Systems, methods, and new file formats are provided for printing 3D microstructures. In some implementations, a new file format is provided that defines 3D objects by a wireframe model expressed as a collection of wires. Because wires and their parameters are defined within the new file format, objects may be processed more efficiently and quickly to support 3D rendering operations. Such methods may be used to print new articles, such as eyelashes, bushes, swabs and other novel items.

Systems, methods, and new file formats are provided for printing 3D microstructures. In some implementations, a new file format is provided that defines 3D objects by a wireframe model expressed as a collection of wires. Because wires and their parameters are defined within the new file format, objects may be processed more efficiently and quickly to support 3D rendering operations. Such methods may be used to print new articles, such as eyelashes, bushes, swabs and other novel items.

Described is a swab comprising a rod having a longitudinal axis and a tip. The tip includes a proximal region at a distal end of the rod, a distal region opposite the proximal region, and a plurality of straight blades extending from the proximal region to the distal region, parallel to the longitudinal axis.

Described is a swab comprising a rod having a longitudinal axis and a tip. The tip includes a proximal region at a distal end of the rod, a distal region opposite the proximal region, and a plurality of straight blades extending from the proximal region to the distal region, parallel to the longitudinal axis.

A swab for taking biological samples which has a support rod having an end portion coated with a layer of fibres is provided. Each of the fibres extends in length orthogonally to a surface of the support rod with a respective free end portion. The layer of fibres has hydrophilic properties to allow absorption of biological samples. Each of the fibres is mechanically anchored at a bottom portion thereof to a textile substrate fixed to a surface of the end portion of the support rod.

A swab for taking biological samples which has a support rod having an end portion coated with a layer of fibres is provided. Each of the fibres extends in length orthogonally to a surface of the support rod with a respective free end portion. The layer of fibres has hydrophilic properties to allow absorption of biological samples. Each of the fibres is mechanically anchored at a bottom portion thereof to a textile substrate fixed to a surface of the end portion of the support rod.

Described is a tip for a swab for collecting a specimen from a subject, the tip being shaped for insertion into, and collection of the specimen from, a body cavity of the subject such as the nasal cavity. The tip comprises a plurality of curved blades defining an internal reservoir for receiving the specimen, the tip being attached or attachable to a rod. In the preferred embodiment, each of the blade comprises helical turns.

A method is disclosed comprising providing a biological sample on a swab, directing a spray of charged droplets onto a surface of the swab in order to generate a plurality of analyte ions, and analysing the analyte ions.

A method is disclosed comprising providing a biological sample on a swab, directing a spray of charged droplets onto a surface of the swab in order to generate a plurality of analyte ions, and analysing the analyte ions.

The technology described herein is directed to a swab for sample collection. In one aspect, the swab comprises a sample collection head, which comprises a plurality of spaced annular rings. In one embodiment, the swab further comprises a tapered neck and a handle. In one embodiment, the swab is injection-molded using polypropylene. In other aspects, described herein are swabs comprising a water-soluble or biodegradable material. In additional aspects, described herein are kits comprising said swabs and methods of using said swabs.