Microbial screening devices and equipment for breeding experimental aquatic animals

Abstract

The present application relates to a microbial screening device and an apparatus for breeding experimental aquatic animals. A microbial screening device (100), in particular a microbial screening device for collecting and concentrating organic and inorganic substances present in a liquid, the device (100) comprising a plurality of hollow tubular segments (101) arranged one after another and interconnected to define a main hollow tubular body (110), the main hollow tubular body being adapted to allow fluid to flow between a first end (111) thereof and a second end (112) thereof, the second end being opposite to the first end (111) of the hollow tubular body, wherein each hollow tubular segment (101) comprises a filter screen or mesh (105), the filter screen or mesh (105) being arranged substantially transversely to its longitudinal extension direction and comprising a plurality of through holes.

Description

Field of the Invention

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of breeding (rearing) laboratory animals, in particular, laboratory aquatic animal species. In particular, the present invention relates to microbiological screening of water used to breed such laboratory aquatic animal species. Specifically, the present invention relates to an apparatus for microbiological screening of water used in systems and / or equipment used to breed aquatic animal species. The present invention also relates to equipment for breeding laboratory aquatic animal species equipped with such an apparatus. Background Art

[0002] According to the most widespread and commonly adopted solution, experimental aquatic animal species are bred in an apparatus comprising a plurality of trays, arranged, for example, on the shelves of a rack and each intended to house a predetermined number of small fish, wherein the breeding water circulates between the trays through a special circuit comprising pipes, pumps, filters and devices suitable for this purpose, which is known per se and, for reasons of generality, will not be described in detail.

[0003] Therefore, in facilities of the type described above, the need to avoid and / or prevent and / or remove any contaminants in the maintenance water that could seriously harm the health of the animals is obvious, with the most commonly adopted preventive and / or diagnostic measures involving the use of animals known as "sentinel" animals or "colony" animals.

[0004] Programs using sentinel fish were developed and designed to maximize pathogen transmission to a small group of animals exposed to wastewater from a recirculating rearing facility.

[0005] Sentinel fish can be identified from the colony itself, they can be particularly old individuals, or they can be specifically selected for health monitoring analysis. Until now, specific genetic lines for broad-spectrum health monitoring have been difficult to identify.

[0006] These samples must be exposed to recycled wastewater for a minimum period of three months and analyzed at least 2 / 4 times per year.

[0007] A combination of analytical methods may be used on fish used as sentinels, including, by way of non-limiting example, microbiological, PCR, and histopathological techniques.

[0008] However, the use of sentinel animals (hereinafter referred to as "sentinels") has several disadvantages, which the patentees of the present application aim to overcome or at least minimize.

[0009] Firstly, the first disadvantage encountered when using sentinel animals is related to the non-negligible risk of transmission of various pathogens from infected to uninfected subjects and, therefore, to the risk of promoting the spread of microbial positivity.

[0010] Furthermore, the need to sacrifice animals (sentinels) or colonies for a specific purpose has significant implications at the ethical level and therefore also in terms of the choice of procedures for health screening.

[0011] Furthermore, the use of animals for microbial screening often has non-negligible economic implications, since these animals have to be maintained for a more or less long period of time.

[0012] Finally, it should not be underestimated that for the purpose of microbiological screening, a limited number of subjects are sampled from a population, where this number does not necessarily represent the prevalence of infection of all possible and known aquatic species in the population. The number of subjects to be sampled is a function of the statistical confidence level to ensure that at least one sampled subject is positive for the microorganism being sought, a fact that depends on the prevalence of infection in the population, which is sometimes very low and, in many cases, even unknown.

[0013] According to the background art, alternative solutions to using sentinel animals involve temporary sampling of biological material from different points in the rearing system. However, even these temporary sampling solutions do not allow for reliable and low-cost microbial screening of rearing water, nor can they be achieved in an easily implementable manner.

[0014] Purpose of the Invention

[0015] Therefore, the main object of the present invention is to provide a solution allowing to overcome or at least reduce the drawbacks and / or disadvantages encountered in microbial screening and / or monitoring techniques according to the background art.

[0016] In particular, the object of the present invention is to provide a microbiological screening and / or monitoring device which ensures reliable monitoring of water used for keeping aquatic animal species, in particular experimental animals, which device can be realized and implemented at low cost and according to a simple (rather direct) method that does not involve the use of sentinel animals and, last but not least, prevents the spread of pathogens.

[0017] Description of the Invention

[0018] The present invention arises from the following general considerations, according to which the above-mentioned objects can be achieved and the disadvantages found in solutions according to the prior art can be effectively reduced by promoting the formation of a film or matrix from organic and / or inorganic substances from the feeding water, wherein the film is easy to remove and suitable for experimental analysis.

[0019] The object considered by the present invention is therefore to facilitate the accumulation of organic and / or inorganic substances that may be present in the rearing water in the form of a film or matrix and to allow easier treatment without the risk of fouling said film or matrix.

[0020] Therefore, based on the two preset purposes summarized above and the above considerations and / or problems or shortcomings encountered in the solutions according to the background technology, the present invention relates to the device according to main claim 1 and the equipment according to main claim 13, and the embodiments of the present invention defined by the dependent claims.

[0021] According to the described embodiments, the microbiological screening device according to the present invention is suitable for application in equipment for raising (breeding, maintaining or housing) aquatic animal species, in particular experimental animals, in order to at least partially intercept the breeding water circulating in the equipment, and in order to capture organic and / or inorganic substances (if present in the breeding water), in particular by facilitating the accumulation of said organic and / or inorganic substances in the form of a membrane or matrix that is easy to handle and subject to experimental inspection and / or testing.

[0022] According to the described embodiment, a microbial screening device, in particular a device for collecting and concentrating organic and inorganic substances present in a liquid, comprises a plurality of hollow tubular segments, which are arranged one after another and interconnected to define a main hollow tubular body, which is suitable for allowing fluid to flow between its first end and its second end, which is opposite to the first end of the main hollow tubular body, wherein each hollow tubular segment comprises a filter mesh, which is arranged generally transversely to its longitudinal extension direction and comprises a plurality of through holes; wherein in the direction from the first end to the second end, the size of the through holes of each filter mesh in the filter mesh is larger than the size of the through holes of the subsequent filter mesh.

[0023] According to the described embodiment, each of the filter screens is made of polyester and is adapted to promote the formation of a biofilm that can be used for microbiological research.

[0024] According to the described embodiment, the outer wall of each of the hollow tubular segments, ie the outer wall supporting the filter mesh, is made entirely of polystyrene.

[0025] According to the described embodiment, the hollow tubular segments are connected to each other by interference in shape and size and are detachable from each other.

[0026] According to the described embodiment, each of the hollow tubular segments comprises a first end portion and a second end portion opposite to the first end portion, wherein in a direction from the first end to the second end of the main hollow body, the first end portion of each of the segments is adapted to accommodate the second end portion of an adjacent hollow tubular segment by interference in shape and size.

[0027] According to the described embodiment, each of the hollow tubular segments comprises an overflow device adapted to allow the liquid to flow from the interior of the hollow tubular segment to the exterior of the hollow tubular segment.

[0028] According to the described embodiment, each of the overflow devices comprises a through slot made on the outer wall of the respective hollow tubular segment, wherein the through slot extends from the free edge of the first end portion.

[0029] According to the described embodiment, the device comprises a hollow container, wherein the main hollow body formed by the hollow tubular segment is housed within the hollow container.

[0030] According to the described embodiment, the device includes a first plug and a second plug, which are removably applied to a first end portion of the hollow container and a second end portion of the hollow container opposite to its first end portion, respectively, wherein the first plug and the second plug include a first through hole and a second through hole, which are suitable for allowing the liquid to enter the hollow container and allow the liquid to flow out of the hollow container, respectively.

[0031] According to the described embodiment, the hollow container comprises means suitable for allowing its application to a main pipe and placing the interior of the main pipe in communication with the interior of the main hollow body, thereby allowing the liquid to flow from the main pipe into the main hollow body.

[0032] According to the described embodiment, the device includes three hollow tubular segments, the size (diameter) of the through holes of the filter mesh of the first hollow tubular segment is between 1750 μm and 2150 μm, the size (diameter) of the through holes of the filter mesh of the second hollow tubular segment adjacent to the first hollow tubular segment is between 55 μm and 155 μm, and the size (diameter) of the through holes of the filter mesh of the third hollow tubular segment adjacent to the second hollow tubular segment is between 4 μm and 10 μm.

[0033] According to the described embodiment, the device includes four hollow tubular segments, wherein the size (diameter) of the through pores of the filter mesh of the first hollow tubular segment is between 1750 μm and 2150 μm, wherein the size (diameter) of the through pores of the filter mesh of the second hollow tubular segment adjacent to the first hollow tubular segment is between 55 μm and 155 μm, and wherein the size of the through pores of the filter mesh of the third hollow tubular segment adjacent to the second hollow tubular segment is between 4 μm and 10 μm.

[0034] Also described is a device for breeding experimental aquatic animal species, comprising a plurality of trays, each tray being adapted to contain a predetermined amount of liquid and to rear a subpopulation of said animal species, wherein said trays are interconnected by a circuit adapted to allow said liquid to circulate between said trays, wherein said device comprises at least one device according to one of the described embodiments, said at least one device being applied to said circuit in order to intercept at least a portion of the liquid transported or circulating within said circuit.

[0035] According to the described embodiment, the device is applied to the circuit in an arrangement that allows the liquid to flow within the main hollow body by gravity.

[0036] According to the described embodiment, the trays are arranged on a rack comprising stacked shelves. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0037] The following will describe embodiments of the present invention illustrated in the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0038] - Figure 1A and Figure 1B each showing a perspective view of an apparatus for maintaining (breeding, raising) aquatic animal species;

[0039] - Figure 2A and Figure 2B The apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention is respectively applied to Figure 1A and Figure 1B perspective and cross-sectional views of examples of apparatus of the type shown;

[0040] - Figure 3 shows a perspective view of the main body of a device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0041] - Figure 4 A perspective view showing a hollow container of an apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0042] - Figure 5A and Figure 5B shows a detailed cross-sectional view of an apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0043] - Figure 6 shows a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0044] - Figure 7 shows a side view of an apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0045] - Figure 8 shows a top plan view of an apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0046] - Figure 9 and Figure 10 Each shows a perspective view of a component of an apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0047] It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described below and depicted in the drawings; rather, all modifications and / or changes to the embodiments described below and depicted in the drawings will be obvious and straightforward to those skilled in the art.

[0048] Detailed description of the invention

[0049] The present invention is particularly advantageously applied to the microbial screening of maintenance water (breeding, feeding) of aquatic animal species (especially for experimental animals), which is why, hereinafter, the present invention will be described with particular reference to its application in the field of breeding (maintenance, feeding) of aquatic animal species, especially experimental animals.

[0050] However, it is worth noting that the possible applications of the present invention are not limited to the applications described below. On the contrary, the present invention is conveniently applicable to all situations where it is necessary to optimize the screening and / or microbial monitoring of liquids (e.g. water) that can contain organic and / or inorganic substances.

[0051] exist Figure 1A and Figure 1B In the figure, reference numeral 200 denotes an apparatus for breeding experimental aquatic species (small fish or the like); as depicted, the apparatus 200 comprises a rack (shelf) 201 comprising a plurality of shelves 202 arranged one above the other in a superimposed arrangement, each of said shelves 202 being adapted to support a plurality of trays (not shown for the sake of clarity) arranged side by side and each tray being adapted to contain a predetermined amount of maintenance water and therefore to rear a predetermined number of aquatic animals (variable according to the volume of the trays and the size of the aquatic animals). The trays are interconnected by a hydraulic circuit comprising pipes 203 and adapted to allow water to circulate between the trays, for which purpose the circuit comprises means housed in compartments 204 of the rack 201 and comprising, for example, pumps, filters and other means typical of each hydraulic circuit.

[0052] Since both the means for circulating the water in a circuit (in pipes and trays) and the method for circulating the water itself are generally known, a detailed description is omitted for reasons of generality.

[0053] like Figure 2A and Figure 2B As shown, the device 100 according to the present invention is installed along the hydraulic circuit of the equipment 200; Figure 2A and Figure 2B In a particular and non-exclusive case, the device 100 is applied to an elbow 205 of a pipe 203, in particular to a horizontal section 206 of the pipe 203, so that the device 100 is arranged substantially vertically and thus allows the water in the circuit to be introduced into the device 100 and to flow out of the device 100 substantially by gravity; however, different arrangements are possible, in which, for example, the device 100 is applied to a vertical section of the pipe 203 so as to be oriented in a substantially horizontal direction. Regardless of its orientation (vertical or horizontal or inclined), the device 100 is applied to the section of the pipe 203 so as to establish hydraulic communication with the circuit of the device 200, that is, to intercept the flow of the water circulating in the circuit according to the method explained in more detail below; in practice, by applying the device 100 to the device 200, a portion of the water circulating in the device 200 is introduced into the device 100 and discharged from the device 100, wherein the water discharged from the device 100 can be reintroduced into the circuit of the device 200 or dispersed or accumulated in a container.

[0054] Below, reference Figures 3 to 10 , an embodiment of the apparatus 100 will be described, wherein Figures 3 to 10 Components of the apparatus 100 and / or device 200 that have been described with reference to other figures are identified by the same reference numerals.

[0055] Figure 9 and Figure 10 A hollow tubular segment 101 is each shown, wherein the definition of hollow "tubular" refers to a hollow part of any cross-section, and thus not only circular (as is the case shown), but also eg substantially square or polygonal, elliptical etc.

[0056] Thus, each segment 101 comprises an outer wall 102 extending in a direction parallel to its longitudinal axis of symmetry between a first end portion 103 and a second end portion 104 opposite said first end portion 103, wherein said second end portion 104 is tapered or in any case shaped so as to be received in said first end portion 103 (of said second segment), so that said segments 101 are suitable for being connected to one another (e.g. Figure 3), that is, a mutual connection is formed between the second end portion 104 of the hollow tubular segment 101 and the first end portion 103 of the adjacent hollow tubular segment 101 by shape and size interference.

[0057] Multiple hollow tubular segments 101 (in Figure 3 The interconnection of the two tubular bodies (in the non-limiting example, four in number) in the manner described above results in the formation of a main hollow tubular body 110 adapted to allow the passage of liquid, in particular water, therethrough between an upstream end 111 and an opposite end (downstream end) 112. Figure 9 and Figure 10 As shown, each segment 101 comprises a filter mesh or net 105 arranged transversely (relative to the longitudinal axis of symmetry) and comprising a plurality of micropores. The filter mesh or net 105 is made of polyester (PES), with embodiments in which the outer wall 102 is made of a different plastic material, in particular polystyrene, being possible.

[0058] In use, the flow of breeding water (maintenance or feeding) in the main hollow tubular body 110 between the upstream end 111 and the downstream end 112 causes the capture of organic and / or inorganic matter that may be present in the water by each mesh or net 105, and in particular the formation of a film or layer of organic and / or inorganic matter on one or more of the meshes or nets 105, the formation of which is specifically facilitated by the choice of micropore size and the fact that at least the ground net 105 is made of polyester (PES).

[0059] In this regard, according to the present invention, the size of the micropores varies to decrease from the mesh 105 of the end segment 101 located more upstream to the mesh 105 of the end segment 101 located more downstream.

[0060] Specifically, in the case of a main hollow body 110 formed by three segments 101 arranged continuously and connected to each other, the size (diameter) of the through-holes of the filter mesh 105 of the first hollow tubular segment 101 located upstream is between 1750 μm and 2150 μm, the size of the through-holes of the filter mesh 105 of the (middle) second hollow tubular segment 101 is between 55 μm and 155 μm, and the size of the through-holes of the filter mesh 105 of the third hollow tubular segment located downstream is between 4 μm and 10 μm.

[0061] However, an embodiment is also possible in which the main hollow body 110 includes four segments 101 arranged in series and connected to each other to form the hollow body 110; in this case, the size (diameter) of the through-holes of the filter mesh 105 of the first hollow tubular segment 101 located more upstream is between 1750 μm and 2150 μm, the size of the through-holes of the filter mesh 105 of the (middle) second hollow tubular segment 101 is between 55 μm and 155 μm, the size of the through-holes of the filter mesh 105 of the (middle) third hollow tubular segment is between 4 μm and 10 μm, and the mesh 105 of the fourth segment 101 located more downstream corresponds to the size of the mesh 105 of the third segment 101, or alternatively, the fourth segment 101 does not include a filter mesh 105. The planar dimensions of the mesh 105 are between 400 square millimeters and 600 square millimeters.

[0062] As once again depicted, each segment 101 comprises a through slot 106 extending from the free edge of the first end portion 103 parallel to the longitudinal extension of the segment 101 (of the outer wall 102) and connecting the interior of the segment 101 with the exterior; in particular, the longitudinal extension of the slot 106 is greater than the longitudinal extension of the tapered portion 104, so that, by interconnecting the segments 101 to form the hollow body 110, each slot 106 is not completely blocked by said tapered portion 104 of the adjacent segment 101, but rather defines a through opening. Thus, each slot 106 defines an "overflow" device suitable for draining any excess water present in the body 110 to the outside (for example, in the event that one or more of the webs 105 becomes blocked by a film or layer of organic and / or inorganic matter).

[0063] The figures also show that the device 100 comprises a hollow outer container 120, in which the hollow body 110 is housed. The container 120 comprises a hollow element 121 which is closed at opposite ends by a first plug 122 and a second plug 123, respectively, the first plug 122 and the second plug 123 being made of an elastic material, such as silicone.

[0064] The first upper plug 122 is shaped so as to define: a first annular seat 128 in which the free edge of the upstream end of the container 120 engages by interference of shape and size when the plug 122 is in the closed position; and a second annular seat 124 in which the free edge of the end segment 101 situated further upstream of the body 110 engages, the first seat 128 and the second seat 124 being concentric with a diameter corresponding to the diameter of the container 120 and the respective body 110. The plug 122 further comprises a central through opening 125 and a second annular seat 124 for applying the device 100 to the pipe 203 (e.g. Figure 2A and Figure 2B ), wherein the through opening 125 allows water to be introduced into the device 100, in particular into the body 110 and / or into the hollow container 120.

[0065] The plug 123 comprises on a portion thereof an annular seat 126 in which the free edge of the downstream end of the container 120 engages by interference of shape and size when the plug 123 is in the closed arrangement, wherein the plug 123 comprises a through opening 127 for draining or flowing out of the device 100.

[0066] The use of the apparatus 100 for microbial screening of aquatic animal maintenance water can be summarized as follows.

[0067] By applying the device 100 to the apparatus 200 to intercept at least a portion of the water circulating in the apparatus 200's own circuit, the water continuously flows through the apparatus 100, enters through the opening 125, and exits through the opening 127 and thus passes through the main hollow body 110, causing a layer of organic and / or inorganic matter to accumulate on the mesh 105 of the segment 101 (or one or more of the segments). The formation of one or more layers or films of organic and / or inorganic matter can be visually monitored through the container 120 (transparent material), wherein when one or more layers that can be experimentally analyzed are formed, the device 100 is removed from the apparatus 200, and once the body 110 has been removed from the container 120, the segments 101 are separated and the corresponding films or layers are analyzed. Alternatively, the device 100 can be removed from the apparatus 200 according to a predetermined period, regardless of the degree of accumulation of organic and / or inorganic matter on the one or more meshes or webs 105.

[0068] Therefore, through the above detailed description of the embodiments of the present invention shown in the accompanying drawings, it has been demonstrated that the present invention can achieve the desired objectives and overcome or at least limit the disadvantages found in the background art.

[0069] In particular, the present invention provides an apparatus for microbiological screening of water used for the maintenance of aquatic animal species, in particular laboratory animals, and an apparatus for rearing said aquatic animal species, wherein:

[0070] The device 100 ensures reliable monitoring of water used for the rearing of aquatic animal species, in particular experimental animals;

[0071] It can be realized and implemented in a low-cost and simple (but not direct) way;

[0072] It does not involve the use of sentinel animals;

[0073] It avoids or at least limits the risk of pathogen transmission.

[0074] The device simultaneously allows organic and inorganic matter from an aquatic biotope environment or a portion thereof to be concentrated over time and promotes biofilm growth in an independent manner.

[0075] The device allows environmental microbiological monitoring of a defined microbiological unit as a whole.

[0076] By using specific plastic materials for the mesh or net 105, the device promotes the growth of biofilm.

[0077] The device is capable of providing the ability to filter a volume of recirculating water over time sufficient to retain microorganisms or fragments thereof that are identifiable by PCR.

[0078] Although the present invention has been explained above by means of a detailed description of the embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings, it is obvious that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above and shown in the accompanying drawings; on the contrary, all modifications and / or changes to the embodiments described and shown in the accompanying drawings will be obvious and straightforward for those skilled in the art.

[0079] Therefore, the scope of protection of the present invention is defined by the following claims.

Claims

1. A device (200) for breeding experimental aquatic animal species, said device (200) comprising a plurality of trays, each tray being suitable for containing a predetermined amount of liquid and for breeding a subpopulation of said animal species, wherein said trays are interconnected by a circuit, said circuit being suitable for allowing said liquid to circulate between said trays, characterised in that The apparatus (200) comprises at least one microbial screening device (100) applied to the circuit to intercept at least a portion of the liquid transported within the circuit, the microbial screening device (100) comprising a plurality of hollow tubular segments (101) arranged one after another and interconnected to define a main hollow tubular body (110), the main hollow tubular body being adapted to allow a fluid to flow between a first end (111) and a second end (112) thereof, the second The end portion is opposite to the first end portion (111) of the main hollow tubular body, wherein each hollow tubular segment (101) includes a filter screen or mesh (105), which is arranged generally transversely to its longitudinal extension direction and includes a plurality of through holes, wherein in the direction from the first end portion (111) to the second end portion (112), the size of the through holes of each filter screen or mesh (105) is larger than the size of the through holes of the filter screen or mesh (105) of the next hollow tubular segment (101).

2. The device (200) according to claim 1, characterized in that Each filter or mesh (105) is made of polyester (PES) and is adapted to promote the formation of biofilms that can be used for microbiological studies.

3. The device (200) according to claim 1, characterized in that The portion of each of the hollow tubular segments (101) other than the filter screen or mesh (105) is made of polystyrene.

4. The device (200) according to claim 1, characterized in that The hollow tubular segments (101) are connected to each other by interference in shape and size, and are suitable for being separated from each other.

5. The device (200) according to claim 4, characterized in that Each of the hollow tubular segments (101) includes a first end portion (103) and a second end portion (104) opposite to the first end portion (103); and in a direction from the first end portion (111) to the second end portion (112) of the main hollow tubular body (110), the first end portion (103) of each of the segments (101) is suitable for accommodating the second end portion (104) of the adjacent hollow tubular segment (101) by interference in shape and size.

6. The device (200) according to claim 5, characterized in that Each of the hollow tubular segments (101) comprises an overflow device (106) adapted to allow the liquid to flow from the interior of the hollow tubular segment (101) to the exterior of the hollow tubular segment (101).

7. The device (200) according to claim 6, characterized in that Each overflow device (106) comprises a through slot formed on the outer wall (102) of the respective hollow tubular segment (101); and the through slot extends from the free edge of the first end portion (103).

8. The device (200) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that The microorganism screening device (100) includes a hollow container (120); and the main hollow tubular body (110) formed by the hollow tubular segment (101) is accommodated in the hollow container (120).

9. The device (200) according to claim 8, characterized in that The microorganism screening device (100) includes a first plug (122) and a second plug (123), wherein the first plug and the second plug are respectively removably applied to a first end portion of the hollow container (120) and a second end portion of the hollow container (120) opposite to the first end portion thereof; and the first plug (122) and the second plug (123) respectively include a first through opening (125) and a second through opening (127), wherein the first through opening and the second through opening are respectively suitable for allowing the liquid to enter the hollow container (120) and allowing the liquid to flow out of the hollow container (120).

10. The device (200) according to claim 8, characterized in that The hollow container (120) comprises means adapted to allow it to be applied to a main conduit (203) and to communicate the interior of the main conduit (203) with the interior of the main hollow tubular body (110), thereby allowing the liquid to flow from the main conduit (203) into the main hollow tubular body (110).

11. The device (200) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that The microorganism screening device (100) comprises three hollow tubular segments (101); the diameter of the through-holes of the filter screen or mesh (105) of the first hollow tubular segment (101) is between 1750 μm and 2150 μm; the diameter of the through-holes of the filter screen or mesh (105) of the second hollow tubular segment (101) adjacent to the first hollow tubular segment (101) is between 55 μm and 155 μm; and the diameter of the through-holes of the filter screen or mesh (105) of the third hollow tubular segment (101) adjacent to the second hollow tubular segment is between 4 μm and 10 μm.

12. The device (200) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that The device comprises four hollow tubular segments; the diameter of the through-holes of the filter screen or mesh (105) of the first hollow tubular segment (101) is between 1750 μm and 2150 μm; the diameter of the through-holes of the filter screen or mesh (105) of the second hollow tubular segment (101) adjacent to the first hollow tubular segment (101) is between 55 μm and 155 μm; and the diameter of the through-holes of the filter screen or mesh (105) of the third hollow tubular segment (101) adjacent to the second hollow tubular segment is between 4 μm and 10 μm.

13. The device (200) according to claim 1, characterized in that The microbial screening device (100) is applied to the circuit in an arrangement that allows the liquid to flow within the main hollow tubular body (110) by gravity.

14. The device (200) according to claim 1, characterized in that The trays are arranged on a storage rack (201) comprising stacked shelves (202).

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