WO2023129027A1

WO2023129027A1 - A sampling device for biological agents

Info

Publication number: WO2023129027A1
Application number: PCT/TR2022/051499
Authority: WO
Inventors: Murat Ali YÜLEK; Ahmet KOLUMAN; Ahmet KANAT; Görkem PORTAKAL
Original assignee: Osti̇m Tekni̇k Üni̇versi̇tesi̇
Priority date: 2021-12-31
Filing date: 2022-12-14
Publication date: 2023-07-06
Also published as: TR2021022152A2

Abstract

The invention relates to a device (1) for sampling biological agents such as bacteria and/or viruses in the air and/or respirable dust and/or particles in the air and/or metals in the air and/or mold spores and/or allergens and/or asbestos fibers by passing air through it; comprising at least one air inlet part (1.1), at least one exhaust part (1.3) comprising at least one air vacuum motor (1.3.1) and/or at least one connection point (1.4) providing connection to aann unmanned aerial/ground vehicle oorr any mobile/stationary vehicle and at least one energy storage unit (1.5); comprising at least one filter and control part (1.2) comprising at least one filter part (1.2.1) and at least one control part (1.2.2) for performing said sampling.

Description

A SAMPLING DEVICE FOR BIOLOGICAL AGENTS

Technical Field

The invention relates to an improved sampling device for biological agents such as bacteria and/or viruses in the air and/or respirable dust and/or particles in the air and/or metals in the air and/or mold spores and/or allergens and/or asbestos fibers.

Prior Art

With the outbreak of the pandemic, it has been realized that the stability and resilience of global health systems and hygiene control systems are insufficient within the scope of COVID-19 measures. It has also become clear that there are shortcomings of a potential biodefense situation. Therefore, sampling of biological warfare agents from the air has become more and more valuable. Existing sampling devices are generally designed for two different purposes, which are particle size control and microbiological contamination control. With said controls, sampling can be carried out in a stationary manner in a certain area, or sampling can also be carried out with portable mobile devices. In the prior art, devices were used to sample at a lower flow rate per minute, but today’s current devices can sample 2-3 times faster per minute than in the past. The data received from the devices of today’s technology are stored on such devices and the received data can be transferred to another electronic medium by means of a flash memory. With the introduction of microbiological air sampling devices, the traceability and control processes of the devices have become easier.

In the state of the art, air sampling is carried out by impinging the air on a fluid, thereby trapping the bacteria in the fluid. In another state of the art, the air is collected in the petri dish by impinging on the petri dish.

There are many patent applications on biocontrol in air sampling systems. However, it has been reported that both the weight increases and fluid-borne contamination may occur in the system, especially considering that the methods of impinging on the petri surface and trapping in fluid are used in biodefense systems. At the same time, in order to trap air on the sampling surfaces or tubes, the surfaces or tubes are forced into stable motion for sampling. Not all methods in the prior art are multi-purpose due to their design, cost and weight.

In the state of the art, the document no. US72879000A describes the principle of operation of an air sampling device. Said document describes the collection of bacteria by impinging air on water.

Another document no. TW201115131A in the state of the art describes an air sampling system that uses air thrust for air pollution in large-area environments. Said system calculates the sampling rate and relative position.

Another document no. TW201400798A in the state of the art describes a particle detection system that draws air. Said device has a large number of holes and performs sampling.

Another document no. CN110241015A in the state of the art describes an air microorganism detection device, which is compartmentalized and contains a fluid. This fluid increases the adhesion of the microorganisms and ensures a stronger adherence.

Another document no. CN209432548U in the state of the art describes a positive and negative pressure device comprising a sampling tube. Said document also describes an electromagnetic valve assembly for sampling.

Another document no. WO9014437A1 in the state of the art describes a device for the detection of harmful particulate matter and harmful bacteria such as legionella. Said document also mentions that the device works on the principle of forcing the air for sampling. It is also explained that analyzed harmful organisms and substances such as particles, bacteria, etc. are transferred to the fluid. The invention therefore is fluidbased.

Another document no. CN 102311917A in the state of the art describes a system for collecting harmful bacteria by preparing a fluid medium. Therefore, the system in this invention is also fluid-based. Another document no. CN206872829U in the state of the art describes a device that detects microorganisms for longer survival and contains granules and dust suitable for the environment in which it is to be located. Said device allows obtaining a large number of biological samples.

In all the documents listed above and others in the state of the art, there is no mention of a device comprising a filter assembly for sampling biological agents such as bacteria and/or viruses in the air and/or respirable dust and/or particles in the air and/or metals in the air and/or mold spores and/or allergens and/or asbestos fibers by passing air through it. In addition, the compatibility of the system especially with Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) and ground vehicles was not discussed. Furthermore, bacterial damages are possible with the current techniques due to the contact of the person with the bacteria in the system for impingement on the petri dish. In other words, in order to analyze the bacteria, the sampling must be done without damaging the bacteria. Therefore, the possibility of bacterial damages is higher in the prior art. Moreover, the fluid trapping system used in the present art can lead to oxygen stress. It is therefore necessary to develop systems that turn the disadvantages listed in the state of the art into advantages.

Summary of the Invention

The object of the invention is to manufacture a sampling device comprising a filter assembly for sampling biological agents such as bacteria and/or viruses in the air and/or respirable dust and/or particles in the air and/or metals in the air and/or mold spores and/or allergens and/or asbestos fibers by passing air through it. In the device according to the invention, the air is passed through a completely specialized filter, thereby sampling the bacteria.

The device according to the invention can be easily adapted to unmanned aerial and ground vehicles with a different sampling technique. Furthermore, the device has a high flow rate and performs detection especially for biological warfare agents with a technique that intensifies the sampling surface. The collection speed of the device is high, allowing biological agents to penetrate the filter intensively, thus ensuring a more efficient sampling. Description of the drawings

Fig. 1 is an isometric view of the device.

Fig. 2 is a block diagram of the control part.

Fig. 3 is a top view of the device.

Fig. 4 is a front view of the device.

Fig. 5 is a rear view of the device.

Fig. 6 is a side view of the device.

Fig. 7 is a bottom view of the device.

Fig. 8 is an exploded view of the filter part.

Fig. 9 is a side view of the filter part.

Fig. 10 is a large-scale view of the electrodes contained in the filter part.

Fig. 11 is a large-scale view of the electrode.

Fig. 12 is a view of the position and order of the filters replaced by the step motor in the device.

Description of the Reference Numbers in the Drawings

For a better understanding of the invention, the reference numbers in the drawings are given below:

1. Device

1.1. Air inlet part

1.1.1. Channel

1.2. Filter and control part

1.2.1. Filter part

1.2.1.1. Filter

1.2.1.2. Electrode

1.2.1.3. Step motor

1.2.2. Control part

1.2.2.1. Control unit

1.2.2.2. Communication unit

1.2.2.3. Data storage unit

1.2.2.4. Screen

1.3. Exhaust part 1.3.1. Air vacuum motor

1.4. Connection point

1.5. Energy storage unit

F. Filters positioned in a closed area where air cannot pass through the filters

Detailed Description of the Invention

The device (1) according to the invention for sampling biological agents such as bacteria and/or viruses in the air and/or respirable dust and/or particles in the air and/or metals in the air and/or mold spores and/or allergens and/or asbestos fibers by passing air through it, comprising at least one air inlet part (1.1), at least one filter and control part (1.2), at least one exhaust part (1.3) and/or at least one connection point (1.4) providing connection to an unmanned aerial/ground vehicle or any mobile/stationary vehicle and at least one energy storage unit (1.5). In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the connection points (1.4) on the top of the device (1) are 4 in number to be connected to the unmanned aerial and ground vehicle. The air inlet part (1.1) comprises at least one channel (1.1.1) to direct the air flow to a filter part (1.2.1). Said channels (1.1.1) transfer the air to the filter part (1.2.1). The filter and control part (1.2) comprises at least one filter part (1.2.1) and at least one control part (1.22). The aforementioned filter part (1.2.1) comprises at least one filter (1.2.1.1) for collecting the pathogens in the air, at least one electrode (1.2.1.2) preferably positioned in the center of the filter part (1.2.1) and at least one step motor (1.2.1.3) for replacing the filters

(1.2.1.1). Said filter part (1.2.1.1) is in a circular form and the filters (1.2.1.1) and other components of the filter part (1.2.1.1) are mounted to the filter part (1.2.1.1) sequentially. The filters (1.2.1.1) used in the preferred embodiment of the invention are polycarbonate filters having a diameter of 37 mm and a pore size of 0.2 pm. Said filter

(1.2.1.1) will be used for sampling biological agents such as bacteria and viruses, as well as respirable dust, particles in the air, metals in the air, mold spores, allergens and asbestos fibers.

In the preferred embodiment of the invention, the electrodes (1.2.1.2) are 2 in number to be positioned at the top and bottom of the filter (1.2.1.1), and the electrical decontamination of the filters (1.2.1.1) will be achieved by applying electrical energy to the filter (1.2.1.1) located between the electrodes (1.2.1.2), thereby creating a strong electric field between the electrodes (1.2.1.2). In this way, the filters are decontaminated after use. The electrodes (1.2.1.2) are located in the chamber (or cartridge) contained in the filter part (1.2.1.1) for decontamination. In other words, said chambers contain electrodes (1.2.1.2). The electrodes (1.2.1.2) are electrically connected to the control unit for the application of an electric field. The exhaust part (1.3) comprises at least one air vacuum motor (1.3.1) for sending the air flow more intensively to the filters (1.2.1.1). The air flow passing through the filter (1.2.1.1) is discharged from the air exhaust part (1.3) more easily through the aforementioned air vacuum motor (1.3.1). The control part (1.2.2) comprises at least one control unit (1.2.2.1) to enable remote control of the device and to transmit the stored data to the user via a communication unit (1.2.2.2), at least one communication unit (1.2.2.2) that provides communication between the user and the device (1), at least one data storage unit (1.2.2.3) that stores the data and at least one screen (1.2.2.4) that allows the data to be displayed. The control unit (1.2.2.1) of the control part (1.2.2) on the device (1) drives the step motor (1.2.1.3) in the filter part (1.2.1) to replace the filters (1.2.1.1) respectively at the desired time. The filter part (1.2.1) therefore comprises at least one step motor (1.2.1.3). The step motor (1.2.1.3) angularly rotates the filters (1.2.1.1), placing the unused filter (1.2.1.1) in the air inlet part (1.1). The used filters (1.2.1.1) are kept in a closed area in the side part. The control unit (1.2.2.1) drives the air vacuum motor (1.3.1) for as long as the device (1) is actively running. For electrical decontamination, the electrodes (1.2.1.2) connected to the card can be activated on demand. The device (1) can be controlled remotely. The communication unit (1.2.2.2) on the electronic card contained in the control unit (1.2.2.1) provides long-range remote control. The filter (1.2.1.1) set can be replaced automatically by remote control. The control unit (1.2.2) activates the step motor (1.2.1.3) to replace the filter (1.2.1.1) set, the old filter (1.2.1.1) is removed and the new filter (1.2.1.1) is positioned in the air inlet part (1.1). At the same time with the control unit (1.2.2.1), the operating time of the device (1) is displayed to the user over an electronic device utilized by the user through communication units (1.2.2.2). In addition, at least one fan connected to the air vacuum motor (1.3.1) is capable of withstanding high speeds. Moreover, the motor speed can be operated at the desired speed.

In summary, the control unit (1.2.2.1) enables remote control of the device (1) and transmits the data stored in a data storage unit (1.2.2.3) to the user via a communication unit (1.2.2.2) and drives the step motor (1.2.1.3) in the filter part (1.2.1) to replace the filters (1.2.1.1) respectively at the desired time and enables the step motor (1.2.1.3) to angularly remove the old filter (1.2.1.1) and position the unused filter

(1.2.1.1) in the air inlet part (1.1) and thus remotely activates/deactivates the step motor (1.2.1.3) to perform said functions.

With the control unit (1.2.2.1) on the device (1), the speed adjustment can be done manually or remotely. The most important technical element of the invention is the filter part (1.2.1). The filter (1.2.1.1) can be obtained from cellulose-based and/or nonwoven technological products and/or metals.

The device (1) is made of an aluminum profile and/or rigid PLA plastic for light weight and durability. The device (1) is designed to block the air in accordance with aerodynamics.

The filter part (1.2.1) of the device (1) according to the invention will enable a more reliable sampling. Thanks to the device (1) according to the invention, air sampling in the desired environment can be performed with unmanned aerial and ground vehicles without endangering health in areas where biodefense is applied or suspected to be applied. There is no risk of infection thanks to the filter part (1.2.1) used. After the filters

(1.2.1.1) are used and the required samples are taken, the filters (1.2.1.1) can be completely cleaned by applying flow to the filters (1.2.1.1). The device (1) operates with filtration in contrast to the present art. All microorganisms accumulated in the filter

(1.2.1.1) of the device (1) can be easily grown on different growth cultures, and bacterial damage is reduced compared to the system for impingement on the petri dish. At the same time, the oxygen stress that can occur in the fluid trapping system in the present art will be avoided.

Industrial Applicability of the Invention:

The device (1) according to the invention is developed to provide air sampling and is applicable to the industry for use in the defense industry, microbiology laboratories, clean rooms and hospitals. Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear (CBRN) units can be used for sampling in emergencies. The invention is not limited to the above-mentioned exemplary embodiments, and one skilled in the art can easily come up with other different embodiments of the invention. These should be considered within the scope of the protection sought by the claims of the invention.

Claims

1. A device (1) for sampling biological agents such as bacteria and/or viruses in the air and/or respirable dust and/or particles in the air and/or metals in the air and/or mold spores and/or allergens and/or asbestos fibers by passing air through it, comprising at least one air inlet part (1.1), at least one exhaust part (1.3) comprising at least one air vacuum motor (1.3.1) and/or at least one connection point (1.4) providing connection to an unmanned aerial/ground vehicle or any mobile/stationary vehicle and at least one energy storage unit (1.5), characterized in that it comprises at least one filter and control part (1.2) comprising at least one filter part (1.2.1) and at least one control part (1.2.2) for performing said sampling.

2. A device (1) according to claim 1 , characterized in that it comprises a control part (1.2.2) comprising at least one communication unit (1.2.2.2) that provides communication between the user and the device (1) and at least one data storage unit (1.2.2.3) that stores the data; at least one control unit (1.2.2.1) that enables remote control of the device (1) and transmits the data stored in said data storage unit (1.2.2.3) to the user via said communication unit (1.2.2.2) and drives the step motor (1.2.1.3) in the filter part (1.2.1) to replace the filters (1.2.1.1) respectively at the desired time and enables the step motor (1.2.1.3) to angularly remove the old filter (1.2.1.1) and position the unused filter (1.2.1.1) in the air inlet part (1.1) and thus remotely activates/deactivates the step motor (1.2.1.3) to perform said functions and at least one screen (1.2.2.4) that allows the data to be displayed.

3. A device (1) according to claim 2, characterized by the air inlet part (1.1) comprising at least one channel (1.1.1) to direct the air flow to the filter part (1.2.1).

4. A device (1) according to claim 3, characterized by the filter part (1.2.1), comprising at least one filter (1.2.1.1) for collecting the pathogens in the air, at least one electrode (1.2.1.2) preferably positioned in the center of the filter part (1.2.1) and at least one step motor (1.2.1.3) for replacing the filters (1.2.1.1), and in which said filters (1.2.1.1) are mounted together with the other components sequentially.

5. A device (1) according to claim 4, characterized by the filter part (1.2.1.1) being in a circular form.

9

6. A device (1) according to claim 5, characterized by a polycarbonate- and/or cellulose-based and/or nonwoven and/or metal filter (1.2.1.1).

7. A device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by the device (1) made of an aluminum profile and/or rigid PLA plastic for light weight and durability.