Active air environment DNA sample collector

Abstract

The utility model provides a kind of active air environment DNA sample collector, it is related to environmental DNA collection field. Including handheld air gun, filter paper and filter paper compression ring, the air inlet end of handheld air gun is provided with the suction nozzle being communicated with handheld air gun;Filter paper is set at the side of suction nozzle away from air inlet end, and is compressed by filter paper compression ring;Filter paper compression ring is detachably connected to suction nozzle. The present application can solve the problems of low collection efficiency, inconvenient operation, poor adaptability, sample contamination and other problems existing in the existing air DNA collection device, provide a kind of active air environment DNA sample collector with compact structure, portable and efficient, strong controllability and convenient replacement of filter medium, solve the shortcomings of traditional fixed position collection, can stay in target habitat area by walking, so as to more comprehensive collection of environmental DNA sample, and the collection efficiency is high.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of environmental DNA collection, and more specifically, to an active airborne environmental DNA sample collector. Background Technology

[0002] Environmental DNA technology monitors and analyzes biological species by detecting DNA fragments left behind by organisms in the environment, and has been widely used in fields such as ecological surveys and biodiversity research. As an emerging monitoring target, the efficiency of airborne environmental DNA (airborne eDNA) collection and the quality of the samples directly affect the accuracy of subsequent detection.

[0003] Existing airborne eDNA collection devices mostly employ passive sedimentation or large-scale pump-suction equipment. Passive sedimentation relies on natural settling, resulting in low collection efficiency, long processing time, and susceptibility to environmental airflow interference. While large-scale pump-suction equipment can actively collect data, it is bulky, complex to operate, and difficult to adapt to field operations or the need for rapid sampling at multiple locations. Furthermore, the filter membranes of existing devices are inconvenient to replace, easily causing sample contamination, and the airflow is uncontrollable, making it difficult to adjust collection parameters for different environmental conditions. Utility Model Content

[0004] The purpose of this invention is to provide an active airborne DNA sample collector that can solve the problems of low collection efficiency, inconvenient operation, poor adaptability, and easy sample contamination in existing airborne DNA collection devices. It provides an active airborne DNA sample collector that is compact, portable, efficient, highly controllable, and easy to replace the filter media.

[0005] The embodiments of this utility model are implemented as follows: This application provides an active airborne DNA sample collector, including a handheld air gun, filter paper, and filter paper retainer. The air inlet of the handheld air gun is provided with a suction nozzle that communicates with the handheld air gun. The filter paper is disposed on the side of the suction nozzle away from the air inlet and is pressed by the filter paper retainer. The filter paper retainer is detachably connected to the suction nozzle.

[0006] Furthermore, based on the aforementioned scheme, the handheld air gun includes an air tube and a handheld part, with the air inlet and air outlet of the handheld air gun respectively located at both ends of the air tube; a ducted fan is installed inside the air tube; the handheld part is obliquely connected to the side wall of the air tube, and a control system is installed inside the handheld part; the control system is electrically connected to the ducted fan.

[0007] Furthermore, based on the aforementioned solution, the handheld unit is equipped with an airflow adjustment button, which is electrically connected to the control system.

[0008] Furthermore, based on the aforementioned solution, the handheld unit is also equipped with a windshield indicator light, which is electrically connected to the control system.

[0009] Furthermore, based on the aforementioned scheme, a wind direction indicator is provided on the outside of the ventilation duct.

[0010] Furthermore, based on the aforementioned scheme, the suction nozzle is conical, and its diameter gradually increases from the end away from the handheld air gun.

[0011] Furthermore, based on the aforementioned solution, a perforated limiting plate is embedded at the large-diameter end of the suction nozzle, and the filter paper is stacked on the outside of the limiting plate; and the area of ​​the limiting plate is configured such that when the filter paper is stacked on its outside, it can completely cover the effective filtration area of ​​the filter paper.

[0012] Furthermore, based on the aforementioned scheme, a central air vent is formed at the center of the limiting plate, and multiple edge air vents are arranged around the central air vent; the diameter of the central air vent is larger than the diameter of the edge air vents.

[0013] Furthermore, based on the aforementioned scheme, the filter paper pressure ring is connected to the large-diameter end of the suction nozzle through multiple circumferentially spaced connectors.

[0014] Furthermore, based on the aforementioned solution, the suction nozzle is detachably connected to the handheld air gun.

[0015] Compared with the prior art, the embodiments of this utility model have at least the following advantages or beneficial effects: This application utilizes a handheld air gun with an air inlet connected to it, and filter paper positioned on the side of the air inlet away from the air inlet. The filter paper is secured by a filter paper retainer ring, which is detachably connected to the air inlet. This design simplifies and simplifies filter paper replacement, allowing for easy removal of the collected DNA filter paper for testing. Operators can quickly replace the filter paper by removing the retainer ring, effectively reducing the risk of cross-contamination between samples. It also ensures the filter paper remains stable during collection, preventing displacement or wrinkling due to airflow impact and ensuring effective utilization of the filtration area. This application features a compact, convenient, and efficient design, enabling proactive handheld mobile collection of airborne DNA. Handheld collection, as a mobile method, overcomes the shortcomings of traditional fixed-location collection. By moving around and stopping in the target habitat area, it allows for more comprehensive collection of environmental DNA samples, resulting in high collection efficiency. Attached Figure Description

[0016] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of this utility model, the drawings used in the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. It should be understood that the following drawings only show some embodiments of this utility model and should not be regarded as a limitation on the scope. For those skilled in the art, other related drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0017] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the active airborne DNA sample collector according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 This is an exploded view of the structure of the active airborne DNA sample collector according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0018] Icons: 1-Handheld air gun, 11-Air tube, 12-Handheld part, 13-Air volume adjustment button, 14-Air damper indicator light, 15-Air direction indicator, 2-Filter paper, 3-Filter paper pressure ring, 4-Sucking nozzle, 41-Limiting plate, 411-Center air hole, 412-Edge air hole. Detailed Implementation

[0019] The embodiments of this application will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0020] Please refer to Figures 1-2 The diagram shows the overall structure of an active airborne DNA sample collector. This embodiment provides an active airborne DNA sample collector, including a handheld air gun 1, filter paper 2, and filter paper retaining ring 3. The air inlet end of the handheld air gun 1 is provided with a suction nozzle 4 that communicates with the handheld air gun 1. The filter paper 2 is located on the side of the suction nozzle 4 away from the air inlet end and is pressed by the filter paper retaining ring 3. The filter paper retaining ring 3 is detachably connected to the suction nozzle 4.

[0021] The following will further describe an active airborne DNA sample collector according to this exemplary embodiment.

[0022] In some embodiments, the active airborne DNA sampler of this application includes a handheld air gun 1, filter paper 2, and a filter paper retainer 3. It efficiently captures airborne eDNA through active air intake and improves operational convenience and sample quality through optimized structural design. The handheld air gun 1 provides stable and controllable air intake power, replacing the traditional passive sedimentation or complex methods relying on external pump sources. Users can actively aim at the area to be sampled, achieving directional collection and greatly improving sampling efficiency and the specificity of the target area. The air inlet of the handheld air gun 1 is equipped with a nozzle 4 connected to it. The filter paper 2 is located on the side of the nozzle 4 away from the air inlet and is pressed and fixed by the filter paper retainer 3. The filter paper retainer 3 and the nozzle 4 are detachably connected. This detachable connection design of the filter paper retainer 3 and the nozzle 4, together with the retainer 3, tightly presses the filter paper 2 to the end of the nozzle 4, forming a well-sealed sampling interface. This effectively prevents the filter paper 2 from shifting, wrinkling, or leaking at the edges due to airflow impact during the sampling process, and avoids air bypassing the filter paper 2. This ensures that all inhaled air passes through the effective filtration area of ​​the filter paper 2, ensuring that the retained DNA sample is completely and accurately concentrated on the filter paper 2, greatly reducing the risk of sample loss and cross-contamination.

[0023] Understandably, the filter paper 2 described above can be made of ultrafine glass fibers. This type of filter paper 2 has an intricate micron-scale fiber network, which can efficiently capture submicron-sized particles through physical interception and electrostatic adsorption, ensuring that even the smallest DNA-containing bioaerosols are captured. Alternatively, the filter paper 2 can be surface-functionalized, possessing airborne DNA retention capabilities. Furthermore, the removable design allows for the replacement of filter paper 2 with different sizes according to actual needs, such as replacing the original easily clogged 0.45-micron pore size and 47-millimeter diameter with a size increased to 1.0-micron pore size and 90-millimeter diameter.

[0024] This embodiment integrates the power source, sampling head, and sample carrier (filter paper 2) into a lightweight handheld device. The detachable design of the filter paper retainer 3 makes the installation and replacement of the filter paper 2 very simple and quick. Users can easily complete sampling and sample replacement operations in the field or on-site without cumbersome tools, greatly improving the portability and operability of the device and meeting the requirements of flexibility and immediacy for environmental DNA sampling.

[0025] In a preferred embodiment, the handheld air gun 1 comprises an air duct 11 and a handheld part 12. The air inlet and outlet are located at opposite ends of the air duct 11. An internal duct fan (not shown) provides active suction for the sampling process. Compared to traditional fans, duct fans offer concentrated airflow and minimal wind loss, generating stronger directional airflow with the same power consumption, improving air extraction efficiency, and thus increasing the amount of air passing through the filter paper 2 per unit time, thereby enhancing eDNA capture. The handheld part 12 is angled and connected to the side wall of the air duct 11, and houses a control system electrically connected to the duct fan. The angled handheld part 12 is ergonomically designed, allowing the operator to hold it naturally and reducing hand fatigue caused by prolonged sampling. Furthermore, the handheld part 12 and the air duct 11 are preferably integrated, enhancing the overall sealing and structural strength of the device, preventing airflow leakage from gaps that could affect sampling efficiency, reducing the risk of component loosening, and extending the device's lifespan.

[0026] Understandably, the aforementioned control system, including electrical components such as the controller and power supply, is integrated into the handheld unit 12, balancing the weight of the entire data collector and making the structure compact. Furthermore, for ease of use, a charging port can be provided on the handheld unit 12 for convenient charging and extended battery life.

[0027] As a preferred embodiment, the handheld unit 12 is equipped with an airflow adjustment button 13, which is electrically connected to the control system. Using the airflow adjustment button 13, the operator can flexibly adjust the fan speed according to different environmental conditions (such as open or enclosed spaces, target species density estimation, etc.), thereby changing the airflow. For example, in areas with low biological density, the airflow can be increased to increase the sample volume, while in high-concentration areas, the airflow can be reduced to avoid overloading the filter paper 2, achieving a balance between collection efficiency and sample quality, and improving the environmental adaptability of the equipment.

[0028] In a preferred embodiment, the handheld unit 12 is also equipped with a fan speed indicator 14, which is electrically connected to the control system. The fan speed indicator 14 can display the current airflow level of the device in real time, allowing the operator to intuitively understand the collected parameters, facilitating the recording of sampling conditions, ensuring the traceability of experimental data, and avoiding parameter errors caused by misoperation, thereby improving operational accuracy.

[0029] As a preferred embodiment, a wind direction indicator 15 is provided on the outer side of the aforementioned ventilation duct 11 to clearly indicate the orientation of the suction nozzle 4. During field sampling, operators can determine and record the sampling direction using the wind direction indicator 15.

[0030] As a preferred implementation, the above-mentioned nozzle 4 adopts a conical structure, with its diameter gradually increasing from the end away from the handheld air gun 1. The conical design creates a larger air intake area at the inlet end of the nozzle 4, which can simultaneously draw in air from a wider area, while the smaller diameter at the outlet end can concentrate the airflow, enhance the airflow velocity at the filter paper 2, and improve the contact efficiency between suspended particles (including eDNA) in the air and the filter paper 2, thereby improving the capture rate.

[0031] As a preferred embodiment, the large-diameter end of the suction nozzle 4 is fitted with a perforated limiting plate 41. The filter paper 2 is stacked on the outside of the limiting plate 41. The limiting plate 41 provides effective support for the filter paper 2, preventing the filter paper 2 from being sucked into the suction nozzle 4 under strong airflow, which would reduce the filtration area or cause damage. At the same time, the perforated structure ensures that the airflow passes smoothly. Furthermore, the area of ​​the limiting plate 41 is configured to completely cover the effective filtration area of ​​the filter paper 2, ensuring that all air passing through the suction nozzle 4 is filtered by the filter paper 2, and preventing unfiltered air from directly entering the device and causing sample loss.

[0032] In a preferred embodiment, the limiting plate 41 has a central air vent 411 at its center and multiple edge air vents 412 arranged around its periphery, with the diameter of the central air vent 411 being larger than that of the edge air vents 412. This vent design balances the airflow distribution in different areas of the filter paper 2. Specifically, the larger diameter of the central air vent 411 reduces airflow resistance in the central area and prevents excessive airflow concentration at the edges; the smaller diameter of the edge air vents 412 appropriately increases the airflow pressure in the edge areas, making the filter paper 2 more uniformly stressed, improving the utilization rate of the filtration area, and preventing local overload from affecting the sample capture effect.

[0033] In a preferred embodiment, the filter paper pressure ring 3 is connected to the large-diameter end of the suction nozzle 4 via multiple circumferentially spaced connectors. The evenly distributed circumferential connectors ensure more uniform pressure from the pressure ring on the filter paper 2, guaranteeing a tight fit between the filter paper 2 and the edge of the suction nozzle 4, preventing air leakage and the entry of unfiltered air. Simultaneously, the multi-point connection enhances the stability of the pressure ring, preventing loosening due to vibration during sampling and ensuring the reliability of the sampling process. Specifically, the connectors can be bolts for easy and quick assembly and disassembly.

[0034] As a preferred implementation, the suction nozzle 4 and the handheld air gun 1 are detachably connected, allowing the suction nozzle 4 to be disassembled for cleaning or replacement. When collecting samples from different environments, a dedicated suction nozzle 4 can be used to avoid cross-contamination. Simultaneously, users can replace the suction nozzle 4 with different tapers or diameters as needed to adapt to different collection scenarios (such as confined spaces or high-concentration areas), further improving the equipment's versatility. Specifically, the suction nozzle 4 and the handheld air gun 1 are connected using a quick-release structure, such as a plug-in connection. A polygonal insert is provided at the end of the handheld air gun 1, and a matching polygonal insertion hole is provided at the connection end of the suction nozzle 4, thus enabling quick assembly and disassembly for rapid replacement.

[0035] During sampling, the operator holds the handheld part 12 and selects the appropriate airflow level according to the environmental conditions using the airflow adjustment button 13. The airflow indicator light 14 displays the current level. After the duct fan starts, air enters from the large-diameter end of the suction nozzle 4, and after being filtered by the filter paper 2, particles carrying eDNA are trapped on the filter paper 2. The filtered air is then discharged from the outlet end through the air duct 11. After sampling, the filter paper retaining ring 3 is removed, and the filter paper 2 is taken off for storage or subsequent processing. By designing the airflow adjustment levels, a lower level can be adjusted in environments with high moisture and particulate matter to prevent filter paper clogging.

[0036] The beneficial effects of this application embodiment are as follows: Active suction is provided by a ducted fan, combined with the optimized airflow design of the conical nozzle 4, significantly improving the air handling capacity and eDNA capture rate per unit time, solving the problem of low efficiency in passive collection methods. The power of the built-in motor can be increased or decreased according to actual needs, solving the problem of insufficient adsorption in traditional airborne DNA collection processes. The ergonomic design of the handheld part 12, the detachable filter paper pressure ring 3, and the nozzle 4 structure make the device easy to carry, operate, and maintain, especially suitable for rapid multi-point sampling in the field, and solving the shortcomings of traditional fixed-location collection. It allows for more comprehensive collection of environmental DNA samples by moving around and stopping in the target habitat area, resulting in high collection efficiency. The airflow adjustment function can adapt to different environmental conditions, and the design of the limiting plate 41 and the pressure ring ensures stable operation of the filter paper 2, reducing sample loss and contamination risks, and improving sample reliability. By changing the nozzle 4, adjusting the airflow, and performing directional collection, it can meet the sampling needs of different scenarios (open / closed spaces, high / low concentration areas, directional / omnidirectional collection), making it widely applicable.

[0037] Furthermore, unless otherwise explicitly specified or limited, the terms "installation" and "connection" in this application embodiment should be interpreted broadly. For example, "connection" can be a detachable connection or a non-detachable connection; it can be a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium. The terms "upper," "lower," "left," "right," "inner," "outer," and "side," etc., are merely for reference to the direction in the accompanying drawings or the usual placement of the product during use. They are only for clearly describing this application and do not indicate or imply that the device or component referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. They should not be construed as limitations on this application. The terms "first," "second," etc., are only used for distinguishing descriptions and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance; "multiple" refers to at least two. In this application embodiment, the limitations on relative positional relationships such as parallel, perpendicular, and aligned are all relative to the current technological level and are not absolutely strict limitations. Slight deviations are allowed; approximations of parallel, perpendicular, and aligned are all acceptable. For example, "A and B are parallel" means that A and B are parallel or approximately parallel, and the angle between A and B can be between 0 degrees and 10 degrees.

[0038] The above are only some embodiments and implementation methods of this application. The protection scope of this application is not limited thereto. In the absence of conflict, the embodiments and features in the embodiments of this application can be combined with each other. Any combination of features in different embodiments is also within the protection scope of this application. Any changes or substitutions that can be easily conceived by those skilled in the art within the scope of the technology disclosed in this application should be included within the protection scope of this application.

Claims

1. An active airborne DNA sample collector, characterized in that, The device includes a handheld air gun, filter paper, and filter paper retainer ring. The air inlet end of the handheld air gun is provided with a nozzle that communicates with the handheld air gun. The filter paper is located on the side of the nozzle away from the air inlet end and is pressed by the filter paper retainer ring. The filter paper retainer ring is detachably connected to the nozzle.

2. The active airborne DNA sample collector according to claim 1, characterized in that, The handheld air gun includes an air tube and a handheld part. The air inlet and air outlet of the handheld air gun are respectively located at both ends of the air tube. A ducted fan is installed inside the air tube. The handheld part is obliquely connected to the side wall of the air tube, and a control system is installed inside the handheld part. The control system is electrically connected to the ducted fan.

3. The active airborne DNA sample collector according to claim 2, characterized in that, The handheld part is equipped with an air volume adjustment button, which is electrically connected to the control system.

4. The active airborne DNA sample collector according to claim 3, characterized in that, The handheld part is also equipped with a windshield indicator light, which is electrically connected to the control system.

5. The active airborne DNA sample collector according to claim 4, characterized in that, A wind direction indicator is installed on the outside of the ventilation duct.

6. The active airborne DNA sample collector according to claim 1, characterized in that, The nozzle is conical, and its diameter gradually increases from the end away from the handheld air gun.

7. The active airborne DNA sample collector according to claim 6, characterized in that, The nozzle has a perforated limiting plate embedded at its large-diameter end, and the filter paper is stacked on the outside of the limiting plate; the area of ​​the limiting plate is configured such that when the filter paper is stacked on its outside, it can completely cover the effective filtration area of ​​the filter paper.

8. The active airborne DNA sample collector according to claim 7, characterized in that, The limiting plate has a central air hole at its center, and a plurality of edge air holes are arranged around the central air hole; the diameter of the central air hole is larger than the diameter of the edge air holes.

9. The active airborne DNA sample collector according to claim 7, characterized in that, The filter paper pressure ring is connected to the large-diameter end of the suction nozzle through multiple circumferentially spaced connectors.

10. The active airborne DNA sample collector according to claim 1, characterized in that, The suction nozzle is detachably connected to the handheld air gun.

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