Virus detection devices, virus detection systems, virus detection methods and procedures products

Abstract

A simple, high-speed, and highly sensitive on-site virus detection device is provided. It comprises: a receptor-like membrane (13) with multiple receptor-like structures (14) arranged to mimic host cell receptors that specifically bind to the target virus; a virus delivery piping (A) forming a piping system that draws in the air to be tested (31a), compresses the air into a high-speed airflow containing the target virus (33b), concentrates the target virus contained in the air, and sprays the high-speed airflow onto the receptor-like membrane; a signal converter (12) converting a physical signal indicating a change in the physical state of the receptor-like membrane due to specific binding of the receptor-like structure to the target virus into an electrical signal; and a signal processing unit (50) performing integral differential detection based on the output data of the signal converter to detect specific binding of the receptor-like structure to the target virus.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a virus detection device, a virus detection system using the same device, a virus detection method using the same system, and a virus detection program that drives and controls the system as a computer system. In particular, it relates to an in-situ virus detection device, system, method, and program. Background Technology

[0002] Following the HCoV-OC43 pandemic of 1889–1891, which caused millions of deaths worldwide, seven other coronaviruses are known to affect humans: HCoV-229E, SARS-CoV, HCoV-NL43, HCoV-HKU1, MERS-CoV, SARS-CoV-2, and others. In addition to these seven human-infecting coronaviruses, numerous other coronaviruses have been discovered, including those infecting pigs (TGEV, PEDV, HEV), cats (FIPV, FECoV), dogs (CCoV), mice (MHV), and chickens (IBV).

[0003] On the other hand, in Japan, from 1952 to 2009, the average annual number of deaths from influenza was 12,000, compared to 25,000 before 1939. Furthermore, according to a January 2019 announcement from the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare, there have been weeks with more than 300,000 new influenza infections on a single day. The fight against viral infections is expected to continue in different forms and cycles, but on July 6, 2020, Mr. Shigeru Omi, chairman of the Novel Coronavirus Infection Control Subcommittee in Japan, stated, "How to balance socio-economic activities with measures to prevent the spread of infection is a major challenge." This major challenge can be solved by developing methods that can instantly and on-site measure the concentration of the virus in the air, or that can identify individuals testing positive for SARS-CoV-2 infection on-site. In other words, if it were possible to conduct appropriate ventilation or disinfection based on on-site measurements of the virus concentration in the air at common transportation facilities or event venues, and to perform breathalyzer tests at entrances, thus enabling immediate on-site screening to identify positive cases, then measures to prevent the spread of infection while balancing socio-economic activities could be implemented. However, according to the current Japanese government's assessment in 2021, after identifying positive cases through on-site testing, individuals would undergo polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing or antigen testing. However, at this stage, on-site testing machines capable of instantly and easily measuring SARS-CoV-2 virus concentration and identifying positive cases have not yet been developed.

[0004] Currently, antibodies and aptamers (hereinafter collectively referred to as "antibodies") that specifically bind to viruses, such as proteins or allergens, have been researched and developed for use in biosensors. However, these sensors do not yet offer the response or detection speed required for on-site monitoring. The antigen-antibody reaction used in antibody-based biosensors involves the recognition of molecules by the vibration of the molecular chains constituting the antibody molecules in water or a buffer solution simulating a living environment. Based on this mechanism, the reaction itself is high-speed. However, in liquid antigen-antibody reactions, the virus, as a reactant, must be supplied to the antibody through diffusion driven by a concentration gradient. This diffusion in liquids is based on random walk and is generally slow, resulting in response times of several minutes or more for liquid antigen-antibody reactions (see Non-Patent Literature 1). Consequently, responses such as rapid retreat from hazardous air environments or air purification through intensive ventilation, based on high-speed measurements at the second level, are slowed down, potentially increasing the risk of infection. In other words, existing biosensors inevitably use liquids as the reaction site, making them unsuitable for on-site monitoring (see Non-Patent Literature 1).

[0005] Existing liquid-based biosensors require immersing the sensor's detection unit in a liquid, a cleaning agent tank, a waste liquid tank, and even a flow path or pump to supply the liquid. Therefore, the mechanism is complex, and there are limitations to miniaturization and lightweight design, making the development of portable devices suitable for on-site measurements in transportation facilities, theaters, and similar settings difficult. Consequently, a measurement device that can easily and conveniently perform on-site monitoring, replacing large-scale equipment-based infection diagnostics such as PCR, remains elusive.

[0006] When virus-containing aerosols are collected from ambient air, the virus in the gas is transferred to the liquid through condensation caused by air cooling (see Patent Document 1) or bubbling in the liquid (see Patent Document 2). The virus structure is then identified using an antigen-antibody reaction in the liquid for detection. Therefore, this method is not suitable for on-site monitoring. For these reasons, the development of simple, miniaturized, and rapidly responding on-site virus detection machines has become an important social issue in order to prevent the disasters caused by pandemics of viral infectious diseases or to end the epidemic as soon as possible.

[0007] [Existing Technical Documents]

[0008] [Patent Literature]

[0009] [Patent Document 1] International Publication No. 2011 / 136344

[0010] [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2011-152109

[0011] [Non-patent literature]

[0012] [Non-Patent Literature 1] N. Moll et al., "Multipurpose Love acoustic wave immunosensor for bacteria, virus or protein detection", ITBM-RBM, Vol. 29, 2008, pp. 155-161

[0013] [Non-Patent Literature 2] P. Fabian et al., "Influenza virus in human exhaled breath: an observational study", PLoS ONE, Vol. 3, 2008, p.e2691 (online). Summary of the Invention

[0014] [The problem the invention aims to solve]

[0015] In view of the above-mentioned problems, the present invention aims to provide a virus detection device with a simple and miniaturized structure, a fast response speed and in-situ monitoring capability, a virus detection system using the virus detection device, a virus detection method using the virus detection system, and a virus detection program that drives and controls the virus detection system as a computer system.

[0016] [Methods used to solve problems]

[0017] The first aspect of the present invention is a virus detection device comprising: (a) a receptor-like membrane having a plurality of receptor-like structures having structures mimicking host cell receptors that specifically bind to a target virus; and (b) a virus delivery piping system that draws in test air containing the target virus, compresses the test air into a high-speed airflow of test aerosol, concentrates the target virus contained in the test air, and sprays the high-speed airflow onto the receptor-like membrane; and (c) a signal converter that converts a physical signal indicating a change in the physical state of the receptor-like membrane resulting from the specific binding of the receptor-like structure to the target virus into an electrical signal. The second aspect of the present invention is a virus detection system, which, in addition to the virus detection device of the first aspect, further comprises: a signal processing unit that drives the signal converter of the virus detection device of the first aspect, and performs integral differential detection based on the output data of the signal converter to detect that the receptor-like structure has specifically bound to the target virus.

[0018] The third aspect of the present invention is a virus detection method comprising: (a) preparing a receptor-mimicking membrane having a plurality of receptor-mimicking structures that mimic host cell receptors that specifically bind to a target virus; and (b) drawing in test air containing the target virus, compressing the test air into a high-speed airflow of test aerosol, concentrating the target virus contained in the test air, and spraying the high-speed airflow onto the receptor-mimicking membrane; and (c) converting a physical signal representing a change in the physical state of the receptor-mimicking membrane resulting from the specific binding of the receptor-mimicking membrane to the target virus into an electrical signal using a signal converter; and (d) performing an integral differential detection based on the electrical signal output by the signal converter, and determining that the receptor-mimicking membrane has specifically bound to the target virus.

[0019] The fourth aspect of the present invention is a virus inspection program that causes a computer to execute a series of commands comprising the following commands: (a) drawing in air containing a target virus, compressing the air into a high-speed airflow containing a target virus aerosol, concentrating the target virus contained in the air, and spraying the high-speed airflow onto a pseudo-receptor membrane having a structure that mimics a host cell receptor that specifically binds to the target virus; and (b) causing a signal converter to convert a physical signal representing a change in the physical state of the receptor membrane resulting from the pseudo-receptor specifically binding to the target virus into an electrical signal; and (c) causing an inspection means to perform an integral differential detection using an arithmetic logic calculation of the electrical signal output from the signal converter, and to determine that the pseudo-receptor has specifically bound to the target virus.

[0020] [Invention Effects]

[0021] According to the present invention, a virus detection device, virus detection system, virus detection method, and virus detection program that are simple in structure, miniaturized, and have a fast response speed and can be monitored on-site can be provided. Attached Figure Description

[0022] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the basic concept and implementation of the virus detection system described in this invention.

[0023] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the general structure of the sensor of the virus detection device described in the basic embodiment of the present invention.

[0024] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the general structure of the sensor unit of the virus detection device described in the basic embodiment.

[0025] Figure 4This is a bird's-eye view of the schematic structure of the handle base of the virus inspection device described in the basic implementation.

[0026] Figure 5 This is a schematic partial cross-sectional view from the left side of the schematic structure of the handle base of the virus inspection device described in the basic embodiment.

[0027] Figure 6 This is a schematic partial cross-sectional view from the front of the schematic structure of the handle base of the virus inspection device described in the basic embodiment.

[0028] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the specific configuration of the virus inspection device described in the first variation of the basic implementation.

[0029] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of another specific configuration of the virus inspection device described in the second variation of the basic implementation.

[0030] Figure 9 This is a block diagram of the general structure of the hardware resources of the signal processing unit constituting the virus inspection system described in the basic implementation.

[0031] Figure 10 (a) is a schematic diagram showing the spike protein receptor binding reaction on the surface of the receptor-like membrane when no liquid membrane is present on the surface of the receptor-like membrane of the sensor unit. Figure 10 (b) is a schematic diagram of the spike protein receptor binding reaction on the surface of the receptor-mimicking membrane when the receptor-mimicking membrane is covered by a liquid membrane during the spike protein receptor binding reaction.

[0032] Figure 11 (a) is a schematic diagram of an example in which the aerosol to be examined is carried by a high-speed airflow and sprayed onto the receptor membrane through a nozzle. Figure 11 (b) is a schematic diagram of another example of aerosols to be examined being carried by a high-speed airflow and sprayed onto a receptor membrane through a nozzle.

[0033] Figure 12 This is a flowchart illustrating the outline of the virus detection method described in the basic implementation.

[0034] Figure 13 This is a schematic diagram of the general structure of the detection container of the virus detection device described in the first extended embodiment of the present invention.

[0035] Figure 14 This is a schematic diagram of the general structure of the virus detection system described in the second extended embodiment of the present invention.

[0036] Figure 15This is a flowchart illustrating the outline of the virus detection method described in the second extended embodiment.

[0037] Figure 16 This is a schematic diagram of the general structure of the detection container of the virus detection device described in the second extended embodiment.

[0038] Figure 17 yes Figure 16 A schematic diagram of the detection container of a virus detection device viewed from the X direction.

[0039] Figure 18 (a) is a schematic diagram of the general structure of the virus detection system described in the third extended embodiment of the present invention. Figure 18 (b) is a schematic diagram of the general structure of the improved example of the detection container described in the third extended embodiment.

[0040] Figure 19 This is a flowchart illustrating the outline of the virus detection method described in the third extended implementation.

[0041] Figure 20 This is a diagram illustrating the principle of shortening inspection time in the third extended implementation form.

[0042] Figure 21 This is a schematic diagram of the nozzle of the virus detection device described in the fourth extended embodiment of the present invention.

[0043] Figure 22 (a) is a schematic diagram of the detection container of the virus detection device according to the fifth extended embodiment of the present invention, with the detection substrate removed. Figure 22 (b) is in Figure 22 (a) is a schematic diagram illustrating the position of the receptor-like membrane within the detection container that houses the detection substrate. Additionally, Figure 22 (c) is an explanation of... Figure 22 (a) is a schematic diagram of a structure in which the height of the inner wall of the gas detour chamber of the detection container is reduced.

[0044] Figure 23 This is a schematic diagram of the general structure of the detection container of the virus detection device described in the sixth extended embodiment of the present invention.

[0045] Figure 24 This is a block diagram of the schematic structure of the hardware resources of the signal processing unit constituting the virus inspection system described in the sixth extended embodiment.

[0046] Figure 25 This is a flowchart illustrating the outline of the virus detection method described in the sixth extended embodiment.

[0047] Figure 26(a) is a cross-sectional view as an exploded diagram, representing the structure of the main body of the virus inspection device described in the sixth extended embodiment. Figure 26 (b) is Figure 26 (a) is a cross-sectional view of the structure of the base portion inserted in the lower part of the container body, illustrating an example of the mechanism required to replace the sensor unit by assembling and disassembling the base portion, which is part of the turntable.

[0048] Figure 27 This is a schematic diagram of the outline structure of a 6-ball rotating moving mechanism (turntable) for automatically configuring sensor units on a detection container in the virus inspection device described in the 6th extended embodiment.

[0049] Figure 28 This is a schematic diagram of the general structure of the virus detection system described in the seventh extended embodiment of the present invention.

[0050] Figure 29 It constitutes Figure 28 A detailed schematic diagram of the aerosol generator and its surrounding structure of the virus detection device in the virus detection system shown.

[0051] Figure 30 This is a flowchart outlining the steps of the virus detection method described in the 7th extended embodiment.

[0052] Figure 31 This is a diagram of the response curve of the virus sensor of the virus detection device described in the 7th extended embodiment.

[0053] Figure 32 This is a diagram of the calibration curve used in the virus detection method described in the 7th extended embodiment.

[0054] Figure 33 This is a flowchart outlining the steps involved in sensitivity calibration in the virus detection method described in the 7th extended embodiment.

[0055] Figure 34 This is a detailed schematic diagram of the structure of the detection container and its surroundings of the virus detection device constituting the virus detection system of the eighth extended embodiment of the present invention.

[0056] Figure 35 (a) is a diagram showing in detail the state of the target virus and non-specifically adsorbed substances during the spraying of the air under examination. Figure 35 (b) is a diagram showing in detail the state of the target virus and non-specific adsorbed substances during the injection of purge gas.

[0057] Figure 36 This is a schematic diagram of the general structure of the virus inspection device described in other embodiments.

[0058] Figure 37 This is a schematic diagram of the general structure of a virus detection device described in another embodiment. Detailed Implementation

[0059] First, the basic technical concept of the present invention will be outlined below with reference to the drawings in the section on the basic embodiments of the present invention. Next, the first to eighth extended embodiments of the present invention, which expand upon the basic technical concept based on the basic embodiments, will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following drawings, the same or similar parts are indicated by the same or similar symbols. However, the drawings are schematic representations, and the relationship between thickness and planar dimensions, the ratio of thickness of each component, etc., will differ from the actual object; this must be noted. Therefore, specific thicknesses or dimensions must be determined by referring to the following explanation. Furthermore, the drawings will naturally include parts with different dimensional relationships or ratios.

[0060] Furthermore, the basic and extended embodiments shown below are representative embodiments illustrating the apparatus or method required to embody the technical concept of the present invention. The technical concept of the present invention is not limited to the materials, shapes, structures, and arrangements of the constituent parts as described below. Various modifications can be made to the technical concept of the present invention within the technical scope defined by the claims described in the patent application. Furthermore, the terms "left and right" or "up and down" in the following description are merely definitions for ease of explanation and are not intended to limit the technical concept of the present invention.

[0061] (Basic Implementation Form)

[0062] First, the basic concepts or ideas of the technical idea of ​​this invention will be explained. The virus detection system described in the basic embodiment of this invention, such as... Figure 1 As shown, the device includes: a detection substrate 11a with at least a portion having a receptor-like membrane 13 forming a membrane; a virus delivery pipe A for drawing in and concentrating the air to be tested 31a and spraying the air to be tested 31a onto the surface of the receptor-like membrane 13; and a signal processing unit 50 for integral differential detection of the presence of target viruses that have been bound to the surface of the receptor-like membrane 13 via spike protein receptor binding reaction, utilizing the detection function of the detection substrate 11a and the receptor-like membrane 13. Figure 10 The schematic diagram shows that the pseudo-receptor 14 presents, for example, a structure that mimics proteins called immunoglobulins produced by B cells and, similarly, a host cell receptor on the surface of biological cells, has the function of recognizing specific viruses and specifically binding to spike glycoprotein spikes of the virus.

[0063] The receptor-binding domain (RBD) of the viral spike glycoprotein binds to the host cell receptor on the surface of biological cells, and similarly to the binding reaction of the "spike glycoprotein receptor," the virus detection system described in the basic embodiment focuses on... Figure 10 The spike glycoprotein 17 of the target virus 60, as shown, binds to receptor-like structure 14 to form spike protein receptor binding 19, thus detecting the presence of the target virus. Furthermore, Figure 10 (b) is an illustrative diagram illustrating the binding of the RBD of spike glycoprotein 17 to receptor 14 in a state where the surface of the receptor-like membrane 13 is coated with a liquid membrane 61. Relative to Figure 10 (b) Figure 10 (a) is an illustrative diagram illustrating the model in which the RBD of the spike glycoprotein 17 of the target virus 60 binds to the receptor 14 under the action of the liquid contained in the aerosol 33b, when the receptor-like membrane 13 is not covered by the liquid membrane 61. Then, similar to the case of biological cells, the RBD of the spike glycoprotein 17 of the target virus 60 binds to the receptor 14 to form a spike protein receptor binding 19 reaction, referred to in this specification as a "specific binding reaction".

[0064] In the virus detection system described in the basic embodiment, the structure of the pseudo-receptor 14, which can be used as the target of detection, is considered to mimic the structure of a general antibody such as an IgG type antibody. Figure 10 The schematic diagram illustrates the structure of a Y-shaped pseudo-receptor 14, mimicking the shape of a Y-shaped antibody formed by the binding of a pair of H and L chains. The host cell receptor on the surface of biological cells, where the virus primarily binds, is located at the pointed tip of the portion where the H and L chains face each other (called the variable portion). Therefore, it is sufficient to prepare only the structure of this portion as the pseudo-receptor 14 of the virus detection device described in the basic embodiment. For example, if... Figure 10 In the case of the target virus 60 illustrated, which is SARS-CoV-2, it is known that the RBD of spike glycoprotein 17 binds with high affinity to angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2 receptor) on the surface of human cells. Assuming it is SARS-CoV-2, the structure of receptor 14 could mimic the structure of a VHH antibody, which is formed by removing only the variable portion of an antibody constructed solely with the H chain. VHH antibodies are formed by cleaving the variable domain portion of a characteristic antibody called a heavy chain antibody, found in alpacas and similar organisms. Unlike typical IgG antibodies, they bind to antigens such as viruses using only a single chain.

[0065] like Figure 1As shown, the virus inspection device constituting the virus inspection system described in the basic embodiment may also include, as needed: a humidified air delivery pipe B, which is integrated in the middle of the virus delivery pipe A to supply pure humidified air to the receptor membrane 13 of the detection substrate 11a through the virus delivery pipe A; a dry air delivery pipe C to supply pure dry air to the receptor membrane 13 of the detection substrate 11a through the virus delivery pipe A; and a purge gas delivery pipe D to supply sterilizing gas or purge gas to the suction pump 40 through the virus delivery pipe A and the detection container 10, etc.

[0066] Generally, viruses are droplets, microdroplets (aerosols), droplet nuclei, etc., contained in the air being tested 31a. Although droplets are considered to be larger than 5 μm, and microdroplets or droplet nuclei are considered to be smaller than 5 μm, since the size of aerosols has various definitions, the general term for droplets, microdroplets, and droplet nuclei is considered "aerosol" in this specification. The air being tested 31a of the virus testing device described in the basic embodiment refers to the air being tested as the object for checking the presence or absence of viruses, including air taken from living spaces, public buildings, or vehicles, or breath taken from the subject in breath analysis or breath diagnosis. "Pure humid air" refers to air free of impurity particles or viruses, and means air containing water, which serves as the reaction site for specific binding reactions, or vapors of a buffer solution that simulates a living environment. In addition, "dry air" refers to dry air free of impurity particles or viruses.

[0067] In the virus detection system described in the basic embodiment, the sensor, which serves as the signal converter 12 and has comb-shaped sensor electrodes, is exemplarily intended to be used as follows: Figure 2 In the case of the spherical surface acoustic wave sensor (hereinafter referred to as "spherical SAW sensor") 1003 shown, the detection substrate 11a is a homogeneous piezoelectric crystal sphere, such as a crystal ball. Figure 2 As can be seen, the spherical SAW sensor 1003 used in the virus detection device described in the basic embodiment includes a detection substrate 11a, a signal converter 12 disposed on the detection substrate 11a, and a receptor-like membrane 13. The detection substrate 11a may have the receptor-like membrane 13 mounted on at least a portion of its surface, and the surface state of the receptor-like membrane 13 may change. As long as the substrate is capable of mounting a signal converter 12 that converts a physical signal representing a change in the surface state of the receptor-like membrane 13 into an electrical signal, it is not limited to piezoelectric crystal spheres. The spherical SAW sensor 1003 is as follows... Figure 2As shown, the pseudo-receptor membrane 13 disposed on at least a portion of the surface of the piezoelectric crystal sphere, which serves as the detection substrate 11a, is a surface acoustic wave (SAW) sensing membrane formed by arranging pseudo-receptors 14 capable of specifically binding to viruses on the surface. SAWs propagate within this pseudo-receptor membrane 13. That is, the spherical SAW sensor 1003 of the virus detection device described in the basic embodiment has the following basic structure: Figure 2 As shown, it generally includes: a detection substrate 11a, a signal transducer 12 disposed on the detection substrate 11a, a pseudo-receptor membrane 13, and a pseudo-receptor 14 disposed on the pseudo-receptor membrane 13. Figure 2 In the illustrated spherical SAW sensor 1003, the signal converter 12 disposed in a predetermined area on the surface of the detection substrate 11a is a comb-shaped sensor electrode.

[0068] That is, the acoustic signal representing the change in mass of the receptor-like membrane 13, which is formed by the specific binding of the receptor-like receptor 14 to the target virus, is converted into an electrical signal by the signal converter 12. The electrical signal output by the signal converter 12 represents the increase in the weight areal density of the receptor-like membrane 13 formed by the virus binding to the receptor-like receptor 14 as a delayed response of the SAW, which is then integrated differentially detected by the signal processing unit 50. The detection container 10 that houses the detection substrate 11a, such as... Figure 1 As shown, the spherical SAW sensor 1003 is stored in a sealed space in a manner that allows the signal converter 12 to output the electrical signal necessary for integrating differential detection. Figure 2 The spherical SAW sensor 1003 shown, and the detection container 10 storing the spherical SAW sensor 1003, constitute the "detection unit 1000" of the virus detection device described in the basic embodiment. Figure 3 It is constructed as shown. Then, in Figure 3 In the structure of the detection unit 1000 shown, the air to be tested 31a is introduced into the detection container 10, and a high-speed airflow containing concentrated target virus is sprayed onto the spherical SAW sensor 1003 stored in the detection container 10. That is, the detection container 10 provides an airtight space that is isolated from the outside, which is necessary for the signal converter 12 to convert the acoustic signal accompanying the change in the physical state of the target virus present in the air to be tested 31a into an electrical signal.

[0069] The detection container 10 for housing the spherical SAW sensor 1003, such as Figure 3 As shown, in one side (in) Figure 3 The left side) has an inlet 35a, and on the other side opposite to the inlet 35a (in Figure 3 The right side of the virus delivery pipe A is equipped with an exhaust pipe 134. The gas injection side end of the virus delivery pipe A... Figure 3 The left side is connected to the inlet 35a of the detection container 10. Figure 1 The suction pump 40 shown is in Figure 3 The right side is connected to the exhaust pipe 134 of the detection container 10. The detection container 10 is hollow, and a spherical SAW sensor 1003 is disposed inside it. The detection substrate 11a is spherical, such as... Figure 2 As shown, a portion, or almost entirely, of the surface of the detection substrate 11a is covered by the receptor-like membrane 13.

[0070] The detection substrate 11a of the spherical SAW sensor 1003 of the virus detection device described in the basic embodiment is a homogeneous material sphere with a circular annular band defined for SAW propagation. A signal converter 12, composed of comb-shaped sensor electrodes, generates a collimated beam of SAW that propagates cyclically through a sensing membrane (actuated as a receptor membrane 13) formed on an annular track and through the circular annular track defined on the piezoelectric sphere. Figure 2 The set of longitudinal lines along the equator of the detection substrate 11a is used to patternically represent the wavefront 99 of the surface acoustic wave constituting the collimated beam. Figure 2 In the illustrated pattern structure, the receptor-like membrane 13 can be formed over almost the entire annular band that delineates the annular orbitals on the three-dimensional matrix. Because the receptor-like membrane 13 possesses receptor-like receptors 14 that specifically bind to specific viruses, by selecting the structure of the receptor-like receptors 14, it is possible to examine whether the air being examined 31a contains a specific virus.

[0071] As a basic embodiment, the piezoelectric sphere constituting the detection substrate 11a of the virus detection device can be made of: crystal, lanxylene (La3Ga5SiO2). 14 Lithium niobate (LiNbO3), lithium tantalate (LiTaO3), piezoelectric ceramics (PZT), bismuth germanium oxide (Bi) 12 GeO 20 Crystal spheres such as ) etc. As the substrate of the pseudo-acceptor membrane 13, the membrane can be made of silica (SiO2). x Such films, etc. On such a substrate, a chromium (Cr) film can be patterned into a comb-shaped individual electrode (IDT) and mounted as a signal converter 12. In the case of a single crystalline sphere, such as a homogeneous piezoelectric sphere, the path of surface acoustic waves is limited to a specific orbital band with a certain width, depending on the type of crystalline material. The width of the orbital band can also increase or decrease with the anisotropy of the crystal.

[0072] In the case of the spherical SAW sensor 1003 of the virus detection device described in the basic embodiment, there is no diffraction loss when the beam passes around the circumference of the piezoelectric sphere constituting the detection substrate 11a; only propagation loss due to material attenuation occurs. The collimated beam continuously circulates through the sensor, only diffraction loss occurs when the beam passes around the circumference of the piezoelectric sphere constituting the detection substrate 11a. Figure 1 The pseudo-receptor membrane 13, surrounded by a dotted line in the pattern, adsorbs the target virus contained in the air being inspected 31a. The target virus adsorbed by the pseudo-receptors 14 on the pseudo-receptor membrane 13 causes a change in the propagation characteristics of the SAW of the spherical SAW sensor 1003. Therefore, the change in the propagation characteristics of the target virus adsorbed on the pseudo-receptor membrane 13 is accumulated during multiple passes of the collimated beam of the SAW. Therefore, according to the virus inspection device of the basic embodiment, even if the amount of target virus contained in the air being inspected 31a is trace, the target virus can still be detected instantly and effectively, thus improving the accuracy of on-site inspection of target viruses.

[0073] Figure 2 The schematic diagram shows that the aerosol under inspection 33b is the aerosol that has passed through filter 30a in the coarse aerosol 33a, and its size L2 depends on the performance of filter 30a. Figure 2 Although not explicitly stated, the size of the target virus 60 contained in the examined aerosol 33b is typically from tens of nm to hundreds of nm. On the other hand, the size L1 of the detection substrate 11a is generally 1 mm to 5 mm, preferably around 3 mm. However, in the virus inspection apparatus described in the basic embodiment, the optimal size L1 of the detection substrate 11a can be determined based on the size of the inspection apparatus or the frequency of replacement of the detection substrate 11a.

[0074] Forming such a surface on the detection substrate 11a Figure 10 There are various methods for arranging a plurality of receptor-like membranes 13 with multiple receptor-like structures 14 as shown, but one method is to chemically or physically bind the plurality of receptor-like structures 14 to an insoluble support such as beads or membranes. For chemical binding, conventional covalent bonding can be considered, while for physical binding, van der Waals can be considered. As the support, agar gum or quartz can be used, for example, by fixing aldehyde groups or NHS groups (N-hydroxysuccinimide groups) on the surface of the support, allowing them to form amide bonds with the amino groups in the plurality of receptor-like structures 14. Alternatively, Protein A or Protein G can be fixed on the surface of the support, and the plurality of receptor-like structures 14 can be affinity-bonded to Protein A or Protein G. When implementing affinity bonding, a cross-linking agent can be added to strengthen the affinity bonding.

[0075] Another method for forming multiple pseudo-receptors 14 is to encapsulate a support within a network of polymeric compounds. For example, the support can be encapsulated within a network cross-linked from polyvinyl alcohol (PVA). Using this cross-linked network of PVA as the pseudo-receptor membrane 13, by providing the pseudo-receptor membrane 13 on at least a portion of the detection substrate 11a, the following can be achieved: Figure 2 The spherical SAW sensor 1003 is shown. By housing this spherical SAW sensor 1003 inside the detection container 10, a configuration such as... Figure 3 The detection unit 1000 of the virus inspection device shown in the basic embodiment.

[0076] Since the receptor-like membrane 13 consists of multiple arrangements of organic receptor-like receptors 14, careful attention must be paid to the storage of the detection unit 1000 or the spherical SAW sensor 1003. Considering that the receptor-like receptors 14 are proteins, they must be stored under conditions that will not denature them, including temperature, pH, and other environmental conditions. In particular, regarding temperature, depending on the type of receptor-like receptor 14, some will denature without freezing (around -80°C), while others only require refrigeration (around 4°C) or remain stable at room temperature. Therefore, appropriate storage must be performed according to the type of receptor-like receptor 14. Furthermore, the detection unit 1000 or the spherical SAW sensor 1003 can be stored by coating the surface of the receptor-like receptors 14 with a stabilizer or by immersing them in a liquid stabilizer. In this case, commonly used stabilizers such as glycerol, trehalose, and sucrose can be used.

[0077] Regarding the spherical SAW sensor 1003, it is generally advisable to first apply a mask to the pseudoreceptor 14. A method can be adopted where the mask is removed only when in use to activate the pseudoreceptor 14, and then the mask is applied again when not in use. For example, the pseudoreceptor 14 can also be protected by applying a mask with something like a pseudoantigen. When the detection unit 1000 or the spherical SAW sensor 1003 is to be used, the pseudoantigen is separated using an acid, alkali, or buffer solution. After using the spherical SAW sensor 1003, it is preferable to reapply the mask to the pseudoantigen using a buffer solution containing a large amount of it. Furthermore, in cases where the pseudoreceptor 14 is stable even without a mask, the mask may not be necessary.

[0078] The used detection unit 1000 or spherical SAW sensor 1003 can be reused by removing the target virus that has already bound to the pseudo-receptor 14, and even impurities other than the target virus that are attached to the pseudo-receptor membrane 13 or other parts. In this case, it is preferable to sterilize the used detection substrate 11a before reuse. As a sterilization process, sterilization / sterilization methods such as heating, acid / alkali, high-concentration alcohol, ultraviolet light, and surfactants can be used. However, it is conditional that the pseudo-receptor 14, which is a protein, will not be denatured during sterilization. In addition, it is preferable to sterilize the virus delivery piping A, the interior of the detection container 10, and the suction pump 40, which may allow the target virus to pass through, as needed. In this case, a strong sterilization or washing method that the piping system or the detection container 10 can withstand can be used.

[0079] While the method of removing the used detection substrate 11a from the detection container 10 and regenerating it has been described above, a mechanism can also be provided to restore the activity of the pseudo-receptor 14 while the detection substrate 11a is placed inside the detection container 10. For example, by providing a sterilization mechanism inside the detection container 10, the target virus bound to the pseudo-receptor 14 via the spike protein receptor binding 19, or impurities other than the target virus attached to the pseudo-receptor membrane 13 or other parts, can be removed during the initial stage of the virus inspection method or inspection procedure described later.

[0080] like Figure 1 As shown, the virus delivery pipe A of the virus inspection device in the basic embodiment includes a filter 30a, an on / off valve 32, and a common concentration mechanism 34. The filter 30a, having the function of removing particles larger than a predetermined size (e.g., 4 μm) from the aerosols (0.1~30 μm) contained in the air being inspected 31a, is provided at the inlet side of the virus delivery pipe A. This predetermined size varies depending on the type of virus, and may differ depending on whether the virus is likely to cause airborne infection, aerosol infection, or droplet infection.

[0081] The humidified air delivery pipe B of the virus inspection device described in the basic embodiment is connected to the virus delivery pipe A midway, specifically between the on / off valve 32 and the common concentration mechanism 34, and includes: a filter 21, a mass flow controller (MFC) 22, a humidifier 20, a humidification input valve 23a, and a humidification output valve 23b. The humidification input valve 23a and the humidification output valve 23b are three-way valves, and the humidifier 20 consists of a sprayer (liquid atomizing device) for generating moisture and an impregnation tube. The filter 21 contains activated carbon and has the function of removing impurities or moisture contained in the ambient air to generate pure, dry air. Here, ambient air is preferably air taken from a space different from the inspection room or from outside air, but there is no particular limitation; it can also be air taken from the same space as the inspection room. The humidifier 20 has the function of generating pure, humidified air by incorporating vapors of the liquid used in the specific binding reaction into the pure, dry air.

[0082] The dry air delivery pipe C of the virus inspection device described in the basic embodiment bypasses the path through the humidifier 20 from the humidified air delivery pipe B. The purge gas delivery pipe D of the virus inspection device described in the basic embodiment is connected midway to the virus delivery pipe A, and is located between the filter 30a and the on / off valve 32, and includes a gas supply unit 70. The gas supply unit 70 selectively supplies sterilizing gas or purge gas to the virus delivery pipe A via the purge gas delivery pipe D. The sterilizing gas, for example, after checking for the presence or absence of viruses in the air, travels from the virus delivery pipe A to the suction pump 40 to remove viruses or other contaminants adhering to the pipe or machine. The purge gas is used to remove non-specific adsorbed substances other than target viruses adsorbed on the surface of the detection substrate 11a. In addition, it is necessary to remove the gas remaining in the piping or machine before supplying the sterilizing gas, and it is also necessary to remove the gas in the piping or machine in advance before confirming the humidity in the piping or machine obtained by driving the humidifier 20.

[0083] In the virus inspection device described in the basic embodiment, the aerosol from the filter 30a is mixed with the pure humid air from the humidifier 20 to form the inspected aerosol 33b, which is composed of water-containing aerosol. Figure 1 The common condensation mechanism 34, represented by a triangle pattern, is as follows: Figure 11 (a) or Figure 11 As illustrated in (b), the nozzle shape can be a pointed shape, but it is not required to be... Figure 11 (a) or Figure 11The structure shown in (b) can be varied as long as it contains a sharp, conical shape. Through the common concentration mechanism 34, the group of tested aerosols 33b, composed of aqueous aerosols, becomes denser, and the volumetric density of the target viruses contained in the tested aerosols 33b is further concentrated. The group of tested aerosols 33b ejected from the common concentration mechanism 34, such as... Figure 1 As shown, the aerosol is drawn into a high-speed gas flow by a suction pump 40 connected to the detection container 10 and sprayed from the common concentration unit 34 into the interior of the detection container 10. A group of aerosols 33b to be inspected is carried in this high-speed gas flow and sprayed onto the receptor-like membrane 13, which is coated with at least a portion of the detection substrate 11a. Furthermore, Figure 11 The nozzle structure of (b) is a dual structure with a sheath flow F that provides collimation and focusing, flowing around a group of aerosols 33b being inspected. The sheath flow F is pure air, which flows through it and surrounds the aerosol jet inside, preventing the aerosol jet from spreading out and resulting in better collection. This allows for the concentration of the group of aerosols 33b being inspected, consisting of water-containing aerosols, onto the surface of the pseudo-receptor membrane 13 of the spherical SAW sensor 1003.

[0084] Figure 9 The signal processing unit 50 of the virus detection system shown in the basic embodiment controls... Figure 1 The operation of the detection container 10, humidifier 20, mass flow controller 22, suction pump 40, and gas supply unit 70 is shown. Additionally, the signal processing unit 50 controls the opening and closing of the on / off valve 32, and the operation of the humidification input valve 23a and humidification output valve 23b. Pure, dry air, having passed through the filter 21, is supplied to the humidifier 20 after its flow rate is adjusted in the mass flow controller 22, or via the dry air delivery pipe C to the virus delivery pipe A between the on / off valve 32 and the common concentrator 34, which has a pointed, conical shape. Pure humidified air from the humidifier 20 is supplied to the virus delivery pipe A between the on / off valve 32 and the common concentrator 34. The humidified air delivery pipe B and the dry air delivery pipe C are selectively chosen by the signal processing unit 50.

[0085] like Figure 3As shown, the detection container 10 of the virus detection device constituting the basic embodiment described herein has an inlet 35a connected to a common concentration mechanism 34 that concentrates the number and volume density of a group of test aerosols 33b formed from water-containing aerosols. The detection container 10 constituting the detection unit 1000 is a cuboid-shaped sealed container consisting of a metal box 123 with an open top and a metal cover 121 that closes the top of the box 123. To form a sealed container, an O-ring groove 132a is formed at the upper end of the box 123, which is a U-shaped groove cut around the upper part of the box 123, and an O-ring 131a is housed in the O-ring groove 132a. On the topology corresponding to the O-ring groove 132a, the O-ring groove 133a on the underside of the cover 121 is carved into a U-shape. On the other side facing the inlet 35a of the box portion 123 (in... Figure 3 An exhaust pipe 134 is provided on the right side of the structure, and an orifice plate 9 is provided inside the exhaust pipe 134. A common concentrator 34 and an inlet 35a connected to the common concentrator 34 constitute a [structure / system]. Figure 1 A portion of the virus delivery piping A, represented in a conceptual pattern, passes through... Figure 1 The filter 30a and the group of aerosols 33b being inspected are sprayed as a high-speed airflow toward the pseudo-receptor membrane 13 of the spherical SAW sensor 1003 housed in the detection container 10.

[0086] A common concentration mechanism 34 is disposed inside the first path end 124a, which is the end of the virus delivery piping A. It is shaped like a jet nozzle with a tapered orifice, forming a high-speed airflow toward the receptor membrane 13. The common concentration mechanism 34 at the first path end 124a is hermetically connected to the inlet 35a of the housing 123 using an O-ring 131b. Therefore, an O-ring groove 132b is formed on the left side of the housing 123, a U-shaped groove carved around the inlet 35a, in which the O-ring 131b is housed. Corresponding to the O-ring groove 132b, an O-ring groove 133b is formed on the right side of the first path end 124a, also a U-shaped groove.

[0087] Sphere SAW sensor 1003 in Figures 4-6 The interior of the handle-mounted base 1001 shown is housed with its north-south orientation adjusted. The handle-mounted base 1001 includes: a frame portion 111, a frame cover 112 disposed on top of the frame portion 111, and a handle 113 for holding the frame portion 111. The frame portion 111 of the handle-mounted base 1001 is a cubic or rectangular resin perforated frame capable of housing the spherical SAW sensor 1003. Figure 5As shown in the upper left part, the top (top) side of the frame part 111 with four vertical columns has a handle 113 that serves as a grip during replacement, which is integrally formed with the frame part 111. Figure 4 and Figure 6 It can be seen that the handle 113 has a plate-like structure. For example... Figure 4 As shown, a frame cover 112 is provided on the upper part of the frame portion 111, which allows the upper part of the frame portion 111 to be opened and is detachably provided. An upper electrical contact hole 117 is provided in the center of the frame cover 112 for making electrical contact with the north pole electrode 118 located at the north pole of the spherical SAW sensor 1003. Similarly, a lower electrical contact hole is provided in the center of the lower part of the frame portion 111 for making electrical contact with the south pole electrode 119 located at the south pole of the spherical SAW sensor 1003, but... Figure 4 Since the south pole side of the detection substrate 11a is in contact with the lower electrical contact hole provided below, the lower electrical contact hole provided below is not shown in further detail. Because the detection substrate 11a is spherical, the lower electrical contact hole and the upper electrical contact hole 117 at the center of the lower part of the handle base 1001 are also arranged with a circular opening to prevent the detection substrate 11a from rotating.

[0088] Depend on Figure 5 and Figure 6 It is known that the spherical SAW sensor 1003 is pre-calibrated with the north pole electrode 118, south pole electrode 119 and equatorial plane of the detection substrate 11a, and then inserted into the handle base 1001 and fixed by the edge of the upper electrical contact hole 117 and the edge of the lower electrical contact hole. Figure 4 The cover 121 of the detection container 10 shown is designed to be easily detached from the housing 123. Therefore, by removing the cover 121 from the housing 123, the frame 111 can be easily moved in and out from the upper part of the housing 123. That is, during the assembly of the detection unit 1000, the north pole electrode 118, south pole electrode 119, and equatorial plane of the spherical SAW sensor 1003 are required to be precisely calibrated. This requirement, as... Figures 4-6 As shown, the assembly structure in which the spherical SAW sensor 1003 has been precisely calibrated and adjusted inside the frame portion 111 can be prepared in advance (at the time of factory shipment) with the handle base 1001, thus solving the problem. That is, if the handle base 1001 is prepared in advance, even users of the virus detection device described in the basic embodiment without calibration and adjustment technology can easily assemble the detection unit 1000 to move the spherical SAW sensor 1003 into and out of the detection container 10.

[0089] Therefore, in practical terms, the assembly of the handle base 1001 and the spherical SAW sensor 1003 housed in the handle base 1001 can be shipped from the factory as a "sensor unit," and the user can assemble the detection unit 1000. Figure 3 It can be seen that, corresponding to the position of the handle 113, below the cover 121, there is a U-shaped calibration groove. For example... Figure 3 As shown, if a U-shaped calibration groove is prepared under the cover 121, the upper end of the handle 113 can be easily aligned with the position of the aerosol jet sprayed from the inlet 35a and the pseudo-receptor membrane 13 by fitting the upper end of the handle 113 into the calibration groove. Figures 4-6 The handle base 1001 shown can also be used in processes such as the formation or regeneration of the pseudo-receptor membrane 13, and has the function of making the operation of the detection substrate 11a during processing easier.

[0090] like Figure 3 As shown, in the basic embodiment of the virus detection device, an electrode holder 122 made of an insulator is disposed at the center of the cover 121 of the detection container 10. A rod-shaped external electrode 105 penetrates vertically through the center of the electrode holder 122. The lower tip of the external electrode 105 is electrically connected to the north electrode 118 through an upper electrical contact hole 117. The metal casing 123 is set to ground potential. Figure 3 As shown, the central protrusion at the bottom of the housing 123 is electrically connected to the south electrode 119 via a lower electrical contact hole located at the center below the frame 111. Furthermore, although not shown in the figure, a Peltier element or a thermistor can also be assembled in the housing 123. The Peltier element is used to heat and cool the detection substrate 11a, and the thermistor, such as a thermocouple, can be replaced with other temperature sensors for temperature adjustment of the detection substrate 11a. As described above, an O-ring 131a, serving as a sealing member, is disposed between the upper part of the housing 123 and the cover 121, thus providing a detachable structure for replacing the sensor unit and the handle base 1001. Therefore, the structure using the O-ring 131a ensures an airtight seal to prevent gas leakage after the handle base 1001 is moved in and out.

[0091] Will Figure 1 The virus inspection device is conceptually constructed based on the virus inspection system described in the basic embodiment shown, through, as... Figure 7 The specific configuration described in the first variation shown can be implemented relatively simply and elegantly. That is, in Figure 1In this process, the paths of virus delivery piping A, humidified air delivery piping B, and dry air delivery piping C are selectively chosen by controlling the actions of the on / off valve 32, humidification input valve 23a, and humidification output valve 23b. However, if using... Figure 7 The specific configuration of the virus detection device shown in the first variant allows for switching the paths of virus delivery piping A, humidified air delivery piping B, and dry air delivery piping C even without using the on / off valve 32, humidification input valve 23a, and humidification output valve 23b. Furthermore, in Figure 7 In the virus detection device described in the first variant, Figure 3 The interior of the sealed container formed by the box portion 123 and the cover portion 121, as shown, is simplified to a "frame 1a" for the entire structure in which the handle base 1001 is housed. Furthermore, in Figure 7 middle, Figure 2 The symbol 1003 for the spherical SAW sensor 1003 shown is appropriately omitted. Additionally, Figure 3 The symbol 1000 for the detection unit 1000 shown is also omitted. In the corresponding diagrams, the omission of symbols 1003 or 1000 is also present. Figure 7 The description uses terms like "spherical SAW sensor (11a, 12, 13)" and "detection unit (11a, 12, 13, 1a)". Additionally, in... Figure 3 In the description, the common concentration mechanism 34 at the first path end 124a and the inlet 35a of the box section 123 are described as being airtightly connected using an O-ring 131b, but... Figure 7 Instead, the first concentration mechanism (virus concentration mechanism) 34a at the first path end 124a and the inlet 35a of the frame 1a are connected in an airtight manner using an O-ring 131b. The first concentration mechanism 34a is a specialized concentration mechanism that compresses an aerosol containing the target virus into a high-speed airflow and sprays the high-speed airflow containing the concentrated target virus onto the pseudo-receptor membrane 13 for this purpose.

[0092] Then, in Figure 7 In the specific configuration of the virus detection device according to the first variation of the basic embodiment shown, the second path end 124b and the third path end 124c, having a central axis that is radially related to the central axis along the spray direction of the first path end 124a, are arranged. That is, in Figure 7The center point of the circle formed by the dashed line surrounding the frame 1a intersects the injection directions of the three types of high-speed airflows from the first path end 124a, the second path end 124b, and the third path end 124c. The first path end 124a is designed to inject the test air 31a into the pseudo-receptor membrane 13 of the spherical SAW sensor (11a, 12, 13) via the first concentration mechanism 34a located at the tip (ejection side). Furthermore, the first path end 124a is independent of the frame 1a, but can be joined / detached from it via the O-ring 131b. That is, the first path end 124a along... Figure 7 The relative rotation of the circle around the dotted line of the frame 1a allows the connection relationship to be changed to the second path end 124b or the third path end 124c.

[0093] The term "relative rotation" can refer to the rotation of the central frame 1a, or conversely, the central frame 1a being fixed while a rotating disk housing the first path end 124a, the second path end 124b, and the third path end 124c rotates. The second path end 124b, like the first path end 124a, is specifically designed for the second concentrating mechanism (dry air concentrating mechanism) 34b, which has a pointed, conical shape. Furthermore, on the input side of the second path end 124b, a drying chamber 2c with a dryer is installed, and the connecting pipe 135b is connected with a leak-proof, airtight structure. After the relative rotational movement of the inlet 35a of the frame 1a to the second path end 124b, the second concentrating mechanism 34b of the second path end 124b and the inlet 35a of the frame 1a are airtightly connected using an O-ring 131c. The second path end 124b supplies pure, dry air to the surface of the pseudo-receptor membrane 13 of the spherical SAW sensor (11a, 12, 13) for a purging process to remove non-specific adsorbed substances that are impurities adhering to the inner wall of the frame 1a or the surface of the detection substrate 11a.

[0094] At the third path end 124c, a third concentrator (humidified air concentrator) 34c with a pointed, conical shape is specially provided. On the input side of the third path end 124c, a connecting pipe 135c is connected to the humidification chamber 2c, which houses a humidifier such as a sprayer (liquid atomizing device), in a leak-proof, airtight structure. On the input side of the humidification chamber 2c, a third filter 30c is connected in a leak-proof, airtight structure. After relative rotational movement of the inlet 35a of the frame 1a to the third path end 124c, the third concentrator 34c of the third path end 124c and the inlet 35a of the frame 1a are airtightly connected using an O-ring 131d. The third filter 30c, for example, corresponds to... Figure 1The filter 21 draws in air from the outside, removes impurities larger than a predetermined size and removes excess moisture to provide pure, dry air. The humidification chamber 2c introduces a predetermined amount of moisture into the pure, dry air from the third filter 30c. Therefore, by airtightly connecting the third path end 124c to the frame 1a constituting the detection unit (11a, 12, 13, 1a), pure, humidified air can be sprayed through the third concentration mechanism 34c onto the surface of the pseudo-receptor membrane 13 of the spherical SAW sensor (11a, 12, 13) for humidification.

[0095] On the input side of the drying chamber 2c at the second path end 124b, the second filter 30b can also be connected in a leak-proof, airtight structure. By providing the second filter 30b, clean, dry air can be supplied to the surface of the pseudo-receptor membrane 13 of the spherical SAW sensor (11a, 12, 13) to perform a purging process that removes non-specific adsorbed substances, which are impurities, adhering to the inner wall of the frame 1a or the surface of the detection substrate 11a. The second filter 30b, for example, corresponds to... Figure 1 The filter 21 draws in air from the outside, removing impurities larger than a predetermined size and excess moisture to produce pure, dry air. The drying chamber 2c further dries the pure, dry air from the third filter 30c, but if the third filter 30c can generate sufficient pure, dry air, the drying chamber 2c can be omitted. Figure 7 Although the diagram is omitted, a corresponding diagram can certainly be provided on the input side of the first path end 124a. Figure 1 The filter 30a is present.

[0096] Then, in order to spray the aerosol 33b to be inspected, a humidification chamber of a humidifier with a sprayer (liquid atomizing device) or the like can be connected between the first path end 124a and the filter corresponding to the filter 30a, with a leak-proof airtight structure. If based on... Figure 7 The virus detection device shown in the basic embodiment can also be equipped with three types of dedicated nozzles for the first concentration unit 34a, the second concentration unit 34b, and the third concentration unit 34c, depending on the purpose. Because it has three types of dedicated nozzles and gas piping systems that are independently connected to each of the three types of dedicated nozzles, a high-speed airflow can be generated, automatically replacing the three types of high-speed airflows for different purposes. If based on... Figure 7 The virus detection device described in the first variation of the basic embodiment shown does not need to use, for example... Figure 1The piping, or on / off valve 32, humidification input valve 23a and humidification output valve 23b shown, can allow the aerosol being inspected, such as 33b, which is attracted by the shortest distance, to reach the spherical SAW sensor (11a, 12, 13) or the inner wall of the frame 1a.

[0097] In addition, if based on Figure 7 The virus detection device described in the first variation of the basic embodiment shown can also have its shape or configuration of the first concentration unit 34a, the second concentration unit 34b, and the third concentration unit 34c changed according to the purpose, so as to adjust the flow rate of the jet or airflow of the aerosol 33b being inspected. Furthermore, after a humidification process is performed at the third path end 124c and an aspiration / inspection process is performed at the first path end 124a, the process can be switched to a purging process at the second path end 124b, allowing these processes to be performed continuously. Additionally, although not shown, for example, a fourth unit that generates alcohol vapor can be added, and the gas ejected from the nozzle (fourth concentration unit) of this fourth unit can be used to clean and sterilize the spherical SAW sensors (11a, 12, 13) constituting the detection units (11a, 12, 13, 1a) or the inner wall of the frame 1a. The virus inspection device according to the basic embodiment has the advantage that it can perform cleaning and sterilization processes without the need to add new piping or valves.

[0098] exist Figure 7 Although a rotational movement configuration is illustrated in the first variation of the basic embodiment of the virus inspection device, even if... Figure 8 The parallel movement (parallel movement) configuration of the virus detection device described in the second variation of the basic embodiment shown can also be combined with... Figure 7 Similarly, a simple and sophisticated virus detection device can be implemented. Figure 8 China is also and Figure 7 Similarly, in Figure 3 The interior of the sealed container shown, consisting of the box portion 123 and the cover portion 121, houses the entire structure with a handle base 1001, and is simplified as "frame 1b". Figure 7 Similarly, in Figure 8 In the simplified representation, the first concentration mechanism 34a corresponding to the first path end 124a and the inlet 35a of the frame 1b are airtightly connected by an O-ring 131b, but Figure 7 The surface of the first condensation mechanism 34a on the side of the frame 1a is curved, but... Figure 8 The surface of the virus concentration mechanism (first concentration mechanism) 34u on the frame 1b is planar, which is different. Figure 8 In another example of the virus inspection device described in the basic embodiment shown, the first path end 124u is perpendicular to the gas injection direction, and... Figure 8 The frame 1b can be moved in a relatively parallel manner, thereby changing the connection relationship to the second path end 124v or the third path end 124w. The so-called "relative parallel movement" means that the frame 1b on the right side can move in parallel, or conversely, the frame 1b is fixed, and the parallel movement is performed by the parallel moving disk that carries the first path end 124u, the second path end 124v and the third path end 124w on the left side.

[0099] That is, in Figure 8 In the second variation of the basic embodiment of the virus detection device shown, two paths, a second path end 124v and a third path end 124w, are arranged with a central axis parallel to the central axis of the first path end 124u along the jet direction. That is, the jet directions of the three types of high-speed airflows from the first path end 124u, the second path end 124v, and the third path end 124w are parallel. Similar to the virus concentration mechanism (first concentration mechanism) 34u of the first path end 124u, the second path end 124v is provided with a conical-shaped dry air concentration mechanism (second concentration mechanism) 34v. Furthermore, on the input side of the second path end 124v, a drying chamber 2v with a dryer is provided, and the connecting pipe 135v is connected with a leak-proof, airtight structure to accommodate the drying chamber 2v. After parallel movement, the dry air concentration mechanism 34v of the second path end 124v is airtightly connected to the inlet of the frame 1b using an O-ring 131v. The second path end 124V performs a purging process in which pure, dry air, which is used as a purging gas, is supplied to the surface of the pseudo-receptor membrane 13 of the spherical SAW sensor (11a, 12, 13) to remove non-specific adsorbed substances that are impurities attached to the inner wall of the frame 1b or the surface of the detection substrate 11b.

[0100] A conical humidified air concentrator (third concentrator) 34w is provided at the third path end 124w. At the input side of the third path end 124w, a connecting pipe 135w is connected to the humidification chamber 2w, which is equipped with a humidifier (liquid atomizing device, etc.), using a leak-proof, airtight structure. After parallel movement, the humidified air concentrator 34w at the third path end 124w is airtightly connected to the inlet of the frame 1b using an O-ring 131w. At the input side of the humidification chamber 2w, a third filter 30w is connected using a leak-proof, airtight structure. The third filter 30w, for example, corresponds to... Figure 1The filter 21 draws in air from the outside, removes impurities larger than a predetermined size and removes excess moisture to provide pure, dry air. The humidification chamber 2w introduces a predetermined amount of moisture into the pure, dry air from the third filter 30w. Therefore, by airtightly connecting the third path end 124w to the frame 1b, the pure, humidified air can be sprayed through the humidification air concentrator (third concentrator) 34w onto the surface of the pseudo-receptor membrane 13 of the spherical SAW sensor (11a, 12, 13) for humidification.

[0101] On the input side of the drying chamber 2V at the end of the second path 124V, the second filter 30V can also be connected in a leak-proof, airtight structure. By providing the second filter 30V, clean, dry air can be supplied to the surface of the pseudo-receptor membrane 13 of the spherical SAW sensor (11a, 12, 13) to perform a purging process, removing non-specific adsorbed substances that are impurities adhering to the inner wall of the frame 1b or the surface of the detection substrate 11b. The second filter 30V, for example, corresponds to... Figure 1 The filter 21 draws in air from the outside, removes impurities larger than a predetermined size, and removes excess moisture to produce pure, dry air. The drying chamber 2v can further dry the pure, dry air from the second filter 30v, but if the third filter 30w can generate enough pure, dry air, the drying chamber 2v can be omitted.

[0102] exist Figure 8 Although the illustration is omitted in the virus detection device described in the second variation, a corresponding device can certainly be provided on the input side of the first path end 124u. Figure 1 The filter 30a contains a filter. Even for spraying the aerosol 33b to be inspected, a humidifying chamber of a humidifier, such as a sprayer (liquid atomizing device), can be connected between the first path end 124u and the filter corresponding to filter 30a in a leak-proof, airtight structure. According to... Figure 8 The virus inspection device described in the second variation of the basic embodiment shown can be equipped with three types of nozzles: a virus concentration mechanism (first concentration mechanism) 34u, a dry air concentration mechanism (second concentration mechanism) 34v, and a humidified air concentration mechanism (third concentration mechanism) 34w, depending on the purpose. Therefore, if based on Figure 8 The virus inspection device described in the second variant shown can generate a high-speed airflow and automatically switch between three types of high-speed airflows for different purposes. Therefore, it is unnecessary to use... Figure 1The piping, or on / off valve 32, humidification input valve 23a and humidification output valve 23b shown, can allow the aerosol being inspected, such as 33b, which is attracted by the shortest distance, to reach the spherical SAW sensor (11a, 12, 13) or the inner wall of the frame 1b.

[0103] If based on Figure 8 The virus inspection device described in the second variation of the basic embodiment shown can also have its shape or configuration of the first concentration unit 34u, the second concentration unit 34v, and the third concentration unit 34w changed according to the purpose to adjust the flow rate of the jet or airflow of the aerosol 33b being inspected. Furthermore, after a humidification process is performed at the third path end 124w and an aspiration / inspection process is performed at the first path end 124u, the process can be switched to the second path end 124v for a purging process, and these procedures can be performed continuously. Additionally, although not shown, for example, a fourth unit that generates alcohol vapor can be added, and the gas ejected from the nozzle of this fourth unit can be used to clean and sterilize the spherical SAW sensors (11a, 12, 13) or the inner wall of the frame 1b. Figure 8 The virus detection device described in the second variation of the basic embodiment shown is a parallel-moving type, but because it has three types of dedicated nozzles and an independent gas piping system, it is similar to... Figure 7 Similarly, the rotary mobile virus inspection device can perform cleaning and sterilization processes without the need for additional piping or valves.

[0104] The signal processing unit 50 of the virus detection system described in the basic embodiment, such as Figure 9 As shown, the device includes: a data processor 500, a signal generator / receiver driving means (logic circuit) 510, a data storage device 511, a program storage device 512, an output device 513, and a bus 514 connecting these. The signal generator / receiver driving means 510 is a hardware resource, such as electronic circuitry, used to control / drive the operation of the signal converter 12 of the detection substrate 11a. The signal generator / receiver driving means 510 sends an excitation pulse signal to the signal converter 12 of the detection substrate 11a, causing the signal converter 12 to generate a collimated beam of SAW (Sound Wave Acoustic). The signal converter 12 receives the electrical signal from the signal generator / receiver driving means 510, and through electrical-to-audio conversion, generates a collimated beam of SAW belonging to an audio signal, causing the collimated beam of SAW to propagate around the detection substrate 11a. Then, the signal generator / receiver driving means 510 sends a drive / control signal to the signal converter 12, causing the signal converter 12 to receive the collimated beam of SAW, which is the audio signal.

[0105] That is, the acoustic signal propagating from the collimated beam of the SAW around the detection substrate 11a by rotating a predetermined number of times is converted into an electrical signal by the signal converter 12 through acoustic-to-electrical conversion. Then, the signal generator / receiver drive means 510 receives the electrical signal output by the signal converter 12 as the return pulse signal of the collimated beam from the signal converter 12 and stores it in the data storage device 511. Subsequently, the signal generator / receiver drive means 510 reads the waveform data of the return pulse signal from the data storage device 511 and sends it to the data processor 500. Alternatively, it can be sent directly to the data processor 500 once the signal generator / receiver drive means 510 receives the return pulse signal, instead of storing it in the data storage device 511. Once the pseudoreceptor 14 disposed on the pseudoreceptor membrane 13 specifically binds to the target virus, the weight of the pseudoreceptor membrane 13 changes as a physical state, and the propagation characteristics of the SAW change. Figure 2 In the illustrated configuration of the spherical SAW sensor 1003, the sensor electrodes constituting the signal converter 12 convert the acoustic signal, representing a change in the physical state of the pseudo-receptor membrane 13, into an electrical signal via an acoustic-to-electrical conversion. Then, the signal processing unit 50 uses the electrical signal that has been converted from acoustic to electrical to perform arithmetic logic calculations to determine the attenuation coefficient and the delay time of the SAW.

[0106] The data processor 500 of the signal processing unit 50 constituting the virus inspection system described in the basic embodiment is equipped with the following logical hardware resources: humidification means (logic circuit) 501, injection means (logic circuit) 502, inspection means (logic circuit) 503, valve control means (logic circuit) 504, sterilization gas control means (logic circuit) 505, purge gas control means (logic circuit) 506, gas pipeline inspection means (logic circuit) 507, sensor replacement means (logic circuit) 508, and calculation flow control means (logic circuit) 520. The humidification means 501 of the data processor 500 sets the on / off valve 32 to the closed state, selects the humidified air delivery pipeline B through the humidification input valve 23a and the humidification output valve 23b, and starts the humidifier 20, mass flow controller 22, and suction pump 40 to spray pure humidified air onto at least a portion of the pseudo-receptor membrane 13 covering the detection substrate 11a. As a result, the vapor of the liquid used in the specific binding reaction is supplied to the receptor-like membrane 13 and condenses on the receptor-like membrane 13, thereby forming a liquid film on the surface of the receptor-like membrane 13.

[0107] The injection method 502 of the data processor 500 is in Figure 1In the illustrated configuration, the logical hardware resources that send necessary commands to the valve control means 504 for controlling the on / off valve 32, the humidification input valve 23a, and the humidification output valve 23b are included. When the on / off valve 32 is set to the open state by the valve control means 504, and the humidified air delivery piping B is selected by the humidification input valve 23a and the humidification output valve 23b, the jetting means 502 also sends commands to start the humidifier 20, the mass flow controller 22, and the suction pump 40. By sending these commands, the jetting means 502 forms a high-speed airflow of the desired aerosol 33b to be inspected, and controls the fluid flow of the aerosol 33b to be inspected to be jetted as a high-speed airflow onto at least a portion of the pseudo-receptor membrane 13 covering the detection substrate 11a through the first concentration mechanism 34a. Figure 7 In the first exemplified transformation method, the command used to control the relative rotational movement of the frame 1a is... Figure 8 In the illustrated second variation, a command to control the relative parallel movement of the frame 1b is sent to the sensor replacement means 508. Through the sensor replacement means 508, the relative rotational movement of the frame 1a or the relative parallel movement of the frame 1b is controlled. As a result, a high-speed airflow of the aerosol 33b being inspected is sprayed onto the receptor-simulating membrane 13, and on the surface of the receptor-simulating membrane 13, such as... Figure 10 The specific binding reaction of spike protein receptor binding 19, which involves the binding of the RBD of spike glycoprotein 17 of target virus 60 to receptor 14, is accelerated.

[0108] The inspection means 503 of the data processor 500 uses the waveform data of the electrical signal, namely the return pulse signal, received from the signal converter 12 by the signal generator / receiver (logic circuit) 510 to perform the arithmetic logic calculations required for integral differential detection. That is, the inspection means 503 uses the return pulse signal to perform integral differential detection by treating the increase in weight surface density of the target virus 60 bound to the pseudo-receptor 14 via the spike protein receptor binding 19 as a delayed response to the SAW. By treating the increase in weight surface density as a delayed response to the SAW and performing integral differential detection, the inspection means 503 can detect the presence or absence of the target virus 60 in the inspected air 31a.

[0109] For example, inspection means 503 sends a command to signal generator / receiver driver means (logic circuit) 510 to receive an electrical signal representing information about the delayed response time of SAW from signal converter 12. Upon receiving the command, signal generator / receiver driver means 510 receives the electrical signal representing the delayed response time from signal converter 12 and stores it in data storage device 511. Then, inspection means 503 reads the electrical signal representing the delayed response time from data storage device 511, or receives it directly from signal generator / receiver driver means 510, and performs the arithmetic logic calculations necessary for performing integral differential detection on the obtained delayed response time information. According to the virus inspection system described in the basic embodiment, inspection means 503 performs the arithmetic logic calculations for integral differential detection, enabling simple, high-speed, and highly sensitive on-site inspection of the presence or absence of target viruses in the inspected air 31a.

[0110] Furthermore, in the basic embodiment of the virus detection system, the data processor 500's detection means 503 sends a command to the valve control means 504 to close the on / off valve 32. Then, by controlling the flow paths of the humidification input valve 23a and the humidification output valve 23b, it selects the dry air delivery pipe C. With the valve control means 504 having selected the dry air delivery pipe C, the detection means 503 sends commands to the mass flow controller 22 and the suction pump 40, causing them to start and spray pure dry air onto the receptor-like membrane 13. That is, the detection means 503 sends the command to spray pure dry air onto the receptor-like membrane 13 at a timing that precedes the detection of the presence or absence of the target virus, after spraying the fluid flow of the aerosol 33b to be detected onto the receptor-like membrane 13. Inspection method 503, by issuing a command to dry the surface of the detection substrate 11a, can blow away and remove impurities (viruses or particles) other than the target virus that have bound to the receptor 14 from the receptor-like membrane 13, and makes high-sensitivity on-site inspection possible.

[0111] As previously explained, the valve control means 504 of the data processor 500 controls the opening and closing of the on / off valve 32, and the detailed operations of the humidification input valve 23a and the humidification output valve 23b. The sterilization gas control means 505 sends the necessary commands to the gas supply unit 70 to control its operation, and supplies sterilization gas from the gas supply unit 70 to the virus delivery pipeline A. The purge gas control means 506 sends the necessary commands to the gas supply unit 70 to control its operation, and supplies purge gas from the gas supply unit 70 to the virus delivery pipeline A. The gas pipeline inspection means 507 periodically inspects the virus delivery pipeline A, the humidified air delivery pipeline B, the dry air delivery pipeline C, and the purge gas delivery pipeline D. The sensor replacement means 508 controls... Figure 7 The rotational action of the first deformation method described herein or Figure 8 The parallel operation of the second deformation method described herein. Then, the calculation process control means 520 controls the operation procedures of each of the following: humidification means 501, injection means 502, inspection means 503, valve control means 504, sterilization gas control means 505, purging gas control means 506, gas pipeline inspection means 507, and sensor replacement means 508.

[0112] Ideally, such a data processor 500, like a central processing unit (CPU), should be chip-based and assembled inside a virus scanning device in the basic embodiment. However, it can also be part of the CPU in a general-purpose computer system such as a personal computer (PC). The data processor 500 can be a microprocessor (MPU) implemented as a microchip to construct the computer system. The data processor 500 of the virus scanning system described in the basic embodiment can also be a digital signal processor (DSP) that enhances arithmetic functions and specializes in signal processing, or a microcontroller (microcomputer) equipped with memory or peripheral circuitry for embedded machine control.

[0113] The virus detection system described in the basic embodiment, comprising at least a portion of the humidification means 501, the spraying means 502, the inspection means 503, the valve control means 504, the sterilization gas control means 505, the purge gas control means 506, the gas pipeline inspection means 507, the sensor replacement means 508, and the calculation process control means 520, can also be constructed using a PLD such as a Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA). When the data processor 500 is constructed as part or all of the PLD, the data storage device 511 can be constructed as a storage element, such as a storage block, contained within a logic block constituting the PLD. Furthermore, the data processor 500 can be a structure that mounts an array like a CPU core and a programmable core like a PLD onto the same chip. This CPU core-like array includes a hardware microCPU pre-installed within the PLD and a software microCPU constructed using the logic blocks of the PLD. That is, within the PLD, there can be a combination of software processing and hardware processing.

[0114] Furthermore, the data processor 500 may also include: an arithmetic logic unit (ALU) for performing arithmetic logic calculations; multiple registers for supplying operands to the ALU and storing the results of the ALU calculations; and a control device for retrieving and executing commands (from storage) obtained from the adjusted calculation instructions of the ALU. Moreover, the data processor 500 of the virus inspection system described in the basic embodiment can also be provided through individual hardware resources such as logic circuit blocks or electronic circuits contained on a single integrated circuit (IC) chip, or through virtual equivalent logic functions implemented in software using the CPU of a general-purpose computer system.

[0115] The data storage device 511 of the virus inspection system described in the basic embodiment stores the data used in the calculations required to check the presence or absence of spike protein receptor binding 19. The data storage device 511 can be any combination suitably selected from a set including: multiple registers, multiple caches, a main storage device, and auxiliary storage devices. The caches can also be a combination of single-pass caches and double-pass caches, or even have a hierarchy with three-pass caches. When the data processor 500 is partially or entirely constituted by a programmable logic device (PLD), the data storage device 511 can also be configured as a storage element, such as a storage block, contained within a logic block constituting the PLD.

[0116] The program storage device 512 is used to check the presence or absence of spike protein receptor binding 19 and stores the required program. This program, as described later, can also be stored on a computer-readable recording medium, and the program stored on the recording medium can be read into the program storage device 512. Alternatively, programs stored on a server can be downloaded and read into the program storage device 512 via the Internet. The output device 513 can output the check results of the presence or absence of spike protein receptor binding 19 as needed. For example, the output device 513 may include an alarm device such as a warning light. The basic embodiment of the virus detection system is characterized by its very compact design, but a warning light integrated into or connected to the detection device can be installed.

[0117] If the test results confirm the presence of a target virus 60 in the tested air 31a, the warning light will flash, or a sound will be generated to warn those nearby to leave the space immediately. Alternatively, if a card reader or a device for writing information to a mobile terminal such as a smartphone is installed in the output device 513, the breath test result can be input as personal information into the card or mobile terminal, allowing screening required for virus infection prevention, such as allowing only those with a confirmed negative breath test result to move. If the personal information entered into the card or mobile terminal is used as input information for automatic ticket machines in public transportation agencies or automatic gate opening and closing devices in event venues, screening of people entering public transportation agencies or event venues can be performed. The basic implementation of the virus detection system is characterized by its ability to be manufactured in a compact manner, making it possible to carry and transport the virus detection system anywhere. In particular, if communication technologies such as 5G, 6G, and 7G are used, it is possible to... Figure 9 The functions of the data processor 500 or data storage device 511 shown can be provided by a cloud server, making the signal processing unit 50 more compact and lightweight. When performing cloud computing using communication technologies such as 5G, the signal processing unit 50 requires communication functions for sending and receiving signals. However, by utilizing the compactness feature, the entire virus detection system described in the basic embodiment can be integrated into a smartphone or tablet terminal. When integrated into a smartphone or tablet terminal, it is not necessary to... Figure 9 The configuration shown includes newly added communication functions for sending and receiving signals.

[0118] As described above, in the virus detection system according to the basic embodiment, in the first step, liquid condenses on the receptor-like membrane 13 using pure humidified air. Then, in the second step, the crude aerosol 33a contained in the air to be tested 31a is mixed with liquid using pure humidified air to form a test aerosol 33b composed of aqueous aerosol, and the test aerosol 33b is sprayed onto the receptor-like membrane 13. That is, in the virus detection system according to the basic embodiment, a liquid film can be formed on the receptor-like membrane 13 simply and quickly, and even the crude aerosol 33a can be mixed with liquid to form a test aerosol 33b composed of aqueous aerosol. In addition, the liquid is supplied to the receptor-like membrane 13 and the crude aerosol 33a in the minimum necessary amount, so diffusion in the liquid is almost negligible. As a result, high-speed on-site virus detection can be performed in seconds.

[0119] Furthermore, since on-site virus detection can be performed simply, quickly, and with high sensitivity, responses such as rapid retreat from hazardous air environments based on environmental measurements or immediate, powerful ventilation measures to purify the air can reduce the risk of infection. Moreover, the virus detection system described in the basic embodiment eliminates the need for liquid biosensors, making it smaller and lighter. This makes it possible to develop portable machines suitable for on-site / station inspections in transportation facilities, theaters, etc., and to realize, for example, breath analyzers that can perform screenings easily on-site.

[0120] Furthermore, in the case of continuous aerosol spraying, if there is a concern that condensation of the liquid used in the specific binding reaction may occur along the path from the humidifier 20 to the detection container 10 and inside the detection container 10, a receiving mechanism or drying mechanism for collecting the droplets generated by condensation may be installed in part of the piping system.

[0121] --Detection methods for viruses in their basic forms--

[0122] Next, refer to Figure 12 The flowchart illustrates an example of the virus detection method described in the basic implementation. Hereinafter, for ease of understanding, [the flowchart will be used]. Figure 1 The virus detection system described in the basic embodiment illustrated in the conceptual diagram illustrates the situation of checking whether a virus is present in the air being inspected 31a.

[0123] (1) (Humidification process)

[0124] First of all, Figure 15 In step S11, on the receptor-like membrane 13 containing receptor-like 14, as... Figure 10A liquid film 61 is formed as shown in (b). The liquid film 61 is formed only in an amount sufficient to maintain the activity of the pseudo-receptor 14. The liquid film 61 is, for example, water or a buffer solution simulating a living environment. Specifically, the on / off valve 32 is set to the closed state, and the humidified air delivery pipe B is selected through the humidification input valve 23a and the humidification output valve 23b, which are three-way valves. Once ambient air is drawn in by the start of the suction pump 40, impurities or moisture are removed by the filter 21 filled with activated carbon, etc., to generate pure dry air. After the pure dry air is set to a flow rate of about 1 L / min by the mass flow controller 22, it is humidified by the humidifier 20 to become pure humidified air. Once pure humidified air is supplied to at least a portion of the pseudo-receptor membrane 13 covering the detection substrate 11a via the humidification output valve 23b and the first concentration unit 34a, a liquid film 61 will be formed on the inner wall of the piping upstream of the detection substrate 11a and on the pseudo-receptor membrane 13 containing the pseudo-receptor 14.

[0125] (2) (Spraying process)

[0126] Next, in Figure 15 In step S12, the air to be tested 31a is drawn in, and the crude aerosol 33a contained in the air to be tested 31a is mixed with liquid to form a fluid flow of water-containing aerosol, which is then sprayed onto the simulated receptor membrane 13. Specifically, the on / off valve 32 is set to the open state, and the humidified air delivery pipe B is selected through the humidification input valve 23a and humidification output valve 23b, which are three-way valves. As the suction pump 40 is activated, ambient air is drawn in, and the air to be tested 31a is drawn in simultaneously. The fluid flow of the air to be tested 31a is mixed with the pure humidified air from the humidifier 20 to form a fluid flow of water-containing aerosol, which is the air to be tested 33b. Then, the fluid flow of the air to be tested 33b is... Figure 11 (a) or Figure 11 As shown in (b), a high-speed gas stream, concentrated by the common concentration mechanism 34, is supplied to at least a portion of the receptor-like membrane 13 covering the detection substrate 11a. As a result, if the fluid stream of the aerosol being examined 33b contains the target virus 60, the RBD of the spike glycoprotein 17 of the target virus 60 will specifically bind to the receptor-like membrane 13.

[0127] Here, the air 31a being inspected drawn from the air intake port may contain particles or coarse aerosols 33a that are large enough to obstruct the inspection. Therefore, in order to improve the inspection accuracy, particles or coarse aerosols 33a of a predetermined size, such as larger than 4 μm, are removed by passing through a filter 30a.

[0128] Once the fluid flow of the examined aerosol 33b is supplied to the pseudo-receptor membrane 13, then, for example, in Figure 10 As shown in (b), when a liquid film 61 is present on the pseudo-receptor surface, the particles of the examined aerosol 33b encapsulating the target virus 60 will combine with the liquid film 61 on the surface of the pseudo-receptor membrane 13. On the other hand, as Figure 10 As shown in (a), even in the absence of a liquid film 61 on the pseudo-receptor surface, the particles of the examined aerosol 33b encapsulating the target virus 60 will reach the surface of the pseudo-receptor membrane 13. Then, Figure 10 (a) shows the liquid or liquid held by the aerosol being examined. Figure 10 In the liquid held by the liquid film 61 on the pseudo-receptor surface shown in (b), a specific binding reaction of spike protein receptor binding 19 is formed by the RBD of spike glycoprotein 17 and pseudo-receptor 14, and target virus 60 is captured on the surface of pseudo-receptor membrane 13. For example, if the target virus 60 is SARS-CoV-2 virus, it is known that the RBD of spike glycoprotein 17 binds with high affinity to the ACE2 receptor on human cells. Therefore, in the case of detecting SARS-CoV-2 virus, pseudo-receptor 14 is configured to mimic the morphology of the ACE2 receptor. At this time, in order to maximize the capture efficiency, it is best to optimally control the flow rate of pure humidified air according to the humidity of the air 31a being examined. For example, the flow rate of pure humidified air is limited to about 0.1 L / min by mass flow controller 22.

[0129] (3) (Inspection process)

[0130] Then in Figure 15 In step S13, after temporarily stopping the operation of the humidifier 20, mass flow controller 22, and suction pump 40, the on / off valve 32 is set to the closed state. Then, the mass flow controller 22 and suction pump 40 are activated again, and the dry air delivery pipe C is selected through the humidification input valve 23a and humidification output valve 23b to spray pure dry air onto at least a portion of the receptor-like membrane 13 covering the detection substrate 11a. At this time, the humidifier 20 can also be activated to select the humidified air delivery pipe B instead of the dry air delivery pipe C, spraying pure humidified air onto at least a portion of the receptor-like membrane 13 covering the detection substrate 11a.

[0131] Thus, after the fluid stream of the aerosol 33b to be examined is sprayed onto the receptor-like membrane 13 in step S12, before performing the integrated differential detection of the presence or absence of the target virus 60 in step S13, a procedure of spraying pure dry / humidified air onto the receptor-like membrane 13 is performed in step S13. That is, impurities such as viruses or dust particles that are non-specifically adsorbed onto the receptor-like membrane 13 in step S12 can be removed before the integrated differential detection in step S13. By performing a two-stage procedure in step S13 that includes spraying pure dry / humidified air onto the receptor-like membrane 13, the increase in the weight areal density obtained by the specific binding reaction of the spike protein receptor binding 19 in at least a portion of the receptor-like membrane 13 covering the detection substrate 11a allows for high-precision integrated differential detection as a delayed-time response, such as SAW.

[0132] (4) (Sterilization process)

[0133] Then in Figure 15 In step S14, sterilization is performed on the piping and machine interior contaminated by the inspection in step S13. Specifically, in step S14, sterilizing gas is introduced from the gas supply unit 70 to sterilize the piping interior and the interior of the detection container 10 of the virus inspection device in the basic embodiment. Through step S14, the virus inspection system described in the basic embodiment can be used safely and with peace of mind when it will be used in other locations for inspections. Furthermore, since the piping interior has been cleaned, inspections can be performed with high accuracy even in other locations. Although the sterilization process is exemplified by supplying sterilizing gas, it is not limited to this; for example, techniques such as deactivation of the target virus 60 obtained by UV photocatalysis can also be used. The following descriptions of the sterilization process are similar in several aspects.

[0134] --Estimation of the sensitivity of the inspection of the basic implementation form--

[0135] Regarding the detection sensitivity obtained from virus detection devices, virus detection systems, and virus detection methods in their basic implementation forms, and in relation to their use... Figure 1 and Figure 2 The following explanation will focus on the spherical SAW sensor 1003 shown. First, if we convert the sensitivity of the spherical SAW sensor 1003 into the sensitivity of a SAW resonator using an ST-cut crystal substrate, then the approximate formula for the mass load sensitivity S obtained by substituting the physical property constants of the crystal substrate into the theoretical formula is:

[0136] .

[0137] Where Δf(Hz) is the resonant frequency change, and Δm s (μg / cm2 Let f(MHz) represent the increase in surface density due to mass loading, and f(MHz) be the frequency. Furthermore, at f = 100MHz, the sensitivity S is:

[0138] .

[0139] In the spherical SAW sensor 1003, integral differential detection based on delay time is performed, but the relative sensitivity is 0.01 ppm. If this is converted to a change in resonant frequency, then since Δf = 1 Hz, the change in surface density Δm is... s The detection limit is:

[0140] .

[0141] Here, if we assume that the target virus 60 is an influenza virus, then the mass M of one virus is:

[0142] ,

[0143] The detection limit S is calculated using equation (2), and is 758fg / 0.8fg / mm. 2 = 948 pieces / mm 2 .

[0144] The viral concentration in the breath of influenza infected individuals is 67-8500 viruses / L (refer to Non-Patent Literature 2), but the possibility of using a spherical SAW sensor 1003 with the above detection limit to perform such low-concentration virus detection is explored below.

[0145] In the detection of airborne viruses by the virus detection system described in the basic embodiment, for example, by using... Figure 11 The first concentration unit 34a, with the nozzle shape shown, carries the test air 31a in a high-speed airflow and injects it onto the pseudo-receptor membrane 13 of the spherical SAW sensor 1003. In this case, it is assumed that the flow rate in the gas inlet of the injection nozzle is 1 (L / min), and that the opening cross-sectional area in the inlet of the first concentration unit 34a is 1 mm². 2 Then the flow rate ν in the inlet of the first concentration unit 34a is:

[0146] .

[0147] However, the compression of air is ignored.

[0148] Furthermore, assuming the average concentration n of the virus in the tested air 31a within the first concentration unit 34a... p for:

[0149] ,

[0150] The cross-sectional area of ​​the opening of the first concentration unit 34a is 1 mm. 2 The inlet, and the inflow of virus V into the pseudo-receptor membrane 13 of the spherical SAW sensor 1003. D per second:

[0151] .

[0152] Therefore, for example, by spraying the air to be examined 31a from the first concentration unit 34a over 100 seconds, 16,700 target viruses 60 will flow into the receptor-like membrane 13 of the spherical SAW sensor 1003. Furthermore, assuming a virus capture efficiency of 50% on the receptor-like membrane 13, the number of viruses captured within 100 seconds after the gas inflow is 8,350. This number exceeds the aforementioned detection limit of 948, and since the signal-to-noise ratio is S / N = 8350 / 948 = 8.8, it is sufficient to detect the presence or absence of viruses.

[0153] In other words, if this spraying time is referred to as the concentration process (concentration time), it means that, according to the virus detection system described in the basic embodiment, the target virus 60 can be easily and with high sensitivity detected on-site through a short concentration process of 1 to 2 minutes. Therefore, on-site detection of the target virus can be performed simply, quickly, and with high sensitivity, making it possible to detect viruses in exhaled breath or predict the risk of airborne infection.

[0154] --Basic implementation of virus screening procedures--

[0155] The virus inspection system described in the basic embodiment of the present invention is applicable to a virus inspection procedure that uses a detection substrate 11a, as described above, in which a receptor-like membrane 13 is formed on at least a portion, a virus delivery pipe A that picks up the aerosol to be inspected 33b and can spray it onto the receptor-like membrane 13, and a humidified air delivery pipe B, which is connected to the virus delivery pipe A, to supply pure humidified air to the receptor-like membrane 13, thereby performing a field inspection of the target virus 60. In this case, the virus inspection procedure causes the computer to execute a series of commands including: a humidification command to spray pure humidified air from the humidified air delivery pipe B onto the receptor-like membrane 13, a spraying command to mix pure humidified air with the aerosol to be inspected 33b and spray it onto the receptor-like membrane 13, and an inspection command to perform an integral differential detection to check the presence or absence of the target virus 60 in the aerosol to be inspected based on the target virus 60 bound to the receptor-like membrane 14 on the receptor-like membrane 13.

[0156] The virus checking procedure described in the basic implementation is performed by... Figure 9The process of reading and executing the virus check program in the program storage device 512 of the signal processing unit 50 shown can be implemented. Alternatively, the virus check program can be stored in a storage unit such as a main storage device other than the program storage device 512 in the signal processing unit 50 of the virus check system described in the basic embodiment. Furthermore, the virus check program can be received via a network or storage medium, and the virus check program can be stored in a storage unit such as the main storage device or the program storage device 512 in the signal processing unit 50, and then read out. In addition, the virus check program described in the basic embodiment of the present invention can also be implemented by a circuit (e.g., an ASIC) that implements one or more functions.

[0157] The virus checking program described in the basic embodiment can also be stored, for example, in external storage or a computer-readable recording medium. In this case, by reading the virus checking program stored in the external storage or computer-readable recording medium into the program storage device 512, the data processor 500 can perform a check for the presence or absence of spike protein receptor binding 19 according to a series of commands recorded in the virus checking program. Here, "computer-readable recording medium" means a recording medium or storage medium that can record the virus checking program, such as a computer's external storage unit, semiconductor storage, magnetic disk, optical disk, optical-magnetic disk, magnetic tape, etc.

[0158] (First expanded implementation form)

[0159] Next, a first extended embodiment of the present invention, which expands upon the technical concept of the basic embodiment described above, will be described. The virus detection device described in the first extended embodiment of the present invention is as follows: Figure 13 As shown, on one side of the detection container 10 that houses the spherical SAW sensor 1003 (in Figure 13 The left side (in the middle) has an inlet 35a, and on the other side opposite to the inlet 35a (in Figure 13 The middle (right side) has an exhaust pipe 134, which is similar to... Figure 3 The structures shown are identical. (Through...) Figure 2 The spherical SAW sensor 1003 shown, and the detection container 10 storing the spherical SAW sensor 1003, together constitute the detection unit 1000 of the virus detection device described in the first extended embodiment. Figure 13 It is constructed as shown. Furthermore, the following description will... Figure 2 The spherical SAW sensor 1003 shown is referred to as "spherical SAW sensor (11a, 12, 13, 14)" for convenience, and the symbol 1003 is omitted in the corresponding diagrams. The end of the virus delivery piping A on the gas injection side... Figure 13The left side is connected to the inlet 35a of the detection container 10. Figure 1 The suction pump 40 shown is in Figure 13 The right side is connected to the exhaust pipe 134 of the detection container 10. The detection container 10 is hollow, and spherical SAW sensors (11a, 12, 13, 14) are arranged inside it. The detection substrate 11a is spherical, as shown in the figure. Figure 2 As shown, a portion, or almost the entirety, of the surface of the detection substrate 11a is covered by the receptor-like membrane 13.

[0160] like Figure 13 As shown, the detection container 10 is a cuboid-shaped sealed container consisting of a metal box 123 with an open top and a metal cover 121 that closes the top of the box 123. To form a sealed container, an O-ring groove 132a is formed at the upper end of the box 123, which is U-shaped and cut around the upper part of the box 123. An O-ring 131a is housed in the O-ring groove 132a. Topologically corresponding to the O-ring groove 132a, an O-ring groove 133a is formed U-shaped and cut below the cover 121. An orifice plate 9 is disposed inside an exhaust pipe 134 located opposite the inlet 35a of the box 123. A first concentration mechanism 34a and an inlet 35a connected to the first concentration mechanism 34a constitute a sealed container. Figure 1 A portion of the virus delivery piping A, represented in a conceptual pattern, passes through... Figure 1 The filter 30a and the group of aerosols 33b being inspected are sprayed as a high-speed airflow toward the pseudo-receptor membrane 13 of the spherical SAW sensor (11a, 12, 13, 14) housed in the detection container 10.

[0161] However, the detection container 10 of the virus detection device described in the first extended embodiment can be assembled using a metal block. The device comprises four spaces: an inlet 2a for the aerosol being inspected 33b; a cavity 3 for arranging the spherical SAW sensors (11a, 12, 13, 14); an exhaust pipe 134 constituting the exhaust port for the aerosol being inspected 33b; and spaces 5a and 5b required to generate a sheath flow F with collimating and focusing effects. Figure 3The structures shown are different. Within the cavity 3, the detection substrate 11a has a north pole electrode connected to an external electrode 105 (which is an RF electrode), and a south pole electrode connected to a ground (GND) electrode. The equatorial plane is fixed parallel to the straight line connecting the intake port 2a and the exhaust pipe 134 constituting the exhaust port. On the equatorial plane of the detection substrate 11a, a signal converter 12 composed of comb-shaped sensor electrodes is provided. Furthermore, a receptor-like membrane 13 for detecting the target virus 60 is coated on at least a portion of the surface including the equatorial plane. The signal converter 12 converts a physical signal indicating a change in the physical state of the receptor-like membrane 13, resulting from the specific binding of the receptor 14 to the target virus, into an electrical signal. Then, the signal processing unit 50 uses the electrical signal output by the signal converter 12 to perform arithmetic logic calculations required to determine the attenuation coefficient and delay time changes of the SAW.

[0162] A flow path, namely space 5b, is arranged around the tip of the first concentration mechanism (virus concentration mechanism) 34a. Figure 7 The virus detection device described in the first variation of the basic embodiment shown also has a structure in which the first concentration mechanism 34a and the inlet 35a of the frame are airtightly connected using an O-ring 131b, and the inlet 35a of the frame is rotatable relative to the first concentration mechanism 34a. Figure 13 Although the illustrations are omitted, in addition to the first concentration mechanism 34a, nozzles for a second and third concentration mechanism are also provided, allowing the inlet 35a of the frame to be rotated relative to the nozzles of the second and third concentration mechanisms. That is, in the virus inspection device described in the first extended embodiment, it is also... Figure 7 Similarly, the structure shown can be equipped with three types of nozzles to generate high-speed airflow, and the three types of high-speed airflow can be automatically replaced for different purposes.

[0163] But, and Figure 3 Similarly, the configuration of the virus detection device shown in the basic embodiment can also be modified. Figure 13 The structure shown is replaced by a structure in which the multi-purpose common concentration mechanism 34 and the inlet 35a of the housing 123 are airtightly connected using an O-ring 131b. Next, focusing on the virus delivery piping, the aerosol to be examined 33b drawn in from the suction port 2a is enveloped by air (sheath flow) ejected from the space 5b and then sprayed from the first concentration mechanism 34a, thus becoming a finer jet of the aerosol to be examined 33b and focused onto the equatorial plane of the spherical SAW sensors (11a, 12, 13, 14). The structure of the virus examination device described in the first extended embodiment has already been explained. Figure 11A specific example of the nozzle structure (b) (having a dual structure with a main stream and a sheath flow surrounding it). Through Figure 13 The structure of the virus inspection device shown in the first extended embodiment allows for more efficient and better analysis of the inspected aerosol 33b. Furthermore, in the virus inspection device of the first extended embodiment, the sheath stream ejected from the space 5b is accelerated using the space 5a and a pressure pump connected to the space 5a, and the jet stream of the inspected aerosol 33b connected to the sheath stream can also be accelerated.

[0164] Although the illustration is omitted, but... Figure 1 Similarly, in the illustrated configuration, a suction pump, such as a vacuum pump, is connected to the exhaust pipe 134 of the virus detection device described in the first extended embodiment. The suction pump draws in the air to be tested 31a from the suction port 2a by activating the suction pump. A small orifice plate 9 is provided in the exhaust port. The orifice plate 9 has the function of controlling the amount of air to be tested 31a drawn in. Furthermore, by irradiating the exhaust port with ultraviolet light using an ultraviolet LED or ultraviolet semiconductor laser, the target virus 60 can be rendered harmless, or a bubble bottle can be used to recover the aerosol 33b being tested. The suction port 2a is a conical structure whose diameter gradually decreases towards the end; therefore, a fine jet of the aerosol 33b being tested is sprayed from the tip of the first concentration mechanism 34a, which serves as the ejection end of the virus delivery pipe, towards the equator of the detection substrate 11a. Regarding the humidified air delivery pipe, the dry air delivery pipe, and the purge gas delivery pipe, etc., it is similar to... Figure 7 The virus inspection device is the same as that described in the first variation of the basic embodiment shown.

[0165] (Second expanded implementation form)

[0166] Next, a second extended embodiment of the present invention will be described, which expands upon the technical concept of the basic embodiment described above. The virus detection system described in the second extended embodiment of the present invention is as follows: Figure 14 As shown in the conceptual diagram, the mass flow controller 22 is connected between the detection container 10 and the suction pump 40. In the virus inspection device constituting the virus inspection system described in the second extended embodiment, since the flow rate of the air to be inspected 31b from the virus delivery pipe A, the flow rate of the pure humidified air from the humidified air delivery pipe B, the flow rate of the pure dry air from the dry air delivery pipe C, and even the flow rate of the purge gas or sterilizing gas from the purge gas delivery pipe D can be controlled by a single mass flow controller 22, the inspection device can be miniaturized and its performance improved.

[0167] Similar to the virus detection system described in the basic embodiment, in the virus detection system described in the second extended embodiment, the signal processing unit 50 performs integrated differential detection. Therefore, if the ability of the antigen / antibody reaction of the pseudo-receptor 14 to activate, that is, the ability of the virus to specifically bind to the pseudo-receptor 14, is reduced, the detection unit 1000 must be replaced (see reference). Figure 3 and Figure 13 For example, it is preferable to have a mechanism in which the prepared testing unit is kept in standby in a separate room isolated from the testing room, allowing the user to replace it in a non-contact manner. For example, a mechanism that allows for automatic replacement of the testing unit by rotation can also be used. In addition, a mechanism can be set up to automatically coat the potentially contaminated parts, such as the receptor membrane 13, when the used testing unit is discharged outside the virus testing system, thus coating it in a non-contact manner.

[0168] like Figure 17 As shown, the virus detection device according to the second extended embodiment includes eight spherical, disk-shaped rotating frames 1r that house the first detection substrate 11a, the second detection substrate 11b, the third detection substrate 11c, ..., the eighth detection substrate 11h. The first detection substrate 11a, the second detection substrate 11b, the third detection substrate 11c, ..., the eighth detection substrate 11h are respectively configured with and Figure 2 The spherical SAW sensor shown has the same structure, but its detailed illustration is omitted. Figure 16 and Figure 17 In the description, it is assumed that the first detection substrate 11a, the second detection substrate 11b, the third detection substrate 11c, ..., the eighth detection substrate 11h represent the first spherical SAW sensor a, the second spherical SAW sensor b, the third spherical SAW sensor c, ..., the eighth spherical SAW sensor h, respectively. That is, on the equatorial surface of the first detection substrate 11a to the eighth detection substrate 11h, comb-shaped electrodes are respectively provided as signal converters 12, and a pseudo-receptor membrane 13 for detecting the target virus 60 is coated on at least a portion of the surface including the equatorial surface. However, in Figure 16 and Figure 17 In this illustration, the signal converter 12 or the receptor-like membrane 13, etc., are omitted. Furthermore, the virus detection device described in the second extended embodiment uses the virus detection device described in the basic embodiment, as referenced in the description. Figures 4-6 The structure of the handle base 1001 shown is as follows, but... Figure 16 and Figure 17 The diagram of the base with the attached handle is omitted.

[0169] exist Figure 16In the cross-sectional view of the virus detection device described in the second extended embodiment shown, if the rotating frame 1r is viewed from the X direction, it appears as follows: Figure 17 As shown. Figure 17 As shown, the eight spherical detection substrates—the first detection substrate 11a, the second detection substrate 11b, the third detection substrate 11c, ..., the eighth detection substrate 11h—are located on eight radial lines staggered at 45° intervals, arranged at equal intervals along the circumference of the rotating frame 1r. Figure 16 As shown, the detection container 10 has a hollow cavity 3, inside which a rotating frame 1r is airtightly housed, capable of rotating in the R direction around the rotation axis AX. Figure 16 In the upper left part, the end of the path of the virus delivery pipe A constitutes a common concentration mechanism, and a space is provided for the suction port 2 forming a cone-shaped structure. Figure 16 Although the illustration is omitted, as shown in the image... Figure 14 As shown, a filter 30 is present at the input side at the end of the path. In addition, in order to spray the aerosol 33b to be inspected, which is composed of water-containing aerosol, a piping system containing an on / off valve 32, a humidification input valve 23a, and a humidification output valve 23b is present between the end of the path and the filter 30.

[0170] Figure 16 A suction pump 40, such as a vacuum pump, is connected to the exhaust port 4 shown in the upper right part. The suction pump 40 draws the aerosol 33b to be examined from the suction port 2. A small orifice plate 9 is provided in the exhaust port 4. The orifice plate 9 has the function of controlling the amount of aerosol 33b to be examined drawn in. Furthermore, by irradiating the exhaust port 4 with ultraviolet light using an ultraviolet LED or ultraviolet semiconductor laser, the target virus 60 contained in the aerosol 33b can be rendered harmless, or a bubble bottle can be used to recover the target virus 60. Figure 16 As shown, the upper left side of the rotating frame 1r and the right end face of the path end facing the upper left side of the rotating frame 1r are constructed to maintain airtightness with O-rings 133p.

[0171] Furthermore, the upper right side of the rotating frame 1r and the inner wall of the cavity 3 where the exhaust port 4 of the suction pump 40 is opened on the upper right side of the rotating frame 1r are also constructed to maintain airtightness through O-rings 133q. This configuration ensures that no gas leakage occurs even when the first detection substrate 11a to the eighth detection substrate 11h rotate. When the first detection substrate 11a to the eighth detection substrate 11h rotate in the R direction, the rod-shaped external electrode 105 connected to the north pole electrode of the first detection substrate 11a to the eighth detection substrate 11h will, in order not to hinder the rotation of the rotating frame 1r, move towards... Figure 16The vertical UD sliding direction shown moves away from the first detection substrate 11a to the eighth detection substrate 11h. Therefore, in order to maintain the airtightness of the sliding movement of the external electrode 105, an O-ring SH is provided in the moving part of the external electrode 105. In addition, in order to insert the rotating frame 1r into the cavity 3 of the detection container 10, it is necessary to design a structure that can divide the detection container 10, but this divisible structure will of course also use sealing members such as O-rings.

[0172] When one of the first detection substrates 11a to 8th detection substrates 11h reaches the position opposite the inlet at the end of the path of the virus delivery pipe A, the first detection substrate 11a to 8th detection substrate 11h at the opposite position of the inlet has its north pole electrode connected to the external electrode 105 and its south pole electrode connected to the ground potential within the cavity 3, and is fixed parallel to the straight line connecting the inlet 2 and the outlet 4. When any of the detection substrates 11a to 8th detection substrates 11h used in the inspection is measured to be nearing the end of its lifespan, the rotating frame 1r rotates around the rotation axis AX and is replaced with the other first detection substrates 11a to 8th detection substrates 11h.

[0173] The disc-shaped rotating frame 1r is a block formed of resin or metal. The detection container 10 has three spaces: an intake port 2 for the aerosol 33b to be tested, a cavity 3 in which the rotating frame 1r is disposed, and an exhaust port 4 for the aerosol 33b to be tested. The intake port 2 is a common concentrator with a nozzle structure whose diameter gradually decreases towards the end. From the tip of the common concentrator, a fine jet of the aerosol 33b to be tested is ejected towards the equator of the sphere of any one of the first detection substrates 11a to 8th detection substrates 11h, which is set by the rotation of the rotating frame 1r. By ejecting the aerosol 33b to be tested, the aerosol 33b to be tested can be analyzed efficiently. As for the other components, they are the same as those of the virus detection device described in the basic embodiment, so the description is omitted here.

[0174] The virus detection device described in the second extended embodiment, like the virus detection device described in the basic embodiment, eliminates the need for precise calibration and adjustment procedures on the north pole, south pole, and equatorial plane of the first detection substrate 11a to the eighth detection substrate 11h on the user side by using a handle-attached base. This simplifies the operation of the sensor unit containing the first detection substrate 11a to the eighth detection substrate 11h. However, the rotating frame 1r, which stores the eight calibrated and adjusted spherical SAW sensors corresponding to the first detection substrate 11a to the eighth detection substrate 11h, can be commercialized as a "sensor unit" and sold as a product.

[0175] --Detection methods for the second expanded form of the virus--

[0176] Next, refer to Figure 15 The flowchart illustrates the virus detection method described in the second extended embodiment. First, in Figure 15 In step S101, after the virus detection system described in the second extended embodiment has been activated, once the integrating differential detection start button is pressed, the detection means (logic circuit) 503 of the signal processing unit 50 measures the attenuation coefficient and the initial value of the delay time of the spherical SAW sensors (11a, 12, 13, 14) at the start of the integrating differential detection. The detection means 503 stores the initial values ​​obtained in step S101 in the data storage device 511 (see reference). Figure 9 (in) Then in Figure 15 In step S102, the humidification input valve 23a and humidification output valve 23b of the three-way valve are switched, the humidified air delivery pipe B is selected, and then the mass flow controller 22 is set to value 1. Subsequently... Figure 15 In step S103, once the humidifier 20 is turned on, the pure dry air drawn from the filter 21 is transformed into pure humid air through the humidifier 20. Then, the pure humid air is supplied to the surface of the detection substrate 11a via the virus delivery pipe A.

[0177] Then at Figure 15 In step S104, once the predetermined time has elapsed, a liquid film 61, such as a very thin film of water, is formed on the surface of the pseudo-receptor membrane 13 by pure humidified air (water vapor) from the humidifier 20. The amount or thickness of the liquid film 61 formed on the surface of the pseudo-receptor membrane 13 can be easily estimated by adjusting the humidity of the pure humidified air using individually prepared spherical SAW sensors as moisture detectors, and then presetting the predetermined time for step S104. Figure 15 In step S105, after a predetermined time has elapsed since the humidifier 20 was turned on, the humidifier 20 is set to turn off.

[0178] Then at Figure 15In step S106, the humidification input valve 23a and humidification output valve 23b of the three-way valve are closed, setting the state where neither the humidified air delivery pipe B nor the dry air delivery pipe C is selected. Once the on / off valve 32 is opened, the virus delivery pipe A is selected, and then the mass flow controller 22 is set to the second value. In this way, the air to be tested 31a is drawn in from the intake port through the filter 30a. Here, the filter 30a removes particles or coarse aerosols 33a of a predetermined size, such as larger than 4 μm. Therefore, the air containing the tested aerosols 33b of a predetermined size, or smaller, such as approximately 0.1 μm to 3.0 μm, is directed to the surface of the receptor-simulating membrane 13.

[0179] Then, once the scheduled waiting time has elapsed, then... Figure 15 In step S107, the common concentration unit 34 carries the aerosol on the generated high-speed airflow and blows it onto the surface of the receptor-like membrane 13. If the target virus 60 is present in the aerosol blown onto the surface, the target virus 60 is captured by the receptor-like receptors on the surface of the receptor-like membrane 13. In the virus inspection method described in the second extended embodiment, the humidifier 20 is turned off before steps S106 and S107, but alternatively, the humidifier 20 is turned off after step S107. In this case, in steps S106 and S107, the coarse aerosol 33a blown onto the surface of the receptor-like membrane 13 becomes the inspected aerosol 33b, which is composed of water-containing aerosol, thus further promoting the specific binding reaction on the surface of the receptor-like membrane 13.

[0180] Next, in Figure 15 In step S108, after closing the on / off valve 32, the dry air delivery pipe C is selected by switching the humidification input valve 23a and the humidification output valve 23b, and then the mass flow controller 22 is set to the third value. In this way, the pure dry air drawn in through the filter 21 is carried by the high-speed airflow generated by the common condenser 34 and blown onto the surface of the receptor-like membrane 13. Then, once this state continues for a predetermined time, Figure 15 In step S109, the liquid film 61 on the surface of the receptor-like membrane 13 is removed, and at the same time, non-specific adsorbed substances (viruses other than target virus 60 or other substances) present on the surface of the receptor-like membrane 13 are also removed. The predetermined time in step S109 is set as the time until the non-specific adsorbed substances are removed and the sensor response becomes a certain value.

[0181] Next, in Figure 15In step S110, the final values ​​of the attenuation coefficient and delay time of the SAW propagating in the spherical SAW sensors (11a, 12, 13, 14) are measured by the inspection means (logic circuit) 503 of the signal processing unit 50. Next, in Figure 15 In steps S111 to S112, the inspection means 503 reads the initial value obtained in step S101 from the data storage device 511. The inspection means 503 calculates the difference between the initial value obtained in step S101 and the final value obtained in step S110. The inspection means 503 stores the calculated difference in the data storage device 511 of the virus inspection system described in the basic embodiment (see reference). Figure 9 In ) then, in Figure 15 Step S113 → Figure 15 In step S114, if the inspection means 503 determines that the difference between the initial value and the final value exceeds the threshold, that is, if the inspection means 503 determines that the response amount obtained by the inspection means 503 for the specific adsorption of the target virus 60 exceeds the predetermined threshold, then the inspection means 503 determines that there is a purposeful target virus 60 in the air being inspected 31a, and the inspection means 503 causes the output device 513 to output a "target virus detection alarm".

[0182] On the other hand, Figure 15 In steps S113 to S115, if the inspection means 503 determines that the difference between the initial value and the final value is below the threshold, the inspection means 503 determines that there is no target virus 60 in the inspected air 31a. The inspection means 503 will continue to perform on-site inspection of the target virus 60 in the inspected air 31a until the inspection end button is pressed.

[0183] In the virus detection method described in the second extended embodiment, the specific binding reaction is essentially an irreversible integral reaction; therefore, the number of target viruses 60 that can be specifically adsorbed is limited. Therefore, in Figure 15 In steps S115-S116, if the final value in step S110 has reached the upper limit, a sensor replacement alarm will be issued. Then, in... Figure 15 In step S117, by making Figure 16 and Figure 17 The rotating frame 1r shown rotates automatically or manually to perform sensor replacement. Figure 15In the procedure from step S115 to step S118, once the sensor replacement is completed or the alarm stop button is pressed, the sensor alarm will stop, and then the on-site inspection of the target virus 60 in the inspected air 31a will continue. In step S118, once the inspection end button is pressed, the on-site inspection of the target virus 60 will end.

[0184] (Third expanded implementation form)

[0185] Next, we will describe a third extended embodiment of the present invention, which expands upon the technical concept derived from the basic embodiment described above. The virus detection system described in this third extended embodiment is, for example... Figure 18 As shown, the mass flow controller 22 is connected between the output side of the first detection container 10a and the second detection container 10b and the suction pump 40. The virus detection device according to the third extended embodiment includes a first spherical SAW sensor (11p, 12a, 13a, 14) and a second spherical SAW sensor (11q, 12b, 13b) respectively housed in the first detection container 10a and the second detection container 10b. Electrical signals output from the first signal converter 12a of the first spherical SAW sensor (11p, 12a, 13a, 14) and the second signal converter 12b of the second spherical SAW sensor (11q, 12b, 13b) are respectively sent to the signal processing unit 50. The virus detection system described in the third extended embodiment inputs two types of electrical signals obtained from the first signal converter 12a and the second signal converter 12b to the signal processing unit 50, which performs differential measurement of the two types of electrical signals and can respond at high speed.

[0186] The first detection container 10a houses the first spherical SAW sensor (11p, 12a, 13a, 14) having the first signal converter 12a and the first pseudo-receptor membrane 13a. Figure 18 In the illustrated configuration of the first spherical SAW sensor (11p, 12a, 13a, 14), a first signal transducer 12a, comprising comb-shaped sensor electrodes, converts a physical signal indicating a change in the physical state of the receptor-like membrane 13a, resulting from the specific binding of the receptor-like 14 to the target virus, into an electrical signal. The receptor-like 14, which binds to the target virus 60, is attached to the receptor-like membrane 13a of the first detection substrate 11p. On the other hand, the second detection container 10b houses the second spherical SAW sensor (11q, 12b, 13b), which includes the second signal transducer 12b and the second receptor-like membrane 13b. Figure 18Although the second spherical SAW sensor (11q, 12b, 13b) has a second signal transducer 12b configured as a comb-shaped sensor electrode, it does not have a pseudo-receptor. The second pseudo-receptor membrane 13b of the second detection substrate 11q is identical to the first pseudo-receptor membrane 13a of the first detection substrate 11p, except that it does not have a pseudo-receptor 14 attached thereto that would bind to the target virus 60. That is, the second detection substrate 11q is a sphere constituting the substrate of the reference sensor that only has a non-specific adsorption inhibition surface that inhibits non-specific adsorption.

[0187] The air 31b to be tested from virus delivery pipe A is blown into the first detection substrate 11p in the first detection container 10a via the first concentration unit (first common concentration unit) 34am, and simultaneously blown into the second detection substrate 11q in the second detection container 10b via the second concentration unit (second common concentration unit) 34bm. Additionally, pure humidified air from humidified air delivery pipe B or pure dry air from dry air delivery pipe C is blown into the first detection substrate 11p in the first detection container 10a via the first concentration unit 34am, and simultaneously blown into the second detection substrate 11q in the second detection container 10b via the second concentration unit 34bm. In the virus detection device described in the third extended embodiment, the first spherical SAW sensor (11p, 12a, 13a, 14) and the second spherical SAW sensor (11q, 12b, 13b) can also be used as follows during each differential measurement. Figure 18 As shown in (b), it is placed inside a detection container 10. Figure 18 As shown in (b), even when two sensors are provided within one detection container 10, the first signal converter 12a of the first spherical SAW sensor (11p, 12a, 13a, 14) is configured with comb-shaped sensor electrodes, and the second signal converter 12b of the second spherical SAW sensor (11q, 12b, 13b) is configured with comb-shaped sensor electrodes. Figure 18 In the configuration shown in (b), a common concentration mechanism 34 can also be used to blow the test air 31b, pure humid air, or pure dry air onto the receptor membranes 13a and 13b of the first spherical SAW sensors (11p, 12a, 13a, 14) and the second spherical SAW sensors (11q, 12b, 13b). Other configurations are the same as those described in the basic embodiment of the virus detection device, therefore, descriptions are omitted here.

[0188] --The third expanded implementation form of virus detection method--

[0189] Next, refer to Figure 19The flowchart shown illustrates the virus detection method described in the third extended embodiment. Hereinafter, using... Figure 18 The inspection system shown in (a) illustrates the process of checking whether a target virus 60 is present in the air being inspected 31a. Furthermore, Figure 18 The virus scanning system described in the third extended embodiment shown in (a) can also execute the already used Figure 12 The flowchart of the virus detection method described in the basic implementation previously explained, or as described later. Figure 25 The flowchart of the virus inspection method shown in the sixth extended embodiment is a procedure.

[0190] First, after the virus detection system described in the basic implementation is started, in Figure 19 In step S201, once the measurement start button is pressed, then Figure 18 As shown in (a), the humidification input valve 23a and humidification output valve 23b, which are part of a three-way valve, are switched, the humidified air delivery piping B is selected, and then the mass flow controller 22 is set to the first value. Subsequently, in Figure 19 In step S202, once the humidifier 20 is turned on, the pure dry air drawn from the filter 21 is transformed into pure humid air through the humidifier 20. Then, the pure humid air is supplied to the surface of the receptor membrane 13 via the virus delivery pipe A.

[0191] Then, once the scheduled waiting time has elapsed, then... Figure 19 In step S203, a liquid film 61, such as a very thin film of water, is formed on the surface of the receptor-simulating membrane 13 by using pure humidified air (water vapor or aerosol) from the humidifier 20. The amount or thickness of the liquid film 61 formed on the surface of the receptor-simulating membrane 13 can be easily estimated by adjusting the humidity of the pure humidified air using individually prepared spherical SAW sensors as moisture detectors, and then presetting the predetermined time for step S203. Figure 19 In step S204, after a predetermined time has elapsed since the humidifier 20 was turned on, the humidifier 20 is set to turn off.

[0192] Next, in Figure 19In step S205, the humidification input valve 23a and the humidification output valve 23b are closed, setting the state where neither the humidified air delivery pipe B nor the dry air delivery pipe C is selected. Once the on / off valve 32 is opened, the virus delivery pipe A is selected. Then, in step S205, the mass flow controller 22 is set to the second value. As a result, the air to be tested 31a is drawn in from the intake port through the filter 30a. Here, the filter 30a filters out particles or coarse aerosols 33a of a predetermined size, such as larger than 4 μm, and generates the air to be tested aerosol 33b. Therefore, the air containing the air to be tested aerosol 33b of a predetermined size, or smaller than it, for example, about 0.1 μm to 3.0 μm, is directed to the first spherical SAW sensor (11p, 12a, 13a, 14) and the second spherical SAW sensor (11q, 12b, 13b).

[0193] Then, after a predetermined waiting time, the aerosol to be examined 33b is carried by a high-speed airflow from the first concentration unit 34am and blown onto the surface of the first spherical SAW sensor (11p, 12a, 13a, 14). If the aerosol to be examined 33b contains the target virus 60, the target virus 60 is captured by the pseudo-receptor on the first pseudo-receptor membrane 13a of the first spherical SAW sensor (11p, 12a, 13a, 14). At this time, non-specific adsorbed substances (viruses other than the target virus 60 or other substances) contained in the aerosol to be examined 33b, which act as impurities, also adhere to the first pseudo-receptor membrane 13a of the first spherical SAW sensor (11p, 12a, 13a, 14). Simultaneously in step S205, the aerosol 33b to be inspected is carried by a high-speed airflow from the second concentration unit 34bm and blown onto the surface of the second spherical SAW sensor (11q, 12b, 13b). Thus, in step S205, non-specific adsorbed substances, which are impurities, contained in the aerosol 33b to be inspected also adhere to the second pseudo-receptor membrane 13b of the second spherical SAW sensor (11q, 12b, 13b).

[0194] That is, impurities in the air being inspected 31a adhere equally to both the first pseudo-receptor membrane 13a and the second pseudo-receptor membrane 13b of the first spherical SAW sensor (11p, 12a, 13a, 14) and the second spherical SAW sensor (11q, 12b, 13b). Between the first signal converter 12a and the second signal converter 12b, changes in the acoustic signal accompanying the adhesion are converted into electrical signals. The signal processing unit 50 uses the electrical signals output by the first signal converter 12a and the second signal converter 12b to calculate the attenuation coefficient of the SAW and the initial value of the SAW delay time. This means that, referring to... Figure 15The attenuation coefficient and initial value of the delay time of the SAW measured in the spherical SAW sensors (11a, 12, 13, 14) in the virus detection method described in the second extended embodiment do not need to be pre-calculated by the signal processing unit 50. Figure 15 Step S101), and the removal process that does not require impurities ( Figure 15 (Steps S108-S109). Therefore, the virus detection method described in the third extended embodiment has the effect of faster detection compared to the virus detection method described in the second extended embodiment.

[0195] Specifically, in Figure 19 In step S206, while the attenuation coefficient and delay time of the SAW output by the first spherical SAW sensor (11p, 12a, 13a, 14) are measured, the attenuation coefficient and delay time of the SAW output by the second spherical SAW sensor (11q, 12b, 13b) are also measured. Next, in Figure 19 In steps S207-S208, the difference between the measured values ​​in the first spherical SAW sensor (11p, 12a, 13a, 14) and the second spherical SAW sensor (11q, 12b, 13b) is calculated, and the difference is stored in the data storage device 511 of the virus detection system described in the basic embodiment (see reference). Figure 9 In ) . For example Figure 20 As shown, the difference Δx does not depend on the response of impurities in the examined aerosol 33b to the correct amount of target virus 60.

[0196] Therefore, following Figure 19 Step S209 → Figure 19 In step S210, if the difference between the measured values ​​in the first spherical SAW sensor (11p, 12a, 13a, 14) and the second spherical SAW sensor (11q, 12b, 13b) exceeds a threshold, that is, if the response to the specific adsorption of the target virus 60 exceeds a predetermined threshold, it is determined that the target virus 60 is present in the inspected air 31a, and a target virus detection alarm is issued. On the other hand, following... Figure 19 Step S209 → Figure 19 In step S210, if the difference between the measured values ​​in the first spherical SAW sensor (11p, 12a, 13a, 14) and the second spherical SAW sensor (11q, 12b, 13b) is below a threshold, it is determined that there is no target virus 60 in the air being checked 31a. The on-site inspection of the target virus 60 in the air being checked will continue until the inspection end button is pressed.

[0197] Furthermore, in the virus inspection method described in the second extended embodiment, the humidifier 20 is turned off before step S205. In the virus inspection method described in the third extended embodiment, the humidifier 20 may be turned off after step S205, instead of before. In this case, in step S205, the aerosol 33b to be inspected blown onto the surfaces of the first spherical SAW sensors (11p, 12a, 13a, 14) and the second spherical SAW sensors (11q, 12b, 13b) becomes a moisture-containing aerosol 33b to be inspected.

[0198] Similar to the second extended embodiment, in the virus detection method described in the third extended embodiment, the specific binding reaction is essentially an irreversible integral reaction; therefore, the number of pseudo-receptors, i.e., the number of target viruses 60 that can be specifically adsorbed, has an upper limit. Therefore, in Figure 19 In the procedure from steps S211 to S212, if the attenuation coefficient and delay time values ​​of the SAW measured by the first spherical SAW sensor (11p, 12a, 13a, 14) in step S206 reach the upper limit, a sensor replacement alarm is issued. Then... Figure 19 In step S213, the virus detection device described as the second extended embodiment will be explained. Figure 16 and Figure 17 The rotating mechanism, identical to that of the rotating frame 1r shown, is automatically or manually driven to perform the replacement of the spherical SAW sensor. Once the replacement of the spherical SAW sensor is complete, it proceeds along... Figure 19 Following the process of step S213 → step S201, the sensor alarm stops, and then the on-site inspection of the target virus 60 in the inspected air 31a continues.

[0199] In addition, Figure 19In step S214, if the amount of non-specific adsorbed material on the first spherical SAW sensor (11p, 12a, 13a, 14) and the second spherical SAW sensor (11q, 12b, 13b) has increased, then a refresh of the first spherical SAW sensor (11p, 12a, 13a, 14) and the second spherical SAW sensor (11q, 12b, 13b) can also be performed. Refreshing refers to removing the non-specific adsorbed material adhering to the surface of the first spherical SAW sensor (11p, 12a, 13a, 14) and the second spherical SAW sensor (11q, 12b, 13b), restoring them to their initial clean state without any non-specific adsorbed material. By performing this recovery process, the lifespan (usable period) of the first spherical SAW sensor (11p, 12a, 13a, 14) and the second spherical SAW sensor (11q, 12b, 13b) can be extended. In particular, the second spherical SAW sensor (11q, 12b, 13b), which serves as a reference sensor, does not need to be replaced, thus reducing the hassle and saving time.

[0200] That is, following Figure 19 Following the process of steps S214 to S215, if it is determined that restoration is necessary, the on / off valve 32 is closed, and the dry air delivery pipe C is selected by switching the humidification input valve 23a and the humidification output valve 23b. Then, the mass flow controller 22 is set to the third value. In this way, the pure dry air drawn in by the filter 21 is carried by the first concentrator 34am and the second concentrator 34bm in a high-speed airflow and blown onto the surfaces of the first spherical SAW sensor (11p, 12a, 13a, 14) and the second spherical SAW sensor (11q, 12b, 13b).

[0201] Then, once this state persists for the predetermined time, then... Figure 19 In step S216, the liquid film 61 on the surfaces of the first detection substrate 11p and the second detection substrate 11q is removed, and simultaneously, non-specific adsorbed substances present on the surfaces of the first detection substrate 11p and the second detection substrate 11q are also removed. The predetermined time in step S216 is set as the time until the non-specific adsorbed substances are removed and the sensor response becomes a certain value. Afterwards, [further steps are taken]. Figure 19 In the process of step S216 → step S201, the on-site inspection of the target virus 60 in the air being inspected 31a will continue.

[0202] Furthermore, if no further recovery is needed, proceed to step S217 to confirm whether to continue the integrating differential detection. Then, for example, once the "Check End" button is pressed, the on-site inspection of the target virus 60 ends; once the "Check Continue" button is pressed, the on-site inspection of the target virus 60 in the inspected air 31a will continue. Figure 19 Step S217 → Step S201).

[0203] (Fourth expanded implementation form)

[0204] The virus detection device according to the fourth extended embodiment of the present invention, based on the basic embodiment, such as Figure 21 As shown, almost the entire equatorial plane of the detection substrate 11a is structured around the frame 1 from which the aerosol to be tested 33b can be sprayed. The frame 1 is a block formed of resin or metal. The frame 1 has three spaces: an intake 2 for the aerosol to be tested 33b, a cavity 3 in which the detection substrate 11a constituting the spherical SAW sensor is disposed, and an exhaust 4 for the aerosol to be tested 33b. The detection substrate 11a is disposed within the cavity 3 and fixed parallel to the line connecting the intake 2 and the exhaust 4 on its equatorial plane.

[0205] Although not shown in the diagram, the exhaust port 4 is connected to a suction pump, such as a vacuum pump, which draws the aerosol to be tested 33b from the suction port 2 upon activation. The aerosol to be tested 33b is then sprayed towards the equatorial plane of the detection substrate 11a via a common concentration mechanism 34 from five nozzles: a first nozzle 34p, a second nozzle 34q, a third nozzle 34r, a fourth nozzle 34s, and a fifth nozzle 34t, all positioned along the equatorial plane of the detection substrate 11a. In the virus detection system according to the fourth extended embodiment, the aerosol to be tested 33b is uniformly sprayed onto the receptor-like membrane positioned along the equatorial plane. Therefore, the amount of target virus 60 bound to the surface of the receptor-like membrane is relatively increased, which can relatively extend the lifespan of the spherical SAW sensor. Furthermore, a gate structure may be provided in each of the five jet ports from the first jet port 34p to the fifth jet port 34t, thereby relatively extending the lifespan of the spherical SAW sensor by changing the jet position of the pseudo-receptor membrane configured along the equatorial plane along the time sequence.

[0206] (Fifth expanded implementation form)

[0207] Figure 22 The virus detection device described in the fifth extended embodiment shown is and Figure 21 Similarly, the structure shown has a strip-shaped slit that allows for the linear spraying of the tested aerosol 33b onto the pseudo-receptor membrane 13g along the entire equatorial plane of the detection substrate 11g. For example... Figure 22 As shown in (a) and (b), the device has a cylindrical inner wall 37 surrounding the detection substrate 11g, and a jet port 34l is formed in the middle section of the inner wall 37 along the equator of the detection substrate 11g. The nozzle end of the common concentration mechanism is combined with the suction port side of the frame 1, and a gas detour chamber 36 is provided between the nozzle end and the inner wall 37.

[0208] Figure 22 The structures shown in (a) and (b) are prone to contamination due to the height of the gas detour chamber 36. Therefore, as... Figure 22 The structure shown in (c) can also be simplified by reducing the height of the inner wall 34f of the gas detour chamber 34e, thereby reducing the volume of the gas detour chamber 34e and facilitating the sterilization or purification of the inner wall 34f. Figure 22 Although an exhaust pipe 134 is shown in the lower right of (c), a suction pump (not shown) is connected to the right end of the exhaust pipe 134. Upon activation of the suction pump, the aerosol 33b to be inspected is ejected through a slit-shaped nozzle. In the virus inspection system according to the fifth extended embodiment, the aerosol 33b to be inspected is uniformly ejected onto the receptor-like membrane 13g positioned along the equatorial plane. Therefore, the amount of target virus 60 bound to the surface of the receptor-like membrane 13g is relatively increased, which can relatively extend the lifespan of the spherical SAW sensor.

[0209] (Sixth expanded implementation form)

[0210] The virus detection device described in the sixth extended embodiment of the present invention, derived from the basic embodiment at the beginning, such as... Figure 23 As shown, in the flow path v of the aerosol 33b being inspected, there is a detection container 10 that stores the spherical detection substrate 11m constituting the spherical SAW sensor. A base 101 for mounting the detection substrate 11m is disposed at the lower part of the detection substrate 11m. Since the detection substrate 11m is spherical, the base 101 has a recess for positioning the detection substrate 11m to prevent it from rotating. A protrusion disposed at the lower part of an electrode holder base 102 is inserted into the hole at the center of the detection container 10. Therefore, the bottom of the electrode holder base 102, which is disposed above the detection substrate 11m, is inserted into the inner wall of the window portion that vertically cuts into the upper wall of the detection substrate 11m and is thus fixed to the upper part of the detection container 10. The opening of the flow path v, which extends vertically through the bottom of the electrode holder base 102, partially covers the upper part of the detection substrate 11m. Then, the uppermost part of the electrode holder base 102 is closed by the sensor unit cover 103.

[0211] Above the detection substrate 11m, on the main surface of the base 101, along the vertical direction (perpendicular to the direction of flow path v), a cylindrical electrode holder 104 is provided. A rod-shaped external electrode 105 is housed within the hollow space of the electrode holder 104, held in such a way that its bottom is inserted into the interior of the sensor unit cover 103. At the north pole of the detection substrate 11m, at the bottom of the electrode holder base 102, it is connected to the lower end of the external electrode 105 via a contact pin 105a standing perpendicular to the direction of flow path v. The aerosol to be tested 33b is introduced at a gas flow rate v through horizontally arranged piping 106, allowing it to be sprayed onto a pseudo-receptor membrane disposed on the surface of the detection substrate 11m. Figure 23 The 106 central piping is shown as having the same thickness in the diagram, but in reality... Figure 23 The pipe 106 on the left side of the detection substrate 11m is cone-shaped in order to form a common concentration mechanism 34 for concentrating the concentration (number volume density) of the target virus 60.

[0212] exist Figure 23 In the middle, on the lower side of the central part of the detection container 10, at the position facing the base 101, such as Figure 26 As shown, the base 101 is inserted into and exits the required piping section 151 from below, and is provided with a plate-like structure that is thicker than the piping 106. Figure 26 As shown in (a), an O-ring groove 133n is embedded in the inner wall of the through hole provided in the center of the piping section 151 for inserting an O-ring 131n, which serves as a sealing member. Correspondingly, as Figure 26 As shown in (b), an O-ring 131n, embedded in an O-ring groove, is installed in the side wall of the cylindrical base 101. This is achieved by placing an O-ring 131n in the side wall of the cylindrical base 101. Figure 26 Insert into the through hole in the central part of the piping section 151 shown in (a), Figure 26 As shown in (b), the cylindrical base 101, the O-ring 131n between the side wall of the cylindrical base 101 and the inner wall of the through hole of the piping section 151 will achieve airtightness to prevent gas leakage.

[0213] Because it has an assembly structure of piping section 151 and base 101, therefore, Figure 26 As shown, when replacing the base 11m, the base 101 can be disassembled through the piping section 151, forming an airtight seal structure obtained by the O-ring 131n that prevents gas leakage between the base 101 and the piping section 151. Figure 23 and Figure 26As shown in (a), an O-ring 131m is inserted between the top of the detection container 10 and the electrode holder base 102, and an O-ring 131l is inserted between the electrode holder base 102 and the sensor unit cover 103. This allows the detection container 10, electrode holder base 102, and sensor unit cover 103 to be disassembled, while ensuring airtightness to prevent gas leakage. A Peltier element 108 is held in the lower part of the holder 107 located directly below the detection base 11m. A thermistor 109 is inserted to the side of the holder 107. The Peltier element 108 is used to heat and cool the detection base 11a via the adapter 110. The thermistor 109 can also replace other temperature sensors such as imaging thermocouples.

[0214] Figure 26 The base 101 shown in (b) can be replaced with, for example, Figure 27 The illustrated six-ball rotating and moving mechanism comprises six detection substrates: a first detection substrate 11j, a second detection substrate 11k, a third detection substrate 11l, a fourth detection substrate 11m, a fifth detection substrate 11n, and a sixth detection substrate 11o. If we focus on... Figure 27 The first detection substrate 11j shown is a spherical SAW sensor. Then the five detection substrates, namely the second detection substrate 11k, the third detection substrate 11l, the fourth detection substrate 11m, the fifth detection substrate 11n, and the sixth detection substrate 11o, become "replacement spherical SAW sensors". Figure 23 The virus detection described in the sixth extended embodiment shown has the following characteristics: Figure 26 The decomposable structure shown allows the six detection substrates 11j~11o to rotate around the rotation axis X, enabling the targeted spherical SAW sensors to be sequentially replaced with replacement spherical SAW sensors. Used detection substrates 11j~11o, for example, after being sterilized with a sterilizing gas, are rotated and moved to the ball discharge position, where they are discharged and replaced with new balls. In addition to the rotation mechanism, the six-ball rotation and movement mechanism may also include a lifting mechanism. In this case, the piping 106 and the detection container 10 disposed in its flow path v are fixed. Figure 27 The 6-ball rotating mechanism shown performs both up-and-down and rotational movements. This makes ball replacement much easier. Furthermore, Figure 27 The rotating moving mechanism shown can carry 6 balls, but the number is not limited to 6 balls; it can be fewer or more. Furthermore, as described later, when carrying both a detection substrate for virus testing and a detection substrate for moisture testing, it is preferable that the number of detection substrates carried by the rotating moving mechanism is even.

[0215] Figure 24 The signal processing unit 50 of the virus inspection system shown in the sixth extended embodiment is related to... Figure 1The signal processing unit 50 of the virus detection system shown in the basic embodiment has almost the same logic circuit configuration as that described, but the data processor 500 differs in that it has a moisture detection means 515. The moisture detection means 515 does not detect the target virus 60 in the air, but rather detects the moisture content in the air. That is, the moisture detection sphere contains a substance that binds to water molecules in the air. Using waveform data from the return pulse signal of the sphere's SAW sensor, the increase in the weight surface density resulting from the binding of water molecules is used as the SAW's delay time response for integral differential detection, thereby estimating the moisture content in the air. Other configurations are the same as those of the virus detection system described in the basic embodiment, so descriptions are omitted here.

[0216] --The sixth expanded implementation form of virus detection method--

[0217] Next, refer to Figure 25 and Figure 27 The following describes the virus inspection method according to the sixth extended embodiment. In the virus inspection method according to the sixth extended embodiment, three of each of the first detection substrate 11j, the third detection substrate 11l, and the fifth detection substrate 11n, which are moisture inspection balls, are alternately placed with three of each of the second detection substrate 11k, the fourth detection substrate 11m, and the sixth detection substrate 11o, which are virus inspection balls. Thus, after the humidifier 20 is activated, the humidity (moisture content) inside the piping can be confirmed before inspection, and the inspection can be performed while maintaining the optimal humidity.

[0218] (0)(Humidity Inspection Procedure)

[0219] First of all, Figure 25 In step S20, make Figure 27 The rotary moving mechanism (hereinafter referred to as the "turntable") shown is driven up and down / rotate to position the first detection substrate 11j, which serves as a moisture detection ball, in the inspection position, and then inspects the humidity inside the piping and the detection container 10. Specifically, firstly, the turntable is driven up and down to make the... Figure 26 The base portion of the turntable shown in (b) is from Figure 26The detection container body shown in (a) is detached. Then, while the turntable is rotated, the first detection substrate 11j, the third detection substrate 11l, and the fifth detection substrate 11n (which serve as moisture detection balls) and the second detection substrate 11k, the fourth detection substrate 11m, and the sixth detection substrate 11o (which serve as virus detection balls) are alternately mounted on the turntable. Subsequently, the turntable is driven up and down / rotated to position the first detection substrate 11j (which serves as a moisture detection ball) in the inspection position. Next, the on / off valve 32 is set to the open state, and the humidification input valve 23a and the humidification output valve 23b (which are three-way valves) are set to the closed state. Purge gas is introduced from the gas supply unit 70, and the gas remaining inside the piping of the inspection device and inside the detection container 10 is removed by the suction pump.

[0220] Next, the on / off valve 32 is set to the closed state, and the humidified air delivery pipe B is selected through the humidification input valve 23a and the humidification output valve 23b. Once ambient air is drawn in by the start of the suction pump, impurities or moisture are removed by passing through the filter 21 filled with activated carbon, etc., to generate pure dry air. After the pure dry air is set to a flow rate of about 1 L / min by the mass flow controller 22, it is humidified by the humidifier 20 to become pure humidified air. Once the pure humidified air is supplied to the pseudo-receptor membrane covering at least a portion of the first detection substrate 11j via the humidification output valve 23b and the first concentration mechanism 34a, it is then... Figure 24 The moisture detection means 515 of the data processor 500 of the virus detection system shown checks the humidity inside the piping and inside the detection container 10. Then, if the humidity inside the piping and inside the detection container 10 of the detection device is within the predetermined humidity, the process proceeds to the steps described later.

[0221] (1) (Humidification process)

[0222] First of all, Figure 25 In step S21, make Figure 27 The turntable shown is driven up and down / rotate. Instead of a moisture-detecting ball, a virus-detecting ball, i.e., the second detection substrate 11k, is positioned at the detection site, forming a liquid film 61 on at least a portion of the receptor-like membrane covering the second detection substrate 11k. The liquid film 61 is formed only in an amount sufficient to maintain the activity of the receptor-like receptor 14 on the receptor-like membrane. The liquid film 61 is, for example, water, or a buffer solution simulating a living environment. Regarding the specific operation, and... Figure 12 The virus detection method described in the basic implementation shown in the flowchart is the same, so the description here is omitted.

[0223] (2) (Spraying process)

[0224] Next, in Figure 25In step S22, crude aerosol 33a is drawn up, containing liquid to form a fluid flow of the aerosol to be tested 33b composed of water-containing aerosol. This aerosol to be tested 33b is then sprayed onto the simulated receptor membrane. For specific procedures, refer to... Figure 12 The flowchart is already described in the section on virus detection methods in the basic implementation, so the description here is omitted.

[0225] (3) (Inspection process)

[0226] Next, in Figure 25 In step S23, an integrated differential detection method is used to check the presence or absence of the target virus 60 in the tested aerosol 33b, based on the target virus 60 that has already bound to the receptor 14 on the receptor membrane. For specific procedures, please refer to... Figure 12 The virus detection method described in the basic implementation form illustrated in the flowchart has already been explained, so the explanation here is omitted.

[0227] (4) (Sterilization process)

[0228] Next, in Figure 25 In step S24, sterilization is performed on the piping and machine that were contaminated during the inspection in step S23. For specific procedures, please refer to... Figure 12 The virus detection method described in the basic implementation form illustrated in the flowchart has already been explained, so the explanation here is omitted.

[0229] Thus, in the sixth extended embodiment, by pre-checking the optimal moisture content, the subsequent specific binding reaction can be promoted. Moreover, by using the rotational movement of the 6 balls, the moisture testing ball for checking the moisture content in the air and the virus testing ball for checking the target virus 60 in the air can be automatically replaced, thus enabling simple and high-speed on-site inspection of the target virus 60.

[0230] (Seventh expanded implementation form)

[0231] and Figure 1 The structure of the virus detection device shown in the basic embodiment is similar, constituting the detection container 10 of the virus detection device of the virus detection system described in the 7th extended embodiment of the present invention, such as... Figure 28 As shown, an inlet (first inlet) is provided on the outer wall of the left side of the detection container 10, but a second inlet is also provided on the zenith side of the detection container 10. For the virus concentration mechanism 34 at the gas jet end of the virus delivery piping A, from... Figure 28The left side is connected to the inlet of the detection container 10 via the inspection input valve 23e, which belongs to the three-way valve (first three-way valve). The virus delivery piping A is a gas piping system that sprays inspection air 31a onto the surface of the receptor-like membrane 13. In the virus inspection device described in the seventh extended embodiment, a calibration gas delivery piping E is also included for spraying a calibration aerosol containing a certain set concentration of virus onto the receptor-like membrane 13 of the detection substrate 11a. Figure 28 and Figure 29 As shown, from the mass flow controller 22 to the humidification input valve 23a belonging to the third three-way valve, a T-shaped branch is made midway in the piping extending to the right for connection to the humidifier 20. A calibration aerosol generator 20 is connected to this branch piping. cali .

[0232] Already used Figure 1 In the description of the virus detection system in the basic embodiment, the humidifier 20 is shown to consist of a sprayer (liquid atomizing device) for generating water and an impregnation tube. However, in addition to generating water aerosols, the sprayer (liquid atomizing device) is also generally used to atomize a suspension of water and microparticles such as viruses to generate an aerosol containing water, air, and microparticles. The virus detection system and virus detection device of the seventh extended embodiment of the present invention, derived from the basic embodiment, such as... Figure 28 and Figure 29 As shown, a humidifier 20 is connected from the filter 21 via the mass flow controller 22 to the humidification input valve 23a, which belongs to the third three-way valve, and then through the piping extending to the right of the humidification input valve 23a to the humidification output valve 23c.

[0233] like Figure 28 and Figure 29 As shown, the virus inspection input valve 23e of the virus inspection device described in the seventh extended embodiment is composed of a first three-way valve, and the humidification output valve 23c is composed of a second three-way valve. Corresponding to the three pipes introduced into these first and second three-way valves, each has three connection interfaces, namely the first to the third interfaces. Furthermore, "first to third interfaces" are merely convenient names used to specify the location in the circuit in which the pipes are configured, and do not necessarily require the existence of physically independent individual components.

[0234] and Figure 1 Similarly, the structure of the virus detection device in the basic embodiment shown is the same as that of the detection container 10 of the virus detection device in the virus detection system of the 7th extended embodiment, as shown. Figure 28As shown, an inlet (first inlet) is provided on the outer wall of the left side of the detection container 10, but a second inlet is also provided on the zenith side of the detection container 10. For the virus concentration mechanism 34 at the gas jet end of the virus delivery piping A, from... Figure 28 The left side is connected to the inlet of the detection container 10 via the third port of the inspection input valve 23e, which belongs to the first three-way valve. The virus delivery piping A is a gas piping system that sprays inspection air 31a onto the surface of the receptor-like membrane 13. In the virus inspection device described in the seventh extended embodiment, a calibration gas delivery piping E is also included for spraying a calibration aerosol containing a certain set concentration of virus onto the receptor-like membrane 13 of the detection substrate 11a. Figure 28 and Figure 29 As shown, from the mass flow controller 22 to the first port of the humidification input valve 23a belonging to the third three-way valve, a T-shaped branch is formed midway in the piping extending to the right for connection to the humidifier 20. A calibration aerosol generator 20 is connected to this branch piping. cali .

[0235] Aerosol generator 20 cali ,like Figure 29 The central image shows a tank capable of storing a virus suspension of a set concentration, and a compressor-type sprayer (liquid atomizing device) with a spray chamber covering the top of the tank. Aerosol generator 20 cali It also features a suspension nozzle 34m that draws up the virus suspension from the liquid tank into the spray chamber and sprays an aerosol containing a set concentration of virus. The suspension nozzle 34m can, for example... Figure 29 It is constructed using concentric circular double-tube nozzles as shown. Unlike the virus detection device described in the basic embodiment, in the virus detection device described in the 7th extended embodiment, as... Figure 28 and Figure 29 As shown, a calibration aerosol generator 20 is capable of generating calibration aerosol. cali This feature, independent of the humidifier 20, is a technical characteristic. Aerosol generator 20 cali It can also be based on the structure of a compressor-type sprayer (liquid atomizing device), and further incorporate ultrasonic functionality. If the virus detection system is based on the seventh extended embodiment, it includes a calibration aerosol generator 20. caliThe detection substrate 11a is calibrated by spraying a calibration aerosol containing a virus at a set concentration into the detection container 10, and then measuring the response at multiple time points after spraying. As described in the virus detection device of the basic embodiment, the detection substrate 11a is spherical, and at least a portion of the detection substrate 11a has a membrane with a pseudo-receptor membrane 13 formed thereon.

[0236] When the inspection input valve 23e, belonging to the first three-way valve, is switched and calibration aerosol from calibration gas delivery pipe E is passed through the inspection input valve 23e, the calibration aerosol is concentrated by the common concentration mechanism (first common concentration mechanism) 34 and then sprayed into the detection substrate 11a inside the detection container 10 for calibration of the detection substrate 11a. When the inspection input valve 23e is switched and test air from virus delivery pipe A is passed through the inspection input valve 23e, the calibrated detection substrate 11a is used to determine the concentration of the target virus. The virus inspection system described in the seventh extended embodiment further includes a purge gas delivery pipe D connecting the gas supply unit 70 to the second inlet on the zenith side of the detection container 10. Figure 28 In the second three-way valve, the humidification output valve 23c has a third port connected to the purge gas delivery pipe D, and a first port connected to the humidified air delivery pipe B and a second port connected to the dry air delivery pipe C. The gas supply unit 70 selectively supplies sterilizing gas or purge gas to the interior of the detection container 10 via the purge gas delivery pipe D. A second common concentration mechanism 34n is provided at the outlet end of the purge gas delivery pipe D. The second common concentration mechanism 34n is connected to a second inlet on the zenith side of the detection container 10.

[0237] like Figure 28As shown, the purge gas delivery pipe D has a T-branch connected to the third interface of the humidification output valve 23c, but the end of the purge gas delivery pipe D on the side where the second common concentration mechanism 34n is located is connected to the top side of the detection container 10. That is, the purge gas delivery pipe D is connected to the top side of the detection container 10, and the purge gas flows from the top to the bottom of the detection container 10. The detection container 10 is connected to a suction pump 40, so the sterilizing gas or purge gas from the purge gas delivery pipe D is supplied to the suction pump 40 through the detection container 10 by the suction of the suction pump 40. A humidified air delivery pipe B and a dry air delivery pipe C, which can be switched by the humidification output valve 23c, are connected at the T-branch between the gas supply unit 70 of the purge gas delivery pipe D and the second common concentration mechanism 34n. Pure humidified air and pure dry air can be selectively introduced into the purge gas delivery pipe D by valve operation. By switching paths, pure humid air, pure dry air, and purge gas are sequentially sprayed onto the surface of the detection substrate 11a from the second common concentration unit 34n through the second inlet of the detection container 10.

[0238] Furthermore, a calibration gas delivery pipe E is provided midway through the virus delivery pipe A, connected via the first interface of the inspection input valve 23e belonging to the first three-way valve. Therefore, by switching the inspection input valve 23e, the inspection air 31a and the calibration aerosol can be selectively introduced into the virus delivery pipe A. Thus, by switching the inspection input valve 23e belonging to the first three-way valve, a calibration aerosol containing calibration viruses with concentrations set to multiple values ​​can be sprayed from the first common concentration mechanism 34 onto the detection substrate 11a to calibrate the detection substrate 11a. According to the virus inspection system of the seventh extended embodiment, by using calibration aerosol to calibrate the detection substrate 11a, a more reliable integrating differential detection can be performed compared to the virus inspection device of the basic embodiment.

[0239] like Figure 28As shown, the virus detection system of the seventh extended embodiment includes: a signal converter 12 that converts a physical signal indicating a change in the physical state of the receptor-like membrane 13, resulting from the specific binding of the receptor-like receptor 14 disposed on the receptor-like membrane 13 to a target virus, into an electrical signal; and a signal processing unit 50 that performs integrated differential detection using the electrical signal output by the signal converter 12. Furthermore, the signal processing unit 50 also has the function of driving and controlling the gas supply unit 70. The presence of a virus bound to the surface of the receptor-like membrane 13 through the spike protein receptor binding reaction can be detected by the integrated differential detection calculation processing performed by the signal processing unit 50. Simultaneously, by performing integrated differential detection using the electrical signal output by the signal converter 12, the signal processing unit 50 detects the binding of the correction virus contained in the correction aerosol to the surface of the receptor-like membrane 13, thereby correcting the sensitivity of the virus detection system.

[0240] As described above, by switching the inspection input valve 23e of the first three-way valve and the humidification output valve 23c of the second three-way valve, the virus delivery pipeline A, humidified air delivery pipeline B, dry air delivery pipeline C, purge gas delivery pipeline D, and calibration gas delivery pipeline E can be selected as the import path. Additionally, as... Figure 29 As shown, this also allows the pipeline pump (compressor) 40a to be used in the calibration aerosol generator 20. cali The gas supply piping E for calibration is constructed by connecting it in series on the inlet side. That is, in... Figure 29 In a more specific piping path of the virus detection device described in the seventh extended embodiment shown, the pipeline pump 40a, the first adjustable leak valve NV1, the first flow meter FM1, and the calibration aerosol generator 20 are connected in series. cali This forms part of the calibration gas delivery piping E. Figure 29 In the example shown, the calibration gas delivery piping E can be composed of: calibration aerosol generator 20 cali The upper piping and the calibration aerosol generator 20 cali The lower piping. That is, the upper piping and the lower piping of the calibration gas delivery piping E, to clamp the calibration aerosol generator 20. cali The aerosol generator 20 for calibration is set in this manner. cali On both sides, aerosol generator 20 cali The tip of the spray chamber is connected to the first port of the inspection input valve 23e via the upper pipe of the calibration gas delivery pipe E. Pure, dry air, pressurized by the line pump 40a via the filter 21, is ejected from the central pipe of the suspension nozzle 34m of the double-tube structure.

[0241] Then, as pure, dry air is ejected from the central tube of the suspension nozzle 34m, the opening at the bottom of the sheath formed between the outer tube of the double-tube structure and the outer wall of the central tube allows air to escape from the aerosol generator 20. cali The liquid tank draws in a virus suspension of a predetermined concentration. Then, the virus suspension of the predetermined concentration, introduced from the bottom of the sheath into the gap between the sheath sections, is drawn to the top of the sheath. From the top of the sheath, the virus suspension is sprayed out in a mist form into the spray chamber. Figure 29 As shown, once the virus suspension is sprayed into the interior of the spray chamber in a mist form, a calibration aerosol containing a certain set concentration of virus is sprayed from the tip of the spray chamber and introduced into the interior of the piping leading to the first interface of the inspection input valve 23e, which forms part of the calibration gas delivery piping E.

[0242] Calibration Aerosol Generator 20 cali An aerosol containing a virus suspension (antigen solution) at a controlled concentration is generated as a calibration aerosol. Furthermore, Figure 29 This is a schematic piping diagram. For simplicity, the upper part of the inspection input valve 23e is rotated 90 degrees to the left, which differs from the actual piping. Furthermore, Figure 29 The patterned representation of three-dimensional structures must also be taken into account. That is, in... Figure 29 On the front side of the paper, the humidified air supply pipe B is connected to the first port of the humidification output valve 23c, and the dry air supply pipe C is connected to the second port of the humidification output valve 23c, thus forming a three-dimensional structure. Then, from the calibration aerosol generator 20... cali The upper side of the calibration gas delivery pipe E, which extends from the tip of the spray chamber, does not intersect with the humid air delivery pipe B and the dry air delivery pipe C in 3D space, but is connected to the first interface of the inspection input valve 23e.

[0243] Additionally, the humidified air supply piping B comprises a piping path having a third adjustable leak valve NV3 and a third flow meter FM3 connected in series between the first interface of the humidifier 20 and the humidification output valve 23c. The dry air supply piping C comprises a piping path having a second adjustable leak valve NV2 and a second flow meter FM2 connected in series between the humidification input valve 23a, which belongs to the third three-way valve, and the second interface of the humidification output valve 23c, which belongs to the second three-way valve. Then, as... Figure 29 As shown, a bypass path is provided between the third port of the inspection input valve 23e and the inspection container 10, connecting the fourth adjustable leak valve NV4 and the fourth flow meter FM4, which are already connected in series. On the piping path through the exhaust side of the inspection base 11a, as... Figure 29As shown at the top of the paper, a pressure gauge P is attached to an L-shaped pipe extending upwards from the detection container 10 and bending to the right. A fifth adjustable leak valve NV5 is connected to the pipe to which the pressure gauge P is attached. As already explained, in Figure 29 In the diagram, the portion above the input valve 23e is indicated by a 90-degree leftward rotation; therefore, the pressure gauge P is actually located to the right of the sensing container 10. Additionally, Figure 29 The L-shaped piping shown in the diagram, extending upwards from the detection container 10 and bending to the right, is actually rotated 90 degrees to the right and then bends downwards from the detection container 10. It then meets the bypass path piping on the exhaust side of the fifth adjustable leak valve NV5 and is connected to the suction pump 40. A filter 21a is connected to the output side of the suction pump 40 as a piping element to prevent virus leakage to the outside.

[0244] Furthermore, in the virus inspection apparatus constituting the virus inspection system described in the 7th extended embodiment, each of the humidified air supply pipe B, the dry air supply pipe C, and the purge gas supply pipe D is installed independently of the virus supply pipe A and the calibration gas supply pipe E. Figure 29 The virus delivery piping A and the calibration gas delivery piping E are represented in layers on the paper. However, in this case, the humidified air delivery piping B, the dry air delivery piping C, and the purge gas delivery piping D are three-dimensional structures located on the front side of the paper. Figure 29 As shown, midway through the piping connecting the third port of the humidification output valve 23c to the first inlet of the detection container 10, the purge gas delivery piping D, which is extended from the gas control unit 76, is connected via a branch line T. The gas control unit 76 and Figure 28 Similarly, the gas supply unit 70 shown also has the function of selectively supplying sterilizing gas or purge gas to a pipe extending from the third port of the humidification output valve 23c via a purge gas delivery pipe D. The purge gas delivery pipe D is connected midway between the third port of the humidification output valve 23c and the first inlet of the detection container 10, at the position shown on the front side of the paper. Figure 29 It is a three-dimensional piping diagram.

[0245] By having separate humidified air delivery piping B, dry air delivery piping C, and purge gas delivery piping D from the virus delivery piping A and calibration gas delivery piping E, the possibility of viruses being present in pure humidified or pure dry air can be eliminated. Furthermore, it has the effect of suppressing uneven virus concentration in calibration aerosols. Moreover, if the purge gas pressure is too low, non-specifically adsorbed substances cannot be blown away from the detection matrix 11a for removal; therefore, by… Figure 29The pressure gauge P shown above the paper is used for monitoring. Then, the purge gas delivery pipe D is installed separately from the virus delivery pipe A and the calibration gas delivery pipe E, and the purge gas flow is directed from the top to the bottom of the detection container 10. By increasing the pressure of the purge gas and directing the purge gas flow from the top to the bottom of the detection container 10, non-specifically adsorbed substances can be efficiently removed from the SAW bypass path by the purge gas. Furthermore, as... Figure 3 and Figure 13 As shown, an external electrode 105 is provided on the north pole side of the spherical SAW sensor (11a, 12, 13). Figure 29 The high-frequency line 75, located in the upper left corner and connected to the external electrode 105 of the spherical SAW sensor (11a, 12, 13), is shown horizontally. However, Figure 29 The diagram shows the portion above the inspection input valve 23e rotated 90 degrees to the left. This implies that the high-frequency line 75 is electrically connected from above in a vertical direction to the north pole side of the spherical SAW sensor (11a, 12, 13). Furthermore, the extension of the purge gas delivery pipe D, which extends from the third port of the humidification output valve 23c to the second inlet of the detection container 10, is drawn obliquely to represent the structure where the purge gas is connected to the second inlet located in the northwest position to avoid the high-frequency line 75 connected to the north pole electrode of the spherical SAW sensor, allowing the purge gas to flow from the northwest to the southeast direction.

[0246] Furthermore, in the virus detection device described in the 7th extended embodiment, it is possible to... Figure 29 The piping elements, which are three-dimensionally contained within the AR field surrounded by a central locking line, can be integrally molded using molding devices such as 3D printers to create an intricate structure. Figure 29 Specifically, the elements contained in the 3D AR field include: a detection container 10 with a configurable detection substrate 11a, and a calibration aerosol generator 20. cali Inserted into the detection container 11 and the calibration aerosol generator 20 cali Humidification output valve 23c, etc. Figure 29 The humidification output valve 23c shown is located on the front side of the paper. The humidification output valve 23c of the second three-way valve has a third port connected to the purge gas delivery pipe D on the front side of the paper, and a first port connected to the humidified air delivery pipe B on the front side of the paper, and a second port connected to the dry air delivery pipe C on the front side of the paper. Additionally, in Figure 28Although not described in the text, there is a bypass path formed by the series connection of the fourth adjustable leak valve NV4 and the fourth flow meter FM4 in the middle of the piping that connects the detection container 10 to the third interface of the inspection input valve 23e, which is connected as a branch piping.

[0247] exist Figure 29 Within the 3D domain AR surrounded by a single locking line, it naturally includes a portion or connection of the piping of the 5 system, such as the humidified air supply pipe B, the dry air supply pipe C, and the bypass path, which are connected to the humidification output valve 23c located in front of the paper. When integrally molded using a 3D printer, the first inlet on the left side or the second inlet on the zenith side of the detection container 10 does not necessarily have to be a solidly independent opening. For example, it could simply be a name indicating the location where the first common concentration mechanism 34 or the second common concentration mechanism 34n is connected. On the other hand, it can also be achieved when integrally molded using a 3D printer, such as... Figure 3 As shown, a segmented structure can be adopted, in which the first inlet and the second inlet slide relative to the first common concentration mechanism 34 and the second common concentration mechanism 34n. Therefore, even if it is integrally molded using a 3D printer or the like, if it can be molded into a sliding structure, the first inlet and the second inlet will be provided as solid physical structures at the opening of the detection container 10. By integrally molding using a 3D printer or the like, the virus detection system described in the seventh extended embodiment can be further miniaturized.

[0248] --Virus detection method as described in the 7th extended implementation --

[0249] Next, regarding usage Figure 28 and Figure 29 The virus detection system and virus detection apparatus shown in the seventh extended embodiment perform sensitivity calibration on the detection substrate 11a constituting the spherical SAW sensor, and perform high-sensitivity virus detection using the spherical SAW sensor that has undergone this sensitivity calibration. Figure 30 and Figure 33 The flowcharts, etc., will be used to illustrate this. The virus detection method described in the 7th extended embodiment, as shown below, is roughly divided into two processing procedures: a calibration curve generation procedure and a virus detection procedure obtained from sensitivity calibration.

[0250] (a) Procedure for creating the calibration curve

[0251] First, such as Figure 30 As shown in step S301 of the flowchart, the process will be... Figure 29The humidified air, controlled by the third adjustable leakage valve NV3 and the third flow meter FM3, is supplied from the humidified air delivery pipe B to the detection container 10 to humidify the surface of the detection substrate 11a. In step S301, as... Figure 31 As shown, the relative delay time change Δt / t, which is the response of the detection substrate 11a, reaches a certain initial value (Δt / t)0. However, if the surface of the detection substrate 11a has already been humidified, step S301 can be omitted. Figure 31 In the process, when the relative delay time change Δt / t reaches a certain initial value (Δt / t)0, let t=0 be the origin of time.

[0252] Next, as shown in step S302, the calibration aerosol generator 20 is... cali The 34m suspension nozzle will pass through Figure 29 The first adjustable leak valve NV1 and the first flow meter FM1 control the flow rate of pure air, which is supplied for a certain period of time t1. In step S302, the suspension is drawn from the tank storing the virus suspension at a preset concentration n0 to the suspension nozzle 34m. Then, in step S302, the air is drawn from the calibration aerosol generator 20. cali The suspension nozzle 34m sprays an aerosol containing a pre-set concentration of virus n0. The aerosol containing virus at concentration n0 is generated from the calibration aerosol generator 20. cali The virus aerosol containing concentration n0 is introduced into the piping connecting the detection container 10 and the third interface of the inspection input valve 23e via the first interface of the inspection input valve 23e. The aerosol containing the virus at concentration n0, introduced into the piping connecting the detection container 10 and the third interface of the inspection input valve 23e, is sprayed into the receptor-like membrane 13 inside the detection container 10 through a nozzle 34 provided in the detection container 10. Once the virus aerosol containing concentration n0 is sprayed onto the receptor-like membrane 13 at the timing in step S302, then... Figure 31 As shown in the response curve, the relative delay time change Δt / t increases with time.

[0253] then, Figure 31 After time t1 has elapsed, as Figure 30 As shown in step S303 of the flowchart, non-specific adsorbed substances other than viruses that have been specifically captured by the receptor-like membrane 13 within the detection container 10 are purged. The purging of non-specific adsorbed substances will be carried out by... Figure 29 The second adjustable leak valve NV2 and the second flow meter FM2 control the flow rate of pure, dry air, which is then sprayed from the dry air delivery pipe C onto the pseudo-receptor membrane 13 inside the detection container 10, thereby implementing the process. During the purging stage of non-specifically adsorbed substances in step S303, such as... Figure 31As shown, the relative time delay change Δt / t reaches saturation and then begins to decrease, at the arrival time t_ Eq Before that, it converges to a certain convergence value (Δt / t)1. After the relative time delay change Δt / t converges to the convergence value (Δt / t)1, for example, in such a case... Figure 31 The difference (Δt / t) between the initial and convergent values ​​at point M is shown. Diff Difference (Δt / t) Diff The difference between the initial value (Δt / t)0 and the convergence value (Δt / t)1 shown in equation (8) is used as the response obtained by excluding the virus from the detection matrix 10a that has been non-specifically adsorbed. The response quantity of the integral differential detection at concentration n0 can be measured.

[0254]

[0255] Next, as shown in step S304, according to the calibration aerosol generator 20 cali The virus concentration n (viruses / L) in the detection container 10 is calculated by taking into account the consumption of suspension per unit time, the flow rate of pure dry air, and the volume of the detection container. Then, as shown in steps S305 and S306, the virus concentration n0 in the suspension is changed sequentially by virus concentrations n1, n2, n3, n4, ... until the predetermined number of measurements is reached, and the process is repeated. Figure 30 The flowchart steps S302 to S304 are then described. Then, as shown in steps S305 and S307, if the predetermined number of measurements is reached, the result is used as the response quantity (Δt / t) of the virus concentration n = n, n1, n2, n3, n4, ... and the integral differential detection. Diff The relationship is made as follows Figure 32 The calibration curve shown ends. Figure 30 The flowchart shows the procedure.

[0256] (b) Virus screening procedures that have been sensitively corrected

[0257] Next, refer to Figure 33 The flowchart illustrates the procedure for virus detection that has been calibrated for sensitivity. Figure 33 The flowchart program, to Figure 12 Based on the virus detection method described in the basic embodiment, the detailed description of the virus detection method described in the basic embodiment is omitted.

[0258] First, such as Figure 33 As shown in step S41, it will be through Figure 29The third adjustable leakage valve NV3 and the third flow meter FM3 control the flow of humidified air, which is supplied from the humidified air delivery pipe B to the detection container 10 to humidify the surface of the detection substrate 11a. The result is that... Figure 10 Similarly, in the state shown in (b), the pseudoreceptor 14 is covered by a liquid film 61. The liquid film 61 is formed only in an amount sufficient to maintain the activity of the pseudoreceptor 14. The liquid film 61 is, for example, water, or a buffer solution that simulates the living environment.

[0259] Next, as shown in step S42, the air to be tested 31a is drawn in, and the coarse aerosol 33a contained in the air to be tested 31a is passed through the filter 30 to remove dust particles or aerosols larger than a predetermined size, forming a fluid flow of the aerosol to be tested 33b. This fluid flow is then sprayed onto the pseudo-receptor membrane 13. The aerosol to be tested 33b, and Figure 11 (a) or Figure 11 Similarly, as shown in (b), a high-speed gas stream, concentrated by a first common concentrator 34 in the shape of a sharp cone, is supplied to at least a portion of the receptor-like membrane 13 covering the detection substrate 11a. As a result, if the aerosol being examined 33b contains the target virus 60, the RBD of the spike glycoprotein 17 of the target virus 60 will specifically bind to the receptor-like membrane 13.

[0260] Next, as shown in step S43, pure dry air is sprayed from the dry air delivery pipe C onto at least a portion of the pseudo-receptor membrane 13 covering the detection substrate 11a. Alternatively, instead of the dry air delivery pipe C, a humidified air delivery pipe B can be selected to supply pure humidified air to at least a portion of the pseudo-receptor membrane 13 covering the detection substrate 11a. Through the process in step S43, impurities such as viruses other than the target virus or dust particles, which are non-specifically adsorbed onto the pseudo-receptor membrane 13, can be removed. Afterwards, for example, the response quantity (Δt / t) of the delay time change of the spherical SAW sensors (11a, 12, 13, 14) is measured. Diff .

[0261] Next, as shown in step S44, use Figure 30 The calibration curve generated in the calibration curve generation procedure shown in the flowchart is used to obtain... Figure 33 The response quantity (Δt / t) of the change in delay time measured in step S43. Diff The correction value. Specifically, by... Figure 32 The vertical axis value of the calibration curve is converted into the horizontal axis value, and the calibration value can be calculated. Then, as shown in step S45, the presence and concentration of viruses in the ambient air are checked based on the calibration value obtained in step S44.

[0262] Finally, as shown in step S46, sterilization is performed on the piping and machinery contaminated by the measurements in steps S43-S45. Through... Figure 33 The virus scanning procedure shown in the flowchart can be used safely and with peace of mind when virus scans are performed in other locations, and can also be used with high accuracy even in the next scan.

[0263] (Eighth expanded implementation form)

[0264] Similar to the virus detection device described in the 7th extended embodiment, the detection container 10 of the virus detection device described in the 8th extended embodiment, and Figure 28 The structures shown are basically the same, with an inlet on the outer wall of the left side of the detection container 10, and, as... Figure 34 As shown, the top side of the detection container 10 is equipped with multiple (5) dividing and concentrating mechanisms 34n1, 34n2, 34n3, 34n4, and 34n5 as purging nozzles. Figure 34 The configuration of the detection container 10 of the virus detection system shown in the eighth extended embodiment is an improved configuration to reduce the measurement error caused by non-specific adsorption in the virus detection method of the seventh extended embodiment. Specifically, the eighth extended embodiment features a virus detection system with directional flow of the purge gas inside the detection container 10, achieved by providing segmentation and concentration mechanisms 34n1, 34n2, 34n3, 34n4, and 34n5 above the detection container 10 as purge nozzles.

[0265] The first common concentration unit 34 is located at the end of the gas injection side of the virus delivery pipe A, and Figure 28 The structures shown are basically the same, and are connected from the left side to the inlet of the detection container 10. Figure 34 The set of five segmented concentration mechanisms 34n1, 34n2, 34n3, 34n4, and 34n5 shown corresponds to... Figure 28 The second common concentration mechanism 34n of the virus detection system shown in the seventh extended embodiment. In the following description of the virus detection device in the eighth extended embodiment, the first common concentration mechanism 34 will be simply referred to as "common concentration mechanism 34". Figure 28 The virus detection system shown in the seventh extended embodiment illustrates a configuration in which a first inlet is provided on the outer wall of the left side of the detection container 10, and a second inlet is provided on the zenith side of the detection container 10. On the other hand, as... Figure 34In the structure shown with five nozzles, namely the segmented concentration mechanism 34n1, 34n2, 34n3, 34n4, and 34n5, it is preferable to arrange the nozzle group inside the detection container 10, and the second inlet on the zenith side of the detection container 10 can be omitted. Therefore, in Figure 34 In the description of the virus detection device shown in the eighth extended embodiment, there is one opening on the outer wall of the left side of the detection container 10 in the system, which is simply referred to as the "inlet".

[0266] exist Figure 28 In the schematic diagram of the virus inspection system shown in the seventh extended embodiment, the second common concentration mechanism (purge nozzle) 34n is simplified and generalized as a downward-facing equilateral triangle. Corresponding to... Figure 28 Enlarged image Figure 34 In the diagram, the five dividing and concentrating mechanisms 34n1, 34n2, 34n3, 34n4, and 34n5 are represented as five downward-facing equilateral triangles positioned above the inner wall of the detection container 10. Figure 34 The same applies to China and... Figure 28 Similarly, in the piping system shown, humidified air supply piping B, dry air supply piping C, and purge gas supply piping D are installed separately from virus supply piping A (in... Figure 34 (This is simplified to "piping system B~D"). That is, in... Figure 34 In the diagram, the piping connected to the five branched manifolds (five-branch couplings) that are respectively connected to the five segmented concentration mechanisms 34n1, 34n2, 34n3, 34n4, and 34n5 located above the detection container 10 is simplified and marked with symbols B to D. However, piping B to D is a piping system distinct from the virus delivery piping A. Figure 28 It can be seen that a humid air supply pipe B and a dry air supply pipe C are connected in the middle of the purging gas supply pipe D, forming the path B~D of the inlet pipe that is introduced to the top of the detection container 10.

[0267] The five-branched manifolds connected to the concentration mechanisms 34n1, 34n2, 34n3, 34n4, and 34n5 can also be... Figure 34 As shown, it is disposed outside the detection container 10, but it can also be integrally formed as part of the frame of the detection container 10, such as the zenith side of the detection container 10. Furthermore, the 5-branch manifold can also be disposed inside the detection container 10, for example, on the zenith side of the frame of the detection container 10. As explained in the virus detection device described in the 8th extended embodiment, "the second inlet on the zenith side of the detection container 10, as described in the virus detection device described in the 7th extended embodiment, can be omitted." However, for... Figure 7 , 8 The gas piping system shown in 13, etc., allows the detection container to move relative to each other (sliding movement). If the configuration of the detection unit can be changed, for example, a multi-branched manifold with 5 or more connections can be installed inside the detection container 10, and the end of the centralized piping section of the multi-branched manifold can be used as the second inlet.

[0268] The end of the centralized piping section, which transforms a multi-branched manifold into a single pipe, serves as the second inlet, creating a structure that allows for positional alignment with the end of an external gas piping system. This enables the detection container to slide relative to the gas piping system while maintaining a vacuum, facilitating the replacement of the detection unit. Alternatively, an approach could be considered where each of the five segmented concentration mechanisms 34n1, 34n2, 34n3, 34n4, and 34n5 has an opening. However, this approach is not ideal due to increased structural complexity and potential issues with leakage or alignment. Nevertheless, the virus detection device described in the eighth extended embodiment does not exclude a structure with multiple inlets corresponding to the segmented concentration mechanisms 34n1, 34n2, 34n3, 34n4, and 34n5.

[0269] The "ports 1 through 3" of a three-way valve are merely convenient names used to specify the location of the piping within the circuit, and do not necessarily imply the existence of a physically independent individual component; this point has already been made clear. According to the same principle, such as Figure 7 , 8 As shown in Figures 1 and 13, when the gas piping system is used in a mode where the detection container slides relative to it, the inlet located on the left side of the detection container 10 is meant to be a physically independent opening. However, if the positional relationship between the gas piping system and the detection container 10 is fixed, the inlet located on the left side of the detection container 10 does not have a physical meaning; it is simply a name indicating the location where the first common concentrator 34 is connected to the detection container 10. For example, the first common concentrator 34 and the detection container 10 may be an integral structure, with the test air 31a being ejected from the first common concentrator 34 at a high-speed airflow. When the first common concentrator 34 and the detection container 10 are an integral structure, the "inlet" located in the detection container 10 is merely a convenient name used to specify the location in the circuit where the piping is constructed, and it does not necessarily require that a physically independent individual component exist in the detection container 10.

[0270] exist Figure 34In the virus inspection system and apparatus described in the eighth extended embodiment, a sharp, conical nozzle, constructed from a common concentration mechanism 34, is provided on the left side wall of the detection container 10. This nozzle is used to concentrate the target virus contained in the air 31a being inspected from the virus delivery pipe A into a high-speed airflow for spraying. Then, in addition to the common concentration mechanism 34, segmented concentration mechanisms 34n1, 34n2, 34n3, 34n4, and 34n5, which are used to spray purge gas in a shower / beam manner, are provided on the upper part of the detection container 10. During the purge process, purge gas from the purge gas delivery pipe D is introduced into the segmented concentration mechanisms 34n1, 34n2, 34n3, 34n4, and 34n5 through paths B to D of the introduction pipe. Figure 34 As shown, in the example structure where a common concentration mechanism 34 is provided on the left side of the detection container 10, it is suitable for the dividing concentration mechanisms 34n1, 34n2, 34n3, 34n4, and 34n5 to be positioned above the inner wall of the detection container 10, but this is not a limitation. Figure 34 The illustrated configuration relationship. Furthermore, the number of the segmentation and concentration mechanisms 34n1, 34n2, 34n3, 34n4, 34n5, ... is not limited to 5. Therefore, for example, a plurality of purge gases (6 or more) can be arranged in a concentric circle, and the purge gases can be sprayed onto the detection substrate 11a in a shower-like manner from the tips of each of the concentric segmentation and concentration mechanisms 34n1, 34n2, 34n3, 34n4, 34n5, ...

[0271] Then, and Figure 28 The structures shown are essentially the same. A piping system via the three-way valve inspection input valve 23e (which is the inlet valve) is connected to the inlet side of the detection container 10, and a piping system via the three-way valve inspection output valve 23f (which is the outlet valve) is connected to the outlet side of the detection container 10. Detailed piping diagrams are omitted, but the inspection input valve 23e is the same three-way valve as the inspection input valve 23e of the virus detection system described in the 7th extended embodiment. Therefore, from... Figure 34 The lower side has a calibration gas delivery pipe E that leads to the first port of the check input valve 23e, which is a three-way valve, on the inlet side. Figure 34 The left side has a virus delivery pipe A that leads to the second port of the inspection input valve 23e. Therefore, by switching the inspection input valve 23e, either the air to be inspected or the calibration aerosol can be selected and introduced into the detection container 10 through the third port of the inspection input valve 23e.

[0272] Similar to the virus inspection device described in the 7th extended embodiment, regarding the purge gas delivery pipe D, as already explained, the virus delivery pipe A and the calibration gas delivery pipe E are separately installed. Therefore, by making the purge gas flow from the top to the bottom of the detection container 10, non-specific adsorbed substances can be efficiently removed from the SAW bypass path by the purge gas. Furthermore, as... Figure 1 In the basic embodiment of the virus detection system shown, if the purge gas delivery pipe D is the same as the virus delivery pipe A, the purge gas pressure will be lower, making it impossible to sufficiently remove non-specifically adsorbed substances from the detection substrate 11a. As a result, the virus detection system described in the 7th extended embodiment... Figure 31 The sensor's integrating differential response (Δt / t) Diff This will result in a value larger than the value in the case where only the target virus attaches. Integral differential response (Δt / t) Diff The increase in the concentration of the target virus in the tested air 31a was lower, and the integral differential response (Δt / t) was also higher. Diff In fields where the absolute value is small, it becomes a measurement error that cannot be ignored.

[0273] Control and inspect input valve 23e, output valve 23f, suction pump 40, etc., such as Figure 35 As shown in (a), when the air being inspected 31a is injected, the injected gas stream GF1 flows from the left side of the detection container 10 through the common concentrator 34 to the right. Additionally, as... Figure 35 As shown in (b), during purging, the purge gas stream GF2 flows downward from the tip of each of the segmented concentration mechanisms 34n1, 34n2, 34n3, 34n4, 34n5, ... arranged in a concentric circle above the detection container 10. To make the purge gas shower / jet flow downward, as... Figure 34 As shown, it is preferable to connect exhaust piping path B~D to the exhaust port at the lower part of the testing container 10. Furthermore, in Figure 34 The specific exhaust piping routes B-D are omitted in the diagram. In addition to purging gases, clean dry air or humid air is also exhausted from exhaust piping routes B-D.

[0274] In the purging process, the inside of the detection container 10 is vented through the exhaust piping paths B-D using the suction pump 40. The purging gas ejected from the tips of each of the segmentation and concentration mechanisms 34n1, 34n2, 34n3, 34n4, 34n5, ... becomes a downward-facing shower / jet flow. When the purging gas is ejected from the tips of each of the segmentation and concentration mechanisms 34n1, 34n2, 34n3, 34n4, 34n5, ..., the purging gas can also be humidified simultaneously by controlling the humidification input valve 23a located downstream of the mass flow controller 22. Alternatively, the purging process can be configured as a two-stage process consisting of purging with humidified air and purging with pure dry air.

[0275] If the virus detection system is based on the eighth extended embodiment, then as Figure 35 As shown in (a), the jet gas stream GF1 injected from the common concentrator 34 travels along the SAW bypass path P. SAW Since the flow is from left to right, target viruses and non-specific adsorbed substances will adsorb onto the SAW bypass path P. SAW Up, and will follow the SAW bypass path P SAW And it has a distribution. At this time, as used in the description of the virus inspection system as described in the 7th extended embodiment... Figure 31 It can be seen that the sensor response Δt / t will reach its maximum value. Additionally, as... Figure 35 As shown in (b), the purge gas is directed toward the SAW bypass path P. SAW The flow originates from the tips of the concentrically arranged concentration mechanisms 34n1, 34n2, 34n3, 34n4, 34n5, ... above the detection container 10, in orthogonal or nearly orthogonal directions, flowing downwards. As a result, target viruses captured by antibodies on the surface of the detection substrate 11a are adsorbed without moving, while non-specifically adsorbed substances bypass the SAW via path P. SAW It detaches, is pushed downwards and flows, thus allowing it to bypass the SAW via path P. SAW Therefore, if located in Figure 31 As shown in the transition response curve during step S303 in the middle of the response curve, the intensity of the sensor response decreases and gradually approaches a certain value corresponding to the virus concentration in the environment.

[0276] In addition, in order to quickly eliminate non-specific adsorbed substances and complete the determination of virus concentration in a short time, such as Figure 35 As shown in (b), it is best to control the direction of the purge gas flow. That is, as... Figure 35As shown in (b), which is almost parallel to the vertical line VL, it is preferable to control the direction of the purge gas flow ejected from the tip of each of the segmented concentration mechanisms 34n1, 34n2, 34n3, 34n4, 34n5, ... positioned above the detection container 10. Specifically, as Figure 35 As shown in (b), the direction of the purge gas flow is relative to the SAW bypass path P. SAW (Horizontal line HL) It is best to control the direction so that the angle θ is more than 20 degrees and less than 90 degrees. In this case, each of the segmented concentration mechanisms 34n1, 34n2, 34n3, 34n4, 34n5, ... can be equipped with a mechanism for adjusting the injection angle.

[0277] As explained above, according to the virus detection system of the eighth extended embodiment, by switching the inspection input valve 23e, which is a three-way valve on the inlet side, a calibration aerosol containing calibration viruses with concentrations set to multiple values ​​can be sprayed from the common concentration mechanism 34 onto the detection substrate 11a. That is, after spraying the pseudo-receptor membrane inside the detection container 10 with air containing calibration viruses, the sensor can be calibrated by measuring the response at multiple times. Therefore, according to the virus detection system of the eighth extended embodiment, for example, as a delayed response of a spherical SAW sensor, higher-precision integrated differential detection can be performed. Therefore, similar to the virus detection system of the seventh extended embodiment, the virus detection system of the eighth extended embodiment can perform integrated differential detection with higher reliability compared to the virus detection device of the basic embodiment.

[0278] In addition, Figure 34In the structure shown, the inspection input valve 23e, which is a three-way valve on the inlet side, can be omitted. The first inlet on the left side of the detection container 10 can be connected to a separate piping system connected to the virus delivery pipe A, thus simplifying the gas piping system. In this simplified configuration, since the calibration gas delivery pipe E is omitted, sensor calibration cannot be performed. However, since the purge gas delivery pipe D is separately installed from the virus delivery pipe A, the possibility of viruses in pure humid or pure dry air can be ruled out. Furthermore, by designing the purge gas delivery pipe D to be independent of the virus delivery pipe A, the problem of low purge gas pressure can be avoided. As a result, the purge gas from the segmented concentration mechanisms 34n1, 34n2, 34n3, 34n4, and 34n5 formed by multiple nozzles can efficiently remove non-specifically adsorbed substances from the SAW bypass path. Therefore, even in a simplified configuration, the measurement error of non-specific adsorbed substances can still be reduced, and higher precision integral differential detection can still be achieved.

[0279] (Other implementation forms)

[0280] This invention is described through the basic and extended embodiments 1 to 8 above, but the descriptions and drawings that form part of this disclosure should not be construed as limiting the invention. It is self-evident to those skilled in the art that various alternative embodiments, examples, and techniques can be made based on this disclosure. That is, although the virus detection system described in the basic and extended embodiments 1 to 8 illustrates a case where the signal converter for physically detecting changes in the surface state of the receptor membrane is the sensor electrode of a spherical SAW sensor, the signal converter is not limited to the sensor electrode of a spherical SAW sensor and can also be, for example... Figure 36 The combination of input electrode 12i and output electrode 12o of the planar SAW sensor shown.

[0281] Figure 36 The planar SAW sensor shown has an input electrode 12i, a pseudo-acceptor membrane 13h, and an output electrode 12o disposed within a predetermined area on the surface of a detection substrate 16 made of a homogeneous piezoelectric substrate. Figure 36 As shown, a pseudo-receptor membrane 13h disposed on at least a portion of the surface of the detection substrate 16 has a surface acoustic wave sensing membrane arranged on its surface for specific binding with the virus pseudo-receptor, and the surface acoustic wave propagates in the pseudo-receptor membrane 13h. Figure 36 In the configuration shown, the combination of input electrode 12i and output electrode 12o constitutes the signal converter (12i, 12o) of the present invention. The signal converter (12i, 12o) in... Figure 2In the illustrated configuration of the spherical SAW sensor, the signal converter 12 is constructed using a single sensor electrode. In such a configuration... Figure 36 In the planar SAW sensor shown, the physical signal representing the change in the physical state of the receptor-like membrane 13h, resulting from the specific binding of the receptor-like 14 to the target virus, is measured by an acoustic-electric conversion via a signal transducer (12i, 12o). The increase in the weight areal density of the receptor-like membrane 13h resulting from the virus binding to the receptor can be used as an integral differential detection based on the delayed time response of the planar SAW sensor (16, 12i, 12o, 13h). Therefore, an airtight container isolated from the outside is prepared as the detection container, and the air to be tested is... Figure 36 The planar SAW sensors (16, 12i, 12o, 13h) shown are stored together in a detection container to form a sealed space, which can be used to detect viruses present in the air being checked.

[0282] Furthermore, the signal converter of the present invention is not limited to the sensor electrodes of ultrasonic sensors such as spherical SAW sensors or planar SAW sensors, but can also be such as Figure 37 The combination shown is an emission mechanism 71 and a light-receiving mechanism 72, which are constructed using an optical sensor. Figure 37 The optical sensor shown includes: an emission mechanism 71 for emitting inspection light from a semiconductor laser or the like within a predetermined area on the surface of a homogeneous plate, i.e., a detection substrate 15; and a light-receiving mechanism 72 for receiving the inspection light reflected by the pseudo-receiver membrane 13i. That is, in... Figure 37 In the configuration shown, the combination of the emission mechanism 71 and the light-receiving mechanism 72 constitutes the signal converter (71, 72) of the present invention. The signal converter (71, 72) in... Figure 2 In the illustrated configuration of the spherical SAW sensor, the signal converter 12 is constructed using a single sensor electrode. Figure 37 In the configuration shown, the detection unit consists of a detection container (not shown) and a planar SAW sensor (16, 12i, 12o, 13h) or signal converter (71, 72) housed in the detection container.

[0283] In the basic and extended embodiments described above, the change in the weight-area density of the receptor-like membrane 13, obtained by the specific binding of the receptor-like 14 to the target virus, is merely exemplified as a physical signal. The "change in the physical state of the receptor-like membrane" of the present invention is not limited to the change in weight-area density exemplified in the basic and extended embodiments. Figure 37In the optical sensor shown, the light signal representing the change in the physical state of the pseudo-receptor membrane 13i, resulting from the specific binding of the pseudo-receptor 14 to the target virus, is converted into an electrical signal by a signal converter (71, 72). Figure 37 As shown, the pseudo-receptor membrane 13i, which is disposed on at least a portion of the surface of the detection substrate 15, has pseudo-receptors arranged on its surface for specific binding with the virus. Figure 37 In another embodiment of the virus detection system shown, the virus binding to the receptor-like membrane contributes to signals indicating changes in the physical state of the receptor-like membrane 13i, such as changes in its surface morphology, polarization properties, reflectivity, and scattering characteristics. That is, in such a system... Figure 37 In the optical sensor configuration shown, the optical signal representing changes in the surface morphology, polarization characteristics, reflectivity, and scattering characteristics of the receptor-like membrane 13i caused by the virus is converted into an electrical signal by a signal converter (71, 72). Then, the signal processing unit (not shown) uses the electrical signal output by the signal converter (71, 72) to perform calculations and processing, thereby detecting the virus that has bound to the receptor.

[0284] Therefore, an airtight container, isolated from the outside, is prepared as the test container, and the air to be tested is... Figure 37 The detection substrate 15 shown is stored together with the detection container to form a sealed space, which is used to detect viruses present in the air being tested. Figure 37 In the configuration shown, a detection unit is formed by a detection container (not shown), a detection substrate 15 housed within the detection container, a receptor-like membrane 13i, and signal converters (71, 72). If at least a portion of the detection container storing the receptor-like membrane 13i is provided with a window through which the wavelength of the optical signal used by the signal converters (71, 72) can pass, then the signal converters (71, 72) can also be located outside the detection container. It is even possible to... Figure 37 The upper section of the structure shown is equipped with a reflector and designed as an optical sensor utilizing multiple reflections. Additionally, in Figure 37 Although examples are omitted, it can also be designed as a transmissive optical sensor. In the case of a transmissive optical sensor, then... Figure 37 The detection substrate 15 shown is of course made of a material that is transparent to the wavelength of the detection light. In enzyme immunoassay (ELISA), since the absorbance of the pigment that reacts on the surface of the receptor-like membrane is measured, it can be classified as a transmissive optical sensor.

[0285] by Figure 37When the combination of the emission mechanism 71 and the light-receiving mechanism 72 constitutes the signal converter (71, 72), the light emitted from the emission mechanism 71 can use wavelengths ranging from far-ultraviolet to far-infrared. Furthermore, since light is an electromagnetic wave, it is also possible to emit megahertz-band electromagnetic waves through the emission mechanism 71, receive them through the light-receiving mechanism 72, and convert them into electrical signals. If the electromagnetic wave signal is considered as an electrical signal, then the light-receiving mechanism 72 constituting the signal converter (71, 72) becomes an electrical-to-electrical converter. When using megahertz-band electromagnetic waves, if a detection container with at least a portion having windows that allow megahertz-band electromagnetic waves to pass through is used, the signal converter (71, 72) can be configured outside the detection container storing the pseudo-receiving membrane.

[0286] When electromagnetic waves in the megahertz band are emitted by the emission mechanism 71, if the pattern of the pseudo-receptor 14 can be designed to be shorter than the wavelength of the electromagnetic wave, and depicted using photolithography or similar techniques to achieve a sub-wavelength structure of the pseudo-receptor 14, then metamaterial measurements can be performed. Especially when the target virus mutates, the intrinsic vibrational number of the target virus molecule changes due to the alteration in its molecular structure. Figure 37 When the combination of the emission mechanism 71 and the light receiving mechanism 72 shown constitutes a signal converter (71, 72), if a variable frequency emission mechanism 71 is used, electromagnetic waves of the frequency that resonate with the inherent vibration number of the target virus molecule will be used to irradiate the target virus that has specifically bound to the pseudo-receptor 14. By specifying the resonance frequency, the mutant virus can be specified.

[0287] That is, the physical changes in the receptor-like membrane resulting from the specific binding of the receptor-like virus also include changes in the absorption properties or intrinsic vibrational numbers of the receptor-like membrane. For example... Figure 37 As shown, in the electro-electric conversion where the emitting mechanism 71 emits electromagnetic waves and the receiving mechanism 72 receives them, the electrical signal received by the receiving mechanism 72 can also be a change in impedance. For example, an S-parameter measurement system can be constructed by combining the emitting mechanism 71 and the receiving mechanism 72. Therefore, the physical changes in the receptor membrane obtained after the receptor has specifically bound to the target virus also include changes in impedance characteristics or S-parameters.

[0288] The signal converters used in ultrasonic sensors, optical sensors, and electromagnetic wave sensors are not limited to the aforementioned acoustic-to-electrical, optical-to-electrical, and electrical-to-electrical conversion elements. For example, the signal converter can also be a physical signal-to-electrical signal conversion element used in surface plasma sensors, quartz oscillator microbalance (QCM) sensors, etc. It can even be a physical signal-to-electrical signal conversion element used in FET-type biosensors or MEMS-type surface stress biosensors that utilize ion-sensitive field-effect transistors (FETs). That is, changes in the surface state of the receptor-like membrane, which are physically detected by FET-type biosensors or MEMS-type surface stress biosensors, are converted into electrical signals by the signal converter, and then processed by a signal processing unit (not shown in the diagram) for detection. Even in various cases other than ultrasonic sensors, optical sensors, and electromagnetic wave sensors, an airtight container isolated from the outside is prepared as the detection container, and the detection substrate and the receptor-like membrane disposed on the detection substrate are housed inside the detection container.

[0289] Furthermore, in the virus detection system described in the basic and extended embodiments 1 to 8, although it is stated that water-containing aerosols are used as the detected aerosols, the detected aerosols do not necessarily have to be water-containing aerosols. The water content of the detected aerosols can be varied depending on the type of target virus 60, whether it is primarily airborne, droplet-based, or microdroplet-based infection. That is, for example, if airborne infection is the primary mode, the water content can be set to zero, and the target virus 60 can be directly sprayed onto the receptor-like membrane.

[0290] Furthermore, while the virus detection system described in the basic and extended embodiments 1 to 8 primarily focuses on integral differential detection to check the presence or absence of target virus 60 in the tested aerosol 33b, it can also be applied to the detection of target virus 60 contained in liquids. That is, if a mechanism for atomizing liquid (including water aerosolization) is provided in the detection apparatus described in the basic and extended embodiments 1 to 8, and the aerosolized air is used as the tested aerosol 33b, integral differential detection to check the presence or absence of target virus 60 in the liquid can be easily performed.

[0291] Furthermore, in the description of the virus detection device described in the third extended embodiment of the present invention, although it is mentioned that, Figure 18The diagram shows a structure with two sensors: a first spherical SAW sensor (11p, 12a, 13a, 14) and a second spherical SAW sensor (11q, 12b, 13b). However, a structure with three sensors is also possible. In the structure with three sensors, the third spherical SAW sensor includes a third pseudo-receptor membrane arranged to bind to viruses different from the first pseudo-receptor membrane 13a. A third sensor electrode is then provided in the third spherical SAW sensor as a third signal converter. If an acoustic signal is converted into an electrical signal using the third sensor electrode, the attenuation coefficient and delay time of the SAW propagating in the third pseudo-receptor membrane can be measured. For example, if the first pseudo-receptor membrane 13a is designed with SARS-CoV-2 virus as the target virus (first target virus) 60, and the third pseudo-receptor membrane is designed with influenza virus as the second target virus, then SARS-CoV-2 virus and influenza virus can be identified.

[0292] Similarly, in the description of the virus detection device described in the sixth extended embodiment of the present invention, although using Figure 27 The example illustrates a structure in which three of each of the following are alternately placed: a moisture detection sphere containing the first detection substrate 11j, the third detection substrate 11l, and the fifth detection substrate 11n; and a virus detection sphere containing three of each of the following three are alternately placed: a water detection sphere containing the first detection substrate 11j, the third detection substrate 11l, and the fifth detection substrate 11n; and a SARS-CoV-2 virus detection sphere containing three of each of the following three are alternately placed: SARS-CoV-2 virus and influenza virus.

[0293] Even in Figure 37 In the illustrated configuration, multiple receptor-like membranes are arranged in a cyclical pattern along one direction on the detection substrate 15, such as a first receptor-like membrane that specifically binds to a first virus, a second receptor-like membrane that specifically binds to a second virus, a third receptor-like membrane that specifically binds to a third virus, and so on. The detection substrate 15 is then moved in parallel like a conveyor belt, making the identification of multiple viruses possible. Alternatively, multiple receptor-like membranes can be arranged in a cyclical pattern on the circumferential surface of a rotating disk, and the multiple receptor-like membranes can be rotated and moved.

[0294] Furthermore, the technical ideas described in the basic and extended embodiments 1 to 8 can be appropriately combined to form new alternative embodiments. For example, the virus detection ball that has been sensitivity-corrected as described in extended embodiment 7 can be used as the virus detection ball described in the basic and extended embodiments 1 to 6. Additionally, in extended embodiment 7, although it is explained that... Figure 29 The technology of integral molding of a 3D field AR surrounded by a single locking line using a molding device such as a 3D printer is applied. However, the miniaturization and compactness technology obtained by integral molding can also be applied to the technologies described in the basic and extended embodiments 1 to 6. As a result, virus inspection systems, including those described in the basic and extended embodiments 1 to 6, can be further miniaturized, enabling portable virus inspection systems.

[0295] Furthermore, by employing suction pumps or piping systems derived from microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) technology, it is possible to realize a portable virus detection system that can be mounted on mobile terminals, etc. Alternatively, the technique described in the 8th extended embodiment, which involves spraying purge gas onto the detection substrate in a shower-like manner from multiple segmented concentration mechanisms 34n1, 34n2, 34n3, 34n4, 34n5, ..., can be applied to the purging of virus detection spheres described in the basic and 1st to 6th extended embodiments, resulting in various combinations adaptable to each technical concept. Thus, the present invention naturally includes various embodiments not described in the description of the basic and 1st to 8th extended embodiments. Therefore, the technical scope of the present invention can only be defined by the specific inventive aspects described in the scope of the patent application, which is properly drafted according to the above description.

[0296] [Potential for industrial application]

[0297] According to the Pathogen Detection Information (IASR) regularly published by Japan's National Institute of Infectious Diseases (NIID), human coronaviruses such as HCoV-OC43, HCoV-229E, HCoV-NL63, and HCoV-HKU1, mentioned at the beginning, have been frequently tested annually since before 2019. Approximately 10-15% of viruses causing the common cold are considered human coronaviruses. Humans have coexisted with coronaviruses for over 100 years, living in environments containing coronaviruses. On July 16, 2021, Shigeru Omi, Chairman of the Japan Novel Coronavirus Infection Control Subcommittee, stated, "I believe the era of solely relying on restricting people's movements is gradually coming to an end." Chairman Omi even emphasized the importance of using information and communication technologies (ICT) for epidemiological investigations and other scientific technologies.

[0298] In August 2021, Japan reported 10,000 to 20,000 positive cases daily. Under such circumstances, current infection control measures relying on PCR testing had reached their limits. The virus testing system of this invention is characterized by its miniaturization, thus its industrial applications are not limited to the field of medical testing machines used in medical institutions. For example, leveraging its portability, it can be used in fields such as manufacturing healthcare devices that are readily available in restaurants, public transportation facilities, and large-scale gathering facilities, or in manufacturing healthcare devices for the general household. Furthermore, with advancements in miniaturization, it can be carried on portable information devices using communication technologies such as 5G, 6G, and 7G, making it suitable for use in the field of information and communication technology. In particular, if miniaturization and compactness progress to the point where it can be integrated into smartphones, the user can be informed of the virus infection during a call. Furthermore, by utilizing cloud computing, administrative agencies can construct a database that displays the real-time spread of viruses based on information from portable information machines equipped with the virus detection system of this invention, thereby enabling effective infectious disease countermeasures using ICT.

[0299] Symbol Explanation

[0300] A: Virus delivery piping

[0301] 12, 12a, 12b: Signal converters (sensor electrodes)

[0302] 12i: Signal converter (input electrode)

[0303] 12o: Signal converter (output electrode)

[0304] 13, 13a: Receptor mimic membrane (first receptor mimic membrane)

[0305] 13b: Second receptor-like membrane

[0306] 13g, 13h, 13i: receptor-like membrane

[0307] 14: Receptor mimic

[0308] 31a, 31b: The air being inspected

[0309] 33b: The aerosol being inspected

[0310] 50: Signal Processing Unit

[0311] 71: Injection mechanism (signal converter)

[0312] 72: Light receiving mechanism (signal converter)

[0313] 503: Inspection method (logic circuit).

Claims

1. A virus detection device, characterized in that, have: The receptor-mimicking membrane is arranged with multiple receptor-mimicking structures that mimic host cell receptors that specifically bind to the target virus. The virus delivery piping constitutes a piping system that draws in the air to be examined containing the target virus, compresses the air to be examined into a high-speed airflow of the aerosol to be examined, concentrates the target virus contained in the air to be examined, and sprays the high-speed airflow into the receptor-like membrane. Dry air delivery piping generates pure, dry air; A humidified air delivery piping system generates pure humidified air from the pure dry air and supplies the pure humidified air to the pseudo-receptor membrane; as well as A signal converter converts a physical signal, indicating a change in the physical state of the receptor-like membrane resulting from the specific binding of the receptor-like virus to the target virus, into an electrical signal. The physical signal is a signal representing the change in the weight areal density of the receptor-like membrane after the receptor-like device has specifically bound to the target virus. The signal converter converts the physical signal into the electrical signal. The pseudo-acceptor membrane is a surface acoustic wave sensing membrane disposed on at least a portion of the surface of a piezoelectric crystal sphere. The surface acoustic waves propagate in the sensing film. The signal converter is the sensor electrode of the surface acoustic wave sensor. A surface acoustic wave sensor is constructed from the piezoelectric crystal sphere, the pseudo-receptor membrane disposed on at least a portion of the surface of the piezoelectric crystal sphere, and the sensor electrode. The virus detection device also includes a detection container, which houses the spherical surface acoustic wave sensor to form a sealed space.

2. The virus detection device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The virus delivery piping has a filter at the inlet side of the piping system and a concentration mechanism with a pointed, conical structure at the outlet side of the piping system. An inlet located on a portion of the outer wall of the detection container is connected to the tip of the concentration mechanism, from which the high-speed airflow is injected onto the pseudo-receptor membrane.

3. The virus detection device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The virus detection device also features: The humidified air delivery piping includes a path for introducing the purified humidified air into the interior of the detection container. The dry air delivery piping includes a path for introducing the pure dry air into the interior of the detection container.

4. The virus detection device according to claim 3, characterized in that, The humidified air delivery piping has a pointed, conical humidified air condensation mechanism on the outlet side. The dry air delivery piping has a pointed, conical dry air condensing mechanism on the outlet side. The concentration mechanism of the virus delivery piping is configured as a dedicated virus concentration mechanism for the target virus. The detection container moves relative to the virus concentration mechanism, the humidified air concentration mechanism, and the dry air concentration mechanism, such that the inlet connects to the tip of each of the virus concentration mechanism, the humidified air concentration mechanism, and the dry air concentration mechanism.

5. The virus detection device according to claim 3, characterized in that, The humidified air delivery piping is connected by a branch pipe between the on / off valve located midway through the virus delivery piping and the concentration mechanism located at the outlet side of the virus delivery piping. The dry air delivery piping is branched off to the middle of the humidified air delivery piping via a humidification output valve located midway through the humidified air delivery piping. The concentration mechanism is set as a common concentration mechanism. The piping path is switched by the operation of the opening and closing valve and the humidification output valve. The target virus, the humidified air and the dry air are sprayed sequentially from the common concentration mechanism to the pseudo-receptor membrane at different time intervals.

6. The virus detection device according to claim 3, characterized in that, The virus detection device includes: The first three-way valve and the second three-way valve; and The calibration gas delivery piping is connected to the first port of the first three-way valve and circulates calibration aerosol containing a predetermined concentration of virus. The second port of the first three-way valve is connected to a virus delivery piping through which the air being inspected is circulated. The third port of the first three-way valve is connected to the detection container via the first common concentration mechanism. The piping path is switched by the action of the first three-way valve to inject the calibration aerosol and the air to be tested from the first common concentration unit to the pseudo-receptor membrane at different timings. The humidified air delivery piping is connected to the first port of the second three-way valve. The dry air delivery piping is connected to the second port of the second three-way valve. The third port of the second three-way valve is connected to a purge gas delivery piping that forms a path for introducing purge gas into the interior of the detection container. The tip of the second common concentration mechanism, which is located at the ejection end of the purge gas delivery pipe, is connected to the second inlet, which is located on another part of the outer wall of the detection container. The piping path is switched by the action of the second three-way valve to inject the humidified air, the purge gas and the dry air from the second common concentrator to the pseudo-receptor membrane at different time intervals.

7. The virus detection device according to claim 3, characterized in that, The virus detection device is equipped with a three-way valve. The humidified air delivery piping is connected to the first port of the three-way valve. The dry air delivery piping is connected to the second port of the three-way valve. The third port of the three-way valve is connected to a purge gas delivery piping that forms a path for introducing purge gas into the interior of the detection container. A segmented concentration mechanism, consisting of multiple concentration mechanisms connected to the ejection end of the purge gas delivery pipe, is disposed on another part of the outer wall of the detection container. The piping path is switched by the action of the three-way valve to inject the humidified air, the purge gas, and the dry air from the fractionation and concentration unit to the pseudo-receptor membrane at different time intervals. The angle between the projected component of the purge gas ejected from the plurality of concentration units onto the surface of the receptor membrane and the long axis of the receptor membrane is set to be 20 degrees or more and 90 degrees or less.

8. The virus detection device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The testing container includes a testing container body and a base portion that can be detached from the testing container body. The base is equipped with the aforementioned spherical surface acoustic wave sensor, as well as a replacement spherical surface acoustic wave sensor with the same structure and size as the aforementioned spherical surface acoustic wave sensor. By moving the base relative to the main body of the detection container, the spherical surface acoustic wave sensor can be replaced with the replacement spherical surface acoustic wave sensor.

9. A virus detection system, characterized in that, have: The receptor-mimicking membrane is arranged with multiple receptor-mimicking structures that mimic host cell receptors that specifically bind to the target virus. The virus delivery piping constitutes a piping system that draws in the air to be examined containing the target virus, compresses the air to be examined into a high-speed airflow of the aerosol to be examined, concentrates the target virus contained in the air to be examined, and sprays the high-speed airflow into the receptor-like membrane. A signal converter converts a physical signal, representing a change in the physical state of the receptor membrane resulting from the specific binding of the receptor-like virus to the target virus, into an electrical signal. Dry air delivery piping generates pure, dry air; A humidified air delivery piping system generates pure humidified air from the pure dry air and supplies the pure humidified air to the pseudo-receptor membrane; as well as The signal processing unit drives the signal converter and performs integral differential detection based on the output data of the signal converter to detect that the pseudo-receptor has specifically bound to the target virus. The physical signal is a signal representing the change in the weight areal density of the receptor-like membrane after the receptor-like device has specifically bound to the target virus. The signal converter converts the physical signal into the electrical signal. The pseudo-acceptor membrane is a surface acoustic wave sensing membrane disposed on at least a portion of the surface of a piezoelectric crystal sphere. The surface acoustic waves propagate in the sensing film. The signal converter is the sensor electrode of the surface acoustic wave sensor. A surface acoustic wave sensor is constructed from the piezoelectric crystal sphere, the pseudo-receptor membrane disposed on at least a portion of the surface of the piezoelectric crystal sphere, and the sensor electrode. The virus detection system also includes a detection container, which houses the spherical surface acoustic wave sensor to form a sealed space.

10. A method for virus detection, characterized in that, include: The steps of preparing a receptor-mimicking membrane having multiple receptor-mimicking structures that mimic host cell receptors that specifically bind to the target virus. The steps include: drawing in the air containing the target virus, compressing the air into a high-speed gas flow of the aerosol to be tested, concentrating the target virus contained in the air, and spraying the high-speed gas flow into the receptor-like membrane. The steps to generate pure, dry air; The step of generating pure humidified air from the pure dry air and supplying the pure humidified air to the receptor-like membrane; The step of converting a physical signal representing a change in the physical state of the receptor-like membrane, indicating that the receptor-like substance has specifically bound to the target virus, into an electrical signal using a signal converter; and The steps of using the electrical signal to perform integrated differential detection and determining that the pseudo-receptor has specifically bound to the target virus. The physical signal is a signal representing the change in the weight areal density of the receptor-like membrane after the receptor-like device has specifically bound to the target virus. The signal converter converts the physical signal into the electrical signal. The pseudo-acceptor membrane is a surface acoustic wave sensing membrane disposed on at least a portion of the surface of a piezoelectric crystal sphere. The surface acoustic waves propagate in the sensing film. The signal converter is the sensor electrode of the surface acoustic wave sensor. A surface acoustic wave sensor is constructed from the piezoelectric crystal sphere, the pseudo-receptor membrane disposed on at least a portion of the surface of the piezoelectric crystal sphere, and the sensor electrode. The surface acoustic wave sensor of the sphere is housed in a sealed space.

11. A program product comprising a virus scanning program, characterized in that, The virus scanning program causes the computer to execute a series of commands, including the following: The command is to draw in the air to be examined, compress the air to be examined into a high-speed airflow containing the target virus, concentrate the target virus contained in the air to be examined, and spray the high-speed airflow onto a pseudo-receptor membrane that has a structure that mimics the host cell receptor that specifically binds to the target virus. Command to generate pure dry air and pure humid air from the pure dry air, and to supply the pure humid air to the receptor membrane; Command to cause the signal converter to receive a physical signal indicating a change in the physical state of the receptor membrane resulting from the specific binding of the receptor to the target virus, and to cause the signal converter to convert the physical signal into an electrical signal. as well as The inspection means executes an integral differential detection obtained by arithmetic logic calculation using the electrical signal, and determines that the pseudo-receptor has specifically bound to the target virus. The physical signal is a signal representing the change in the weight areal density of the receptor-like membrane after the receptor-like device has specifically bound to the target virus. The signal converter converts the physical signal into the electrical signal. The pseudo-acceptor membrane is a surface acoustic wave sensing membrane disposed on at least a portion of the surface of a piezoelectric crystal sphere. The surface acoustic waves propagate in the sensing film. The signal converter is the sensor electrode of the surface acoustic wave sensor. A surface acoustic wave sensor is constructed from the piezoelectric crystal sphere, the pseudo-receptor membrane disposed on at least a portion of the surface of the piezoelectric crystal sphere, and the sensor electrode. The surface acoustic wave sensor of the sphere is housed in a sealed space.

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