JP4142974B2 - Microorganism removal evaluation method and microorganism removal evaluation apparatus - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
  The present invention relates to a microorganism removal evaluation method and a microorganism removal evaluation apparatus for evaluating a bactericidal effect on microorganisms floating in a space.
[0002]
[Prior art]
  In recent years, with the increase in airtightness in the living environment, there is an increasing demand to remove airborne microorganisms harmful to the human body and lead a healthy and comfortable life. In order to meet this demand, filters with various antibacterial agents have been developed.
[0003]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
  However, since the above-mentioned filter is a system that sucks air in the space and filters microorganisms in the air, maintenance such as replacement of the filter is indispensable for long-term use, and the characteristics of the filter are not sufficient. However, it is not sufficient as a method for removing microorganisms.
[0004]
  And in performing normal floating microorganism removal evaluation, the air containing microorganisms was passed through the filter, and the number of microorganisms filtered through the filter was measured. According to this method, the concentration of the microorganisms floating in the space to be measured cannot be measured.
[0005]
  By the way, as a method of removing microorganisms, there is a method of irradiating microorganisms with ionized particles such as ions, and measuring and evaluating the ability to sterilize and remove microorganisms by this method has been conventionally performed. There wasn't.
[0006]
  Therefore, in the present invention, the microorganism removal evaluation method for irradiating the microorganism with particles for sterilizing microorganisms, particularly viruses, particularly ion particles composed of positive and negative ions, and evaluating the sterilization effect, and the method An object of the present invention is to provide a microorganism removal evaluation apparatus that can be used in the method.
[0007]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
  In order to solve the above problems, the present invention provides a method for evaluating the removal of microorganisms.A wind tunnel is provided inside the container, and an air passage containing microorganisms is formed inside the wind tunnel.Air containing microorganisms that are one or a combination of two or more selected from the group consisting of bacteria, fungi, viruses and allergensSupplied from one side of the wind tunnel, Particles for sterilizing the microorganismInside the wind tunnelIrradiateThe aboveMicroorganisms after particle irradiationFrom the other side of the wind tunnel,A series of processes consisting of supplying microorganisms, sterilizing microorganisms and collecting microorganismsUsing a wind tunnelWhen performing along a one-pass route, supplying microorganisms under the same conditions as when the microorganisms were sterilized by irradiating the particles, and collecting the microorganisms without irradiating the particles and sterilizing the microorganisms Compare microbial concentration or activity or cell infection rate without sterilization treatmentAnd evaluate the microbe removal performance of the particles from the comparison result.It is characterized by that.
[0008]
  According to this method, since the microorganisms are collected and measured after irradiating the particles in the internal space of the container, the ability to sterilize and remove the microorganisms by irradiating the particles can be evaluated. It is possible to quantitatively evaluate various conditions for irradiation.
[0009]
  In the microorganism removal evaluation method, the microorganisms are measured after the irradiation of the particles, and the microorganisms are supplied under the same conditions as when the particles are irradiated to sterilize the microorganisms. The microorganisms can be naturally attenuated without irradiating the particles, and then the microorganisms can be collected and the collected microorganisms can be measured.
[0010]
  That is, the present invention performs sterilization treatment of microorganisms by irradiating the particles for a certain time, supplies the microorganisms under the same conditions as the sterilization treatment conditions of the microorganisms, and the same time as the time when the particles are irradiated. The microorganisms can be naturally attenuated without irradiating the particles, and then the microorganisms can be collected and the collected microorganisms can be measured.
[0011]
  Thereby, the microorganisms collected for each of the cases where the microorganisms are sterilized by irradiating the particles and the microorganisms are naturally attenuated without performing the sterilization treatment are measured, and the results are compared. This makes it possible to perform a relative evaluation based on a comparison with the case where the ability to sterilize microorganisms by irradiating the particles is naturally attenuated.
[0012]
  The measurement of the microorganism is the measurement of the concentration of the microorganism, the measurement of the cell infection rate, or the measurement of the allergic reaction, whereby the removal of the microorganism can be evaluated.
[0013]
Further, when measuring the collected microorganisms, it is also possible to measure a change with time of the irradiation time of the particles. Thereby, the quantitative evaluation with respect to the passage of time of the ability to sterilize microorganisms can be performed.
[0014]
  In measuring the collected microorganisms, the concentration dependency of the particles can also be measured. Thereby, quantitative evaluation with respect to particle concentration dependence of the ability to sterilize microorganisms can be performed.
[0015]
  In addition, when the microorganisms are supplied to the space inside the container, the solution in which the microorganisms are dispersed can be sprayed in a mist form. Thereby, the supply of microorganisms into the container is easy, and the microorganisms are easily sterilized. And about the case where this microorganism is sprayed in mist form, it can be made into the object of evaluation by the present invention.
[0016]
In the evaluation method, cell culture by microorganisms, hemagglutination reaction by microorganisms, or allergic reaction by microorganisms can be used. Thereby, the activity or concentration of microorganisms can be evaluated.
[0017]
Moreover, the gas produced | generated by any of the discharge in the air, the radiation irradiation in the air, and the Leonard effect can be used as particle | grains for sterilizing the said microorganisms.
[0018]
Furthermore, synchrotron radiation, X-rays, gamma rays, or electromagnetic waves can be used as particles for sterilizing the microorganisms. Furthermore, positive and / or negative ions can be used as particles for sterilizing the microorganism.
[0019]
Here, the reason why the microorganism can be sterilized when positive and negative ions are used as specific particles for sterilizing the microorganism will be described below.
[0020]
  That is, when an ionization phenomenon such as discharge is caused in the atmosphere to generate positive ions and negative ions, the positive ions are H⁺(H₂O) n is O as a negative ion₂ ⁻(H₂O) n is most stably produced.
[0021]
  When these ions are generated, hydrogen peroxide H, which is an active species, is generated by a chemical reaction.₂O₂Or radical OH is generated. This H₂O₂Alternatively, since radicals and OH exhibit extremely strong activity, it is possible to sterilize and remove airborne microorganisms.
[0022]
  In addition, a gas mainly composed of either positive or negative ions can be used as particles for sterilizing the microorganism. In that case, for example, the electrical action on the microorganisms due to the charge of the ions may have the effect of causing a bactericidal action by destroying the cells of the microorganisms or destroying the surface proteins.
[0023]
  In addition, when the microorganism is sterilized, a drug can be used and the drug particles can be irradiated to sterilize the microorganism. When sterilization is performed using a chemical, the particles can be supplied with a simple device as compared with the case of using ions or ozone. And it becomes possible to evaluate the capability to sterilize microorganisms with such a chemical.
[0024]
  In addition, the microorganisms to be sterilized can be one or a combination of two or more selected from the group consisting of bacteria, fungi, viruses, and allergen substances. Thereby, various microorganisms can be targeted for removal evaluation according to the present invention.
[0025]
  In addition, when the microorganisms are supplied to the space inside the container, the space inside the container can be stirred from below with respect to the microorganisms supplied into the container. As a result, when supplying microorganisms into the container, it is possible to effectively perform sterilization treatment by irradiating the particles while preventing spontaneous sedimentation due to the dead weight of the microorganisms.it can.
[0026]
  In addition, the present invention provides a container for performing a sterilization treatment of microorganisms as an apparatus for realizing the above microorganism removal evaluation method,A wind tunnel provided inside the container and having an air passage containing microorganisms therein; and from one side of the wind tunnelA microorganism supply means for supplying microorganisms suspended;To air containing microorganisms supplied in the wind tunnelMicrobe removal means for irradiating particles for sterilizing microorganisms, and after sterilizing microorganisms by the microorganism removal meansFrom the other side of the wind tunnelMicrobe collection means for collecting microorganismse,Measure the concentration or activity of microorganisms collected by the microorganism collecting means or cell infection rateAnd evaluating the microbe removal performance of the particles.
[0027]
  According to this microorganism removal evaluation apparatus, the microorganisms can be collected by the microorganism collection means after the particles are irradiated by the microorganism removal means and the microorganisms are sterilized, and the collected microorganisms are measured. Based on the measurement, the ability of the microorganism removing means to sterilize microorganisms can be evaluated. Further, various conditions for sterilizing microorganisms by irradiating particles by the microorganism removing means can be quantitatively evaluated.
[0028]
As a specific aspect thereof, the microorganism supply means, the microorganism removal means, and the microorganism collection means may be sequentially arranged from the upstream side to the downstream side in an air passage containing microorganisms. Thereby, a series of processes such as supply of microorganisms, removal of microorganisms, and collection of microorganisms can be smoothly executed.
[0029]
In this case, by adopting a configuration in which a wind tunnel forming an air passage containing microorganisms is interposed between the microorganism supply means and the microorganism collecting means, and the microorganism removing means is disposed inside the wind tunnel, Supply, removal, and collection of air can be performed in a limited wind tunnel.
[0030]
Further, it is desirable that the microorganism removing unit and the microorganism collecting unit are arranged outside the vertically lower area of the microorganism supplying unit. By adopting such an arrangement, among the mist released from the microorganism supply means, the granular object that does not become gaseous falls down vertically and around it, so the microorganism removing means and the microorganism collecting means are The reliability of the evaluation apparatus can be improved without being contaminated by the falling substance. In order to obtain this effect, it is important not to arrange the microorganism removing means and the microorganism collecting means vertically below the microorganism supplying means. For example, the microorganism supplying means and the microorganism collecting means are horizontally disposed. This effect can be obtained by arranging in a direction, or by disposing the microorganism removing unit and the microorganism collecting unit in a position slightly deviated from the vertically lower side from the microorganism supply unit, or in an oblique direction.
[0031]
  Moreover, in this invention, it can carry out with the microorganisms removal evaluation apparatus by which another container is arrange | positioned so that this container may be covered outside the said container. By adopting such an apparatus configuration, microorganisms that leak from the container and granular objects that do not become gaseous can be shielded by the other container, making it difficult to leak outside.
[0032]
  Moreover, about the said microorganisms removal evaluation apparatus, the stirring means for stirring the space inside the said container from the downward direction with respect to the said supplied microorganisms can be provided in the space inside the said container. As a result, when the microorganisms are supplied from the microorganism supply means into the container, it is possible to effectively perform the sterilization treatment by the microorganism removal means while preventing spontaneous sedimentation due to the dead weight of the microorganisms.
[0033]
  Moreover, about the said microorganisms removal evaluation apparatus, it can comprise so that the solution in which the microorganisms were disperse | distributed with the supply of microorganisms by a microorganism supply means may be sprayed to the space inside the said container in mist form.
[0034]
Further, in the microorganism removal evaluation apparatus, the particles for sterilizing the microorganism are configured to release a gas generated by any one of discharge in air, radiation irradiation in air, and Leonard effect. can do. Moreover, about the said microorganisms removal evaluation apparatus, the particle | grains for sterilizing the said microorganisms are synchrotron radiation, X-ray | X_line, a gamma ray, or electromagnetic waves, It can comprise so that these may be discharge | released.
[0035]
  Moreover, about the said microorganisms removal evaluation apparatus, the said microorganisms removal means can be comprised so that positive and / or negative ion may be irradiated as a particle | grain for disinfecting microorganisms. Further, the microorganism removal evaluation apparatus may be configured such that the microorganism removal unit irradiates drug particles as particles for sterilizing microorganisms.
[0036]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Embodiments of the present invention will be described below.
[0037]
  Figure 1It is a schematic block diagram of the microorganism removal evaluation apparatus 10 which is an example of a microorganism removal evaluation apparatus.
[0038]
  The microorganism removal evaluation apparatus 10 includes a container 8, a microorganism injection pipe 5 constituting a microorganism supply means, an ion generator 1 constituting a microorganism removal means, a microorganism collection pipe 3 constituting a microorganism collection means, and a microorganism collector. 6 is provided.
[0039]
  The container 8 has a structure in which an internal space is closed from outside air, and microorganisms are present in the internal space and the microorganisms can be sterilized.
[0040]
  In addition, the container 8 can be arbitrarily adjusted in the temperature and humidity of its internal space by an air conditioning system or the like (not shown) so that an environment for microorganisms can be arbitrarily set.
[0041]
  Moreover, the container 8 is formed in the form which takes the dimension of a height direction larger than the dimension of a horizontal direction, as FIG. 1 shows. Thereby, since the volume of the space in the container 8 can also be taken large, the processing capacity of the microorganism removal evaluation apparatus 10 can be increased.
[0042]
  The microorganism injection tube 5 is provided at a predetermined position of the container 8 so that microorganisms can be supplied to the space inside the container 8 through the microorganism injection tube 5, and the microorganism is introduced into the space inside the container 8. Can be floated.
[0043]
  The microorganism injection tube 5 is configured such that microorganisms are sent from a microorganism supply source not particularly shown in FIG. Then, microorganisms are injected into the container 8 from the microorganism injection port 5 a facing the container 8 of the microorganism injection tube 5.
[0044]
  In injecting microorganisms into the container 8 from the microorganism injection tube 5, the microorganisms may be injected alone, or the solution in which the microorganisms are dispersed may be sprayed into the container 8 in the form of a mist.
[0045]
  The ion generator 1 irradiates ions 7 as particles for sterilizing microorganisms. The ion generator 1 is provided in the container 8 and irradiates ions 7 from the ion generation port 2 toward the microorganisms injected into the container 8 from the microorganism injection port 5a.
[0046]
  The ion generator 1 includes an ion generating element therein, and generates ions 7 composed of positive ions and negative ions by an ionization phenomenon such as discharge by applying an AC voltage between the electrodes of the ion generating element. generate.
[0047]
  The generation of ions 7 associated with the discharge of the ion generator 1 is not affected by the atmospheric pressure in the container 8. Moreover, the intensity | strength (concentration) of the ion 7 can be changed by adjusting the operating voltage applied to the ion generating element of the said ion generator 1. FIG.
[0048]
  A microorganism collection tube 3 for collecting microorganisms is disposed in the space inside the container 8. As shown in FIG. 1, the sampling tube 3 is composed of a portion disposed along the vertical direction which is the height direction of the container 8 and a portion disposed along the horizontal direction of the container 8. ing.
[0049]
  And the part arrange | positioned along the horizontal direction of the collection pipe | tube 3 has penetrated the side surface of the container 8, has extended the exterior of the container 8, and is connected to the microorganisms collector 6 demonstrated later on the exterior of the container 8. ing. A microorganism collection port 3 a is formed at the upper end of the collection tube 3 in the vertical direction, and microorganisms in the container 8 are taken into the collection tube 3 from the collection port 3 a.
[0050]
  The microorganism collecting device 6 is arranged outside the container 8 and constitutes a microorganism collecting means together with the collecting tube 3. The microorganism collection device 6 sucks the space in the container 8 through the microorganism collection tube 3, takes the microorganisms in the container 8 into the collection tube 3 from the microorganism collection port 3 a and collects it in the microorganism collection device 6.
[0051]
  The microorganism collector 6 for collecting the microorganisms can be configured using an air sampler. The microorganism collector 6 can also be configured to collect microorganisms through a solution bubbling device.
[0052]
  In this microorganism removal evaluation apparatus 10, as shown in FIG. 1, a stirrer 4 is provided below the container 8. The agitator 4 can be an agitating means for agitating the space in the container 8 and can use an agitator that agitates the space by forming an air flow in the surrounding space by a rotating fan.
[0053]
  When this agitator 4 is provided and the space in the container 8 is agitated, the microorganisms are suspended in a region where ions 7 irradiated from the ion generator 1 are effectively present by preventing natural sedimentation due to the weight of the microorganisms. And sterilization treatment with ions 7 can be performed effectively.
[0054]
  In particular, when the microorganism is of a heavy type, natural sedimentation is likely to occur. However, by providing the stirrer 4, the natural sedimentation can be prevented and the sterilization treatment with the ions 7 can be performed effectively.
[0055]
  In addition, stirringAlthough it is not always necessary to provide the stirrer 4, the provision of the stirrer 4 facilitates more effective sterilization with the ions 7 for the reasons described above.
[0056]
  The microorganism removal evaluation method using the microorganism removal evaluation apparatus 10 can be carried out as follows. First, a certain amount of microorganisms are injected into the container 8 from the microorganism injection port 5. Next, the ion generator 1 is operated, and ions 7 are irradiated toward the injected microorganisms to sterilize the microorganisms. After irradiating the ions 7 for a certain time, the microorganisms are collected by the microorganism collector 6.
[0057]
  The collected microorganisms can be counted. In measuring the number of microorganisms, the collected microorganisms can be cultured on a predetermined medium in a medium dish for a certain period of time. Thereby, the number of collected microorganisms can be measured more accurately. The number of microorganisms can be measured by observing the microorganisms on the petri dish with a microscope.
[0058]
  As described above, by measuring the microorganisms collected by the microorganism collector 6 using the microorganism removal evaluation apparatus 10, the sterilization treatment ability for the microorganisms by irradiating the ions 7 can be evaluated.
[0059]
  Moreover, when performing the removal evaluation of microorganisms using the microorganism removal evaluation apparatus 10, the following measurement and evaluation can also be performed. First, as described above, after injecting a certain amount of microorganisms into the container 8, the ions 7 are irradiated and sterilized for a certain period of time, and then the microorganisms are collected by the microorganism collector 6 and the number of microorganisms collected is collected. Measure.
[0060]
  Next, the same amount of microorganisms is injected into the container 8 under the same conditions as when the sterilization treatment is performed by irradiating the ions 7. Then, without irradiating the ions 7, the microorganisms are naturally attenuated after waiting for the elapse of the same time as the irradiation time of the ions 7. Thereafter, the microorganisms are collected by the microorganism collector 6 and the number of the collected microorganisms is measured.
[0061]
  Then, by comparing the number of microorganisms collected after the sterilization treatment by irradiation with the ions 7 and the number of microorganisms collected after the natural decay, the sterilization treatment for the microorganisms by the ions 7 It can be evaluated relatively by comparing with the case where the ability is naturally attenuated.
[0062]
  Further, in measuring the microorganisms collected by the microorganism collector 6 described above, the number of microorganisms with respect to the elapsed time since the start of irradiation with the ions 7 and the elapsed time since the natural decay of the microorganism was started. The change with time can also be measured.
[0063]
  Moreover, when measuring the above microorganisms, it can measure about the case where it stirs with the stirrer 4, and the case where stirring is not performed.
[0064]
  Furthermore, when measuring the above microorganisms, the intensity | strength of the ion 7 irradiated to a microorganism can be changed, and the collected microorganisms with respect to each intensity | strength of the ion 7 can also be measured. Thereby, the bactericidal treatment capability with respect to the microorganisms according to the intensity | strength of the ion 7 can be evaluated.
[0065]
  Figure 2 is a reference exampleIt is a schematic block diagram of a certain microorganism removal evaluation apparatus.
[0066]
  The microorganism removal evaluation apparatus 20 shown in FIG. 2 includes a container 18, a microorganism injection tube 15 that constitutes a microorganism supply unit, an ion generation element 12 that constitutes a microorganism removal unit, and a collection tube 13 that constitutes a microorganism collection unit. And a microorganism collector 6 is provided. That is, the microorganism injection pipe 15 as the microorganism supply means, the ion generating element 12 as the microorganism removal means, the collection pipe 13 as the microorganism collection means, and the microorganism collector 6 are downstream from the upstream side in the air passage containing microorganisms. It is arranged sequentially toward the side.
[0067]
  The container 18 has a structure in which the internal space is closed from the outside air, and allows microorganisms to exist in the internal space and allows the microorganisms to be sterilized. As can be seen from FIG. 2, the container 18 has a configuration in which the dimension in the height direction is made smaller than the dimension in the horizontal direction.
[0068]
  The microorganism injection tube 15 is connected to the microorganism sprayer 11 outside the container 8, and microorganisms are fed from the microorganism sprayer 11. The microorganism sprayer 11 sends a gas containing a certain concentration of microorganisms to the microorganism injection tube 15 at a constant speed. The gas containing the microorganisms sent from the microorganism sprayer 11 to the microorganism injection tube 15 is injected into the container 18 from the microorganism injection port 15 a facing the container 18.
[0069]
  When supplying the microorganisms from the microorganism sprayer 11 into the container 18, the microorganisms may be included in the air and sent to the microorganism injection tube 15, or by spraying the solution in which the microorganisms are dispersed in a mist form. You may make it send in the microorganisms injection pipe | tube 15. FIG.
[0070]
  The ion generating element 12 is disposed on the bottom surface in the container 18 outside the region vertically below the microorganism injection tube 15. The ion generating element 12 generates ions 7 composed of positive ions and negative ions by an ion generating electrode 12a arranged in a certain substantially plane shape. The microorganisms injected from the microorganism injection tube 15 are sterilized by the ions 7 generated from the ion generation element 12.
[0071]
  The ion generation element 12 is the same as the ion generation element provided in the ion generation apparatus 1 shown in FIG. 1, and the operation for generating the ions 7 is the same as that described for the ion generation apparatus 1.
[0072]
  The microorganism collection tube 13 for collecting microorganisms is disposed along the horizontal direction outside the vertical lower region of the microorganism injection tube 15, and a microorganism collection port 13a facing the inside of the container 18 is formed at one end thereof. The other end is connected to the microorganism collector 6 outside the container 18.
[0073]
  The microorganism collecting device 6 arranged outside the container 18 sucks the space in the container 18 through the microorganism collecting tube 13, takes the microorganism in the container 18 into the collecting tube 13 from the microorganism collecting port 13a, and collects the microorganism. Collect in vessel 6.
[0074]
  An air sampler can be used for the microorganism collector 6 for collecting the microorganisms. The microorganism collector 6 can also be configured to collect microorganisms through a solution bubbling device.
[0075]
  By using the microorganism removal evaluation apparatus 20, the method of the present invention can be carried out as follows. First, a certain amount of microorganisms are injected into the container 18 from the microorganism injection port 15. Next, the ion generating element 12 is operated, and the injected microorganisms are irradiated with the ions 7 to sterilize the microorganisms. After irradiating the ions 7 for a certain time, the microorganisms are collected by the microorganism collector 6.
[0076]
  Then, the microorganisms collected in the microorganism collector 6 are measured. In measuring the collected microorganisms, the number of collected microorganisms can be measured. In measuring the number of microorganisms, the collected microorganisms can be cultured on a predetermined medium for a certain period of time using a medium petri dish. In addition, the number of collected microorganisms can be measured by observation using a microscope.
[0077]
  Thus, by using the microorganism removal evaluation apparatus 20 and measuring the microorganisms collected in the microorganism collector 6, the sterilization ability of the microorganisms by irradiation with the ions 7 can be evaluated.
[0078]
  Moreover, according to this microorganism removal evaluation apparatus 20, the injection | pouring of the microorganisms into the container 18 via the microorganism injection port 15a, the microbe sterilization process performed by irradiating the ion 7 with the ion generating element 12, and a subsequent microorganism collection port A series of processes including collection of microorganisms via 13a can be performed along a substantially one-pass route.
[0079]
  Therefore, according to this microorganism removal evaluation apparatus 20, since it is not necessary to take into consideration the natural attenuation of microorganisms in the container 18, it is possible to perform removal evaluation of airborne microorganisms at a high concentration.
[0080]
  Moreover, according to this microorganism removal evaluation apparatus 20, since an apparatus can be reduced in size and can be evaluated in a closed space, even harmful microorganisms can be evaluated.
[0081]
  Moreover, also when implementing the method of this invention using this microorganism removal evaluation apparatus 20, the following measurement and evaluation are performed similarly to having demonstrated with the microorganism removal evaluation apparatus 10 shown in FIG. be able to.
[0082]
  That is, the microorganisms collected in the collector 6 are measured when the microorganisms supplied into the container 18 without being irradiated with the ions 7 are naturally attenuated and when the sterilization treatment is performed by irradiating the ions 7. , You can compare their results.
[0083]
  Also, when measuring the collected microorganisms, measuring the change over time of the number of microorganisms with respect to the elapsed time since the start of irradiation of ions 7 and the elapsed time after starting the natural decay of microorganisms You can also.
[0084]
  Moreover, the sterilization processing ability with respect to the microorganisms according to the intensity | strength of the ion 7 can also be evaluated by changing the intensity | strength of the ion 7 irradiated to a microorganism, and measuring the extract | collected microorganisms with respect to each intensity | strength of the ion 7.
[0085]
  In addition, in the above description, the example which irradiates the ion 7 which consists of a positive ion and a negative ion as a particle | grain for sterilizing a microorganism was given and demonstrated.
[0086]
  Moreover, the particle | grains of a chemical | medical agent can also be used as a particle | grain for disinfecting microorganisms. When drug particles are used, the ion generator 1 of the microorganism removal evaluation apparatus 10 shown in FIG. 1 and the ion generation element 12 of the microorganism removal evaluation apparatus 20 shown in FIG. 2 are changed to means for injecting drug particles. By doing so, the present invention can be implemented. When the drug particles are used, alcohol, aldehyde drugs, antiviral agents, insecticides, and the like can be used as the drug.
[0087]
<FirstEmbodiment>
Next, the microorganism removal evaluation apparatus according to the present inventionFirstThis embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. Fig. 8 shows a microbe removal evaluation systemFirstIt is a schematic configuration diagram showing the embodiment of,Microorganism removal evaluation apparatus shown in FIG.On the other hand, it is characterized in that a wind tunnel is provided and another container is provided outside the container that seals the inside.
[0088]
That is, as shown in the figure, the microorganism removal evaluation apparatus 30 of the present embodiment includes a container 18, a microorganism injection tube 15 that constitutes a microorganism supply means, an ion generation element 12 that constitutes a microorganism removal means, and a microorganism collection means. Are provided with a collection tube 13 and a microorganism collection device 6. Inside the container 18, a wind tunnel 31 is provided in a space from the injection tube 15 to the sampling tube 13, and the ion generating element 12 is disposed in the wind tunnel 31.
[0089]
  The container 18 has a structure in which the internal space is closed from the outside air, and has a configuration in which a dimension in the height direction is made smaller than a dimension in the horizontal direction. The injection pipe 15 is led out from the outside into the container through a seal packing 32 on one side wall of the container 18, and the sampling pipe 13 is arranged on the opposite side wall facing the injection pipe 15. It is led out through the seal packing 33 to the inside of the container.
[0090]
  The microorganism injection tube 15 is connected to the microorganism sprayer 11 outside the container 18, and microorganisms are fed from the microorganism sprayer 11. The microorganism sprayer 11 sends a gas containing a certain concentration of microorganisms to the microorganism injection tube 15 at a constant speed. The gas containing the microorganisms sent from the microorganism sprayer 11 to the microorganism injection tube 15 is injected into the container 18 from the microorganism injection port 15 a facing the container 18. At this time, the microorganisms alone may be included in the air and sent to the microorganism injection tube 15, or the solution in which the microorganisms are dispersed is sprayed in the form of a mist to be sent to the microorganism injection tube 15. Also good.
[0091]
  The wind tunnel 31 in the container 18 is formed in a cylindrical shape and installed substantially horizontally, and is arranged so that the injection tube 15 and the sampling tube 13 face each other at both ends thereof.
[0092]
The ion generating element 12 is disposed on the bottom surface slightly upstream in the wind tunnel 31 outside the region vertically below the microorganism injection tube 15. The ion generating element 12 generates positive ions and negative ions by an ion generating electrode arranged in a certain substantially plane shape, and sterilizes microorganisms injected from the microorganism injection tube 15.
[0093]
  The ion generation element 12 is the same as the ion generation element provided in the ion generation apparatus 1 shown in FIG. 1, and the operation for generating the ions 7 is the same as that described for the ion generation apparatus 1.
[0094]
  The microorganism collection tube 13 is disposed in the horizontal direction so as to face the microorganism injection tube 15, and a microorganism collection port 13 a facing the inside of the container 18 is formed at one end, and the other end is collected outside the container 18. Connected to the device 6.
[0095]
  The microbiological collector 6 contains a bubbling liquid inside, and collects air collected from the end of the microbiological sampling tube 13 submerged in the bubbling liquid and then collects it. The entire spray test system including the container 18, the microorganism sprayer 11 and the collector 6 is covered with another container 35.
[0096]
In the present embodiment, the mist discharged from the inlet 15a is sprayed into the wind tunnel 31. However, a slight gap is provided between the inlet 15a and the wind tunnel 31, and unnecessary water droplets are contained in the container. 18 to fall.
[0097]
  The gas discharged from the injection port 15a has a certain speed by spraying, and passes through the wind tunnel 31 in the direction indicated by the arrow 37 in FIG. By this mechanism, particles made of ions released from the discharge electrode of the ion generating element 12 react with the microorganisms, and the removal effect of the microorganisms ions can be confirmed before reaching the collector 6. The method for evaluating microorganisms is not particularly limited, and any evaluation method such as evaluation by agar culture, evaluation by cell culture, hemagglutination, allergic reaction to organisms or cells, microscopic observation, etc. should be used. Can do.
[0098]
  In addition, since the mist containing microorganisms that are in the form of water droplets that rapidly drop without being vaporized and the microbial components that have not been collected accumulate in the wind tunnel 31, the container 18 in which the mist is contained is unlikely to leak out. Further, since the outer side of the container 35 is covered by a container 35 different from this, it is difficult to affect humans and the like located outside. Therefore, even if the wind tunnel 31 and the container 18 are not completely sealed containers, the probability of occurrence of an accident such as a biohazard can be greatly reduced. Further, the shielding effect of another container 35 can suppress the entry of unnecessary contaminants into the container 18 from the outside, so that the evaluation accuracy can be improved. .
[0099]
<SecondEmbodiment>
FIG. 9 is a schematic configuration diagram of the floating microorganism removal evaluation apparatus,FirstIn the evaluation apparatus shown in the embodiment, the particle discharge portion is replaced with a needle-type discharge device 40.
[0100]
That is, in this embodiment,FirstInstead of the ion generating element 12 of the embodiment, a needle-like discharge device 40 is provided. The acicular discharge device 40 includes an acicular discharge electrode 40a disposed in the upstream region of the wind tunnel 31 and a counter flat plate electrode 40b disposed opposite to the acicular discharge electrode 40a. Other configurations areFirstSince this is the same as the embodiment, the description thereof is omitted.
[0101]
In the present embodiment, when a positive or negative high voltage of about several kV is applied to the needle-like electrode 40a, a discharge occurs around the tip of the needle, and the ion component is mainly charged positively or negatively. Gas is released.
[0102]
  According to the above configuration, positive or negative ion-based gas is released, irradiated to the mist containing microorganisms released from the microorganism injection tube 15, and the microorganisms are sterilized and removed. Can do.
[0103]
  In the case of the present embodiment, the emitted particles 7 are not limited to those mainly composed of ions, but may be radicals, ozone, active oxygen, or other particles having a bactericidal action.
[0104]
<ThirdEmbodiment>
FIG. 10 is a schematic configuration diagram of the floating virus removal evaluation apparatus. In this embodiment,FirstIn the evaluation apparatus shown in the embodiment, the particle emission part composed of the ion generation element 12 is replaced with a radical emission mechanism using an ultraviolet lamp and a catalyst.
[0105]
That is, in this embodiment,The firstInstead of the ion generating element 12 of the embodiment, a radical emission mechanism 50 is provided. The radical releasing mechanism 50 includes an ultraviolet lamp 50a disposed substantially at the center in the upstream region within the wind tunnel 31, and a catalyst 50b disposed opposite to the periphery thereof. Since other configurations are the same as those of the third embodiment, the description thereof is omitted.
[0107]
The catalyst 50b is made of a material containing platinum, gold, titanium oxide or the like, and applies the energy to radical generation by the energy of the radiated light emitted from the ultraviolet lamp 50a, and releases the generated radicals into the space. Has an effect.
[0107]
Needless to say, the catalyst 50b is not limited to a material containing platinum, gold, titanium oxide, or the like, and a similar removal evaluation test can be realized as long as it releases an active gas.
[0108]
  In the present embodiment, it is also possible to perform evaluation with an apparatus from which the catalyst 50b is removed. In that case, microorganisms existing in the space can be sterilized by the photons 7 which are fine particles emitted from the ultraviolet lamp 50a.
[0109]
  In this example, the lamp 50a generates radiated light. However, as the radiated light, light having energy of 5 eV to 20 eV is excellent in sterilization performance, and radiated light including the light is used. By applying to this evaluation apparatus, it can be expected to obtain an evaluation result. Further, as the radiated light, a device that radiates X-rays and gamma rays can be disposed at the position of the ultraviolet lamp 50a, and the test can be similarly performed.
[0110]
  The evaluation method and the evaluation apparatus are effective usage methods for the radiation test described above, but other particles such as heat rays such as infrared rays and visible light can naturally be used. Evaluation according to the invention is possible. In that case, it is considered that sterilization performance by heat is dominant in principle, and strong heat rays and visible light are required. Therefore, it is desirable to separately install a heat dissipation mechanism or a light shielding plate.
[0111]
  In addition, when radiation is used, sterilization with electromagnetic waves of 2 GHz to 200 GHz is possible. In this case, a catalyst is not particularly required, and the energy of electromagnetic waves can be absorbed by the constituent elements of the microorganism, and the microorganism can be destroyed at the molecular level. As an example of the electromagnetic wave required for that purpose, an electromagnetic wave in the vicinity of 2.45 GHz, which is considered to be easily absorbed by water, is given as an example. For example, an electromagnetic wave having a short wavelength from about 2 GHz can be used.
[0112]
In addition, at a frequency of 2 GHz or more, an electromagnetic wave in a higher frequency region that is considered to be easily absorbed by elemental substances that constitute microorganisms such as proteins is listed as a candidate. Is considered to be a frequency that can be applied to sterilization.
[0113]
  In the apparatus shown in FIG. 10, an electromagnetic wave emitting device, an optical waveguide element such as an optical fiber, an electric heater, or the like can be installed at the position of the ultraviolet lamp 50 a.
[0114]
<Target microorganism>
  Note that the microorganisms to be sterilized by the present invention include fungi, bacteria, viruses, and allergen substances (proteins, etc.) that induce allergies. In carrying out the present invention, these fungi, bacteria, viruses, and allergen substances may be used alone, or a plurality may be arbitrarily selected from these and used in combination.
[0115]
Since viruses are generally in the category of microorganisms, in the present invention, the effect of suppressing their growth is expressed by the term sterilization or removal. In general, the term “inactivation” is often used for the action of inhibiting the growth of viruses. Therefore, regarding the virus, the term “inactivation” may be used in place of the term “inactivation” in this specification.
[0116]
  Similarly, in the present invention, allergen substances are expressed in terms of sterilization or removal of the effect of suppressing the induction of allergic reactions such as in the human body. In general, the above effect can be replaced by the term “deactivation”. Therefore, in this specification, the term “sterilization or removal of allergen substances” can be replaced by the term “deactivation”.
[0117]
【Example】
    [Reference example 1]
  referenceAs Example 1, it implemented on condition of the following. In performing the microorganism removal evaluation, the microorganism removal evaluation apparatus 10 shown in FIG. 1 was used. As the container 8 of the microorganism removal evaluation apparatus 10, a container having an internal space dimension of 2.0 m in length, 2.5 m in width, and 2.7 m in height was used.
[0118]
  The atmosphere inside the container 8 was set to a temperature of 25 ° C. and a relative humidity of 42%. Further, the space in the container 8 was stirred by the stirrer 4. When stirring with the stirrer 4, the air volume is 4 m.³/ Min.
[0119]
  E. coli was used as the microorganism. In supplying the Escherichia coli into the container 8, it was supplied in the form of a mist from the microorganism injection port 5a. And from 500 to 1,500 E. coli / m³It sprayed in the container 8 as a density | concentration of a grade.
[0120]
  The collector 6 was configured using a Biotest Hyton RCS air sampler. When collecting microorganisms with an air sampler, collection was performed at 40 liters / minute for 4 minutes.
[0121]
  Then, the ion generator 1 irradiates ions 7 composed of positive ions and negative ions.Reference example 1Then, the ion concentration was changed, and the sterilization treatment was performed by irradiating each ion concentration with ions 7 for 1 hour. The ion concentration was a numerical value in a space 10 cm away from the ion sending part (ion generating port 2) of the ion generator 1.
[0122]
  Then, after supplying Escherichia coli into the container 8 under the above conditions, ions 7 were irradiated for 1 hour at a constant ion concentration, and then the Escherichia coli was collected by the air sampler and the number of the collected Escherichia coli was measured. The measurement was repeated for each ion concentration by changing the ion concentration of the ions 7.
[0123]
  Figure 3Reference example 1The measurement result about is shown. In FIG. 3, the horizontal axis corresponds to the ion concentration (number / cm 3) of the ions 7 displayed in logarithm. In FIG. 3, the vertical axis corresponds to the floating bacteria remaining rate (%). This residual rate of floating bacteria is expressed as a percentage of the number of bacteria remaining without being sterilized after irradiation with ions 7.
[0124]
  From the results shown in FIG. 3, it is confirmed that when the positive / negative ion concentration released from the ion generator 1 is increased, the residual rate of airborne bacteria decreases. Also, the positive / negative ion concentration is 10,000 ions / cm.³If this is done, the residual rate will drop rapidly.
Is also confirmed.
[0125]
  And the density | concentration of the ion in a general room is 500-1500 pieces / cm.³So, as a guideline for effective removal of microorganisms, the concentration of positive and negative ions is 10,000 / cm³It is considered appropriate to send the above.
[0126]
    [Reference example2]
  Reference example2 was carried out under the following conditions. In performing the microorganism removal evaluation, the microorganism removal evaluation apparatus 10 shown in FIG. 1 was used. As the container 8 of the microorganism removal evaluation apparatus 10, a container having an internal space dimension of 2.0 m in length, 2.5 m in width, and 2.7 m in height was used.
[0127]
  The atmosphere inside the container 8 was set to a temperature of 25 ° C. and a relative humidity of 42%. Further, the space in the container 8 was stirred by the stirrer 4. When stirring with the stirrer 4, the air volume is 4 m.³/ Min.
[0128]
  E. coli was used as the microorganism. In supplying the Escherichia coli into the container 8, it was supplied in the form of a mist from the microorganism injection port 5a. And the concentration of E. coli is 1,000 / m³It was sprayed in the container 8 as a degree.
[0129]
  The collector 6 was configured using a Biotest Hyton RCS air sampler. When collecting microorganisms with an air sampler, collection was performed at 40 liters / minute for 4 minutes.
[0130]
  The ion sampler 1 collects the ions 7 and the ion generator 1 collects the ions 7 without irradiating the ions 7 and does not naturally attenuate the ions 7. It was. For ion delivery, the ion concentration is 50,000 ions / cm each for positive and negative ions in a space 10 cm away from the ion delivery part.³It was made to become.
[0131]
  Then, for each of the case where the ion delivery is performed and the case where the ion delivery is not performed, Escherichia coli was collected by the air sampler every 15 minutes, and the number of the collected Escherichia coli was measured.
[0132]
  Figure 4referenceIt is a result of the measurement about Example 2, and a time-dependent change of the residual rate (%) of floating bacteria is shown. In FIG. 4, the horizontal axis corresponds to the elapsed time, and the vertical axis corresponds to the floating bacteria remaining rate (%) as in FIG.
[0133]
  When ion delivery was not performed, the survival rate of bacteria due to spontaneous decay after 1 hour was 80%. On the other hand, when ion delivery was performed, the bacteria remaining rate after the lapse of 1 hour was 10%.
[0134]
  Regarding the above measurement, taking into consideration the collection accuracy and concentration measurement accuracy of microorganisms as a guideline for determining the effectiveness of removing microorganisms, there is a significant difference if there is a difference of 10% from the residual rate of natural decay. Conceivable. In addition, taking into account the accuracy of the test, it is desirable that the test conditions be such that the residual rate of bacteria after 1 hour due to natural decay in the case of no ion delivery is 50% or more.
[0135]
  FIG. 5 shows photographs of Escherichia coli taken after 15 minutes for each of the cases where ion release was performed and the case where ion release was not performed. FIG. 5A shows the case where ion release is performed, and FIG. 5B shows the case where ion release is not performed.
[0136]
  Further, when the E. coli shown in FIG. 5 was photographed, the E. coli collected in each case was cultured on an agar medium at 34 ° C. and 100% RH for 48 hours, and then photographed. In FIG. 5, the size of the petri dish is 9 cm.
[0137]
  When ion delivery is performed, as shown in FIG. 5 (a), the formation of colonies of E. coli is not observed. On the other hand, when ion delivery is not performed, colony formation of E. coli is observed as shown in FIG. From the results shown in FIG. 5, it is understood that the bacteria are killed by the ions.
[0138]
    [Reference Example 3]
  Reference example 3As below, it implemented on condition of the following. In performing the microorganism removal evaluation, the microorganism removal evaluation apparatus 10 shown in FIG. 1 was used. As the container 8 of the microorganism removal evaluation apparatus 10, a container having an internal space dimension of 2.0 m in length, 2.5 m in width, and 2.7 m in height was used. The atmosphere inside the container 8 was set to a temperature of 25 ° C. and a relative humidity of 42%.
[0139]
  Also thisReference example3, the case where the inside of the container 8 was stirred and the case where the inside was not stirred were compared as will be described later.³/ Min.
[0140]
  Cladosporium, a kind of fungus, was used as a microorganism. In supplying this cladsporium into the container 8, it was supplied in the form of a mist from the microorganism injection port 5a. And the concentration of this cladospolium is 1,000 pieces / m³It was sprayed in the container 8 as a degree.
[0141]
  The collector 6 was configured using a Biotest Hyton RCS air sampler. When collecting microorganisms with an air sampler, collection was performed at 40 liters / minute for 4 minutes.
[0142]
  And each of the case where stirring is not performed by the stirrer 4 and the case where stirring is not performed by the stirrer 4, airborne bacteria were sampled by the air sampler every 15 minutes, and the number of bacteria collected was measured.
[0143]
  FIG.Reference example3 is a result of the measurement of No. 3, and shows a time-dependent change in the residual rate (%) of airborne fungi in the air with natural decay depending on the presence or absence of stirring. In FIG. 6, the horizontal axis corresponds to the elapsed time, and the vertical axis corresponds to the floating bacteria remaining rate (%) as in FIG.
[0144]
  When stirring was not performed, the bacteria became the detection limit after 45 minutes, and the residual rate was 12%. On the other hand, when stirring was performed, the residual rate of bacteria due to natural decay after 1 hour was 80%.
[0145]
  From the above results, it can be said that it is easy to evaluate the removal of floating microorganisms by adding the agitation to suppress the natural fall of the bacteria. In particular, it is effective to perform stirring for bacteria having a large mass.
[0146]
    [Reference example4]
Reference example 4As below, it implemented on condition of the following. In performing the microorganism removal evaluation, the microorganism removal evaluation apparatus 10 shown in FIG. 1 was used. As the container 8 of the microorganism removal evaluation apparatus 10, a container having an internal space dimension of 2.0 m in length, 2.5 m in width, and 2.7 m in height was used.
[0147]
  The atmosphere inside the container 8 was set to a temperature of 25 ° C. and a relative humidity of 42%. Further, the space in the container 8 was stirred by the stirrer 4. When stirring with the stirrer 4, the air volume is 4 m.³/ Min.
[0148]
  Cladosporium, a kind of fungus, was used as a microorganism. In supplying this cladsporium into the container 8, it was supplied in the form of a mist from the microorganism injection port 5a. And the concentration of Cladosporium is 1,000 pieces / m³It was sprayed in the container 8 as a degree.
[0149]
  The collector 6 was configured using a Biotest Hyton RCS air sampler. When collecting microorganisms with an air sampler, collection was performed at 40 liters / minute for 4 minutes.
[0150]
  Then, when the ion generator irradiates the ion 7 with the ion generator 1 and when the ion generator 1 does not irradiate the ion 7 without spontaneous attenuation, the bacteria collection by the air sampler is performed. Went. For ion delivery, the ion concentration is 50,000 ions / cm each for positive and negative ions in a space 10 cm away from the ion delivery part.³It was made to become.
[0151]
  Then, for each of the case where the ion delivery is performed and the case where the ion delivery is not performed, the bacteria are collected by the air sampler every 15 minutes, and the number of the collected bacteria is measured.
[0152]
  FIG.Reference example 4It is a result of the measurement about, and the time-dependent change of the residual rate (%) of the floating bacteria is shown. In FIG. 7, the horizontal axis corresponds to the elapsed time, and the vertical axis corresponds to the floating bacteria remaining rate (%) as in FIG.
[0153]
  When ion delivery was not performed, the survival rate of bacteria due to natural decay after 1 hour was 75%. On the other hand, when ion delivery was performed, the bacteria remaining rate after the lapse of 1 hour was 10%.
[0154]
  Regarding the above measurement, taking into consideration the collection accuracy and concentration measurement accuracy of microorganisms as a guideline for determining the effectiveness of removing microorganisms, there is a significant difference if there is a difference of 10% from the residual rate of natural decay. Conceivable. In addition, taking into account the accuracy of the test, it is desirable that the test conditions be such that the residual rate of bacteria after 1 hour due to natural decay in the case of no ion delivery is 50% or more.
[0155]
    [Reference Example 5]
  Reference exampleNo. 5 was carried out under the following conditions. In performing the microorganism removal evaluation, the microorganism removal evaluation apparatus 20 shown in FIG. 2 was used. As the container 18 of the microorganism removal evaluation apparatus 20, a container 18 having an internal space formed in a square column shape having an 8 cm square and a length of 30 cm was used. The atmosphere inside the container 18 was set to a temperature of 28 ° C. and a relative humidity of 50%.
[0156]
  Poliovirus was used as a microorganism to be sterilized. Then, an aqueous solution in which tens of thousands of polioviruses are dispersed per 1 cc is mixed with air to form a mist, and supplied into the container 18 from the inlet 15a at a wind speed of 1.6 m / sec at a rate of 0.1 cc / min. .
[0157]
  Further, when the poliovirus is irradiated with ions 7 and sterilized, 100,000 ions / cm each of positive and negative ions in a space 10 cm away from the ion delivery portion of the ion generating element 12.³It was made to become.
[0158]
  In addition, when the poliovirus was collected in the collector 6 after being sterilized by irradiation with the ions 7, the virus was separated and collected by a solution bubbling device.
[0159]
  And after irradiating ion 7 and sterilizing, poliovirus was extract | collected to the collector 6 and the number of bacteria was measured, The removal rate of the virus was 78%.
[0160]
[Example 1]
Example 1It implemented as the following conditions. FIG. 8 is a schematic configuration diagram of the floating virus removal evaluation apparatus of the present embodiment. FIG. 11 shows the probability of influenza virus cell infection by ion concentration, FIG. 12 shows the probability of Coxsackie virus cell infection by ion concentration, and FIG. 13 shows the probability of poliovirus cell infection by ion concentration. is there. FIG. 14 is a diagram showing mass spectra of positive ions and negative ions generated from the ion generating element. FIG. 15 is an evaluation test flowchart for comparing the case where the ion generating element is not operated and the case where the ion generating element is operated.
[0161]
  In this embodiment, as shown in the flowchart of FIG. 15, after preparing a solution containing microorganisms, the solution is sprayed into a space using a test apparatus, and the air is collected. In addition, after the spraying, a step of releasing and acting particles having a bactericidal action on the air containing the sprayed microorganisms is added. In addition, the test with and without the release of the particles shall be performed.
[0162]
  When the solution collected by the above method is used, for example, by measuring the concentration of microorganisms or evaluating the activity by the plaque method, hemagglutination, etc., evaluating the effect of sterilization or inactivation, The effect of the particles can be clarified by making a comparison when not acting. In addition, the irradiation time dependency and particle concentration dependency can be investigated about the degree of disinfection or inactivation by changing the particle | grain density | concentration and the action time of particle | grains.
[0163]
In this example, a microorganism removal evaluation apparatus 30 shown in FIG. 8 was used. As the ion generating element 12, a flat creeping discharge element having a length of 37 mm and a width of 15 mm was used. By alternately applying a positive and negative high voltage between the electrodes, creeping discharge was generated at the surface electrode portion, and positive and negative ions were generated by discharge plasma under atmospheric pressure.
[0164]
The ion generating element 12 is attached and fixed to one end of an acrylic cylindrical container 31 having an inner diameter of 55 mm and a length of 200 mm. The virus liquid sprayer 11 is provided in one of the containers 18 containing the above, and the virus liquid is recovered in the other. A sampler 6 was attached.
[0165]
Influenza virus was inoculated into the urinary membrane space of the laying hen's egg, and after culturing in the furan vessel, the urine solution was collected and used as a test virus solution. 10 ml of the test virus solution was placed in a glass atomizer (virus solution sprayer 11) and connected to one end of the container 18. The other end of the container 18 was connected with a glass impinger (collector 6) containing 10 ml of PBS (−). In the atomizer, the discharge pressure of the compressed air from the air compressor was adjusted to 0.48 hPa with a gauge pressure, and the test virus was sprayed onto the wind tunnel 31 in the container 18 from the inlet. The spray amount was 3.0 ml (spray flow rate 0.1 ml / min × spray time 30 min).
[0166]
At this time, when the ion generation element 12 is not operated, the control is performed and the ion generation concentration is 200,000 / cm 2.³100,000 pieces / cm³50,000 pieces / cm³Comparison was made with the case.
[0167]
The impinger sucked and collected the air in the test apparatus for 30 minutes at a suction flow rate of 10 L / min. PBS (-) obtained by sucking and collecting air in the test apparatus with an impinger was used as a test solution, and influenza virus was measured by a plaque method using MDCK cells. Coxsackie virus and poliovirus were measured by the plaque method using Hela cells.
[0168]
  The plaque method is a type of method in which a virus-containing solution is injected so as to come into contact with the cells and the infection of the cells with the virus is confirmed. The activity of the virus, that is, the probability of virus infection or It is a method that makes it possible to examine the ability to grow in cells.
[0169]
The ion concentration is such that air is blown at a wind speed of 4 m / sec from one side of the cylindrical wind tunnel 31 in which the ion generating element 12 is installed as described above by a blower fan (not shown), and the air ion counter manufactured by Dan Kagaku (part number 83 -1001B) was installed at a distance of 10 cm from the ion generating element, and the ion concentration in the space was measured. The space atmosphere was a temperature of 25 ° C. and a relative humidity of 60% RH. Further, the generation of ions was confirmed in the range of temperature 0 ° C. and relative humidity 10% to temperature 40 ° C. and relative humidity 90%. Note that the blower fan was used for confirming the ion concentration, and in the actual microbe removal evaluation, the blower fan was not used, and the wind from the sprayer 11 was sprayed inside the cylindrical wind tunnel 31. Was set to occur.
[0170]
As shown in FIG. 11, assuming that the cell infection probability of influenza virus when the ion generating element is not operated is 100%, ions are 50,000, 100,000, 200,000 (pieces / cm³) When generated, the cell infection probability was greatly reduced to 3.8%, 2.6%, and 0.5%, and it was confirmed that the influenza virus removal performance was improved by increasing the ion concentration.
[0171]
As shown in FIG. 12, assuming that the cell infection probability of Coxsackie virus when the ion generating element is not operated is 100%, ions are 50,000, 100,000, 200,000 (pieces / cm 2).³) When generated, the cell infection probability was greatly reduced to 3.3%, 2.6%, and 1.1%, and it was confirmed that the coxsackie virus removal performance was improved by increasing the ion concentration.
[0172]
Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 13, assuming that the cell infection probability of poliovirus when the ion generating element is not operated is 100%, ions are 50,000, 100,000, 200,000 (cells / cm³) When generated, the cell infection probability was greatly reduced to 1.0%, 0.5%, and 0.4%, and it was confirmed that the poliovirus removal performance was improved by increasing the ion concentration.
[0173]
As shown in FIG. 14, the composition of the generated ions is such that positive ions ionize water molecules in the air by plasma discharge to generate hydrogen ions H⁺And water molecules in the air are clustered with hydrogen ions by solvation energy. Negative ions ionize oxygen molecules or water molecules in the air by plasma discharge, and oxygen ions O₂ ⁻Is generated, and water molecules in the air are clustered with oxygen ions by solvation energy.
[0174]
The positive and negative ions sent to the space surround the virus floating in the air, and the positive and negative ions are active species by chemical reaction on the surface of the virus.₂O₂Or generate radicals and OH to destroy and kill proteins. By such a method, the virus in the air can be sterilized and removed efficiently.
[0175]
It is also possible to use a hemagglutination reaction as a method for examining virus activity. The hemagglutination reaction is a method in which a solution containing a virus is injected into a solution containing, for example, chicken blood, and the blood is observed for aggregation. The presence of the virus can be confirmed by utilizing the phenomenon that the hemagglutinin present on the virus surface acts on a plurality of red blood cells due to the presence of the virus to cause aggregation of the red blood cells.
[0176]
In addition, as a method for examining the virus concentration, the virus is diluted with an aqueous solution so as to have a plurality of concentrations, and by confirming whether each causes the hemagglutination reaction, the relatively active virus concentration, that is, hemagglutination. It becomes possible to examine the concentration of viruses that are active and infectious.
[0177]
[referenceExample 6]
FIG. 16 is a schematic diagram of a floating pathogenic bacteria removal evaluation apparatus. FIG. 17 shows an ion concentration of 200,000 pieces / cm.³It is the figure which showed the time-dependent change of the air suspension Staphylococcus bacteria density | concentration in FIG. Ion generatorExample 1The same one was used. FIG. 18 is a diagram showing the change over time in the concentration of airborne Staphylococcus bacteria in the ion generator and the ultraviolet ozone generator. The space atmosphere was a temperature of 25 ° C. and a relative humidity of 60% RH. Further, the generation of ions was confirmed in the range of temperature 0 ° C. and relative humidity 10% to temperature 40 ° C. and relative humidity 90%.
[0178]
In order to verify the removal effect of the floating Staphylococcus bacteria existing in a fixed space of the ion generating element, the same configuration as that shown in FIG. 1 was used in this test. That is, the container 8 is 1 m³The space used was a 1 m × 1 m × 1 m FRP container with acrylic plates attached to both ends. Air volume 2m in this container³The ion generating element 1 was attached to the upper air outlet of the air blowing fan at / min.
[0179]
Further, in order to float the sprayed bacteria for a long time, four 15 cm square axial fans 4 were installed at the four corners of the container 8 so that the wind direction would go upward. An injection tube 5 for spraying the bacterial solution was provided at one end of the acrylic plate portion of the container 8, and this was used as a test apparatus.
[0180]
The test bacteria were inoculated with a stock strain on trypticase soy agar medium (BBL) and cultured at 35 ° C. for 24 hours. The bacterium was diluted with a sterilized physiological saline solution, washed, and used as a test bacterium.
[0181]
10 ml of the test bacteria solution was placed in a glass atomizer and connected to one end of the test apparatus. A glass impinger containing 100 ml of sterilized physiological saline was connected to the other end of the container 8. In the atomizer, the discharge pressure of the compressed air from the air compressor was adjusted to 0.48 hPa with the gauge pressure, and the test bacteria were sprayed from the spray port. The spray amount was 1.0 ml (spray flow rate 0.1 ml / min × spray time 10 min). Simultaneously with the spraying of the fungus, the axial fan 4 was operated, and continuous operation was performed until the end of the test.
[0182]
At the end of spraying, the air in the container 8 was collected by suction with an impinger at a suction flow rate of 10 L / min for 10 minutes. This was the 0 minute value. When the ion generating element 1 was operated, the ion generating element and the blower fan were simultaneously operated. After a certain period of time after the start of operation, 100 L of air in the container was collected by suction as in the case of the 0 minute value. Ion generation concentration is 200,000 / cm³It was.
[0183]
In addition, when the ion generating element was not operated (natural attenuation value), the ion generating element was not operated but only the fan 4 was operated, and the air in the container was sucked and collected every time.
[0184]
In addition, in order to conduct a comparative control experiment with ozone, an ozone generation amount equal to the ozone amount generated from the ion generating element using an ultraviolet ozone generator (OZ51N-1, Sen Special Light Source Co., Ltd.) The test was conducted at 637 mg / h (22 ° C., 17% RH).
[0185]
Sterilized physiological saline solution that sucks and collects air in the container with an impinger is used as a test solution, and this is serially diluted with sterile physiological saline solution. The culture was performed at 35 ° C. for 48 hours. After culturing, the number of colonies that grew on the medium was calculated to represent the number of bacteria per aspirated air.
[0186]
As shown in FIG. 17, it was confirmed that when ions were generated, the concentration of airborne bacteria decreased to about 1/10 after 30 minutes, compared to the case where the ion generating element was not operated. Furthermore, detection of airborne bacteria was not observed after 60 minutes.
[0187]
As shown in FIG. 18, it was confirmed that the concentration of airborne bacteria decreased to about 1/10 after 60 minutes in the ion generating element as compared with the ultraviolet ozone generator. Thereby, the bactericidal action was confirmed also about the Staphylococcus bacterium which is a typical bacteria of nosocomial infection by the effect | action described in Example 6. FIG.
[0188]
[Reference Example 7]
FIG. 19 shows an ion concentration of 200,000 pieces / cm.³It is the figure which showed the time-dependent change of the airborne Bacillus bacteria density | concentration in. Ion generatorExample 1The same one was used. FIG. 20 is a diagram showing the change over time in the concentration of airborne Bacillus bacteria in the ion generating element and the ultraviolet ozone generator.
[0189]
In order to verify the removal effect of floating Bacillus bacteria existing in a fixed space of the ion generating element, in this test, 1 m³The space used was a 1 m × 1 m × 1 m FRP container with acrylic plates attached to both ends. Air volume 8m in this container³An ion generating element was attached to the upper air outlet of the blower fan at / min.
[0190]
Further, in order to float the sprayed bacteria for a long time, four 15 cm square axial fans 4 were installed at the four corners of the container so that the wind direction would go upward. An injection tube 15 for spraying the bacterial solution was provided at one end of the acrylic plate portion of the container 8, and this was used as a test apparatus.
[0191]
The test bacteria were inoculated into a culture medium for the formation of anti-anti-spores (Japanese antibiotic drug standard, Ministry of Health and Welfare Notification No. 117, June 30, 1982) and cultured at 35 ° C. for 7 days. This bacterium was washed with a sterilized physiological saline solution and then heat-treated at 65 ° C. for 30 minutes, and spore formation was confirmed with a microscope. What was washed and diluted with sterile physiological saline was used as the spore solution.
[0192]
10 ml of the test bacteria solution was placed in a glass atomizer and connected to one end of the container of the test apparatus. Connected to the other end was a glass impinger containing 100 ml of sterile physiological saline. In the atomizer, the discharge pressure of the compressed air from the air compressor was adjusted to 0.48 hPa with the gauge pressure, and the test bacteria were sprayed from the spray port. The spray amount was 1.0 ml (spray flow rate 0.1 ml / min × spray time 10 min). Simultaneously with the spraying of the fungus, the axial fan 4 was operated, and continuous operation was performed until the end of the test.
[0193]
At the end of spraying, the air in the container was collected by suction with an impinger at a suction flow rate of 10 L / min for 10 minutes. This was the 0 minute value. In the case of the ion generating element operation, the ion generating element 1 and the blower fan 4 were simultaneously operated. After a certain period of time after the start of operation, 100 L of air in the container was suctioned and collected in the same manner as the 0 minute value. Ion generation concentration is 200,000 / cm³It was.
[0194]
In addition, when the ion generating element was not operated (natural attenuation value), the ion generating element was not operated but only the fan was operated, and the air in the container was sucked and collected every time. The space atmosphere was a temperature of 25 ° C. and a relative humidity of 60% RH. Further, the generation of ions was confirmed in the range of temperature 0 ° C. and relative humidity 10% to temperature 40 ° C. and relative humidity 90%.
[0195]
In order to conduct a comparative control experiment with ozone, using an ultraviolet ozone generator (OZ51N-1, Sen Special Light Source Co., Ltd.), an ozone generation amount of 1.637 mg / The test was performed at h (22 ° C., 17% RH).
[0196]
Sterilized physiological saline solution that sucks and collects air in the container with an impinger is used as a test solution, and this is serially diluted with sterile physiological saline solution. The culture was performed at 35 ° C. for 48 hours. After culturing, the number of colonies that grew on the medium was calculated to represent the number of bacteria per aspirated air.
[0197]
As shown in FIG. 19, it was confirmed that the concentration of airborne bacteria decreased to about 1/10 after 30 minutes when ions were generated compared to the case where the ion generating element was not operated. Furthermore, after 120 minutes had passed, no detection of airborne bacteria was observed.
[0198]
As shown in FIG. 20, it was confirmed that the concentration of airborne bacteria decreased to about half after 60 minutes in the ion generating element as compared with the ultraviolet ozone generator. From this, the bactericidal action was also confirmed by the action described in Example 6 for Bacillus bacteria that formed heat-resistant spores. Since Bacillus anthracis is the same genus as Bacillus, an effect can be expected.
[0199]
[Reference Example 8]
FIG. 21 is a cross-sectional view of an air conditioner in which an ion generating element is disposed in the air outlet air passage. FIG. 22 is a graph showing the probability of cell infection of airborne viruses after 60 minutes with respect to the amount of ions ejected into a space with a volume of 27 L. FIG. 23 shows a capacity of 30 m³5.4 million positive / negative ions per minute in each space³It is the figure which showed the time-dependent change of the viral cell infection probability in the air when supplied.
[0200]
In the test shown in FIG. 22, in order to verify the effect of reducing the cell infection rate of the floating influenza virus existing in the space due to the ion ejection amount, in this test, the 27 L space is a 30 cm × 30 cm × 30 cm vinyl chloride container. What attached the virus spray apparatus and the collection | recovery apparatus to the both ends was used. An ion generating element was attached to the outlet of the upper part of the blower fan in the container. In addition, an axial fan was installed with the wind direction going upwards for the purpose of floating the sprayed virus for a long time.
[0201]
Influenza virus (Influenza virus A (H1N1) A / PR8 / 34: ATCC VR-95) was inoculated into the urinary membrane of the hen's urine, cultured in a furan vessel, collected urine and tested Virus solution was used. 10 ml of the test virus solution was placed in a glass atomizer and connected to one end of the test apparatus. Connected to the other end was a glass impinger containing 100 ml of sterile physiological saline. In the atomizer, the discharge pressure of the compressed air from the air compressor was adjusted to 0.48 hPa with the gauge pressure, and the test bacteria were sprayed from the spray port. The spray amount was 3.0 ml (spray flow rate 0.1 ml / min × spray time 30 min). Axial grain fan was activated simultaneously with the spraying of the virus solution, and continuous operation was performed until the end of the test.
[0202]
At the end of spraying, the air in the container was collected by suction with an impinger at a suction flow rate of 10 L / min for 30 minutes. This was the 0 minute value. After 1 hour from the start of operation, 100 L of air in the container was sucked and collected in the same manner as the 0 minute value. PBS (-) obtained by sucking and collecting air in the test apparatus with an impinger was used as a test solution, and influenza virus was measured by a plaque method using MDCK cells. The ion ejection amount was adjusted by adjusting the input voltage of the ion generating element.
[0203]
Positive / negative ion ejection amount 0 / m each³・ When the probability of cell infection in minutes is 100%, 270,000 cells / m³・ A sudden drop in the probability of cell infection was confirmed in more than a minute, and the amount of positive and negative ion ejection was 270,000 / m.³・ It was confirmed that the virus infection ability was reduced in more than minutes.
[0204]
Furthermore, in order to confirm the effect in the space actually used in the living environment, in the test shown in FIG.³The air conditioner 60 shown in FIG. 21 was provided, and when the ion generating element 65 was operated with the dust collection filter 64b and the deodorizing filter 64a removed, the residual rate of airborne viruses in the space was shown.
[0205]
Here, the structure of the air conditioner 60 shown in FIG. 21 will be described. The air conditioner 60 has an air inlet 62 formed on the front surface of the indoor unit 61 and an air outlet 63 formed on the upper surface of the unit 61. ing. A deodorizing filter 64 a and a dust collecting filter 64 b are provided in the air suction port 62, and an ion generating device 67 including an ion generating element 65 and its high voltage power source 66 is provided in the vicinity of the air blowing port 63. The air sucked from the air suction port 62 by the blower fan 68 inside the unit is discharged to the outside from the air blower port 63. At this time, ionized air is released by driving the ion generator 67. It has become so.
[0206]
In the air conditioner configured as described above, the ion generating element 65 is disposed in the blowout air passage, and when the air sucked from the suction port 62 is discharged from the blowout port 63, the air is included in the space. Ions can be released into the interior. As a result, ions can be added not only to the sucked air but also to the entire space.
[0207]
The virus concentration measurement has the same specifications as those performed in the test of FIG. Positive and negative ion ejection amount is 5.4 million / m for 1 minute.³Supplied. It was found that the probability of cell infection decreased to 1/10 in 1 hour.
[0208]
Thus, it was found that the virus inactivation effect in the air can be evaluated even in the volume of the air conditioner actually used in the living environment.
[0209]
The positive and negative ions sent to the space surround the virus floating in the air, and the positive and negative ions are active species by chemical reaction on the surface of the virus.₂O₂Or generate radicals and OH to destroy and kill proteins. By such a method, the virus in the air can be sterilized and removed efficiently.
[0210]
In the present embodiment, the ions indicate both positive and negative ions, and the average values of the ion concentrations are described assuming that the respective ion concentrations are substantially equal.
[0211]
In all of the above embodiments, as a particle release method, a Leonard effect, that is, a liquid is ejected or caused to vibrate, thereby being physically separated and formed into charged particles. Even if the method is used, the effects of the present invention can be obtained.
[0212]
In addition, as particles, positive ions, negative ions, mixed gases of positive and negative ions, and other than the above, charged particles such as α-rays and β-rays, various gasified gas particles, particles such as radicals, etc. The same effects as those of the present invention can also be obtained when drug particles are used.
[0213]
【The invention's effect】
  As described above, according to the present invention, microorganisms are suspended in a certain space, and the microorganisms are irradiated with particles for sterilizing microorganisms such as ions, and then the microorganisms are collected and measured. As a result, it is possible to measure and evaluate the ability of the particles to sterilize microorganisms.
[Brief description of the drawings]
[Figure 1]As a reference exampleIt is a schematic block diagram of microorganism removal evaluation apparatus.
[Figure 2]Another reference exampleIt is a schematic block diagram which shows a microorganism removal evaluation apparatus.
[Fig. 3]Reference Example 1It is a measurement result, and is a measurement result of microorganisms collected when sterilization is performed by changing the ion concentration.
[Fig. 4]Reference Example 2It is a measurement result, and is a measurement result of microorganisms collected when ion delivery is performed and when ion delivery is not performed.
[Figure 5]Reference example 2Is a photograph obtained by photographing the collected microorganisms. FIG. 5A is a photograph of microorganisms collected when ion delivery is performed, and FIG. 5B is a photograph of microorganisms collected when ion delivery is not performed.
[Fig. 6]Reference example 3It is a measurement result about the microorganisms collected when the inside of the container is stirred and when it is not stirred.
[Fig. 7]Reference example 4Is a measurement result of microorganisms collected when ion delivery is performed and when ion delivery is not performed.
[Fig. 8] Microbe removal evaluation deviceFirst Embodiment and Example 1It is a schematic block diagram which shows.
[Fig. 9] The floating microorganism removal evaluation deviceSecondIt is a schematic block diagram which shows this embodiment.
FIG. 10 shows the evaluation device for floating virus removal.ThirdIt is a schematic block diagram which shows this embodiment.
FIG. 11Example 1It is the figure which showed the cell infection probability of the influenza virus by the ion concentration of.
FIG.Example 1It is the figure which showed the cell infection probability of the Coxsackie virus by ion concentration.
FIG. 13Example 1It is the figure which showed the cell infection probability of the poliovirus by the ion concentration of.
FIG. 14Example 1It is the figure which showed the mass spectrum of the positive ion and negative ion which are produced | generated from the ion generating element.
FIG. 15Example 1It is an evaluation test flowchart.
FIG. 16Reference Example 6It is the schematic of the floating pathogenic bacteria removal evaluation apparatus.
FIG. 17Reference Example 6Ion concentration at 200,000 / cm³It is the figure which showed the time-dependent change of the air suspension Staphylococcus bacteria density | concentration in FIG.
FIG. 18Reference Example 6It is the figure which showed the time-dependent change of the air suspension Staphylococcus bacteria density | concentration by the ion generating element of this, and an ultraviolet ozone generator.
FIG. 19Reference Example 7Ion concentration of 200,000 / cm³It is the figure which showed the time-dependent change of the airborne Bacillus bacteria density | concentration in.
FIG. 20Reference Example 7It is the figure which showed the time-dependent change of the airborne Bacillus microbe density | concentration in the ion generating element of this, and an ultraviolet ozone generator.
FIG. 21Reference Example 8It is sectional drawing of the air conditioner which arrange | positioned the ion generating element of this to the blower outlet air path.
FIG. 22Reference Example 8It is the figure which showed the cell infection probability of the airborne virus by the amount of ion ejection.
FIG. 23Reference Example 8It is the figure which showed the time-dependent change of the virus cell infection probability in the air by ion ejection of.
[Explanation of symbols]
1 Ion generator
2 Ion generator
3 Microbe collection tube
3a Microorganism sampling port
4 Stirrer
5 Microbe injection tube
5a Microorganism inlet
6 Microorganism collector
7 particles
8 containers
10 Microbe removal evaluation device
11 Microbial sprayer
12 Ion generator
12a Ion generating electrode
13 Microbe collection tube
13a Microorganism sampling port
15 Microbe injection tube
15a Microorganism inlet
18 containers
20 Microorganism removal evaluation device
31 Wind tunnel
35 containers

Claims (19)

An air containing a microorganism that is a combination of one or two or more selected from the group consisting of bacteria, fungi, viruses, and allergens , provided with a wind tunnel inside the container, forming a passage for air containing microorganisms inside the wind tunnel was supplied from one side of the wind tunnel, the particles of the microorganism to sterilization by irradiation inside the wind tunnel, the microorganisms after the irradiation of the particles were taken from the other side of the wind tunnel, sterilization of supply and microbial microorganisms A series of treatments consisting of treatment and collection of microorganisms is performed along a one-pass route using a wind tunnel, and the microorganisms are supplied under the same conditions as in the case of sterilizing the microorganisms by irradiating the particles, comparing the concentration or activity or cellular infection level of the microorganisms in a case where the case of the sterilization process and collect the microorganism without irradiating the particles not the sterilization treatment, the particles from the comparison result Removal evaluation method of the microorganisms and evaluating biological removal performance. 2. The microorganism removal evaluation method according to claim 1, wherein positive ions and negative ions obtained by causing an ionization phenomenon such as discharge in the atmosphere are used as particles for sterilizing the microorganism. 2. The microorganism removal evaluation method according to claim 1 , further comprising the step of measuring a change with time of the particle irradiation time in measuring the collected microorganism. 2. The microorganism removal evaluation method according to claim 1 , further comprising measuring concentration dependency of the removal performance on the particles when measuring the collected microorganism. 2. The microorganism removal evaluation method according to claim 1 , wherein the microorganism is supplied to the space inside the container by spraying the solution in which the microorganism is dispersed in a mist form. 2. The microorganism removal evaluation method according to claim 1 , wherein a hemagglutination reaction by a microorganism or an allergic reaction by a microorganism is used as the microorganism evaluation method. The removal of microorganisms according to claim 1, wherein the particles for sterilizing the microorganisms are particles generated by any one of discharge in air, irradiation with radiation light in air, and Leonard effect. Evaluation methods.   2. The microorganism removal evaluation method according to claim 1, wherein the particles for sterilizing the microorganism are any one of synchrotron radiation, X-rays, gamma rays, and electromagnetic waves.   2. The microorganism removal evaluation method according to claim 1, wherein the particles for sterilizing the microorganisms are drug particles. A container for performing sterilization treatment of microorganisms, a wind tunnel provided inside the container in which an air passage containing microorganisms is formed , and a microorganism supply means for supplying microorganisms suspended from one side of the wind tunnel A microorganism removing means for irradiating air containing microorganisms supplied into the wind tunnel with particles for sterilizing microorganisms, and a microorganism for collecting microorganisms from the other side of the wind tunnel after sterilizing microorganisms by the microorganism removing means Bei example a collecting means, the concentration or activity or cellular infection rate of the microorganisms collected by the microorganism-collecting means is measured, the microbe removal evaluation device, characterized in that to evaluate the microbial removal performance of said particles. 11. The microorganism removal evaluation apparatus according to claim 10 , wherein the particles for sterilizing the microorganisms are positive ions and negative ions obtained by causing an ionization phenomenon such as discharge in the atmosphere. The microorganism removal evaluation apparatus according to claim 10 , wherein the microorganism removal means is disposed inside a wind tunnel . The microorganism removal evaluation apparatus according to claim 10 , wherein the microorganism removing unit and the microorganism collecting unit are arranged outside a vertically lower area of the microorganism supplying unit. The microorganism removal evaluation apparatus according to claim 10 , wherein another container is disposed outside the container so as to cover the container. The microorganism removal evaluation apparatus according to claim 10 , wherein a stirring means for stirring the internal space is provided in the internal space of the container. The microorganism removal evaluation apparatus according to claim 10 , wherein the microorganism supply by the microorganism supply means is configured so that a solution in which microorganisms are dispersed is sprayed into a space inside the container in the form of a mist. The microorganism according to claim 10 , wherein the particles for sterilizing the microorganism are configured to release a gas generated by any one of discharge in air, irradiation with radiation in the air, and the Leonard effect. Removal evaluation device. 11. The microorganism removal evaluation apparatus according to claim 10 , wherein the particles for sterilizing the microorganism are configured to emit any one of synchrotron radiation, X-rays, gamma rays, and electromagnetic waves. The microorganism removal evaluation apparatus according to claim 10 , wherein the microorganism removal means is configured to irradiate drug particles as particles for sterilizing microorganisms.

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