JP2012052865A - Virus collection system - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a virus collection system easily collecting a virus in a manner that can detect the airborne virus.SOLUTION: A virus collection system comprises: a virus collection section 12 provided with a filter 11 which can collect a virus; air induction means P1 to introduce sample air into the virus collection section; extraction liquid injection means P3 to inject virus extraction liquid into the filter with collected virus; extract liquid recovery means P2 to recover the extraction liquid with the extracted virus from the virus collection section; filter reproduction means P4 and P5 to reproduce the filter after the virus is extracted from the same; and control means which controls the air induction means P1 to collect the virus with the filter, the extraction liquid injection means P3 to extract the collected virus from the filter into the extraction liquid, the extraction liquid recovery means P2 to recover the extraction liquid containing the extracted virus, and the filter reproduction means P4 and P5 to recover the filter in this order.

Description

  The present invention relates to a system for collecting viruses floating in a certain space such as a living room space, a public facility, a large-scale customer collection facility, or a transportation facility.

  Conventionally, a method to prevent the spread of virus infection is to take a sample of nasal discharge, sputum, etc. that contains a lot of virus from a person suspected of being infected with the virus, and then culture, isolate, and identify the sample based on that sample. Checking is done. However, since it takes several days to obtain a result when such a method is used, in recent years, a simple test kit using immunochromatography has been developed (for example, Patent Document 1). This is because an antibody that specifically develops a color by an antigen-antibody reaction using a virus as an antigen or a chromogenic substrate that develops a color by reaction with an enzyme specific to the virus, and color development occurs by contacting the sample with the antibody or chromogenic substrate. By observing, the presence of the virus is detected. According to this method, it has become possible to detect a virus within minutes to tens of minutes and effectively utilize it for the treatment of infected patients.

  However, even in an immunochromatograph, it is necessary to artificially collect a test object having a relatively large amount of virus such as nasal discharge and sputum in order to detect a virus.

  In addition to this, a simple detection system using MEMS (Micro Electro Mechanical System) has also been proposed (Non-patent Document 1). It is a premise that the solution contains a virus at a concentration, and it is necessary to collect it from an infected person like an immunochromatograph.

  As described above, various methods for detecting a virus have been developed, but the task of collecting the virus for detecting the virus is still performed manually.

JP 2008-275511 A

Fernando Patolsky, Analytical Chemistry 78, 23, 4260-4269 (2006)

  For this reason, even if it is attempted to detect a virus before a person infected with the virus comes out, it has been difficult to detect because there is no simple method for collecting the virus floating in the air.

  An object of this invention is to provide the system which collects simply in the form which can detect the virus which floats in the air in view of the said situation.

  The characteristic configuration of the virus collection system of the present invention for solving the above technical problem includes a virus collection unit including a filter capable of collecting viruses, and an air introduction unit that guides inspection target air to the virus collection unit. Extraction means for injecting the virus extract into the virus-collected filter, Extract recovery means for recovering the virus-extracted extract from the virus-collecting section, and filter for regenerating the filter from which the virus has been extracted After performing the virus collection step of collecting the virus on the filter using the regeneration means and the air introduction means, and the virus collection step, the extract was injected into the filter using the extract injection means. A virus extraction step for extracting the virus into the extract and the virus extraction step are performed, and then the extract recovery means is operated to extract the extracted virus. An extract recovering process for recovering an extract containing a lotus, and a control means for sequentially executing a filter regeneration process for recovering the filter by operating the filter regeneration means after executing the extract recovering process. In the point.

  According to the above characteristic configuration, the virus is collected in the filter by the air introduction means in the virus collection process, and the virus is extracted using the extract as a solvent by the extract injection means and the extract collection means in the virus extraction process and the extract collection process. Is recovered. Thereafter, the filter is regenerated by the filter regeneration means in the filter regeneration step. As a result, it is possible to easily collect viruses floating in the air without the need to replace the filter, and the collected viruses can be recovered as an extract, so the presence of the virus can be confirmed by using the recovered extract. Can do. That is, it is possible to realize a system that effectively collects viruses floating in the air using an extract.

  Here, the filter regeneration means includes a cleaning liquid injection means for injecting a cleaning liquid for cleaning the filter into the filter, a cleaning liquid recovery means for recovering the cleaning liquid from the filter, and a blower for sending gas to the virus collecting section. And the control means performs the cleaning liquid injection step of injecting the cleaning liquid into the filter by using the cleaning liquid injection means in the filter regeneration step, and the cleaning liquid recovery means after executing the cleaning liquid injection step. After performing the cleaning liquid recovery process for recovering the cleaning liquid from the filter and the cleaning liquid recovery process, the air blowing means is operated to send the gas to the virus collection unit and dry the filter in order. A configuration is preferable.

  According to this configuration, in the cleaning liquid injection process and the cleaning liquid recovery process, after the filter is washed with the cleaning liquid, the adhering substances attached to the filter are washed away, and then the filter is dried by the blowing means in the blowing process. The adhered matter can be blown off by blowing air. Therefore, the deposits and viruses remaining on the filter can be removed more reliably, and the regeneration of the filter can be sequentially performed to reduce the collection rate and the detection sensitivity when repeatedly collecting the virus.

  In addition, the apparatus includes an extract reservoir that stores the extract below the virus collector, and in the virus extraction step, the extract is lifted and introduced from the extract reservoir into the virus collector. This is preferable.

  According to this structure, since the extract storage part which is a comparatively heavy thing compared with a virus collection part is provided below, the stability and safety | security as an apparatus can be ensured. Further, gravity can be used effectively during recovery, thereby realizing a system that is easy for the user to handle.

  In addition, an extract collection unit that collects the extract is provided below the virus collection unit, and the extract is lowered and collected from the virus collection unit to the extract collection unit in the extract collection step. A configuration is preferable.

  According to this configuration, the extract collection unit that is relatively heavy compared to the virus collection unit is provided below, so that the stability and safety of the apparatus can be ensured. Further, gravity can be used effectively during recovery, thereby realizing a system that is easy for the user to handle.

  In addition, it is preferable to provide a cleaning liquid storage section that stores the cleaning liquid below the virus collection section, and in the cleaning liquid injection step, the cleaning liquid is introduced from the cleaning liquid storage section into the virus collection section. is there.

  According to this configuration, since the cleaning liquid storage unit that is relatively heavy compared to the virus collection unit is provided below, the stability and safety of the apparatus can be ensured. Further, gravity can be used effectively during recovery, thereby realizing a system that is easy for the user to handle.

  It is preferable that a cleaning liquid recovery unit that recovers the cleaning liquid is provided below the virus collection unit, and that the cleaning liquid is lowered and collected from the virus collection unit to the cleaning liquid recovery unit in the cleaning liquid recovery step. is there.

  According to this configuration, since the cleaning liquid recovery unit that is relatively heavy compared to the virus collection unit is provided below, the stability and safety of the apparatus can be ensured. Further, gravity can be used effectively during recovery, thereby realizing a system that is easy for the user to handle.

  In addition, it is preferable that the filter is a porous cordierite honeycomb structure having an average pore diameter of 3 to 7 μm. The inventors have confirmed that when the average pore diameter is smaller than 3 μm or larger than 7 μm, the virus collection efficiency decreases.

  According to this configuration, a higher virus collection rate can be realized.

  In addition, it is preferable to provide a humidifier that humidifies the air to be inspected supplied to the filter.

  According to this configuration, when the inspection target air is humidified, the virus contained in the inspection target air is more likely to be attached to larger particles than viruses such as splash particles and dust. Thereby, since the virus is easily collected by the filter, a higher virus collection rate can be realized.

Schematic diagram of an apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention Flow path diagram according to an embodiment of the present invention Sampling main channel and sampling auxiliary channel in the channel diagram according to the embodiment of the present invention Extraction first flow path in flow path diagram according to embodiment of present invention Extraction second flow path in flow path diagram according to embodiment of present invention Cleaning fluid first channel in the channel diagram according to the embodiment of the present invention Cleaning fluid second channel in the channel diagram according to the embodiment of the present invention Cleaning liquid third flow path in flow path diagram according to embodiment of present invention Drying air first supply channel in the channel diagram according to the embodiment of the present invention Drying air second supply channel in the channel diagram according to the embodiment of the present invention Indoor airborne particulate removal performance graph Graph of model virus collection

  Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

1. 1. Outline of System 1.1 Outline of System Operation The virus collection system S according to the present embodiment aims to collect viruses floating in the air using a filter capable of collecting and regenerating viruses. And the system repeats the following steps continuously. The following steps 1 to 3 are defined as one cycle, and the number of cycle repetitions is configured to be changeable as will be described later in the detailed configuration of the system. Further, in the following description, the flow rate and operation time in each step are examples, and are configured to be changeable as with the number of cycle repetitions.

Step 1. Sampling step Atmospheric air a is sucked through the filter 11 at a predetermined flow rate for a predetermined time. Viruses floating in the air are present in a state of being attached to fine particles of about several μm such as splash particles and dust generated by human sneezing, coughing, and conversation. Due to the suction of the atmospheric air “a”, the fine particles to which the virus is attached are collected by the filter 11.

  Here, the atmospheric air a taken into the filter 11 corresponds to “inspection air” of the present invention.

Step 2. Extraction Step The filter 11 is immersed in the extract f1 for extracting the virus for 1 to 10 minutes, and then the extract f1 is sent to the extract recovery unit 15. At this time, only the virus collected in the filter 11 is extracted by the extract f1 and collected in the extract recovery unit 15. Most of the droplet particles remain on the filter 11. Here, the virus extract is preferably a phosphate buffer containing a surfactant such as Triton X-100 and Nonidet P-40, for example.

Step 3. Cleaning Step The filter 11 is immersed in the cleaning liquid f2 for a predetermined time, and then the cleaning liquid f2 is collected in the first waste liquid tank 16. Then, the filter 11 is dried by sending air. Thereby, splash particles other than the virus collected by the filter 11 in the sampling process are removed, and the filter 11 can be reused.

1.2 System Configuration FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of a virus collection system S according to the present embodiment. This system is roughly composed of three units U1, U2, and U3.

  The uppermost unit U1 is provided with a virus collecting section 12 having a filter 11 capable of collecting viruses at the top of the casing, and the flow rate and operation time in each step can be set on one side of the casing. A control panel 13 is provided.

  The middle unit U2 includes an extract tank 14 for storing the extract f1 used in the extraction process, a beaker 15 (extract extractor) for recovering the extract f1 after virus extraction, and washing. A first waste liquid tank 16 is provided for storing the cleaning liquid f2 discharged in the process as waste liquid.

  In the lowermost unit U3, the cleaning liquid tank 17 for storing the cleaning liquid f2 used in the cleaning process, the second waste liquid tank 18 for storing the cleaning liquid f2 as waste liquid, and atmospheric air are sucked in the sampling process. A pump P1 is provided.

  Here, the control panel 13 corresponds to the “control unit” of the present invention, the extract tank 14 corresponds to the “extract storage unit” of the present invention, and the beaker 15 corresponds to the “extract recovery unit” of the present invention. The cleaning liquid tank 17 corresponds to the “cleaning liquid storage section” of the present invention, the first waste liquid tank 16 and the second waste liquid tank 18 correspond to the “cleaning liquid recovery section” of the present invention, and the pump P1 corresponds to the “air” of the present invention. It corresponds to “introducing means”.

  That is, an extract storage part 14, an extract recovery part 15, a cleaning liquid storage part 17, and cleaning liquid recovery parts 16 and 18 are provided below the virus collection part 12 including the filter 11.

  Hereinafter, the connection and configuration of these components will be described in detail.

2. Detailed configuration of the system.
2.1 Flow path configuration Figure 2 shows an overall view of the flow path. The filter 11 located in the upper center of the drawing and the virus collecting unit 12 having the liquid level detection switch S1 are pump P1, pump P5, extract tank 14, beaker 15, first waste tank 16, via valves and the like. The cleaning liquid tank 17 and the second waste liquid tank 18 are connected.

  Below, the virus collection part 12 and the functional flow paths L1-L9 which connect these are demonstrated using FIGS. 3-10. These functional flow paths L1 to L9 are each configured to perform a predetermined function in each step. In these drawings, the thick line indicates the movement path of the fluid (air a, extract liquid f1, cleaning liquid f2), the black valve indicates an open valve or valve opening, and the white valve is closed. Indicates a valve.

Sampling process relationship The sampling main flow path L1 is a functional flow path indicated by a thick solid arrow in FIG. 3, and is a flow path connecting between the virus collection unit 12 and the pump P1. This functional flow path is provided with valves V1 to V3. The sampling main flow path L1 serves to introduce the atmospheric air a into the filter 11 by the action of the pump P1.

  The sampling auxiliary flow path L2 is a functional flow path indicated by a thick broken line arrow in FIG. 3, and is connected to the sampling main flow path L1 described earlier on the downstream side. This functional flow path is provided with a filter F2, a pressure control valve R1, and the like. The sampling auxiliary flow path L2 plays a role of adjusting the pressure of the air a flowing through the sampling main flow path L1.

Extraction Process Relationship The extraction first flow path L3 is a functional flow path indicated by a thick solid arrow in FIG. 4 and is a functional flow path connecting the filter F3 and the virus collection unit 12. This functional flow path is provided with a pump P3, valves V1, V5, V6, V8, V10, a pressure control valve R2, and an extract tank 14. The extraction first flow path L3 plays a role of introducing the extraction liquid f1 into the virus collection unit 12 at a constant pressure.

  The extraction second flow path L4 is a functional flow path indicated by a thick arrow in FIG. 5, and is a functional flow path that connects between the virus collection unit 12 and the beaker 15. This functional flow path is provided with valves V1 and V4, a pump P2, and a movable nozzle 19. The second extraction flow path L4 plays a role of recovering the virus using the extract f1 as a solvent.

Cleaning Process Relationship The cleaning liquid first flow path L5 is a functional flow path indicated by a thick solid arrow in FIG. 6, and is a functional flow path that connects the cleaning liquid tank 17 and the virus collection unit 12. This functional flow path is provided with a pump P4 and valves V1, V7, V8, and V11. The cleaning liquid first flow path L5 plays a role of introducing the cleaning liquid f2 into the virus collection unit 12.

  The cleaning liquid second flow path L6 is a functional flow path indicated by a thick arrow in FIG. 7, and is a functional flow path that connects between the virus collection unit 12 and the first waste liquid tank 16. In this functional flow path, valves V1 and V4 and a movable nozzle 19 are provided. Since the cleaning liquid second flow path L6 is in common with the extraction second flow path L4, the cleaning liquid f2 is recovered from the virus collection unit 12 and also serves to clean the extraction second flow path L4. Thereby, the fall of the collection rate at the time of repeating virus collection and the fall of a detection sensitivity can be suppressed.

  The cleaning liquid third flow path L7 is a functional flow path indicated by a thick arrow in FIG. 8, and is a functional flow path connecting the cleaning liquid tank 17 and the second waste liquid tank 18. This functional flow path is provided with a pump P4 and valves V11, V7, V6, and V10. The cleaning liquid third flow path L7 shares a part with the extraction first flow path L3, and plays a role of cleaning a part of the extraction first flow path L3 along with the cleaning of the cleaning liquid third flow path L7. .

  The drying air first supply channel L8 is a functional channel indicated by a thick arrow in FIG. 9, and is a functional channel that connects the drying air suction port 25 and the virus collection unit 12. This functional flow path is provided with a filter F4, a pump P5, and valves V9, V2, and V1. The drying air first supply flow path L8 serves to introduce the atmospheric air a into the filter 11 and dry it.

  The drying air second supply channel L9 is a functional channel indicated by a thick arrow in FIG. 10, and is a functional channel that connects the drying air suction port 25 and the second waste liquid tank 18. This functional flow path includes a filter F4, a pump P5, and valves V9, V2, V8, V6, V7, V10, and V11. The drying air second supply flow path L9 is partially shared with the extraction first flow path L3 and plays a role of drying the extraction first flow path L3 by introducing the atmospheric air a.

In the above description, the configuration of each functional flow path that works in each step has been described. However, in the following description, the lines constituting each functional flow path provided in the apparatus and the fluid devices provided in the lines are illustrated in FIG. Will be described.
A line extending downward from the virus collection unit 12 is divided into three parts through a valve V1, and each line is connected to valves V2, V4, and V8. Below, the line extended from each of these three valves will be described.

○ Valve V2
The line extending from the valve V2 is divided into two parts, and each line is connected to the valves V3 and V9.

  The valve V3 is connected to the flow meter M. Further, the valve V3 is further divided into two parts, one being connected to the pump P1 and the other being connected to the pressure control valve R1. In addition, the pump P1 is configured to be able to take in air from the virus collection unit 12 side and exhaust it to the other side, and is provided with a needle valve N that bypasses the pump P1. On the other hand, the pressure control valve R1 is connected to the filter F2, and is configured to take in atmospheric air a from the filter F2. In addition, a pressure sensor G2 is connected to the pressure control valve R1, and a capillary C1 is provided so as to bypass the pressure control valve R1 and open the atmosphere when the pump is driven.

  On the other hand, the valve V9 is connected to the pump P5. The pump P5 is configured to be able to suck atmospheric air a toward the valve V9 via a filter F4 housed in the pump.

  Here, the pump P2 corresponds to the “filter regeneration means” and the “air blowing means” of the present invention.

○ Valve V4
A line extending from the valve V4 is connected to the movable nozzle 19 via the pump P2. The pump P2 is configured to suck from the valve V4 side. The movable nozzle 19 is configured to be movable so that the tip of the nozzle faces the waste liquid tank opening 20 or the beaker 15 provided in the upper part of the first waste liquid tank 16.

  Here, the pump P2 corresponds to the “extracted liquid recovery means” and the “cleaning liquid recovery means” of the present invention.

  As described above, when the system is configured such that the extraction liquid recovery means also serves as the cleaning liquid recovery means, it is preferable because the size of the system can be reduced and the system can be constructed at low cost.

○ Valve V8
The line extending from the valve V8 is divided into two parts, and each line is connected to the valves V6 and V7.

  The valve V6 is connected to a 3-port valve V10. One of the remaining ports of the valve V10 is connected to the second waste liquid tank 18, and the other is connected to the extract liquid tank 14.

  On the other hand, the valve V7 is connected to a three-port valve V11. One of the remaining ports of the valve V11 is connected to the second waste liquid tank 18, and the other is connected to the cleaning liquid tank 17 via the pump P4. The pump P4 is configured to suck from the cleaning liquid tank 17 side.

  Here, the pump P4 corresponds to the “cleaning liquid injection means” of the present invention.

  Next, the tank provided in the virus collection system S according to the present embodiment will be described below.

Extract Liquid Tank The extract liquid tank 14 includes a liquid level detection switch S2 in the tank. Further, an upper part of the tank is provided with an extract inlet 21 for injecting the extract f1, and an opening / closing valve B1 for extracting air from the tank when the extract f1 is injected. Further, a line for pressurizing the inside of the extract tank 14 is connected to the upper part of the tank.

  In this line, a pressure control valve R2, a valve V5, a pump P3, and a filter F3 are provided in this order from the side of the extract liquid tank 14, and the atmosphere air a can be sucked through the filter F3. Yes. In this line, the pressure control valve R2 and the valve V5 are bifurcated between the pressure control valve R2 and the valve V5, and the pressure sensor G1 is connected to one of them, and the pump P3 is turned off at a predetermined pressure or higher. Further, the line is branched in a trifurcated manner between the valve V5 and the pump P3, and a capillary C2 for opening the atmosphere when the pump P3 is driven is inserted in one of the lines. Note that the other end of the capillary C2 is open to the atmosphere.

  Here, the pump P3 corresponds to the “extract liquid injection means” of the present invention.

Cleaning liquid tank The cleaning liquid tank 17 includes a liquid level detection switch S3 in the tank. In addition, a cleaning liquid inlet 23 for injecting the cleaning liquid f2 and a cleaning tank air outlet 24 for discharging the air in the tank to the outside are provided in the upper part of the tank.

First waste liquid tank The first waste liquid tank 16 is provided with a waste liquid tank opening 20 at the upper part of the tank. In addition, a liquid level detection switch S4 is provided in the tank, and an open / close valve B3 for discharging waste liquid is provided in the lower part of the tank.

Second waste liquid tank The second waste liquid tank 18 is connected to the valves V10 and V11. In addition, a liquid level detection switch S5 is provided in the tank, and an open / close valve B2 for draining waste liquid is provided at the bottom of the tank. Furthermore, the tank upper portion is provided with a waste liquid tank air discharge port 22 for discharging the air in the tank to the outside.

2.2 Control Unit The control panel 13 shown in FIG. 1 is configured to be able to control the pumps P1 to P5, the valves V1 to 11 and the movable nozzle 19, and can input the outputs of the liquid level detection switches S1 to S5. It is configured. Further, the drive time of each device can be set and stored. Hereinafter, specific control contents will be described.

  The control panel 13 corresponds to “control means” in the present invention.

3. Operation at the time of virus collection A sampling process is started by pressing an execution key (not shown) provided in the control panel 13 of FIG. Below, operation | movement of the virus collection system S which concerns on a present Example by the control panel 13 is demonstrated.

Step 1. Sampling Step In the sampling step, the sampling main flow path L1 and the sampling auxiliary flow path L2 shown in FIG. 3 are used. First, the valves V1 to V3 provided in the sampling main flow path L1 are opened and the pump P1 is operated to suck the atmospheric air a into the filter 11 at a flow rate of, for example, about 33.3 liters / minute for 30 minutes. . The adjustment of the flow rate can be changed by setting the needle valve N provided in the sampling main flow path L1 and the pressure control valve R1 provided in the sampling auxiliary flow path L2.

  Here, the pressure control valve R1 provided in the auxiliary sampling flow path L2 controls the suction pressure of the pump P1 to be constant. In controlling the flow rate, a certain amount of air a is allowed to flow to the pump P1 through the filter F2, and when the suction pressure increases, the suction amount is increased from the filter F2 and the control pressure is decreased. Conversely, when the suction pressure decreases, the filter F2 Reduce the amount of suction and increase the suction pressure.

  After a predetermined time has elapsed, the pump P1 is stopped, and after 10 seconds, the valves V1 to V3 are closed.

Step 2. Extraction Step In the extraction step, the extraction first flow path L3 shown in FIG. 4 and the extraction second flow path L4 shown in FIG. 5 are used. First, the extract f1 in the extract tank 14 is pressurized by the pump P3 provided in the extraction first flow path L3. The pressure at this time is regulated by the pressure control valve R2. Extract liquid f1 is injected into filter 11 through valves V10, V6, V8, and V1. The injection amount can be adjusted by adjusting the opening time of the valve.

  After a predetermined time has elapsed, the valves V8 and V6 provided in the extraction first flow path L3 are closed. Further, the valve V4 provided in the extraction second flow path L4 is opened, and the pump P2 is operated for a predetermined time. Thereby, the extract liquid f1 after extracting the virus collected by the filter in the beaker 15 is stored. After a predetermined time has elapsed, the movable nozzle 19 is moved to the first waste liquid tank 16 side.

  When the extract f1 is stored in the beaker 15, a message to that effect is displayed on the control panel 13 and a buzzer is sounded to notify the user. Then, the valve V4 is closed and the pump P2 is turned off.

Step 3. Cleaning process (1st stage. Cleaning of functional flow path with cleaning liquid)
In the first stage of the cleaning process, the cleaning liquid first flow path L5 shown in FIG. 6, the cleaning liquid second flow path L6 shown in FIG. 7, and the cleaning liquid third flow path L7 shown in FIG. 8 are used. First, the valves V7, V8, V1 provided in the cleaning liquid first flow path L5 are opened, and the pump P4 is operated for a predetermined time. As a result, the cleaning liquid f2 is injected into the filter 11.

  After a predetermined time has elapsed, V8 provided in the cleaning liquid first flow path L5 is closed. Further, the valve V4 provided in the cleaning liquid second flow path L6 shown in FIG. 7 is opened, and the pump P2 is operated for a predetermined time. As a result, the cleaning liquid f2 is discharged into the first waste liquid tank 16.

  The above-described cleaning of the filter 11 with the cleaning liquid f2 is repeated if necessary. Further, if necessary, the cleaning liquid f2 may flow directly from the cleaning liquid tank 17 to the first waste liquid tank 16 through the valve V4 and the pump P2 from the pump P4 and the valves V11, V7, and V8.

  Next, the cleaning liquid f2 flows from the cleaning liquid tank 17 to the second waste liquid tank 18 through the pump P4 and valves V11, V7, V6, and V10 provided in the cleaning liquid third flow path L7 shown in FIG.

(Second stage. Drying of functional flow path by compressed air)
Subsequently, in the second stage of the cleaning process, the drying air first supply flow path L8 shown in FIG. 9 and the drying air second supply flow path L9 shown in FIG. 10 are used. First, the valves V9, V2, and V1 provided in the drying air first supply flow path L8 are opened, and the pump P5 is operated for a predetermined time. Thereby, atmospheric air a is taken in from the air suction opening 25 for drying, and the filter 11 can be dried.

  Subsequently, the valve V1 is closed. Further, the valves V6 to V8 provided in the drying air second supply flow path L9 shown in FIG. 10 are opened, and the valves V10 and V11 are set so that the air a flows into the second waste liquid tank 18. Thereby, the drying air second supply flow path L9 can be dried. After a predetermined time has elapsed, the pump P5 is turned off.

  After the user empties the beaker 15 and installs it again, when the execution key provided on the control panel 13 is pressed, the movable nozzle 19 is moved to the beaker 15 side. Thereafter, the process returns to step 1.

〔filter〕
As the filter 11, a cordierite filter, which is a kind of ceramic, is sliced to a thickness of about 20 mm.

  Here, the collection rate of fine particles floating in the room of the cordierite filter A and filter B having different average pore diameters was examined. Filter A has an average diameter pore of 3-7 μm and a cell density of 100 cpsi, and Filter B has an average pore diameter of 21.5 μm and a cell density of 260 cpsi. As a result of the experiment, results as shown in FIG. 11 were obtained. Since the particle size in the range of 0.3 to 1.0 μm corresponds to the size of the virus, if the collection rate of the indoor suspended particles in this range is high, it can be considered that the collection rate for the virus is high. That is, it was confirmed that a high virus collection rate can be realized when a cordierite filter having an average pore diameter of 3 to 7 μm is used.

  Based on the above experimental results, in the virus collection system S according to this example, a filter A made of cordierite having an average pore diameter of 3 to 7 μm and a cell density of 100 cpsi was adopted.

[Verification experiment]
(Influenza virus collection ability)
As a model virus corresponding to influenza virus, phage φX174 was sprayed, and the collected amount of phage φX174 in a commercial sampling unit equipped with an air filter and the virus collection system S according to this example was confirmed to collect influenza virus. Comparing ability.

= Materials etc. =
O Model virus a. Host E. coli:
NBRC 13898: Obtained from National Institute of Technology and Evaluation (NBRC)

b. Phage φX174:
NBRC 103405: Obtained from NBRC

c. Condensate 702
Polypeptone: 10g
East Extract: 2g
MgSO ₄ · 7H ₂ O: 1g
An appropriate amount of water is added to the above material and dissolved, and then adjusted to pH 7.0, and water is added to 1L. This is autoclaved.

d. Agar plate medium (medium 802)
Polypeptone 10g
East Extract 2g
MgSO ₄ · 7H ₂ O 1g
An appropriate amount of water is added to the above material and dissolved, and then adjusted to pH 7.0, and water is added to 1L. After adding 15 g of Agar and sterilizing by autoclave, 10 ml each is aseptically dispensed into a shallow petri dish so that the liquid is evenly distributed in the petri dish and solidified.

○ Air filter The following air filters were used.
Gelatin filter manufactured by Sartorius, diameter: 9 cm, pore size: 3 μm

Sampling unit:
MD8 Airport Sartorius

= Measurement method =
Preparation of host E. coli and bacteriophage solution Both host E. coli and bacteriophage φX174 were obtained from NBRC (http://www.nbrc.nite.go.jp/). According to the manual attached to the NBRC, the ampule of the host E. coli was opened, and 200 μl of condensate 702 was added. After standing for several minutes, the bottom of the ampoule was tapped and mixed, and several μl was applied to a plurality of agar plate media (medium 802). In addition, several tens of μl was added to the condensate 702 and 4 ml previously dispensed in the culture test tube and mixed gently. The plate was placed in an incubator set at 30 ° C., the plate agar plate was allowed to stand, the culture test tube was shaken at 180 rpm, and cultured overnight. Since the growth of E. coli was confirmed in both the agar plate medium and the culture test tube, it was restored by liquid culture, and an appropriate amount of the E. coli solution was planted in fresh condensate 702, and expanded while shaking at 30 ° C. After confirming sufficient growth, sterilized dimethylformamide (DMSO) was added to the E. coli solution to a final concentration of 10% or 20%, and stored at −80 ° C.

  Bacteriophage φX174 was prepared by the plate lysate method. The ampoule of bacteriophage φX174 was opened in the same manner as host E. coli, 200 μl of condensate 702 was added, and the mixture was allowed to stand for several minutes. After tapping the ampoule bottom and mixing, 50 μl was taken and added to 250 μl of the host E. coli solution that was considered to be in the logarithmic growth phase. After mixing with 7 ml of soft agar (0.6% w / v solution) prepared in advance and incubated at 45 ° C, the mixture was spread on an agar plate medium, and after soft agar solidified, it was cultured overnight at 37 ° C. did. After confirming the plaque formation on the soft agar surface, 10 ml of condensate was added to one agar plate medium and pipetted to recover the upper layer liquid. After centrifugation (3000 rpm × 15 minutes), the supernatant was recovered (phage solution). By performing this operation a plurality of times, a phage solution having a sufficient infectivity was prepared and used as a model virus.

○ Collection of bacteriophage φX174 Using the model virus, the model virus was sprayed in an experimental space with a capacity of 24 m ³ , and the model virus was collected by the gelatin filter and the virus collection system S according to this example. .

A certain amount (about 1 × 10 ¹⁵ to 1 × 10 ¹⁷ cells / ml × 0.9 ml) of a model virus infected with E. coli and increased in the number of copies was sprayed (35 kg / cm, Spray for 5 minutes). Next, the model virus was collected using a gelatin filter and the virus collection system S according to the present example (2 m ³ / hr × 30 minutes).

  The environment in the experimental space when the sampling test was performed was in the range of 26 to 30 ° C. and 20 to 40% RH.

(Recovery of model virus from gelatin filter)
After the collection was completed, the gelatin filter was removed, and the collected material collected on the filter was recovered by dissolving in a condensate 702 as an extract. Further, the model virus contained in the collected product was infected with host E. coli, and after a certain period of time, the formation of plaque by the model virus (plaque assay method) was observed.

○ Quantification of collected model viruses (plaque assay method)
The model virus was diluted 10-fold with condensate 702 (450 μl of condensate 702 was added to 50 μl of bacteriophage φX174), and a dilution series from 10 ⁻¹ to 10 ⁻¹⁴ was prepared. The host Escherichia coli culture solution, which seems to be in the logarithmic growth phase, was dispensed into culture tubes in a volume of 250 μl, and then 100 μl of the model virus dilution series was added and tapped to mix well. Shaking culture was performed at 37 ° C. for 15 minutes. To each test tube after the culture, 7 ml of a 0.6% soft agar solution that had been incubated at 45 ° C. was added, and rapidly stirred by pipetting so as not to foam. Inoculated in advance on an agar plate medium incubated at 37 ° C., smoothed so that the soft agar spread over the entire surface, and solidified at room temperature. After standing in an incubator set at 37 ° C. and culturing for 3 hours (afterwards stored at 4 ° C.), the number of plaques formed was counted.

= Result =
The amount of model virus collected is summarized in FIG. Although it was inferior to the gelatin filter, it was confirmed that the virus collection system S according to the present example could be effectively collected. Moreover, in the virus collection system S which concerns on a present Example, also when performing the regeneration process of a filter and repeating sampling, it has confirmed that the amount of collection hardly decreased. From the above results, it is considered that the virus collection system S according to the present example was able to demonstrate that the virus can be repeatedly collected in the long term without replacing the filter.

[Other Examples]
In the above embodiment, the filter 11 is a cordierite filter having an average pore diameter of 3 to 7 μm as described above. However, filters having different pore diameters may be used, such as polycarbonate, silver, or others. A filter that can collect viruses and can be regenerated may be used.

  In the above embodiment, the filter 11 that has undergone the sampling process was regenerated by drying with pressurized air after washing with the washing liquid f2, but a heating device or a heating and pressing device was provided around the virus collection unit 12, The filter 11 may be regenerated by heat treatment or autoclaving.

  In the above embodiment, if a humidifying device such as a nebulizer is provided around the virus collection unit 12, viruses floating in the air are likely to be attached to the droplet particles, which contributes to an improvement in virus collection rate. Is preferred.

  It can be used as a system for collecting viruses floating in a certain space such as a living room space, a public facility, a large-scale customer collection facility, or a transportation facility.

S: Virus collection system a: Air (gas)
f1: Extraction liquid f2: Cleaning liquid P1: Pump (air introduction means)
P2: Pump (extracted liquid recovery means, cleaning liquid recovery means)
P3: Pump (extract liquid injection means)
P4: Pump (filter regeneration means, cleaning liquid injection means)
P5: Pump (filter regeneration means, air blowing means)
11: Filter 12: Virus collector 13: Control panel (control means)
14: Extract liquid tank (extract liquid storage part)
15: Beaker (extract recovery part)
16: First waste liquid tank (cleaning liquid recovery part)
17: Cleaning liquid tank (cleaning liquid storage part)
18: Second waste liquid tank (cleaning liquid recovery unit)

Claims (8)

A virus collector with a filter capable of collecting viruses;
An air introduction means for guiding the air to be inspected to the virus collecting section;
An extract injection means for injecting a virus extract into a virus collected filter;
Extract recovery means for recovering the virus-extracted extract from the virus collector;
Filter regeneration means for regenerating the filter from which the virus has been extracted;
A virus collecting step of collecting the virus in a filter by operating the air introducing means;
After performing the virus collection step, the virus extraction step of extracting the virus collected on the filter into the extract by using the extract injection means,
After performing the virus extraction step, the extract recovery step of operating the extract recovery means to recover the extract containing the extracted virus;
A virus collection system comprising: control means for sequentially executing a filter regeneration process for recovering a filter by operating the filter regeneration means after executing the extract recovery process. The filter regeneration means is
Cleaning liquid injection means for injecting a cleaning liquid for cleaning the filter into the filter;
Cleaning liquid recovery means for recovering the cleaning liquid from the filter;
It comprises air blowing means for sending gas to the virus collecting part,
The control means is
In the filter regeneration step, the cleaning liquid injection step of injecting the cleaning liquid into the filter by operating the cleaning liquid injection means,
After executing the cleaning liquid injection process, the cleaning liquid recovery process for recovering the cleaning liquid from the filter by operating the cleaning liquid recovery means,
2. The virus collection system according to claim 1, wherein after the cleaning liquid recovery step is executed, the air blowing unit is operated to send a gas to the virus collection unit, and sequentially perform the air blowing step of drying the filter. Below the virus collection unit, comprising an extract storage unit for storing the extract,
The virus collection system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, in the virus extraction step, the extract is introduced into the virus collection unit from the extract storage unit. Below the virus collection unit, an extract recovery unit for recovering the extract,
The virus collection system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein in the extraction liquid recovery step, the extraction liquid is lowered and collected from the virus collection section to the extraction liquid collection section. Below the virus collection part, comprising a cleaning liquid storage part for storing the cleaning liquid,
The virus collection system according to claim 2, wherein, in the cleaning liquid injection step, the cleaning liquid is introduced from the cleaning liquid storage section into the virus collection section. Below the virus collection unit, provided with a cleaning liquid recovery unit for recovering the cleaning liquid,
The virus collection system according to claim 2 or 5, wherein, in the cleaning liquid recovery step, the cleaning liquid is lowered and collected from the virus collection section to the cleaning liquid collection section.   The virus collection system according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the filter is a porous cordierite honeycomb structure having an average pore diameter of 3 to 7 µm.   The virus collection system according to any one of claims 1 to 7, further comprising a humidifying unit that humidifies the air to be inspected supplied to the filter.

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