion 861 and distal portion 862 are formed of 8611 inclined shoulders on either side of the proximal portion 861. These shoulders 8611 and the pushbutton 84 are caused to cooperate as a mechanism end 821 of the body 82. The body 82 also comprises a push button 84 positioned laterally on the body 82, which is inserted in a recess 823 formed in the side wall of the body 82. Finally, it comprises a rod 86 which is inserted into the body 82 at its upper end. This stem 86 comprises an integral proximal portion 861 of substantially rectangular cross-section, of an integral distal portion 862 of substantially round cross-section terminating in a stud 863. At the interface between the proximal portion 861 and distal portion 862 are formed of 8611 inclined shoulders on either side of the proximal portion 861. These shoulders 8611 and the pushbutton 84 are caused to cooperate as a mechanism The body 82 also comprises a push button 84 positioned laterally on the body 82, which is inserted in a recess 823 formed in the side wall of the body 82. Finally, it comprises a rod 86 which is inserted into the body 82 with its end higher. This stem 86 comprises an integral proximal portion 861 of substantially rectangular cross-section, of an integral distal portion 862 of substantially round cross-section terminating in a stud 863. At the interface between the proximal portion 861 and distal portion 862 are formed of 8611 inclined shoulders on either side of the proximal portion 861. These shoulders 8611 and the pushbutton 84 are caused to cooperate as a mechanism The body 82 also comprises a push button 84 positioned laterally on the body 82, which is inserted in a recess 823 formed in the side wall of the body 82. Finally, it comprises a rod 86 which is inserted into the body 82 with its end higher. This stem 86 comprises an integral proximal portion 861 of substantially rectangular cross-section, of an integral distal portion 862 of substantially round cross-section terminating in a stud 863. At the interface between the proximal portion 861 and distal portion 862 are formed of 8611 inclined shoulders on either side of the proximal portion 861. These shoulders 8611 and the pushbutton 84 are caused to cooperate as a mechanism insert in a housing 823 formed in the side wall of the body 82. Finally, it comprises a rod 86 which is inserted into the body 82 at its upper end. This stem 86 comprises an integral proximal portion 861 of substantially rectangular cross-section, of an integral distal portion 862 of substantially round cross-section terminating in a stud 863. At the interface between the proximal portion 861 and distal portion 862 are formed of 8611 inclined shoulders on either side of the proximal portion 861. These shoulders 8611 and the pushbutton 84 are caused to cooperate as a mechanism insert in a housing 823 formed in the side wall of the body 82. Finally, it comprises a rod 86 which is inserted into the body 82 at its upper end. This stem 86 comprises an integral proximal portion 861 of substantially rectangular cross-section, of an integral distal portion 862 of substantially round cross-section terminating in a stud 863. At the interface between the proximal portion 861 and distal portion 862 are formed of 8611 inclined shoulders on either side of the proximal portion 861. These shoulders 8611 and the pushbutton 84 are caused to cooperate as a mechanism

identical to that described above in connection with the sampling device 70 shown in Figures 4A to 4C, so that when the user presses the push button 84, it triggers the displacement in translation of the rod 86 in the body lumen 82, towards the distal end thereof. The pin 863 then comes to bear against the free end 15 of the proximal portion 13 of the endpiece 11 and exerts pressure thereon so that the cap 11 is ejected from the sampling device 80 by translation. This is shown in Figure 5C. When positioning a new tip 11 of the sampling device 80, the proximal portion 13 which enters the body lumen 82 through the port 822 pushes the rod 86 in opposite directions,

Other sampling device of the embodiments are possible. Thus, another possible embodiment is to position the distal end of the body but on its outside, a mechanical system intended to come into abutment against the nozzle to enable ejection. This may be for example a sleeve movable in translation on the body of the sampling device which is in contact with the sampling tip and ejects it when it is moved by the user.

Other sample preparation protocols of biological material for analysis may be envisaged with the sampling device. Thus, once the sampling of biological material made, it is possible to prepare a biological material suspended in an ad hoc solution, such as saline. To do this, it may be envisaged to release the sampling tip carrying the biological material directly into a tube containing an amount of resuspension solution. Stirring under vortex tube containing the nozzle will then allow the release of the biological material retained on the fibrous material.

The sampling device can also be used to perform isolation on agar culture media. These isolates can be made directly from colonies taken with the sampling device according to the invention and then directly re-seeded on an agar culture medium. They can also be made from biological material suspensions made using the sampling device, as described above.

In the case where the sampling device is used to perform an isolation, it is preferable that the sampling means has a spherical end and is of sufficient diameter to its end, to prevent its application against the agar culture medium not come damaging the latter. A suitable diameter is for example between 2 and 7 millimeters (mm) and preferably between 2 and 4 mm.

Isolation may be performed from a bacterial suspension with a concentration of, eg, 10 7 CFU (Colony Forming Unit) / mL (milliliter). With such a concentration, a sample of 5 microliters (μί) suspension with the sampling means is sufficient to permit isolation of good quality, on the agar culture medium. 5 the suspension is sucked by the material constituting the extraction means. Said sampling means loaded in suspension is then suitable for enabling the progressive release of the suspension when applied to the agar culture medium. This gradual release is possible thanks to the absorbent nature of the material constituting the extraction means. The result is a better quality of isolation.

Isolation can be carried out according to traditional techniques, such as the technique known as "dial" or the technique known as "spiral".

EXAMPLES:

Example 1: Use of a sampling device with sampling tips for the preparation of a plate for analysis by MALDI-TOF.

The sampling device used in this example is the device shown in Figures 2A-2D and described above.

The sampling tip is plastic material, such as those conventionally used to make the disposable pipette tips. It comprises a cylindrical picking means a diameter of 2 mm and a length of 6mm. It is polyethylene terephthalate copolymer (PET) fibers / PET, a material sold by the Porex company under the PSU-832 reference.

The body of the sampling device is realized in injected polypropylene. It has a length of 120 mm and a hexagonal section with 8.2 mm between the opposing faces of the hexagon, which allows easy handling as a pencil, without the risk of musculoskeletal disorders.

The sampling device is used to collect colonies of different bacterial species, which have grown on Columbia culture medium + 5% sheep blood (COS), marketed by the Applicant under the reference 43041.

The colonies collected are deposited on a sheet of disposable MALDI-TOF analysis to 48 positions, sold by the Applicant under the reference 410893.

Among the selected species, some are known to form colonies that are difficult to collect. This is the case for example Bacillus licheniformis, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Proteus mirabilis or Nocardia asteroids.

The process is conducted in the following steps:

1. A sampling tip is positioned on a removal device.

2. A bacterial colony is removed from a COS type of culture medium, using the sampling device by contacting fibrous material sampling means carried on the sampling tip with the colony.

CLAIMS

1. End cap adapted to be fitted onto the body of a sampling device, manual or automated, of biological material of microbial origin, comprising:

a) a distal free end comprising a biological material picking means of microbial origin,

b) a proximal free end intended to come into contact with the body of said sampling device and allow the attachment of said tip to said body,

said tip being characterized in that all or part of the distal free end is made of a fibrous material having a porosity of at least 30%.

2. A mouthpiece according to claim 1, consisting entirely of a fibrous material having a porosity of at least 30%.

3. A mouthpiece according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the fibrous material has a porosity greater than 50%, preferably greater than 70%

4. Cap according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the fibrous material is selected from the group consisting of: polyesters, polyethylene, polyethylene terephthalate (PET), PET copolymer, and polyethylene copolymer, PET / polyamide PET, cotton.

5. Cap according to one of the preceding claims, having a substantially conical or frustoconical overall shape.

6. Cap according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the sampling means is generally cylindrical, frustoconical or spherical.

7. Device for extracting biological material of microbial origin comprising:

• an end piece according to one of claims 1 to 6

• a body comprising at least:

o a proximal portion for at least partially zone

gripping said device and

o a distal portion having a free end at the end of which is fixed said tip.

8. Device according to the preceding claim, further comprising an ejection system of the nozzle.

9. Device according to the preceding claim, wherein the ejection system comprises a stem positioned within said body and movable in translation.

10. Device according to the preceding claim, wherein said rod is movable in translation by means of a pushbutton.

11. A method for sampling biological material of microbial origin comprising the following steps:

a) Place a cap according to claim 1 to 6 on the distal portion of the sampling device according to one of Claims 7 or 8, b) Positioning the collection device near a biological material colony of microbial origin present on a culture medium to contacting the sampling means of said tip with the biological material,

c) select all or part of the biological material with the sampling device, so that the sampled biological material is secured to the picking means.

12. A process for preparing an assay plate for microbiological analysis by mass spectrometry MALDI-TOF from a sample of biological material comprising the steps of:

a) Place a cap according to claim 1 to 5 of the distal portion of the sampling device according to claim 6 or 7,

b) Place the collection device near a biological material of microbial origin colony present in a culture medium to contacting the tip of the sampling means with the biological material,

c) select all or part of the biological material with the sampling device, so that the sampled biological material is secured to the picking means,

d) Remove uniformly biological material taken from at least one analysis region of a spectrometry analysis plate of MALDI-TOF, by contacting the sample medium with the surface of said at least an analysis zone.

13. A method of isolating biological material of microbial origin on an agar culture medium, comprising the steps of:

a) obtaining a sample of biological material into contact with the sampling means of the tip of a sampling device according to claim 6 or 7,

b) Place the collection device near the surface of the agar culture medium, so that the sampling means is in contact with said surface,

c) moving the sampling device such that the picking means moves over the surface of the culture medium, while remaining in contact therewith, thereby releasing all or part of the sample of biological material in contact with said sampling means on said surface of the culture medium.

14. Preparation process according to claim 11, 12 or 13, further comprising a final step of ejecting the sample tip.