Abstract: A device to collect a biological sample may generally include an elongated rod having a handle and terminating in a tip; and a core and a plurality of projections extending in a radial direction from a surface of the core. The projections may have curved geometric pattern, such as a sinusoidal pattern, a circular arc pattern, and/or a helical pattern, for example. The device may include a layer of fibers disposed on a surface of the projections by flocking. Method of making and using the device are also described.