WO2021130544A1 - Passive air sampler for monitoring of viable microorganism - Google Patents

Passive air sampler for monitoring of viable microorganism Download PDF

Info

Publication number
WO2021130544A1
WO2021130544A1 PCT/IB2020/050995 IB2020050995W WO2021130544A1 WO 2021130544 A1 WO2021130544 A1 WO 2021130544A1 IB 2020050995 W IB2020050995 W IB 2020050995W WO 2021130544 A1 WO2021130544 A1 WO 2021130544A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
target area
settle plates
passive air
settle
air sampler
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/IB2020/050995
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Yatinkumar Pravinkant Soni
Original Assignee
Yatinkumar Pravinkant Soni
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Yatinkumar Pravinkant Soni filed Critical Yatinkumar Pravinkant Soni
Publication of WO2021130544A1 publication Critical patent/WO2021130544A1/en

Links

Classifications

    • GPHYSICS
    • G01MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01NINVESTIGATING OR ANALYSING MATERIALS BY DETERMINING THEIR CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
    • G01N15/00Investigating characteristics of particles; Investigating permeability, pore-volume or surface-area of porous materials
    • G01N15/06Investigating concentration of particle suspensions
    • G01N15/0606Investigating concentration of particle suspensions by collecting particles on a support
    • G01N15/0612Optical scan of the deposits
    • GPHYSICS
    • G01MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01NINVESTIGATING OR ANALYSING MATERIALS BY DETERMINING THEIR CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
    • G01N1/00Sampling; Preparing specimens for investigation
    • G01N1/02Devices for withdrawing samples
    • G01N1/22Devices for withdrawing samples in the gaseous state
    • GPHYSICS
    • G01MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01NINVESTIGATING OR ANALYSING MATERIALS BY DETERMINING THEIR CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
    • G01N35/00Automatic analysis not limited to methods or materials provided for in any single one of groups G01N1/00 - G01N33/00; Handling materials therefor
    • G01N35/0099Automatic analysis not limited to methods or materials provided for in any single one of groups G01N1/00 - G01N33/00; Handling materials therefor comprising robots or similar manipulators
    • GPHYSICS
    • G01MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01NINVESTIGATING OR ANALYSING MATERIALS BY DETERMINING THEIR CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
    • G01N15/00Investigating characteristics of particles; Investigating permeability, pore-volume or surface-area of porous materials
    • G01N15/01Investigating characteristics of particles; Investigating permeability, pore-volume or surface-area of porous materials specially adapted for biological cells, e.g. blood cells

Definitions

  • Embodiments of a present invention relate to monitoring of quality of air within an environment of clean room and more particularly to a passive air sampler for monitoring of viable microorganisms.
  • Air quality monitoring involves the judgement of quality of air in order to control the risk of pollution. Further, air quality monitoring of a clean room such as parenteral filling lines involves the judgement of the quality of air to control microbial contamination within the room.
  • the parenteral products are prepared scrupulously by method designed to ensure that they meet pharmacopeia requirements for sterility (free from microorganisms).
  • the microorganisms play an important role in contamination of air quality within the clean room and hence microbiological air monitoring is necessary. Further, in sterile formulation (injectable), the microbiological air monitoring must be performed throughout the product filling operation using an air sampling technique.
  • air sampling technique There are two types of air sampling technique: active air sampling and passive air sampling (settle plate method).
  • active air sampling is a technique in which a pre-defined volume of air is pumped onto media plates.
  • passive air sampling is a technique which basically involves leaving the media plates containing agar nutrient exposed to air for a certain period to collect microbes that may settle onto the surfaces of the media plate.
  • the media plates are then incubated to allow for the microorganisms that got dropped onto the media plates to grow into colonies that can accurately be analysed.
  • both the techniques have their own advantages, and both are mandatory because both give different information about air in desired area.
  • settle plates method is the only method that provides continuous monitoring of microorganisms during filling operation of parenteral products hence the settle plates are exposed throughout the filling operation of parenteral products.
  • the settle plates are placed in areas of high risk of product contamination.
  • one settle plate is exposed for about four hours because prolonged exposure cause drying of nutrient media within plate which results into reduce growth promotion properties of nutrient media.
  • exposed settle plate is replaced by fresh one and this replacement procedure is carried out throughout the filling operation of parenteral products so that total time of exposure is reached.
  • individual settle plates exposure times should be determined by own validation data.
  • a passive air sampler for monitoring of viable microorganisms.
  • the passive air sampler includes a platform.
  • the platform includes a first target area.
  • the first target area is configured to stock one or more settle plates comprising a sample substrate, wherein each of the one or more settle plates are covered by a corresponding one or more lids.
  • the first target area is also configured to expose the sample substrate in the at least one of the one or more settle plates to air within the environment for a pre-defined amount of time.
  • the sample substrate is exposed upon operating the one or more lids of the corresponding one or more settle plates on receiving an “expose” instruction.
  • the platform also includes a second target area.
  • the second target area is configured to receive the one or more settle plates from the first target area upon completion of exposure for the one or more settle plates on receiving “retrieval” instruction.
  • the first target area and the second target area are positioned on the platform in a pre-defined manner.
  • the passive air sampler includes a base.
  • the base further includes an opening.
  • a lower surface of the base is mechanically coupled to an edge of an upper surface of the platform at a pre-defined location.
  • the passive air sampler also includes a lifter mechanically coupled to the base along the opening. The lifter is configured to operate along the opening upon receiving one or more operational instructions.
  • the passive air sampler also includes a gripper mechanically coupled to a side surface of the lifter.
  • the gripper includes at least two arms, wherein the at least two arms are coupled to a corresponding first side and a second side of the gripper with a pre-defined spacing.
  • the gripper is configured to transport the one or more settle plates between the first target area and the second target area upon receiving the “transport” instruction associated with the one or more operational instructions.
  • the one or more settle plates are transported between the first target area and the second target area in order to study one or more parameters associated with at least one of the sample substrate and the air for monitoring the quality of the air within the environment.
  • FIG. 1 is a schematic representation of passive air sampler for monitoring of viable microorganisms in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure
  • FIG. 2 is the schematic representation of top view of representation of passive air sampler for monitoring of viable microorganisms in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure
  • FIG. 3 is the schematic representation of side view representation of passive air sampler for monitoring of viable microorganisms in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure
  • FIG. 4 is the schematic representation of front view representation of passive air sampler for monitoring of viable microorganisms in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure
  • FIG. 5 is the schematic representation of back view representation of passive air sampler for monitoring of viable microorganisms in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure
  • FIG. 6 is a block diagram of a computer or a server for monitoring of viable microorganisms in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
  • Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a passive air sampler for monitoring of viable microorganisms.
  • the passive air sampler includes a platform.
  • the platform includes a first target area.
  • the first target area is configured to stock one or more settle plates comprising a sample substrate, wherein each of the one or more settle plates are covered by a corresponding one or more lids.
  • the first target area is also configured to expose the sample substrate in the at least one of the one or more settle plates to air within the environment for a pre-defined amount of time.
  • the sample substrate is exposed upon operating the one or more lids of the corresponding one or more settle plates on receiving an “expose” instruction.
  • the platform also includes a second target area.
  • the second target area is configured to receive the one or more settle plates from the first target area upon completion of exposure for the one or more settle plates on receiving “retrieval” instruction.
  • the first target area and the second target area are positioned on the platform in a pre-defined manner.
  • the passive air sampler also includes a gripper mechanically coupled to a side surface of the lifter.
  • the gripper includes at least two arms, wherein the at least two arms are coupled to a corresponding first side and a second side of the gripper with a pre-defined spacing.
  • the gripper is configured to transport the one or more settle plates between the first target area and the second target area upon receiving the “transport” instruction associated with the one or more operational instructions.
  • the one or more settle plates are transported between the first target area and the second target area in order to study one or more parameters associated with at least one of the sample substrate and the air for monitoring the quality of the air within the environment.
  • FIG. 1 is a schematic representation of representation of passive air sampler for monitoring of viable microorganisms in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
  • the passive air sampler (10) may be used for monitoring of viable microorganisms in a clean room such as pharmaceutical industry, biotechnology industry and medical device industry class 100 and / or more advanced (parenteral filling lines).
  • body of the passive air sampler (10) may be made up of stainless steel 316L.
  • the stainless steel 316L is a type of metallic alloy of stainless steel that is austenitic and contains nickel and molybdenum, which makes it corrosion resistant. Further, outer surface of such steel can easily be cleaned in an aseptic area using disinfectant/ fogging agent; as such steel is resistant to the disinfectant/ fogging agent.
  • the platform (20) includes a first target area (30).
  • the first target area (30) is configured to stock one or more settle plates comprising a sample substrate, wherein each of the one or more settle plates are covered by a corresponding one or more lids.
  • the term “settle plates” is defined as standard petri dishes containing culture media that are exposed to air for a given time and then incubated to allow visible colonies to develop and then the colonies are been counted.
  • a colony is defined as a visible mass of microorganisms all originating from a single mother cell and the colony constitutes clones of the corresponding microorganism all being genetically alike.
  • the sample substrate may be Soyabean Casein Digest Agar.
  • Soyabean Casein Digest Agar is a general- purpose medium used for cultivation of a wide variety of microorganisms.
  • the first target area (30) is also configured to expose the sample substrate which is contained in at least one of the one or more settle plates to air within the environment for a pre-defined amount of time.
  • the sample substrate is exposed upon operating the one or more lids of the corresponding one or more settle plates on receiving an “expose” instruction.
  • the pre-defined amount of time may be 4 hours.
  • operating the one or more lids may correspond to one of opening and closing of the one or more lids from the corresponding one or more settle plates.
  • the “expose” instruction may refer to an instruction received from the one or more users in order to expose the sample substrate which is contained in the at least one of the one or more settle plates to air within the environment for a pre-defined amount of time.
  • operating the one or more lids may correspond to the opening of the one or more lids from the corresponding one or more settle plates.
  • the one or more lids may be operated upon receiving the “expose” instruction from a user via a remote controller device.
  • the remote controller device may be configured to control the passive air sampler (10) from a pre defined distance. In such embodiment, the pre-defined distance may depend upon type of the remote controller device.
  • the remote controller device may be an Infrared (IR) remote controller having operating range of approximately 8meters (m) to 10m.
  • IR Infrared
  • the platform (20) also includes a second target area (40).
  • the second target area (40) is configured to receive the one or more settle plates from the first target area (30) upon completion of exposure for the one or more settle plates on receiving “retrieval” instruction.
  • the second target area (40) may also be configured to receive the one or more lids from the first target area (30) before the completion of exposure for the one or more settle plates on receiving the “expose” instruction.
  • the one or more lids may be received by the second target area (40) by operating the one or more lids from the corresponding one or more settle plates.
  • the first target area (30) and the second target area (40) are positioned on the platform (20) in a pre-defined manner.
  • the pre-defined manner may include positioning the first target area (30) and the second target area (40) on an upper surface of the platform (20) by maintaining a distance of 30mm between the first target area (30) and the second target area (40).
  • the pre-defined manner may also include the first target area (30) being 10mm away from first breadth of the upper surface of the platform (20) and the second target area (40) also being 10mm away from second breadth of the upper surface of the platform (20).
  • the pre-defined manner may also include the first target area (30) and the second target area (40) being 10mm away from first length of the upper surface of the platform (20) and 58mm away from second length of the upper surface of the platform (20).
  • the first target area (30) and the second target area (40) may be cylindrical in shape with diameter of each being 95mm and thickness of each being 20mm.
  • the passive air sampler (10) includes a base (50).
  • the base (50) may be cylindrical in shape.
  • diameter of the base (50) may be 30mm and thickness of the base (50) may be 200mm.
  • the base (50) further includes an opening (60).
  • the base (50) may include the opening (60) on a section of lateral surface of an upper portion of the base (50).
  • a lower surface of the base (50) is mechanically coupled to an edge of the upper surface of the platform (20) at a pre-defined location.
  • the pre defined location may be the second length of the upper surface of the platform (20) which may be mechanically coupled to the lower surface of the base (50).
  • a pre-defined portion of the base (50) may be configured to operate along a horizontal plane of the base (50) to transport the one or more settle plates between the first target area (30) and the second target area (40). In such embodiment, along with the one or more settle plates, the corresponding one or more lids may also be transported.
  • the pre-defined portion of the base (50) may be the upper portion of the base (50) comprising the opening (60).
  • operation of the base (50) along the horizontal plane of the base (50) may include rotation of the upper portion of the base (50) along the horizontal plane by about 45 degree.
  • the passive air sampler (10) also includes a lifter (70) mechanically coupled to the base (50) along the opening (60).
  • the lifter (70) is configured to operate along the opening (60) upon receiving one or more operational instructions.
  • the one or more operational instructions may include an instruction representative of one of lifting of the one or more settle plates, putting down of the one or more settle plates, horizontal movement of the gripper (80) or a combination thereof.
  • the lifter (70) may be 10mm in thickness. In one embodiment, the lifter (70) may be configured to operate along a vertical axis of the opening (60) of the base (50) to transport the one or more settle plates and the corresponding one or more lids between the first target area (30) and the second target area (40). In such embodiment, operation of the lifter (70) along the opening (60) may include movement of the lifter (70) in upward and downward directions depending upon availability of number of the one or more settle plates on the first target area (30) and the second target area (40).
  • the passive air sampler (10) also includes a gripper (80) mechanically coupled to a side surface of the lifter (70).
  • the gripper (80) may be cuboidal in shape with at least four corners being curved.
  • surface of the gripper (80) possessing the curved corners may be the side mechanically coupled to the side surface of the lifter (70).
  • the length of the gripper (80) may be 100mm
  • width of the gripper (80) may be 45mm
  • thickness of the gripper (80) may be 30mm.
  • the gripper (80) includes at least two arms (90), wherein the at least two arms (90) are coupled to a corresponding first side and a second side of the gripper (80) with a pre-defined spacing.
  • the first side and the second side of the gripper (80) may be part of the surface of the gripper (80) possessing normal corners.
  • the at least two arms (90) may be rectangular in shape. In such embodiment, length of the at least two arms (90) may be 55mm and breadth of the at least two arms (90) may be 10mm.
  • the gripper (80) may include holes on surface of the first side and the second side of the gripper (80) for the at least two arms (90) to move on a horizontal plane. In such embodiment, the at least two arms (90) move in order to hold the one or more settle plates and the corresponding one or more lids; in order to transport the one or more settle plates and the corresponding one or more lids between the first target area (30) and the second target area (40).
  • the at least two arms (90) may be configured to move on a horizontal plane in order to hold the one or more settle plates and the corresponding one or more lids with pre-defined dimensions.
  • the pre-defined dimensions may include the one or more settle plates and the one or more lids being cylindrical in shape.
  • diameter of the one or more settle plates may be 87mm diameter of the corresponding one or more lids may be 92mm.
  • height of the one or more settle plates closed with the corresponding one or more lids may be 15mm.
  • corresponding average weight may be 40grams.
  • the pre-defined spacing between the at least two arms (90) may depend upon the diameter of the one or more settle plates and the diameter of the corresponding one or more lids.
  • the gripper (80) is configured to transport the one or more settle plates between the first target area (30) and the second target area (40) upon receiving the “transport” instruction associated with the one or more operational instructions.
  • the gripper (80) may also be configured to transport the one or more lids between the first target area (30) and the second target area (40) upon receiving the “transport” instruction.
  • the gripper (80) may transport the one or more settle plates and the corresponding one or more lids with the help of the at least two arms (90).
  • the lifter (70) and the gripper (80) may also rotate in order to transport the one or more settle plates and the corresponding one or more lids between the first target area (30) and the second target area (40).
  • receiving the one or more settle plates from the first target area (30) may include enabling the at least two arms (90) of a gripper (80) to lift the one or more settle plates from the first target area (30); and place lifted one or more settle plates on the second target area (40) on receiving the “transport” instruction.
  • receiving the one or more lids from the first target area (30) may include enabling the at least two arms (90) of a gripper (80) to lift the one or more lids from the first target area (30); and place lifted one or more lids on the second target area (40) on receiving the “transport” instruction.
  • the gripper (80) may be configured to rotate 180 degree on vertical plane. In such embodiment, rotated and the lifted one or more lids may be then placed on the second target area (40).
  • the gripper (80) may be configured to rotate 180 degree on vertical plane. In such embodiment, rotated and the lifted one or more settle plates may be then placed on the second target area (40).
  • the passive air sampler (10) may also include one or more processors (as shown in FIG. 6) (170).
  • the passive air sampler (10) may further include a monitoring subsystem (100) operable by the one or more processors (as shown in FIG. 6) (170).
  • the monitoring subsystem (100) may be configured to monitor the operation of at least one of the lifter (70), the base (50), or a combination thereof in real time.
  • the passive air sampler (10) may also include an instruction generating subsystem (110) operable by the one or more processors (as shown in FIG. 6) (170).
  • the instruction generating subsystem (110) may be associated to the remote controller device operable by one or more processors (as shown in FIG. 6) (170) housed within the remote controller device.
  • the monitoring subsystem (100) and the instruction generating subsystem (110) may be communicatively coupled.
  • the instruction generating subsystem (110) may be configured to generate the one or more operational instructions based on a monitored result in real time.
  • the passive air sampler (10) may also include at least one battery for proper functioning of the apparatus (10). In such embodiment, the battery may be of non-researchable type.
  • the passive air sampler (10) may also include at least one indicator configured to indicate an operational status of the apparatus (10).
  • the at least one indicator may be LED indicator.
  • the at least one indicator may be positioned on side surface of the platform (20) wherein, the side surface of the platform (20) may be the surface comprising the long edge nearer to the first target area (30) and the second target area (40).
  • the at least one indicator may be on/ off indicator (120) configured to indicate the operational status of the apparatus (10) being on/ off; upon receiving “on / off’ instruction from the user via the remote controller device.
  • the at least one indicator may be exposure indicator (130) configured to indicate the operational status of the apparatus (10) being exposed; upon receiving “expose” instruction from the user via the remote controller device.
  • the at least one indicator may be battery life indicator (140) configured to indicate life of the battery so that the battery may be replaced before found dead.
  • the passive air sampler (10) may also include a remote sensor (150) configured to sense signal from the remote controller device.
  • the signal may be representing corresponding instruction being sent by the remote controller device.
  • the signal may be IR signal when the remote controller device may be the IR remote controller.
  • the one or more settle plates are transported between the first target area (30) and the second target area (40) in order to study one or more parameters associated with at least one of the sample substrate and the air for monitoring the quality of the air within the environment.
  • the one or more parameters associated with the sample substrate may include number of the visible colonies that got developed on the surface of the sample substrate; upon incubation of the one or more settle plates. In such embodiment, depending upon the number of developed colonies, the quality of the air may be determined.
  • the passive air sampler (10) starts to operate upon receiving “on” instruction from the user via the remote controller device and hence indicated by the on/ off indicator (120).
  • first target area (30) of the passive air sampler (10) Prior to start of the operation of the passive air sampler (10), first target area (30) of the passive air sampler (10) is stacked with the one or more settle plates. Further, upon receiving “manual mode” instruction from the user, operation of exposure and retrieval is done manually. In manual mode of operation, upon receiving “expose” instruction, the gripper (80) with the help of the at least two arms (90) will lift a first lid of the one or more lids covering first settle plate of the one or more plates from the first target area (30) and rotates by 180 degree. Then, the base (50) holding the gripper (80) along the opening (60) through the lifter (70), rotates by 45 degree and places a lifted first lid of the one or more lids on the second target area (40).
  • exposure is indicated by the exposure indicator (130).
  • the gripper (80) after completion of 4 hours and upon receiving “retrieval” instruction, returns to previous position by rotating 45 degree in opposite direction. Then, the gripper (80) with the help of the at least two arms (90) will lift first settle plate of the one or more settle plates from the first target area (30) and again rotates by 180 degree. Then, the base (50) holding the gripper (80) along the opening (60) through the lifter (70), again rotates by 45 degree and place lifted first settle plate of the one or more settle plates on the second target area (40). Such operation of the passive air sampler (10) is repeated till each of the one or more settle plates are exposed and retrieved.
  • the operation of exposure and retrieval is done continuously, till each of the one or more settle plates are exposed and retrieved.
  • the lifter (70) moves in upward and downward direction along the opening (60) depending upon the number of the one or more settle plates on the first target area (30) and the second target area (40). Then, after completion of entire operation of the passive air sampler (10), the passive air sampler (10) is turned off by receiving “off’ instruction from the user via the remote controller device indicated by the on/ off indicator (120).
  • FIG. 2 is the schematic representation of top view of the passive air sampler (10) for monitoring of viable microorganisms in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
  • FIG. 3 is the schematic representation of side view of the passive air sampler (10) for monitoring of the viable microorganisms in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
  • FIG. 4 is the schematic representation of front view of the passive air sampler (10) for monitoring of the viable microorganisms in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
  • FIG. 5 is the schematic representation of back view of the passive air sampler (10) for monitoring of viable microorganisms in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
  • FIG. 6 is a block diagram of a computer or a server for monitoring of viable microorganisms in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
  • the server (160) includes processor(s) (170), and memory (180) coupled to the bus (190).
  • the processor(s) (170), as used herein, means any type of computational circuit, such as, but not limited to, a microprocessor, a microcontroller, a complex instruction set computing microprocessor, a reduced instruction set computing microprocessor, a very long instruction word microprocessor, an explicitly parallel instruction computing microprocessor, a digital signal processor, or any other type of processing circuit, or a combination thereof.
  • Computer memory elements may include any suitable memory device(s) for storing data and executable program, such as read only memory, random access memory, erasable programmable read only memory, electrically erasable programmable read only memory, hard drive, removable media drive for handling memory cards and the like.
  • Embodiments of the present subject matter may be implemented in conjunction with program modules, including functions, procedures, data structures, and application programs, for performing tasks, or defining abstract data types or low-level hardware contexts.
  • Executable program stored on any of the above-mentioned storage media may be executable by the processor(s) (170).
  • the memory (180) includes a plurality of subsystems stored in the form of executable program which instructs the processor(s) (170) to perform method steps illustrated in FIG. 6.
  • the memory (180) has following subsystems: a monitoring subsystem (100) and an instruction generation subsystem (110).
  • the monitoring subsystem (100) operable by the one or more processors (as shown in FIG. 6) is configured to monitor the operation of at least one of the lifter (70), the base (50), or a combination thereof in real time.
  • the instruction generating subsystem (110) operable by the one or more processors (as shown in FIG. 6) is configured to generate the one or more operational instructions based on a monitored result in real time.
  • Various embodiments of the passive air sampler for monitoring of viable microorganisms enable the user to performing passive air sampling remotely, by controlling the operation of the passive air sampler via the remote controller device.
  • entry of the user within a room where the passive air sampling operation is been conducted is restricted leading to preventing microbial contamination within the room.
  • proper positive results may be obtained, making the approach more reliable and more effective.

Landscapes

  • Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Immunology (AREA)
  • Pathology (AREA)
  • Analytical Chemistry (AREA)
  • Biochemistry (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Robotics (AREA)
  • Biomedical Technology (AREA)
  • Molecular Biology (AREA)
  • Dispersion Chemistry (AREA)
  • Apparatus Associated With Microorganisms And Enzymes (AREA)
  • Sampling And Sample Adjustment (AREA)

Abstract

A passive air sampler for monitoring of viable microorganisms is provided. The apparatus includes a platform. The platform includes a first target area configured to stock and expose one or more settle plates to air for a pre-defined amount of time, a second target area configured to receive the one or more settle plates, a base comprising an opening, a lifter configured to operate along the opening, a gripper comprising at least two arms coupled to a corresponding first side and a second side of the gripper with a pre-defined spacing configured to transport the one or more settle plates between the first target area and the second target area upon receiving instructions from a user via a remote controller device. The passive air sampler enables the user to performing passive air sampling operation remotely, by controlling the operation of the passive air sampler via the remote controller device.

Description

PASSIVE AIR SAMPLER FOR MONITORING OF VIABLE MICROORGANISM
This International Application claims priority from a complete patent application filed in India having patent application number 201921053448, filed on December 23, 2019 and titled “PASSIVE AIR SAMPLER FOR MONITORING OF VIABLE MICROORGANISM”.
FIELD OF INVENTION
Embodiments of a present invention relate to monitoring of quality of air within an environment of clean room and more particularly to a passive air sampler for monitoring of viable microorganisms.
BACKGROUND
Air quality monitoring involves the judgement of quality of air in order to control the risk of pollution. Further, air quality monitoring of a clean room such as parenteral filling lines involves the judgement of the quality of air to control microbial contamination within the room. The parenteral products are prepared scrupulously by method designed to ensure that they meet pharmacopeia requirements for sterility (free from microorganisms). The microorganisms play an important role in contamination of air quality within the clean room and hence microbiological air monitoring is necessary. Further, in sterile formulation (injectable), the microbiological air monitoring must be performed throughout the product filling operation using an air sampling technique.
There are two types of air sampling technique: active air sampling and passive air sampling (settle plate method). In both technique sterile petri plate having agar nutrient media are used. The active air sampling is a technique in which a pre-defined volume of air is pumped onto media plates. Further, the passive air sampling is a technique which basically involves leaving the media plates containing agar nutrient exposed to air for a certain period to collect microbes that may settle onto the surfaces of the media plate. Further, in both the techniques, the media plates are then incubated to allow for the microorganisms that got dropped onto the media plates to grow into colonies that can accurately be analysed. Furthermore, both the techniques have their own advantages, and both are mandatory because both give different information about air in desired area. Thus, the microbiological air monitoring in pharmaceuticals industries are very critical and important procedure as it involves collection of data relating to microbial numbers recovered from samples of air in a clean area. Further, settle plates method is the only method that provides continuous monitoring of microorganisms during filling operation of parenteral products hence the settle plates are exposed throughout the filling operation of parenteral products. The settle plates are placed in areas of high risk of product contamination. Usually one settle plate is exposed for about four hours because prolonged exposure cause drying of nutrient media within plate which results into reduce growth promotion properties of nutrient media. Hence after about four- hour, exposed settle plate is replaced by fresh one and this replacement procedure is carried out throughout the filling operation of parenteral products so that total time of exposure is reached. Here, individual settle plates exposure times should be determined by own validation data.
In conventional approach of implementing passive air sampling technique, entire process of performing passive air sampling is done manually by a trained microbiologist/ operator. However, in any environment, where human operators are present, microbial contamination at some level is unavoidable. Even the most cautious clean-room environment, the design and operation will not eliminate the shedding of microorganisms if human operators are present. Furthermore microbiologist/ operator must stay in clean room or need to repeat entry and exit in clean room for replacement of settle plates after every four hours throughout the filling of parenteral products. Microbiological sampling has the potential to contribute to microbial contamination caused by inappropriate sampling techniques or by placing personnel in or near the critical zone. Thus, such approach can both increase risk of contamination and give false-positive results and hence make the approach less reliable and less effective.
Hence, there is a need for an improved passive air sampler for monitoring of viable microorganisms which addresses the aforementioned issues.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION In accordance with one embodiment of the disclosure, a passive air sampler for monitoring of viable microorganisms is provided. The passive air sampler includes a platform. The platform includes a first target area. The first target area is configured to stock one or more settle plates comprising a sample substrate, wherein each of the one or more settle plates are covered by a corresponding one or more lids. The first target area is also configured to expose the sample substrate in the at least one of the one or more settle plates to air within the environment for a pre-defined amount of time. Here, the sample substrate is exposed upon operating the one or more lids of the corresponding one or more settle plates on receiving an “expose” instruction.
Further, the platform also includes a second target area. The second target area is configured to receive the one or more settle plates from the first target area upon completion of exposure for the one or more settle plates on receiving “retrieval” instruction. Here, the first target area and the second target area are positioned on the platform in a pre-defined manner.
Further, the passive air sampler includes a base. The base further includes an opening. A lower surface of the base is mechanically coupled to an edge of an upper surface of the platform at a pre-defined location. Furthermore, the passive air sampler also includes a lifter mechanically coupled to the base along the opening. The lifter is configured to operate along the opening upon receiving one or more operational instructions.
Moreover, the passive air sampler also includes a gripper mechanically coupled to a side surface of the lifter. The gripper includes at least two arms, wherein the at least two arms are coupled to a corresponding first side and a second side of the gripper with a pre-defined spacing. The gripper is configured to transport the one or more settle plates between the first target area and the second target area upon receiving the “transport” instruction associated with the one or more operational instructions. The one or more settle plates are transported between the first target area and the second target area in order to study one or more parameters associated with at least one of the sample substrate and the air for monitoring the quality of the air within the environment. To further clarify the advantages and features of the present disclosure, a more particular description of the disclosure will follow by reference to specific embodiments thereof, which are illustrated in the appended figures. It is to be appreciated that these figures depict only typical embodiments of the disclosure and are therefore not to be considered limiting in scope. The disclosure will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail with the appended figures.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The disclosure will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail with the accompanying figures in which: FIG. 1 is a schematic representation of passive air sampler for monitoring of viable microorganisms in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;
FIG. 2 is the schematic representation of top view of representation of passive air sampler for monitoring of viable microorganisms in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure; FIG. 3 is the schematic representation of side view representation of passive air sampler for monitoring of viable microorganisms in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;
FIG. 4 is the schematic representation of front view representation of passive air sampler for monitoring of viable microorganisms in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;
FIG. 5 is the schematic representation of back view representation of passive air sampler for monitoring of viable microorganisms in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;
FIG. 6 is a block diagram of a computer or a server for monitoring of viable microorganisms in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure; and
Further, those skilled in the art will appreciate that elements in the figures are illustrated for simplicity and may not have necessarily been drawn to scale. Furthermore, in terms of the construction of the device, one or more components of the device may have been represented in the figures by conventional symbols, and the figures may show only those specific details that are pertinent to understanding the embodiments of the present disclosure so as not to obscure the figures with details that will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art having the benefit of the description herein.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
For the purpose of promoting an understanding of the principles of the disclosure, reference will now be made to the embodiment illustrated in the figures and specific language will be used to describe them. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of the disclosure is thereby intended. Such alterations and further modifications in the illustrated system, and such further applications of the principles of the disclosure as would normally occur to those skilled in the art are to be construed as being within the scope of the present disclosure.
The terms "comprises", "comprising", or any other variations thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process or method that comprises a list of steps does not include only those steps but may include other steps not expressly listed or inherent to such a process or method. Similarly, one or more devices or sub-systems or elements or structures or components preceded by "comprises... a" does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of other devices, sub-systems, elements, structures, components, additional devices, additional sub-systems, additional elements, additional structures or additional components. Appearances of the phrase "in an embodiment", "in another embodiment" and similar language throughout this specification may, but not necessarily do, all refer to the same embodiment.
Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by those skilled in the art to which this disclosure belongs. The system, methods, and examples provided herein are only illustrative and not intended to be limiting.
In the following specification and the claims, reference will be made to a number of terms, which shall be defined to have the following meanings. The singular forms “a”, “an”, and “the” include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a passive air sampler for monitoring of viable microorganisms. The passive air sampler includes a platform. The platform includes a first target area. The first target area is configured to stock one or more settle plates comprising a sample substrate, wherein each of the one or more settle plates are covered by a corresponding one or more lids. The first target area is also configured to expose the sample substrate in the at least one of the one or more settle plates to air within the environment for a pre-defined amount of time. Here, the sample substrate is exposed upon operating the one or more lids of the corresponding one or more settle plates on receiving an “expose” instruction.
Further, the platform also includes a second target area. The second target area is configured to receive the one or more settle plates from the first target area upon completion of exposure for the one or more settle plates on receiving “retrieval” instruction. Here, the first target area and the second target area are positioned on the platform in a pre-defined manner.
Further, the passive air sampler includes a base. The base further includes an opening. A lower surface of the base is mechanically coupled to an edge of an upper surface of the platform at a pre-defined location. Furthermore, the passive air sampler also includes a lifter mechanically coupled to the base along the opening. The lifter is configured to operate along the opening upon receiving one or more operational instructions.
Moreover, the passive air sampler also includes a gripper mechanically coupled to a side surface of the lifter. The gripper includes at least two arms, wherein the at least two arms are coupled to a corresponding first side and a second side of the gripper with a pre-defined spacing. The gripper is configured to transport the one or more settle plates between the first target area and the second target area upon receiving the “transport” instruction associated with the one or more operational instructions. The one or more settle plates are transported between the first target area and the second target area in order to study one or more parameters associated with at least one of the sample substrate and the air for monitoring the quality of the air within the environment. FIG. 1 is a schematic representation of representation of passive air sampler for monitoring of viable microorganisms in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. In one embodiment, the passive air sampler (10) may be used for monitoring of viable microorganisms in a clean room such as pharmaceutical industry, biotechnology industry and medical device industry class 100 and / or more advanced (parenteral filling lines). In one embodiment, body of the passive air sampler (10) may be made up of stainless steel 316L. In such embodiment, the stainless steel 316L is a type of metallic alloy of stainless steel that is austenitic and contains nickel and molybdenum, which makes it corrosion resistant. Further, outer surface of such steel can easily be cleaned in an aseptic area using disinfectant/ fogging agent; as such steel is resistant to the disinfectant/ fogging agent.
The pas sive air sampler (10) includes a platform (20) . In one embodiment, the platform (20) is cuboidal in shape with curved comers. In such embodiment, the platform (20) may have predefined dimensions such as length of the platform (20) being 240 millimetre (mm), breadth of the platform (20) being 163mm and thickness of the platform (20) being 30mm.
Further, the platform (20) includes a first target area (30). The first target area (30) is configured to stock one or more settle plates comprising a sample substrate, wherein each of the one or more settle plates are covered by a corresponding one or more lids. As used herein the term “settle plates” is defined as standard petri dishes containing culture media that are exposed to air for a given time and then incubated to allow visible colonies to develop and then the colonies are been counted. Here, a colony is defined as a visible mass of microorganisms all originating from a single mother cell and the colony constitutes clones of the corresponding microorganism all being genetically alike. In one embodiment, the sample substrate may be Soyabean Casein Digest Agar. As used herein the term “Soyabean Casein Digest Agar” is a general- purpose medium used for cultivation of a wide variety of microorganisms.
Further, the first target area (30) is also configured to expose the sample substrate which is contained in at least one of the one or more settle plates to air within the environment for a pre-defined amount of time. Here, the sample substrate is exposed upon operating the one or more lids of the corresponding one or more settle plates on receiving an “expose” instruction. In one embodiment, the pre-defined amount of time may be 4 hours. In one embodiment, operating the one or more lids may correspond to one of opening and closing of the one or more lids from the corresponding one or more settle plates. In one embodiment, the “expose” instruction may refer to an instruction received from the one or more users in order to expose the sample substrate which is contained in the at least one of the one or more settle plates to air within the environment for a pre-defined amount of time.
In another embodiment, operating the one or more lids may correspond to the opening of the one or more lids from the corresponding one or more settle plates. In such embodiment, the one or more lids may be operated upon receiving the “expose” instruction from a user via a remote controller device. In one embodiment, the remote controller device may be configured to control the passive air sampler (10) from a pre defined distance. In such embodiment, the pre-defined distance may depend upon type of the remote controller device. In one embodiment, the remote controller device may be an Infrared (IR) remote controller having operating range of approximately 8meters (m) to 10m.
Further, the platform (20) also includes a second target area (40). The second target area (40) is configured to receive the one or more settle plates from the first target area (30) upon completion of exposure for the one or more settle plates on receiving “retrieval” instruction.
In one embodiment, the second target area (40) may also be configured to receive the one or more lids from the first target area (30) before the completion of exposure for the one or more settle plates on receiving the “expose” instruction. In such embodiment, the one or more lids may be received by the second target area (40) by operating the one or more lids from the corresponding one or more settle plates.
Further, the first target area (30) and the second target area (40) are positioned on the platform (20) in a pre-defined manner. In one embodiment, the pre-defined manner may include positioning the first target area (30) and the second target area (40) on an upper surface of the platform (20) by maintaining a distance of 30mm between the first target area (30) and the second target area (40).
Further, in one embodiment, the pre-defined manner may also include the first target area (30) being 10mm away from first breadth of the upper surface of the platform (20) and the second target area (40) also being 10mm away from second breadth of the upper surface of the platform (20).
Further, in another embodiment, the pre-defined manner may also include the first target area (30) and the second target area (40) being 10mm away from first length of the upper surface of the platform (20) and 58mm away from second length of the upper surface of the platform (20).
In one embodiment, the first target area (30) and the second target area (40) may be cylindrical in shape with diameter of each being 95mm and thickness of each being 20mm.
Further, the passive air sampler (10) includes a base (50). In one embodiment, the base (50) may be cylindrical in shape. In such embodiment, diameter of the base (50) may be 30mm and thickness of the base (50) may be 200mm.
The base (50) further includes an opening (60). In one embodiment, the base (50) may include the opening (60) on a section of lateral surface of an upper portion of the base (50). A lower surface of the base (50) is mechanically coupled to an edge of the upper surface of the platform (20) at a pre-defined location. In one embodiment, the pre defined location may be the second length of the upper surface of the platform (20) which may be mechanically coupled to the lower surface of the base (50).
In one embodiment, a pre-defined portion of the base (50) may be configured to operate along a horizontal plane of the base (50) to transport the one or more settle plates between the first target area (30) and the second target area (40). In such embodiment, along with the one or more settle plates, the corresponding one or more lids may also be transported. In such embodiment, the pre-defined portion of the base (50) may be the upper portion of the base (50) comprising the opening (60).
In one embodiment, operation of the base (50) along the horizontal plane of the base (50) may include rotation of the upper portion of the base (50) along the horizontal plane by about 45 degree.
Furthermore, the passive air sampler (10) also includes a lifter (70) mechanically coupled to the base (50) along the opening (60). The lifter (70) is configured to operate along the opening (60) upon receiving one or more operational instructions. In one embodiment, the one or more operational instructions may include an instruction representative of one of lifting of the one or more settle plates, putting down of the one or more settle plates, horizontal movement of the gripper (80) or a combination thereof.
In one embodiment, the lifter (70) may be 10mm in thickness. In one embodiment, the lifter (70) may be configured to operate along a vertical axis of the opening (60) of the base (50) to transport the one or more settle plates and the corresponding one or more lids between the first target area (30) and the second target area (40). In such embodiment, operation of the lifter (70) along the opening (60) may include movement of the lifter (70) in upward and downward directions depending upon availability of number of the one or more settle plates on the first target area (30) and the second target area (40).
Moreover, the passive air sampler (10) also includes a gripper (80) mechanically coupled to a side surface of the lifter (70). In one embodiment, the gripper (80) may be cuboidal in shape with at least four corners being curved. In such embodiment, surface of the gripper (80) possessing the curved corners may be the side mechanically coupled to the side surface of the lifter (70). In one embodiment, the length of the gripper (80) may be 100mm, width of the gripper (80) may be 45mm and thickness of the gripper (80) may be 30mm.
Further, the gripper (80) includes at least two arms (90), wherein the at least two arms (90) are coupled to a corresponding first side and a second side of the gripper (80) with a pre-defined spacing. In one embodiment, the first side and the second side of the gripper (80) may be part of the surface of the gripper (80) possessing normal corners.
In one embodiment, the at least two arms (90) may be rectangular in shape. In such embodiment, length of the at least two arms (90) may be 55mm and breadth of the at least two arms (90) may be 10mm. In one embodiment, the gripper (80) may include holes on surface of the first side and the second side of the gripper (80) for the at least two arms (90) to move on a horizontal plane. In such embodiment, the at least two arms (90) move in order to hold the one or more settle plates and the corresponding one or more lids; in order to transport the one or more settle plates and the corresponding one or more lids between the first target area (30) and the second target area (40).
In one embodiment, the at least two arms (90) may be configured to move on a horizontal plane in order to hold the one or more settle plates and the corresponding one or more lids with pre-defined dimensions. In such embodiment, the pre-defined dimensions may include the one or more settle plates and the one or more lids being cylindrical in shape. Further, in such embodiment, diameter of the one or more settle plates may be 87mm diameter of the corresponding one or more lids may be 92mm. In one embodiment, height of the one or more settle plates closed with the corresponding one or more lids may be 15mm. Further, in one embodiment, when the one or more settle plates may be filled with the sample substrate, corresponding average weight may be 40grams.
Further, in one embodiment, the pre-defined spacing between the at least two arms (90) may depend upon the diameter of the one or more settle plates and the diameter of the corresponding one or more lids.
Furthermore, the gripper (80) is configured to transport the one or more settle plates between the first target area (30) and the second target area (40) upon receiving the “transport” instruction associated with the one or more operational instructions. In one embodiment, the gripper (80) may also be configured to transport the one or more lids between the first target area (30) and the second target area (40) upon receiving the “transport” instruction. In such embodiment, the gripper (80) may transport the one or more settle plates and the corresponding one or more lids with the help of the at least two arms (90).
In one embodiment, along with the rotation of the upper portion of the base (50) along the horizontal plane by about 45 degree, the lifter (70) and the gripper (80) may also rotate in order to transport the one or more settle plates and the corresponding one or more lids between the first target area (30) and the second target area (40).
In one embodiment, receiving the one or more settle plates from the first target area (30) may include enabling the at least two arms (90) of a gripper (80) to lift the one or more settle plates from the first target area (30); and place lifted one or more settle plates on the second target area (40) on receiving the “transport” instruction.
In another embodiment, receiving the one or more lids from the first target area (30) may include enabling the at least two arms (90) of a gripper (80) to lift the one or more lids from the first target area (30); and place lifted one or more lids on the second target area (40) on receiving the “transport” instruction.
In one embodiment, upon lifting the one or more lids from the first target area (30); before the completion of exposure for the one or more settle plates, the gripper (80) may be configured to rotate 180 degree on vertical plane. In such embodiment, rotated and the lifted one or more lids may be then placed on the second target area (40).
In one embodiment, upon lifting the one or more settle plates from the first target area (30); after the completion of exposure for the one or more settle plates, the gripper (80) may be configured to rotate 180 degree on vertical plane. In such embodiment, rotated and the lifted one or more settle plates may be then placed on the second target area (40).
In one embodiment, the passive air sampler (10) may also include one or more processors (as shown in FIG. 6) (170). In such embodiment, the passive air sampler (10) may further include a monitoring subsystem (100) operable by the one or more processors (as shown in FIG. 6) (170). In such embodiment, the monitoring subsystem (100) may be configured to monitor the operation of at least one of the lifter (70), the base (50), or a combination thereof in real time.
Further, in such embodiment, the passive air sampler (10) may also include an instruction generating subsystem (110) operable by the one or more processors (as shown in FIG. 6) (170). In one embodiment, the instruction generating subsystem (110) may be associated to the remote controller device operable by one or more processors (as shown in FIG. 6) (170) housed within the remote controller device. In such embodiment, the monitoring subsystem (100) and the instruction generating subsystem (110) may be communicatively coupled. In such embodiment, the instruction generating subsystem (110) may be configured to generate the one or more operational instructions based on a monitored result in real time. In one embodiment, the passive air sampler (10) may also include at least one battery for proper functioning of the apparatus (10). In such embodiment, the battery may be of non-researchable type.
Further, in one embodiment, the passive air sampler (10) may also include at least one indicator configured to indicate an operational status of the apparatus (10). In one embodiment, the at least one indicator may be LED indicator. In such embodiment, the at least one indicator may be positioned on side surface of the platform (20) wherein, the side surface of the platform (20) may be the surface comprising the long edge nearer to the first target area (30) and the second target area (40). In such embodiment, the at least one indicator may be on/ off indicator (120) configured to indicate the operational status of the apparatus (10) being on/ off; upon receiving “on / off’ instruction from the user via the remote controller device.
Further, in one embodiment, the at least one indicator may be exposure indicator (130) configured to indicate the operational status of the apparatus (10) being exposed; upon receiving “expose” instruction from the user via the remote controller device.
Further, in one embodiment, the at least one indicator may be battery life indicator (140) configured to indicate life of the battery so that the battery may be replaced before found dead.
Moreover, in one embodiment, the passive air sampler (10) may also include a remote sensor (150) configured to sense signal from the remote controller device. In such embodiment, the signal may be representing corresponding instruction being sent by the remote controller device. In one embodiment, the signal may be IR signal when the remote controller device may be the IR remote controller.
The one or more settle plates are transported between the first target area (30) and the second target area (40) in order to study one or more parameters associated with at least one of the sample substrate and the air for monitoring the quality of the air within the environment. In one embodiment, the one or more parameters associated with the sample substrate may include number of the visible colonies that got developed on the surface of the sample substrate; upon incubation of the one or more settle plates. In such embodiment, depending upon the number of developed colonies, the quality of the air may be determined. In operation, the passive air sampler (10) starts to operate upon receiving “on” instruction from the user via the remote controller device and hence indicated by the on/ off indicator (120). Prior to start of the operation of the passive air sampler (10), first target area (30) of the passive air sampler (10) is stacked with the one or more settle plates. Further, upon receiving “manual mode” instruction from the user, operation of exposure and retrieval is done manually. In manual mode of operation, upon receiving “expose” instruction, the gripper (80) with the help of the at least two arms (90) will lift a first lid of the one or more lids covering first settle plate of the one or more plates from the first target area (30) and rotates by 180 degree. Then, the base (50) holding the gripper (80) along the opening (60) through the lifter (70), rotates by 45 degree and places a lifted first lid of the one or more lids on the second target area (40). Here, exposure is indicated by the exposure indicator (130). Here, the gripper (80), after completion of 4 hours and upon receiving “retrieval” instruction, returns to previous position by rotating 45 degree in opposite direction. Then, the gripper (80) with the help of the at least two arms (90) will lift first settle plate of the one or more settle plates from the first target area (30) and again rotates by 180 degree. Then, the base (50) holding the gripper (80) along the opening (60) through the lifter (70), again rotates by 45 degree and place lifted first settle plate of the one or more settle plates on the second target area (40). Such operation of the passive air sampler (10) is repeated till each of the one or more settle plates are exposed and retrieved. Further, upon receiving “continuous mode” instruction from the user, the operation of exposure and retrieval is done continuously, till each of the one or more settle plates are exposed and retrieved. During such operation of the passive air sampler (10) operating either in manual mode or continuous mode, the lifter (70) moves in upward and downward direction along the opening (60) depending upon the number of the one or more settle plates on the first target area (30) and the second target area (40). Then, after completion of entire operation of the passive air sampler (10), the passive air sampler (10) is turned off by receiving “off’ instruction from the user via the remote controller device indicated by the on/ off indicator (120).
FIG. 2 is the schematic representation of top view of the passive air sampler (10) for monitoring of viable microorganisms in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. Further, FIG. 3 is the schematic representation of side view of the passive air sampler (10) for monitoring of the viable microorganisms in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. Furthermore, FIG. 4 is the schematic representation of front view of the passive air sampler (10) for monitoring of the viable microorganisms in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. Furthermore, FIG. 5 is the schematic representation of back view of the passive air sampler (10) for monitoring of viable microorganisms in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
FIG. 6 is a block diagram of a computer or a server for monitoring of viable microorganisms in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The server (160) includes processor(s) (170), and memory (180) coupled to the bus (190).
The processor(s) (170), as used herein, means any type of computational circuit, such as, but not limited to, a microprocessor, a microcontroller, a complex instruction set computing microprocessor, a reduced instruction set computing microprocessor, a very long instruction word microprocessor, an explicitly parallel instruction computing microprocessor, a digital signal processor, or any other type of processing circuit, or a combination thereof.
Computer memory elements may include any suitable memory device(s) for storing data and executable program, such as read only memory, random access memory, erasable programmable read only memory, electrically erasable programmable read only memory, hard drive, removable media drive for handling memory cards and the like. Embodiments of the present subject matter may be implemented in conjunction with program modules, including functions, procedures, data structures, and application programs, for performing tasks, or defining abstract data types or low-level hardware contexts. Executable program stored on any of the above-mentioned storage media may be executable by the processor(s) (170).
The memory (180) includes a plurality of subsystems stored in the form of executable program which instructs the processor(s) (170) to perform method steps illustrated in FIG. 6. The memory (180) has following subsystems: a monitoring subsystem (100) and an instruction generation subsystem (110).
The monitoring subsystem (100) operable by the one or more processors (as shown in FIG. 6) is configured to monitor the operation of at least one of the lifter (70), the base (50), or a combination thereof in real time. The instruction generating subsystem (110) operable by the one or more processors (as shown in FIG. 6) is configured to generate the one or more operational instructions based on a monitored result in real time.
Various embodiments of the passive air sampler for monitoring of viable microorganisms enable the user to performing passive air sampling remotely, by controlling the operation of the passive air sampler via the remote controller device. Thus, entry of the user within a room where the passive air sampling operation is been conducted is restricted leading to preventing microbial contamination within the room. Further, as the risk of contamination is reduced, proper positive results may be obtained, making the approach more reliable and more effective.
While specific language has been used to describe the disclosure, any limitations arising on account of the same are not intended. As would be apparent to a person skilled in the art, various working modifications may be made to the method in order to implement the inventive concept as taught herein. The figures and the foregoing description give examples of embodiments. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that one or more of the described elements may well be combined into a single functional element. Alternatively, certain elements may be split into multiple functional elements. Elements from one embodiment may be added to another embodiment. For example, order of processes described herein may be changed and are not limited to the manner described herein. Moreover, the actions of any flow diagram need not be implemented in the order shown; nor do all of the acts need to be necessarily performed. Also, those acts that are not dependant on other acts may be performed in parallel with the other acts. The scope of embodiments is by no means limited by these specific examples.

Claims

WE CLAIM:
1. A passive air sampler (10) for monitoring of viable microorganisms comprising: a platform (20) comprising: a first target area (30) configured to: stock one or more settle plates comprising a sample substrate, wherein each of the one or more settle plates are covered by a corresponding one or more lids; expose the sample substrate in the at least one of the one or more settle plates to air within the environment for a predefined amount of time upon operating the one or more lids of the corresponding one or more settle plates on receiving an “expose” instruction; a second target area (40) configured to receive the one or more settle plates from the first target area upon completion of exposure for the one or more settle plates on receiving “retrieval” instruction, wherein the first target area (30) and the second target area (40) are positioned on the platform (20) in a pre-defined manner; a base (50) comprising an opening (60), wherein a lower surface of the base (50) is mechanically coupled to an edge of an upper surface of the platform (20) at a predefined location, a lifter (70) mechanically coupled to the base (50) along the opening (60), wherein the lifter (70) is configured to operate along the opening (60) upon receiving one or more operational instructions; and a gripper (80) mechanically coupled to a side surface of the lifter (70), wherein the gripper (80) comprises at least two arms (90), wherein the at least two arms (90) are coupled to a corresponding first side and a second side of the gripper (80) with a pre-defined spacing, wherein the gripper (80) is configured to transport the one or more settle plates between the first target area (30) and the second target area (40) upon receiving the “transport” instruction associated with the one or more operational instructions to study one or more parameters associated with at least one of the sample substrate and the air for monitoring the quality of the air within the environment.
2. The passive air sampler (10) as claimed in the claim 1, wherein operating the one or more lids corresponds to one of opening and closing of the one or more lids from the corresponding one or more settle plates. 3. The passive air sampler (10) as claimed in the claim 1, wherein receiving the one or more settle plates from the first target area (30) comprises enabling the at least two arms (90) of the gripper (80) to lift the one or more settle plates from the first target area (30) and place lifted one or more settle plates on the second target area (40) on receiving the “transport” instruction. 4. The passive air sampler (10) as claimed in the claim 1, wherein the lifter
(70) is configured to operate along a vertical axis of the opening (60) of the base (50) to transport the one or more settle plates between the first target area (30) and the second target area (40).
5. The passive air sampler (10) as claimed in the claim 1, wherein a pre- defined portion of the base (50) is configured to operate along a horizontal plane of the base (50) to transport the one or more settle plates between the first target area (30) and the second target area (40).
6. The passive air sampler (10) as claimed in the claim 1, comprises: one or more processors (170); a monitoring subsystem (100) operable by the one or more processors (170), and configured to monitor the operation of at least one of the lifter (70), the base (50), or a combination thereof in real time; and an instruction generating subsystem (110) operable by the one or more processors (170), and configured to generate the one or more operational instructions based on a monitored result in real time;
7. The passive air sampler (10) as claimed in the claim 6, wherein the operational instructions comprises an instruction representative of one of lifting of the one or more settle plates, putting down of the one or more settle plates, horizontal movement of the gripper (80) or a combination thereof.
8. The passive air sampler (10) as claimed in the claim 1, comprises: at least one battery; and at least one indicator configured to indicate an operational status of the apparatus.
PCT/IB2020/050995 2019-12-23 2020-02-08 Passive air sampler for monitoring of viable microorganism WO2021130544A1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
IN201921053448 2019-12-23
IN201921053448 2019-12-23

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2021130544A1 true WO2021130544A1 (en) 2021-07-01

Family

ID=76573909

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/IB2020/050995 WO2021130544A1 (en) 2019-12-23 2020-02-08 Passive air sampler for monitoring of viable microorganism

Country Status (1)

Country Link
WO (1) WO2021130544A1 (en)

Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP4230744A1 (en) * 2022-02-18 2023-08-23 ACCURRO GmbH Device and method for measuring the microbial contamination of a controlled, virtually germ-free space, in particular a clean room, by means of a nutrient solution in a petri dish

Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US6514721B2 (en) * 2001-07-03 2003-02-04 Biochem Technologies, Inc. Air sampler for pathogens and psychrometrics
US20050068040A1 (en) * 2003-09-26 2005-03-31 Mitchell Bailey W. High efficiency electrostatic air sampler
US10345200B2 (en) * 2013-07-23 2019-07-09 Particle Measuring Systems, S.R.L. Microbial air sampler integrating media plate and sample collection device

Patent Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US6514721B2 (en) * 2001-07-03 2003-02-04 Biochem Technologies, Inc. Air sampler for pathogens and psychrometrics
US20050068040A1 (en) * 2003-09-26 2005-03-31 Mitchell Bailey W. High efficiency electrostatic air sampler
US10345200B2 (en) * 2013-07-23 2019-07-09 Particle Measuring Systems, S.R.L. Microbial air sampler integrating media plate and sample collection device

Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP4230744A1 (en) * 2022-02-18 2023-08-23 ACCURRO GmbH Device and method for measuring the microbial contamination of a controlled, virtually germ-free space, in particular a clean room, by means of a nutrient solution in a petri dish

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
CN109661582B (en) Automated cell handling system and method
JP6851637B2 (en) Cell culture incubator with integrated cell manipulation system
US11041871B2 (en) System and method for incubation and reading of biological cultures
Bjerkan et al. Sonication is superior to scraping for retrieval of bacteria in biofilm on titanium and steel surfaces in vitro
US8616072B2 (en) System and methods for sampling materials
WO2015076391A1 (en) Automatic culture system and cell management system
WO2021130544A1 (en) Passive air sampler for monitoring of viable microorganism
CN105255715A (en) High-pass multipurpose controllable microorganism inoculation device and batch strain inoculation method
JPH0943229A (en) Method and device for thickness model of organism film for evaluating permeability of organism disinfection agent
Uppuluri et al. An easy and economical in vitro method for the formation of Candida albicans biofilms under continuous conditions of flow
Peccia et al. UV-induced inactivation rates for airborne Mycobacterium bovis BCG
Sandle Biocontamination Control for Pharmaceuticals and Healthcare
Li et al. Streptococcus sanguis biofilm architecture and its influence on titanium corrosion in enriched artificial saliva
Abatenh et al. Contamination in a microbiological laboratory
Haas et al. Comparative study of impaction and sedimentation in an aerosol chamber using defined fungal spore and bacterial concentrations
AU2014266872B2 (en) Apparatus and process for treating samples of biological or microbiological material
JP2020528731A (en) Fully automatic cell culture method based on robot arm and its system
CN105368949A (en) Detection method of city wastewater treatment plant/station microbial aerosol
Paolin et al. Evaluation of allograft decontamination with two different antibiotic cocktails at the Treviso Tissue Bank Foundation
Sandell et al. Mammalian cell culture
Bogen et al. Reevaluation of historical exposures to ethylene oxide among US sterilization workers in The National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) study cohort
JP2012147693A (en) Dispensation device and cell culture treatment system
Halls Microbiological environmental monitoring
Warner et al. Mammalian cell culture
CN205205141U (en) High flux, multipurpose, can regulate and control microorganism inoculation device

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
121 Ep: the epo has been informed by wipo that ep was designated in this application

Ref document number: 20906607

Country of ref document: EP

Kind code of ref document: A1

NENP Non-entry into the national phase

Ref country code: DE

122 Ep: pct application non-entry in european phase

Ref document number: 20906607

Country of ref document: EP

Kind code of ref document: A1