WO2013108071A2

WO2013108071A2 - Sealable particle collection device

Info

Publication number: WO2013108071A2
Application number: PCT/IB2012/003067
Authority: WO
Inventors: David P. PASHBY; Sean A. GILLESPIE; Jonathan M. GOWERS
Original assignee: Smiths Detection- Watford Ltd.
Priority date: 2011-12-29
Filing date: 2012-12-28
Publication date: 2013-07-25
Also published as: WO2013108071A3

Abstract

Sealable particle collection devices capable of trapping airborne particles on a capture component (e.g., filter) and eluting particles from the capture component with liquid without unsealing the device are disclosed. In some embodiments, the devices contain a sealable first housing containing a capture component and liquid reservoir, and a second housing containing an air flow generator (e.g., piezoelectric pump). In some embodiments, the liquid with eluted particles is transferred to a test device that is either part of the particle collection device (e.g., via internal channels) or a separate test device (e.g., which may be attached to the particle collection device).

Description

SEALABLE PARTICLE COLLECTION DEVICE

BACKGROUND

[0001] Current aerosol particle collection devices that collect particles onto dry or semi dry surfaces usually require the device to be dismantled to remove the collection surface followed by manual extraction of material in a separate container and then another separate process to move material to a test device.

SUMMARY

[0002] Sealable particle collection devices, systems employing such devices, and methods of screening airborne particles therewith are described herein. In embodiments, the devices and systems described herein are used to trap airborne particles on a capture component (e.g., filter) and elute particles from the capture surface with liquid without unsealing the device.

[0003] In some embodiments, the particle collection devices comprise: a sealable first housing moveable between an open to air position and a sealed water-tight position (e.g., IP65 or greater), wherein the sealable first housing comprises: at least one sealable air intake, at least one air outlet (e.g., sealable air outlet), a capture component (e.g., particle filter) positioned so air flow from the at least one sealable air intake to the at least one air outlet passes through the capture component, and a fluid reservoir containing fluid, wherein the fluid reservoir is configured to release the fluid when the fluid reservoir is opened; and a second housing detachably engaged with the sealable first housing and comprising: at least one air inlet, at least one air exhaust opening, an air flow generator configured to draw air containing particles into the at least one sealable air intake opening, through the capture component, the at least one air outlet, and the at least one air inlet, and the at least one air exhaust opening.

[0004] In some embodiments, methods of screening airborne particles comprise: exposing a capture component to air containing particles such that the air containing particles flows through the capture component, wherein a portion of the particles are retained by the surface of the capture component; sealing the capture component within a contained space; releasing liquid into the contained space such that the liquid contacts the capture component, wherein a portion of the particles are released from the capture component into the liquid; and transferring at least a portion the liquid out of the contained space for analysis of the contents of the liquid.

[0005] This Summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts regarding sealable particle collection devices in a simplified form that are further described below in the Detailed Description. This Summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0006] FIG. 1, which is comprised of FIGS. 1A through 1C together, illustrates an embodiment of a sealable particle collection device in accordance with the present disclosure.

[0007] FIG. 1 A is a diagrammatic cross-sectional view that illustrates an embodiment of a sealable particle collection device including a first housing and a second housing.

[0008] FIG. IB is a diagrammatic cross-sectional view that illustrates embodiments of a first housing, including a liquid reservoir and capture component.

[0009] FIG. 1C is a diagrammatic cross-sectional view that illustrates embodiments of a sealable particle collection device that includes a low-profile piezoelectric pump.

[0010] FIG. 2A is a side elevation view that illustrates a sealable particle collection device, including a test device attachment element and an on/off switch.

[0011] FIG. 2B is a front elevation view that illustrates an a sealable particle collection device attached to an particle test device in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0012] Sealable particle collection devices capable of trapping airborne particles on a capture component (e.g., filter) and eluting particles from the capture component with liquid without unsealing the device are described here. Methods of screening for airborne particles by trapping airborne particles on and/or within a capture component (e.g., filter) and eluting particles from the capture component with liquid without unsealing the device are also disclosed. In some embodiments, the devices contain a sealable first housing containing a capture component and liquid reservoir, and a second housing containing an air flow generator (e.g., piezoelectric pump) and a power source. In some embodiments, the liquid with eluted particles is transferred to a test device that is either part of the particle collection device (e.g., via internal channels) or a separate test device (e.g., which may be attached to, or separate from, the particle collection device).

[0013] In some embodiments, devices are configured to capture particles (e.g., material (e.g., environmental material). Particles that can be aerosol borne, such as biological material, can be captured onto a surface, such as an impactor, filter or other capture component. In some embodiments, the filter material is electrostatic (e.g., to allow for triboelectric particle separation). In some embodiments of the particle collection devices, the capture component surface is initially open to the environment but within a housing that can be sealed. On capture of one or more particles on the capture component, the housing is rotated or depressed (or otherwise treated) to seal the capture component within a contained space, alternatively a separate component may be added to seal the unit. A separate element that is located within the contained space encompasses a volume of liquid material such as an aqueous buffer or water that can be released within the contained space (e.g., via a plunger or further movement of the housing) whilst maintaining the enclosed space. The contained space housing the material captured on the capture component and the liquid can then be agitated by manual, mechanical or other means (e.g. thermally, ultrasonically) to release material from the capture surface into the liquid. In some embodiments, all or a portion of the device are agitated. A further action allows a transfer section to be made available such that a portion of the liquid containing the released material can be moved from the enclosed space via a transfer component, (e.g. a plunger and tube) to allow this material to be then deposited onto a test surface or device to perform a test or analysis of the components within the liquid.

[0014] In some embodiments, the sealable first housing (e.g., including the capture component, means of enclosing it, liquid reservoir, liquid release, liquid transfer and means of agitation) form a single disposable consumable element that is used as part of a larger instrument that provides means of generating an air flow. In other embodiments the entire device comprising the sealable first housing and second housing may be configured to form a single disposable consumable element. FIG. 1 shows an embodiment of a particle collection device. The liquid transfer process is not illustrated but could be, for example, a plunger similar to a syringe type device, a deflectable surface such as a soft plastic priming bulb that links to an outlet that is only open during the priming and liquid release stage or a sealed liquid capsule that can be ruptured to release the liquid.

[0015] In some embodiments, the particle collective devices comprise: a sealable first housing moveable between an open to air position and a sealed water-tight position (e.g., IP65 or greater), wherein the sealable first housing comprises: i) at least one sealable air intake, ii) at least one air outlet (e.g., sealable air outlet), iii) a capture component (e.g., particle filter) positioned so air flow from the at least one sealable air intake to the at least one air outlet passes through the capture component, and iv) a fluid reservoir containing fluid, wherein the fluid reservoir is configured to release the fluid when the fluid reservoir is opened; and a second housing detachably engaged with the sealable first housing and comprising: at least one air inlet, at least one air exhaust opening, an air flow generator configured to draw air containing particles into the at least one sealable air intake opening, through the capture component, the at least one air outlet, and the at least one air inlet, and out the at least one air exhaust opening. In certain embodiments, the second housing further comprises a power source for the air flow generator. In some embodiments, the sealable first housing further comprises an engaging element configured for attaching the second housing to the first housing. In other embodiments, the second housing further comprises an engaging element configured for attaching the second housing to the first housing.

[0016] In some embodiments, methods of collecting airborne particles comprise: exposing a particle collection device to air containing particles such that the air containing particles flows through the particle collection device, wherein the particle collection device comprises: a sealable first housing moveable between an open to air position and a sealed position, wherein the sealable first housing comprises: at least one sealable air intake, at least one air outlet, a capture component (e.g., a particle filter), and a fluid reservoir containing fluid; and a second housing detachably engaged with the sealable first housing and comprising: at least one air inlet, at least one air exhaust opening, an air flow generator configured to draw air containing particles into the at least one sealable air intake opening, a power source for the air flow generator, and wherein particles are deposited on the capture component (e.g., filter) as the air containing particles flows through the particle collection device, and wherein the air containing particles flows into the at least one sealable air intake, through the capture component, the at least one air outlet, and the at least one air inlet, and out the at least one air exhaust opening; configuring the sealable first housing into a sealed (e.g., sealed water-tight) position such that the at least one sealable air intake and the at least one air outlet are sealed; releasing the fluid from the fluid reservoir, wherein the releasing happens automatically as a result of the configuring the sealable first housing, or wherein the releasing is caused by activation of a fluid release component; and agitating the sealable first housing to release at least some of the particles from the capture component to generate a particle-containing fluid is generated. In some embodiments, the sealable first housing further comprises an engaging element configured for attaching the second housing to the first housing. In other embodiments, the second housing further comprises an engaging element configured to attaching the first housing to the second housing.

[0017] In some embodiments, methods of screening airborne particles comprise: exposing a capture component to air containing particles so the air containing particles flows through the capture component, wherein a portion of the particles adhere to the capture component; sealing the capture component within a contained space; releasing liquid into the contained space so the liquid contacts the capture component, wherein a portion of the particles are released from the capture component into the liquid; and transferring at least a portion the liquid out of the contained space for analysis of the contents of the liquid. In some embodiments, methods further comprise a step of agitating the contained space to assist in releasing at least a portion of the particles from the capture component into the liquid. In some embodiments, agitating comprises exposing the capture component to ultrasonic radiation. In some embodiments, transferring of at least a portion of the liquid out of the contained space is performed while maintaining a seal of the contained space. In some embodiments, the portion of the liquid is transferred to a test device. In some embodiments, particles are a moiety selected from the group consisting of: biological agents, chemical agents, nucleic acid sequences, bacterial cells, toxins, or bio-warfare agents. In some embodiments, particles are an airborne biological particle associated with an allergic response.

[0018] In other embodiments, the methods further comprise withdrawing at least a portion of the particle-containing fluid from the sealable first housing with a withdrawing component. In additional embodiments, the withdrawing component comprises a plunger or syringe configured to maintain the water-tight seal of the sealable first housing. In some embodiments the at least a portion of the particle- containing fluid is transferred to a test device via the withdrawing component, wherein the test device is configured to determine the identity of the particles in the particle-containing fluid. In some embodiments, the particles comprise biological or chemical agents. In further embodiments, the particles comprise nucleic acid sequences. In some embodiments, the particles comprises bacterial cells (vegetative and spore forms) and viruses. In further embodiments, the particles comprise bio- warfare agents. In other embodiments, the particles comprise toxins. In additional embodiments other particles comprise of biological particles commonly found to be airborne such as pollen, spores, house dust and articles associated with generating allergic responses.

[0019] In some embodiments, the configuring comprises moving the sealable first housing relative to the second housing. In other embodiments, the configuring comprises depressing the sealable first housing relative to the second housing. In other embodiments, the fluid release component comprises a plunger. In some embodiments, the particle collection device is activated prior to the exposing, wherein the particle collection device is activated by pressing, flipping, or turning a switch that causes power to flow to the air flow generator from the power source. In other embodiments, the agitating the sealable first housing comprises manual or mechanical shaking of the sealable first housing, or changing temperature, or changing/alternating charge, or changing pressure. In additional embodiments, the agitating the sealable first housing comprises exposing the capture component to ultrasonic frequencies.

[0020] In some embodiments, systems employing sealable particle collection devices comprise: a sealable first housing moveable between an open to air position and a sealed water-tight position, wherein the sealable first housing comprises: at least one sealable air intake, at least one air outlet, a capture component (e.g., particle filter) positioned such that air flow from the at least one sealable air intake to the at least one air outlet passes through the capture component, and a fluid reservoir containing fluid or configured to contain fluid, wherein the fluid is releasable from the fluid reservoir when the sealable first housing is in the sealed water-tight position; and a second housing that can be engaged and/or disengaged with the sealable first housing and comprising: at least one air inlet, at least one air exhaust opening, an air flow generator configured to draw air containing particles into the at least one sealable air intake opening, through the capture component, the at least one air outlet, and the at least one air inlet, and out the at least one air exhaust opening, and a power source for the air flow generator. [0021] In some embodiments, systems comprise: the particle collection devices described herein, and a test device configured to determine the identity of the particles or otherwise characterize the particles (e.g., quantify, etc).

[0022] In some embodiments, the particle collection devices further comprise an integrated test device for determining the identity of the particles. In further embodiments, the sealable first housing has a general cone shape (e.g., as generally shown in FIG. 1A, IB, or 1C). In further embodiments, the sealable first housing is configured for a single-use (e.g., is a disposable component). In some embodiments the entire device comprising the sealable upper housing and lower housing may be configured for single-use (e.g., is a disposable component). In other embodiments, the sealable first housing comprises a proximal end and a distal end, and wherein the proximal end detachably engages with the second housing. In other embodiments, the fluid reservoir is located at or near the distal end of the sealable first housing. In additional embodiments, the capture component is located at or near the proximal end of the sealable first housing. In further embodiments, the at least one sealable air intake is located at or near the proximal end of the sealable first housing.

[0023] In some embodiments, the sealable first housing is moveable between the open to air position and the sealed (e.g., water-tight) position by rotation or depression of the sealable first housing relative to the second housing. In some embodiments, the at least one sealable air intake is sealable by rotation or depression of the sealable first housing relative to the second housing. In other embodiments, the at least one sealable air intake comprises at least two sealable air intakes (e.g., at least 2, 3, 4, 5... 10... 15... or more). In some embodiments, the at least one air outlet is sealable by rotation or depression of the sealable first housing relative to the second housing. In other embodiments, the at least one air outlet is sealable by rotation or depression of the second housing relative to the first housing. In additional embodiments, the at least one air outlet comprises at least two air outlets (e.g., at least 2, 3, 4, 5... 10... 15 ... or more). In additional embodiments, the capture component comprises polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) or other polymer (e.g., hydrophobic polymer). In some embodiments, the capture component is sized to capture, for example, biological agents, chemical agents, nucleic acid sequences, bacterial cells, toxins, bio-warfare agents, pollen, spores, house dust, and/or other particles of interest. In some embodiments, the capture component comprises pores with a size between 0.1 and 4.0 micrometers (e.g., 0.1, 0.2, 0.3 ... 0.8 ... 1.2 ... 1.6 ... 2.0 ... 3.3 ... 3.5 ... 4.0). [0024] In some embodiments, the fluid reservoir comprises a flexible pouch that can be punctured to release the fluid. In other embodiments the fluid reservoir comprises a chamber that uses a piston or depressible bulb to release the fluid. In further embodiments the piston or depressible bulb can be further used to dispense individual droplets from the capture device to a test device. In additional embodiments, the fluid comprises a buffer or water. In some embodiments, the second housing has a tube- type shape. In additional embodiments, the second housing is 15 centimeters or less in length (e.g., about 5 cm ... about 8 cm ... about 10 cm ... about 13 cm ... or about 15 centimeters). In further embodiments, the air flow generator comprises an air pump. In some embodiments, the air pump comprises a piezoelectric air pump (e.g., the CURIEJET ultra low-power slim diaphragm micro-pump; the TAKASAGO standard and large flow type diaphragm micro pumps; and the MURATA micro-second diaphragm micro-pump). In some embodiments, the air flow generator comprises a fan.

[0025] In some embodiments, the second housing comprises a proximal end and a distal end, and wherein the proximal end detachably engages with the sealable first housing. In further embodiments, the air flow generator is located at or near the proximal end of the second housing. In certain embodiments, the second housing further comprises a power source. In some embodiments, the power source is located at or near the distal end of the second housing. In additional embodiments, the at least one air inlet is located at or near the proximal end of the second housing. In other embodiments, the at least one air exhaust opening is located at or near the distal end of the second housing.

[0026] In some embodiments, the at least one air inlet comprises at least two air inlets (e.g., at least 2, 3, 4... 5 ... 10 ... or more). In other embodiments, the at least one air exhaust opening comprises at least two air exhaust openings (e.g., at least 2, 3, 4, ... 5 ... 10 ... or more). In additional embodiments, the particle collection device further comprises a test device attachment element. In further embodiments, the sealable first housing further comprises an on/off switch. In some embodiments, the power source comprises at least one battery. In some embodiments, the sealable first housing further comprises at least one large particle blocker. In other embodiments, the large particle blocker comprises a filter, mesh, or screen, or any combination thereof.

[0027] In some embodiments, a pump or fan is employed to generate air flow. In some embodiments, an APEX personal sampling pump (which is a handheld sampling pump device with a large LCD screen) is employed. In some embodiments, a filter housing is employed (e.g., as the sealable first housing), such as those similar to the IOM housing. In some embodiments, the capture component comprises a filter. In some embodiments, the filter is composed of PTFE and has pores between 0.2 to 3 μιη. In some embodiments, a 0.2 to 3 μιη filter (e.g., about 3 μιη) is used for capture bacterial and viral proteins (e.g., toxin simulant). In other embodiments, a 0.2 to 3 μιη filter (e.g., about 3 μιη) is used for capture of all forms of airborne biological particles (e.g., bacteria, viruses, proteins, pollen, spores, house dust and material associated with generating allergic responses).

[0028] In some embodiments, the propulsion force used to drive the air flow is a piezo pump (e.g., piezoelectric element and diaphragm). The piezo pump offers significant advantages in that is very low profile and very low power requirements thereby allowing construction of an extremely compact sample collector device. In some embodiments, the particle collection devices are small enough such that they can be worn on a person (e.g., as a "lapel badge"). In some embodiments, the pump and battery are sufficiently low cost to make the entire collector disposable. In such embodiments, the potential nature of the particles, e.g. bio warfare agents or endemic disease agents, makes decontamination either prohibitively costly or unachievable so the second cost disposal option is generally employed.

[0029] In some embodiments the acoustic signature of the pump noise may be inherently reduced by producing an acoustic baffle box using adaptive measures from the Selective Layer Sintering (SLS) additive layer manufacturing process. It is possible to design and manufacture 3D geometry that has a solid skinned surface of one density and an un-sintered powdered core of differing density, thus providing a high level of acoustic sound attenuation. In this manner, embodiments of the device can be worn close to the respiratory area of the body without causing audible distress to the user.

[0030] FIG. 1 is an illustration of an example particle collection device (1) in accordance with some embodiments described herein. Particle collection devices may comprise one or more of the elements depicted in FIG. 1. FIG. 1 shows a sealable first housing (10) that includes large particle blockers (20), a capture component (30), a air outlet (25), an engaging element (80), a liquid reservoir (90), and a sealable air intake (100). FIG. 1 also shows a second housing (60) that includes a flow generator (50) (e.g., piezoelectric pump shown in FIG. 1C), a power source (70) (e.g., batteries), an air inlet (35), and an air exhaust opening (110). Air flow (40) that may be generated by operation of the pump, is shown by dotted lines running through the particle capture device (1).

[0031] FIG. 2A shows an embodiment of a particle collection device (1), which includes a sealable first housing (10), a second housing (60), a test device attachment element (120), and an on/off switch (130). Particle collection devices consistent with embodiments described herein may comprise one or more of the element depicted in FIG. 2A. FIG. 2B shows an example particle collection device (1) attached to an example test device (140) (e.g., man wearable) in accordance with embodiments of the disclosure.

[0032] Although embodiments of the disclosure have been described in language specific to structural features and/or methodological acts, it is to be understood that the disclosure defined in the appended claims is not necessarily limited to the specific features or acts described. Rather, the specific features and acts are disclosed as example forms of implementing the claimed subject matter. Various embodiments described herein are combinable. The devices described herein are capable of use in applications not specifically described herein, and the methods described herein are capable of being performed by other devices.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A particle collection device comprising:

a sealable first housing moveable between an open to air position and a sealed position, wherein the sealable first housing comprises:

a sealable air intake,

an air outlet,

a capture component, and

a fluid reservoir configured to contain fluid that is releasable from the fluid reservoir when the sealable first housing is in the sealed position; and

a second housing constructed to detachably engage with the sealable first housing, comprising:

an air inlet,

an air exhaust opening,

an air flow generator configured to draw air containing particles into the sealable air intake opening, through the capture component, the air outlet, and the one air inlet, and out the at least one air exhaust opening.

2. The particle collection device of Claim 1, further comprising an integrated test device for determining the identity of at least some of the particles.

3. The particle collection device of claim 1, wherein the particle collection device is configured to collect particles while preventing the ingress of liquid when disposed in an operating orientation.

4. The particle collection device of claim 1, wherein the particle collection device is configured to collect particles while preventing the ingress of rain when disposed in an operating orientation.

5. The particle collection device of claim 1, wherein the particle collection device is configured to intake the particles in one direction and cause the particles to reverse direction to be captured on the capture component.

6. The particle collection device of claim 1, wherein the sealable first housing further comprises an engaging element configured for attaching the second housing to the first housing, or wherein the second housing further comprises an engaging element configured for attaching the first housing to the second housing.

7. The particle collection device of claim 1, wherein the sealable first housing is moveable between the open to air position and the sealed position by rotation or depression of the sealable first housing relative to the second housing.

8. The particle collection device of claim 1, wherein the air outlet is sealable by rotation or depression of the sealable first housing relative to the second housing or by rotation or depression of the sealable second housing relative to the first housing.

9. The particle collection device of claim 1, wherein the capture component comprises a particle filter which comprises hydrophobic polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE).

10. The particle collection device of claim 1, wherein the capture component comprises pores sized to capture one or more of biological agents, chemical agents, nucleic acid sequences, bacterial cells, toxins, bio-warfare agents, pollen, spores, house dust, and/or other particles of interest.

11. The particle collection device of claim 1 , wherein the fluid reservoir comprises: a flexible pouch that can be punctured to release the fluid and a chamber that uses a piston or depressible bulb that can be actuated to release the fluid.

12. The particle collection device of claim 1, wherein the fluid comprises a buffer.

13. The particle collection device of claim 1, wherein the air pump comprises a piezoelectric air pump.

14. The particle collection device of claim 1, wherein the second housing has one end that engages with the sealable first housing.

15. The particle collection device of claim 1, wherein the sealable first housing comprises a particle blocker selected from a filter, mesh, or screen configured to capture environmental material.

16. The particle collection device of claim 1, wherein the second housing further comprising a pump acoustic baffle box composed of a material manufactured by Selective Laser Sintering, producing a multi-layer, multi-density design.

17. A system comprising :

a particle collection device comprising:

a sealable first housing moveable between an open to air position and a sealed position, wherein the sealable first housing comprises: a sealable air intake, an air outlet, a capture component, and a fluid reservoir configured to contain fluid that is releasable from the fluid reservoir when the sealable first housing is in the sealed position; and

a second housing constructed to detachably engage with the sealable first housing, comprising: an air inlet, an air exhaust opening, an air flow generator configured to draw air containing particles into the sealable air intake opening, through the capture component, the air outlet, and the one air inlet, and out the at least one air exhaust opening; and

a test device configured to determine the identity of the particles.

18. A method of screening airborne particles comprising:

exposing a capture component to air containing particles so the air containing particles flows through the capture component, wherein a portion of the particles adhere to the capture component;

sealing the capture component within a contained space;

releasing liquid into the contained space so the liquid contacts the capture component, wherein a portion of the particles are released from the capture component into the liquid; and

transferring at least a portion the liquid out of the contained space for analysis of the contents of the liquid.

19. The method of claim 18, comprising agitating the contained space to assist in releasing at least a portion of the particles from the capture component into the liquid.

20. The method of claim 19, wherein the agitating comprises exposing the capture component to ultrasonic radiation.

21. The method of claim 18, wherein the transferring of at least a portion of the liquid out of the contained space is performed while maintaining a seal of the contained space.

22. The method of claim 18, wherein the portion of the liquid is transferred to a test device.

23. The method of claim 18, wherein the particles comprise a moiety selected from the group consisting of: biological agents, chemical agents, nucleic acid sequences, bacterial cells, toxins, or bio-warfare agents.

24. The method of claim 18, wherein the particles comprise an airborne biological particle associated with an allergic response.

25. The method of claim 24, wherein the airborne biological particle is selected from the group consisting of: pollen, spores, and house dust.