Microparticle sampling device, microparticle sampling method, and infection risk assessment method

Abstract

A particulate sampling method according to the present invention collects particulates contained in air flowing therethrough, using: a cylindrical first electrode (22) having both ends open in the axial direction thereof; and a second electrode (24) extending in the axial direction of the first electrode (22) and disposed inside the first electrode (22) at a distance from the inner surface of the first electrode (22). When the microparticles are collected, a first liquid (67) containing an amphiphilic polymer is supplied into the first electrode (22), after the amphiphilic polymer is brought into contact with the inner surface of the first electrode (22), a second liquid (68) not containing the amphiphilic polymer is supplied, and the microparticles contained in the air flowing therethrough are collected in the second liquid (68).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a particle sampling method for sampling particles and an infection risk assessment method. Background Art

[0002] In the prior art, there are known devices and methods for sampling particles in gas using a device that utilizes the inertia or centrifugal force of particles (for example, see Patent Document 1). More specifically, Patent Document 1 discloses a device and method for separating particles and other capture objects from air and capturing them in liquid by generating electrostatic force using a rotating cylindrical electrode that supplies a capture liquid to the inside.

[0003] Prior art literature

[0004] Patent Literature

[0005] Patent Document 1: International Publication No. 2021 / 153155

[0006] Patent Document 2: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2008-161143

[0007] Patent Document 3: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2009-11265

[0008] Patent Document 4: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2012-52866 Summary of the invention

[0009] However, in the above-mentioned conventional apparatus and method, when the collection is continuously performed for a long time, the hydrophilicity of the inner surface of the rotating cylindrical electrode decreases, resulting in loss or deactivation caused by modification due to adsorption of particles on the surface of the rotating cylindrical electrode, or the liquid for collection diffuses unevenly in the rotating cylindrical electrode and becomes droplet-shaped, and the electric field between the electrode and the collection liquid becomes locally large and insulation breakdown occurs, so there is a possibility that dust collection does not work and the collection performance decreases. Therefore, in recent years, it is required to suppress the reduction of collection performance due to these reasons.

[0010] Therefore, the present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned conventional problems, and its object is to provide a technique for sampling particles while suppressing the reduction of the hydrophilicity of the rotating cylindrical electrode surface and maintaining the activity of the captured particles in a device and method for sampling particles.

[0011] The particle sampling method of the present invention uses a first electrode which is cylindrical and has openings at both ends in the axial direction and a second electrode which extends in the axial direction of the first electrode and is arranged in the first electrode at a distance from the inner surface of the first electrode to capture particles contained in the air circulating inside, wherein a first liquid containing an amphiphilic polymer is supplied to the first electrode, and after the amphiphilic polymer is brought into contact with the inner surface of the first electrode, a second liquid which does not contain the amphiphilic polymer is supplied to capture the particles contained in the air circulating inside in the second liquid.

[0012] In addition, the infection risk assessment method of the present invention includes: a quantification step, using an analysis device capable of measuring the infection titer to quantify the infection titer of the virus contained in the second liquid recovered by the above-mentioned particle sampling method; an evaluation step, based on the infection titer quantified in the quantification step, the circulation volume of the air circulating inside, and the capture performance value specified by the particle sampling method, evaluating the infection titer concentration of the virus contained in the air circulating inside.

[0013] According to the present invention, in the method of sampling fine particles, it is possible to perform sampling while maintaining the activity of captured fine particles while suppressing a decrease in the hydrophilicity of the surface of the rotating cylindrical electrode. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0014] Figure 1 It is a perspective view showing the appearance of the particle sampling device according to Embodiments 1 to 3.

[0015] Figure 2 Yes means Figure 1 A side view of the exterior appearance of the particle sampling device.

[0016] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 Cross-sectional view along line III-III.

[0017] Figure 4 yes Figure 1 End view of line IV-IV.

[0018] Figure 5 Yes means Figure 1 Block diagram of the structure of the particle sampling device.

[0019] Figure 6 Yes means Figure 1 A flowchart of an example of the operation of the particle sampling device.

[0020] Figure 7 yes Figure 1 The III-III line cross-sectional view is used to illustrate Figure 1 An explanatory diagram of an example of the operation performed by the particle sampling device.

[0021] Figure 8Yes Figure 1 This is an end view of the particle sampling device when supplying the first liquid or the second liquid along the IV-IV line.

[0022] Fig. 9 Is the assessment passed Figure 6 Flow chart of a series of actions to recover the infection risk of the virus contained in the capture fluid.

[0023] Fig.10 Yes means Figure 1 A side view of the exterior appearance of the particle sampling device.

[0024] Fig.11 yes Figure 1 Cross-sectional view along line III-III.

[0025] Fig.12 yes Figure 1 End view of line IV-IV.

[0026] Fig.13 Yes means Figure 1 A flowchart of an example of the operation of the particle sampling device.

[0027] Fig.14 yes Figure 1 The III-III line cross-sectional view is used to illustrate Figure 1 An explanatory diagram of an example of the operation performed by the particle sampling device.

[0028] Fig.15 Yes Figure 1 End view taken along line IV-IV when the microparticle sampling device is supplied with a liquid containing an amphiphilic polymer.

[0029] Fig.16 is Figure 1 Automatically in the particle sampling device Fig.13 Appearance diagram of the particle sampling system of the described process.

[0030] Fig.17 is an external view of a particle sampling system including piping for sampling particles from air at a remote location.

[0031] Fig.18 It is a perspective view showing the appearance of a particle sampling device according to a fourth embodiment.

[0032] Fig.19 Yes means Fig.18 A side view of the exterior appearance of the particle sampling device.

[0033] Fig. 20 yes Fig.18 Cross-sectional view along line III-III.

[0034] Fig.21yes Fig.18 Cross-sectional view along line IV-IV.

[0035] Fig. 22 yes Fig.18 A flowchart of an example of the operation of the particle sampling device.

[0036] Fig.23 yes Fig.18 The III-III line cross-sectional view is used to illustrate Fig.18 An explanatory diagram of an example of the operation performed by the particle sampling device.

[0037] Description of Reference Numerals

[0038] 1. Influenza virus

[0039] 10 Particle sampling device

[0040] 12 Pipeline

[0041] 14 No.1 bearing seal

[0042] 16 2nd bearing seal

[0043] 18 1st flange component

[0044] 20 Second flange component

[0045] 22 1st electrode

[0046] 24 2nd electrode

[0047] 26 Voltage application unit

[0048] 28 Supply Department

[0049] 30 Recycling Department

[0050] 32. Drive unit

[0051] 42, 48, 52, 56 main body

[0052] 44 1st support part

[0053] 46 Second support part

[0054] 50, 54 flange

[0055] 58 1st outer flange

[0056] 60 second outer flange

[0057] 62 first inner flange

[0058] 64 second inner flange

[0059] 66 Inner surface

[0060] 67 1st Liquid

[0061] 68 Second Liquid

[0062] 69 Sampling Space

[0063] 70 1st support

[0064] 72 second support

[0065] 74 No.1 Wire

[0066] 76 2nd Wire

[0067] 78, 79 cans

[0068] 80 Injection

[0069] 82, 83 cans

[0070] 84 Extraction Department

[0071] 86 Gear

[0072] 88 Electric Motor

[0073] 90 Control Department

[0074] 268 Liquid

[0075] 278 cans

[0076] 282 cans

[0077] 110, 110a particle sampling system

[0078] 111 Attraction Fan

[0079] 112 Housing

[0080] 113 Voltage Control Unit

[0081] 114 Liquid flow port

[0082] 115 Touch Panel

[0083] 116 Voltage display unit

[0084] 117 Air volume control unit

[0085] 118 Fan power button

[0086] 119 Voltage application button

[0087] 150 Flexible pipe

[0088] 151 Attraction direction arrow

[0089] 152 Suction port

[0090] 153 Object

[0091] 154 Air

[0092] 410 Particle Sampling Device

[0093] 425 Voltage application unit

[0094] 426 Discharge concentration area

[0095] 427 Coating Department

[0096] 428 exposed part

[0097] 429 outer skin

[0098] 430 Supply Department

[0099] 431 Recycling Department

[0100] 448 1st flange component body

[0101] 452 Second flange component body

[0102] 456 1st electrode body

[0103] 468 Liquid

[0104] 471 one end

[0105] 472 The other end DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0106] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0107] However, the particle sampling device and particle sampling method of the present invention are not limited to the embodiments described below or the configurations described in the drawings, but also include configurations equivalent to these.

[0108] The embodiments described below all represent general or specific examples. The numerical values, shapes, materials, components, configuration positions and connection methods of components, steps, and the order of steps shown in the following embodiments are only examples and are not intended to limit the claims. In addition, the figures may not be strictly illustrated. In the figures, the same symbols are marked for structures that are actually the same, and repeated descriptions are sometimes omitted or simplified.

[0109] In the following description, terms indicating the relationship between elements such as parallel and perpendicular, terms indicating the shape of an element such as a cylindrical shape, and numerical ranges not only have strict meanings but also include substantially equivalent ranges, such as a difference of several percent.

[0110] In the following figures, the X-axis and the Y-axis are axes that are orthogonal to each other on the horizontal plane. The Z-axis is an axis that is perpendicular to the horizontal plane. On the Z-axis, the positive direction indicates vertically upward, and the negative direction indicates vertically downward.

[0111] (Implementation Method 1)

[0112] Figure 1 It is a perspective view showing the appearance of the particle sampling device 10 according to Embodiments 1 to 3. Figure 2 Yes means Figure 1 1 is a side view of the appearance of the particle sampling device 10. Figure 3 yes Figure 1 The internal view of the particle sampling device 10 is Figure 1 Cross-sectional view along line III-III. Figure 4 yes Figure 1 IV-IV line end view. Figures 1 to 4 , a particle sampling device 10 according to an embodiment will be described.

[0113] like Figures 1 to 4 As shown, the particle sampling device 10 is a device for sampling particles into a liquid. Specifically, the particle sampling device 10 is a device for capturing particles in a gas into a second liquid 68 (described later), thereby sampling the particles into the liquid. For example, the particles include fungi, bacteria, viruses, and aerosols. The particle sampling device 10 includes a pipe 12, a first bearing seal 14, a second bearing seal 16, a first flange member 18, a second flange member 20, a first electrode 22, a second electrode 24, a voltage applying unit 26, a supply unit 28, a recovery unit 30, and a drive unit 32.

[0114] The particle sampling device 10 is composed of a pipe 12, a first flange member 18, and a second flange member 20 surrounding a rotating first electrode 22 and a second electrode 24 disposed at the center of the first electrode 22. Inside the particle sampling device 10, in the direction of insertion of the particle sampling device 10 ( Figure 2 The particle sampling device 10 is used to pass a gas such as air in the direction indicated by the arrow A). For example, air may be directly introduced into the particle sampling device 10 by a pump (not shown) or the like, so that the gas passes through the particle sampling device 10. In addition, for example, the particle sampling device 10 may be provided in a device in which a gas such as air flows, such as an air conditioner, an air purifier, or a ventilation port, and the air is introduced into the particle sampling device 10 and then processed. In this way, by installing the particle sampling device 10 on a device that generates a gas flow, it is not necessary to assemble a pump or the like for generating a gas flow into the particle sampling device 10, and a small, silent, and low-pressure-loss device can be easily realized. As a result, there is no need to select a comparison location, and the device can be set and assembled in various locations. The following describes the various structures of the particle sampling device 10.

[0115] The pipe 12 is cylindrical, and the first electrode 22 is rotatably supported inside the pipe 12. The pipe 12 includes a main body 42, a first support portion 44, and a second support portion 46. The main body 42, the first support portion 44, and the second support portion 46 have insulating properties.

[0116] The main body 42 is cylindrical, and one end and the other end of the main body 42 in the axial direction are open. The first support portion 44 protrudes from one end of the main body 42 in the axial direction to the outside of the main body 42 in the radial direction, and is formed integrally with the main body 42. The first support portion 44 is recessed toward the outside of the main body 42 in the radial direction and is generally U-shaped (see Figure 3 ). The first support portion 44 is annular when viewed from the axial direction of the main body 42. The first bearing seal 14 is arranged inside the first support portion 44. The first bearing seal 14 seals the first support portion 44 and the first outer flange portion 58 (described later) in a manner that prevents gas leakage between the first support portion 44 and the first outer flange portion 58. The first support portion 44 rotatably supports the first electrode 22 via the first bearing seal 14. The second support portion 46 protrudes from the other end portion in the axial direction of the main body 42 toward the outside in the radial direction of the main body 42 and is formed integrally with the main body 42. The second support portion 46 is recessed toward the outside in the radial direction of the main body 42 and is roughly U-shaped (refer to Figure 3 ), the second support portion 46 is annular when viewed from the axial direction of the main body 42. A second bearing seal 16 is arranged inside the second support portion 46. The second bearing seal 16 seals the space between the second support portion 46 and the second outer flange portion 60 (described later) in a manner that prevents gas leakage between the second support portion 46 and the second outer flange portion 60. The second support portion 46 rotatably supports the first electrode 22 via the second bearing seal 16.

[0117] The first flange member 18 is cylindrical and connected to the pipe 12. The first flange member 18 includes a main body 48 and a flange 50.

[0118] The main body 48 is cylindrical, and one end and the other end of the main body 48 in the axial direction are open. The flange 50 protrudes from the one end of the main body 48 in the axial direction to the outside of the main body 48 in the radial direction, and is formed integrally with the main body 48. The flange 50 is annular when viewed from the axial direction of the main body 48. The other end of the main body 48 in the axial direction is connected to one end of the pipe 12 in the axial direction.

[0119] The second flange member 20 is cylindrical and connected to the pipe 12. The second flange member 20 includes a main body 52 and a flange 54.

[0120] The main body 52 is cylindrical, and one end and the other end of the main body 52 in the axial direction are open. The one end of the main body 52 in the axial direction is connected to the other end of the pipe 12 in the axial direction. The flange 54 protrudes from the other end of the main body 52 in the axial direction to the outside of the main body 52 in the radial direction, and is formed integrally with the main body 52. ​​The flange 54 is annular when viewed from the axial direction of the main body 52.

[0121] The first electrode 22 is cylindrical, and both ends of the first electrode 22 in the axial direction are open. The first electrode 22 is connected to the ground via a second electric wire 76 (described later) or the like. The first electrode 22 includes a main body 56, a first outer flange portion 58, a second outer flange portion 60, a first inner flange portion 62, and a second inner flange portion 64. For example, the main body 56, the first outer flange portion 58, the second outer flange portion 60, the first inner flange portion 62, and the second inner flange portion 64 are formed using stainless steel such as SUS (Steel Special Use Stainless).

[0122] The main body 56 is cylindrical, and one end and the other end of the main body 56 in the axial direction are open. The axial direction of the main body 56 refers to the direction in which the axis B of the main body 56 extends (X-axis direction). The main body 56 has external teeth (not shown) on the outer peripheral surface of the main body 56 that mesh with the external teeth (not shown) of the gear 86 (described later). The inner surface 66 of the main body 56 is subjected to a hydrophilization treatment. The hydrophilization treatment mentioned here is a treatment in which the inner surface 66 is processed into a tiny concave and convex shape. For example, the hydrophilization treatment is performed by plasma treatment. In addition, for example, the hydrophilization treatment is performed by an alkaline treatment using potassium hydroxide (KOH). In addition, an adhesion-inhibiting material that inhibits the adhesion of particles is attached to the inner surface 66 of the main body 56. For example, the adhesion-inhibiting material is a retardant such as skim milk, BSA (Bovine Serum Albumin) and PEG (Polyethylene Glycol).

[0123] In this embodiment, when sampling is performed, after the inner surface 66 of the first electrode 22 is hydrophilized using the first liquid 67 containing an amphiphilic polymer (described later), the second liquid 68 not containing an amphiphilic polymer is supplied to the electrode as a sampling solution (collecting liquid), so that the amphiphilic polymer contained in the first liquid 67 contacts and adheres to the entire inner surface of the electrode. After the hydrophilic state of the inner surface of the electrode is initialized, the particles are sampled through the second liquid 68.

[0124] The first outer flange portion 58 protrudes from one end portion of the main body 56 in the axial direction toward the radial outward of the main body 56, and is formed integrally with the main body 56. The first outer flange portion 58 is annular around the axis B of the main body 56. That is, the first outer flange portion 58 is annular when viewed from the axial direction of the main body 56. The first outer flange portion 58 is arranged on the inner side of the first bearing seal 14.

[0125] The second outer flange portion 60 protrudes from the other end portion of the main body 56 in the axial direction to the outside of the main body 56 in the radial direction, and is formed integrally with the main body 56. The second outer flange portion 60 is annular around the axis B of the main body 56. That is, the second outer flange portion 60 is annular when viewed from the axial direction of the main body 56. The second outer flange portion 60 is arranged on the inner side of the second bearing seal 16.

[0126] The first inner flange portion 62 protrudes from one end portion of the main body 56 in the axial direction toward the radial inward direction of the main body 56, and is formed integrally with the main body 56. The first inner flange portion 62 is annular around the axis B of the main body 56. That is, the first inner flange portion 62 is annular when viewed from the axial direction of the main body 56.

[0127] The second inner flange portion 64 protrudes from the other end portion of the main body 56 in the axial direction toward the radial inward direction of the main body 56, and is formed integrally with the main body 56. The second inner flange portion 64 is annular around the axis B of the main body 56. That is, the second inner flange portion 64 is annular when viewed from the axial direction of the main body 56.

[0128] The first electrode 22 is provided in a posture where the axis B of the main body 56 is parallel to the horizontal direction. The first electrode 22 is supported so as to be rotatable around the axis B of the main body 56 (see Figure 4 In other words, the first electrode 22 is supported so as to be rotatable. That is, the first electrode 22 is a component corresponding to the "rotating cylindrical electrode" in the claims.

[0129] The first electrode 22 stores the first liquid 67 or the second liquid 68 on the inner surface 66 of the main body 56. Specifically, the first electrode 22 is disposed in a direction around the axis B of the main body 56 (see Figure 4The first electrode 22 stores the first liquid 67 or the second liquid 68 in a portion of the inner surface 66 (in the direction indicated by the arrow D). The stored first liquid 67 or the second liquid 68 is located below the axis B of the main body 56. In addition, the first electrode 22 stores the first liquid 67 or the second liquid 68 in the portion of the inner surface 66 along the axial direction of the main body 56. The first inner flange portion 62 holds the first liquid 67 or the second liquid 68 so that the first liquid 67 or the second liquid 68 stored in a portion of the inner surface 66 of the main body 56 does not overflow from one end portion in the axial direction of the main body 56. The second inner flange portion 64 holds the first liquid 67 or the second liquid 68 so that the first liquid 67 or the second liquid 68 held in a portion of the inner surface 66 of the main body 56 does not overflow from the other end portion in the axial direction of the main body 56. In this way, the first electrode 22 stores the first liquid 67 or the second liquid 68 on a portion of the inner surface 66 of the main body 56 so that the first liquid 67 or the second liquid 68 does not flow out of the main body 56. In the main body 56, a sampling space 69 is formed above the stored first liquid 67 or the second liquid 68 and penetrates the main body 56 in the axial direction.

[0130] The second electrode 24 is linear and extends along the axial direction of the main body 56 of the first electrode 22. The second electrode 24 is inserted through the radial inner side of the main body 56 of the first electrode 22 and is located inside the main body 56. That is, the second electrode 24 protrudes outward from one end of the main body 56 in the axial direction of the main body 56 and protrudes outward from the other end of the main body 56. The second electrode 24 is arranged at a distance from the inner surface 66 of the main body 56 of the first electrode 22 and is arranged near the center of the first electrode 22. The second electrode 24 is arranged in the sampling space 69. In the present embodiment, the second electrode 24 is provided in a posture where the axis of the second electrode 24 coincides with the axis B of the main body 56 of the first electrode 22. For example, the second electrode 24 is formed of tungsten or the like.

[0131] The voltage applying unit 26 applies a voltage between the first electrode 22 and the second electrode 24. The voltage applying unit 26 includes a first support 70, a second support 72, a first electric wire 74, and a second electric wire 76.

[0132] The first support body 70 is fixed to the first flange member 18 and is located inside the first flange member 18. The first support body 70 is connected to one end of the second electrode 24 in the axial direction and supports the second electrode 24. The second support body 72 is fixed to the second flange member 20 and is located inside the second flange member 20. The second support body 72 is connected to the other end of the second electrode 24 in the axial direction and supports the second electrode 24. The first support body 70 and the second support body 72 are conductive and are electrically connected to the second electrode 24. The first electric wire 74 is electrically connected to the second electrode 24 via the second support body 72. The second electric wire 76 is electrically connected to the first electrode 22 via the gear 86 and the like.

[0133] The voltage applying unit 26 can pass a current of any size and waveform through the first electrode 22 and the second electrode 24 disposed near the center of the first electrode 22 via the first electric wire 74 and the second electric wire 76. Thus, the particle sampling device 10 performs electric dust collection of particles. In addition, the structure of the second electrode 24 may not be linear, but may be a plate-shaped or needle-shaped structure, etc., and is not limited to the structure or the setting position, as long as an unequal electric field can be formed. For example, the voltage applying unit 26 is implemented by a power supply circuit including a converter, etc. In addition, for example, the voltage applying unit 26 applies a DC voltage of 6 [kV].

[0134] For example, the voltage applying unit 26 applies a voltage between the first electrode 22 and the second electrode 24 so that the second electrode 24 side has a higher potential than the first electrode 22 side. As a result, an electric field is generated from the second electrode 24 to the first electrode 22 in the sampling space 69 (see Figure 3 Arrow E and Figure 4 arrow E).

[0135] The supply unit 28 supplies the first liquid 67 or the second liquid 68 into the first electrode 22, and stores the first liquid 67 or the second liquid 68 in a portion of the inner surface 66 in the direction around the axis B of the first electrode 22. In other words, in order to store the first liquid 67 or the second liquid 68 in a portion of the inner surface 66 in the direction around the axis B of the first electrode 22, the supply unit 28 supplies the first liquid 67 or the second liquid 68 into the first electrode 22. In this way, the first liquid 67 or the second liquid 68 supplied by the supply unit 28 is stored on the inner surface 66 of the main body 56 of the first electrode 22. The supply unit 28 has a tank 78, a tank 79 and an injection unit 80. The liquid supply of the supply unit 28 can be performed as follows: Figure 3 As shown, the liquid is supplied from the opening side of the first electrode 22 (one end side of the main body 42 in the axial direction), or a hole may be partially opened in the side surface of the first electrode 22 and the liquid may be supplied from the hole.

[0136] The tank 79 holds the first liquid 67 for supplying into the first electrode 22. The first liquid 67 held in the tank 79 is discharged from the injection portion 80 by a pump (not shown) or the like and supplied into the main body 56 of the first electrode 22. In this way, the tank 79 for storing the first liquid 67 for hydrophilizing the inner surface 66 of the first electrode 22 in advance is provided, and the first liquid 67 is supplied into the first electrode 22 through the injection portion 80. Figure 3 In the figures, it is shown in an isolated state, but has the same structure as tank 78 and is provided.

[0137] The tank 78 holds the second liquid 68 for supplying into the first electrode 22. The second liquid 68 held in the tank 78 is discharged from the injection portion 80 by a pump (not shown) or the like and supplied into the main body 56 of the first electrode 22. In this way, the tank 78 for storing the second liquid 68 such as a capture liquid for influenza virus sensing in advance is provided, and the second liquid 68 is supplied into the first electrode 22 through the injection portion 80. In addition, the supply of the second liquid 68 is not limited to one time for one sampling, and it may be supplied multiple times according to the amount of liquid in the first electrode 22 or in combination with the recovery before the start of sampling.

[0138] In this embodiment, the supply unit 28 supplies liquid for hydrophilizing the inner surface 66 of the first electrode 22 as the first liquid 67 , recovers particles attached to the inner surface 66 of the first electrode 22 , and supplies liquid for analyzing the recovered particles as the second liquid 68 .

[0139] The first liquid 67 is a liquid containing an amphiphilic substance mainly composed of an amphiphilic polymer. An amphiphilic polymer is a polymer having a hydrophilic portion and a hydrophobic portion in a polymer. For example, as a hydrophilic portion, PEG (Polyethylene Glycol) or dextran is used, and as a hydrophobic portion, PLA (Polylactic Acid) or PLGA (Polylactic co Glycolic Acid) is used. At this time, the amount of substance contained in a liquid such as pure water is preferably at least 0.1 weight % (wt%) or more. If the amount of substance is less than 0.1 weight %, it is possible that the hydrophilicity required for effective capture of the second liquid 68 cannot be maintained. By supplying the second liquid 68 containing the amphiphilic polymer and rotating the first electrode 22, the hydrophobic portion of the amphiphilic polymer is adsorbed on the surface of the inner surface 66 of the first electrode 22, and oriented in a manner that the hydrophilic portion is exposed to the second liquid 68 side. This improves the affinity of the interface between the inner surface 66 of the first electrode 22 and the second liquid 68, and makes it possible to hydrophilize the inner surface 66 of the first electrode 22. That is, the hydrophilized state of the inner surface 66 of the first electrode 22 can be maintained.

[0140] The liquid used for analyzing microparticles in the second liquid 68 refers to a liquid for analysis, a liquid for analysis to maintain the activity of the target substance contained in the microparticles, a liquid for analysis to give a label to the target substance contained in the microparticles, a liquid for analysis to protect the target substance contained in the microparticles, or any combination thereof. For example, in the case where the target substance is influenza virus, the second liquid 68 can use a liquid such as physiological saline, PBS (Phosphate-Buffered Saline) buffer, EDTA (Ethylene Diamine Tetraacetic Acid) buffer, bicarbonate buffer, etc. for the purpose of dissolution and preservation, or a liquid containing a substance that specifically binds to the virus and emits magnetism or fluorescence. In addition, the second liquid 68 may not be a liquid for microparticle analysis, for example, it may be pure water. However, the substances contained in the liquid do not weaken the biological characteristics such as the infection titer or antigenicity of the target substance.

[0141] In addition, the targeting material is not limited to influenza virus. For example, the targeting material may also be other viruses, or an organism other than a virus (e.g., bacteria). In addition, the targeting material may not be an organism, but may be an environmental pollutant or an allergen, etc. Thus, it is possible to suppress the adsorption of the targeting material such as influenza virus on the inner surface 66 of the first electrode 22, and to reduce the loss of the targeting material in the second liquid 68.

[0142] As will be described in detail later, in the present embodiment, when sampling the target substance, the first liquid 67 is supplied each time the sampling is performed to hydrophilize the inner surface 66 of the first electrode 22, and then the second liquid 68 is supplied to sample the target substance.

[0143] The hydrophilic state of the inner surface 66 of the first electrode 22 is initialized by the first liquid 67, so that the second liquid 68 is uniformly spread into the first electrode 22, and the distance between the second electrode 24 at the center and the second liquid 68 can be kept constant with good reproducibility. As a result, the insulation breakdown between the second liquid 68 and the second electrode 24 can be suppressed, and the normal discharge of the second electrode 24 described later and the formation of a desired electric field between the second electrode 24 and the first electrode 22 and normal sampling can be performed. Here, the initialization of the hydrophilic state means that the surface state of the inner surface 66 of the first electrode 22 that has been deteriorated is restored by the sampling action of the target substance.

[0144] The recovery unit 30 recovers the first liquid 67 or the second liquid 68 stored in a portion of the inner surface 66 in the direction around the axis B of the first electrode 22. The recovery unit 30 includes a tank 82, a tank 83, and an extraction unit 84. The first liquid 67 or the second liquid 68 stored in a portion of the inner surface 66 in the direction around the axis B of the first electrode 22 is sucked from the extraction unit 84 by a pump (not shown) or the like, and is retained in the tank 82 or the tank 83 and recovered.

[0145] The tank 82 is a container for storing the first liquid 67 recovered as waste liquid, and is connected to the extraction part 84. The first liquid 67 supplied for hydrophilization is sucked and held in the tank 82 by the extraction part 84 after the hydrophilization treatment operation of the inner surface 66 of the first electrode 22 is performed. In addition, the second liquid 68 supplied for the purpose of washing such as flushing the inner surface 66 of the first electrode 22 is also sucked and held in the tank 82 by the extraction part 84 after the washing operation.

[0146] The tank 83 is a container for storing the second liquid 68 recovered as the capture liquid, and is connected to the extraction section 84 in a switchable manner with the tank 82. Figure 3 In the figure, the tank 83 is shown in an isolated state, but is provided with the same structure as the tank 82. The second liquid 68 for particle analysis is sucked by the extraction unit 84 and held in the tank 83 after the second liquid 68 performs a processing operation of capturing particles and recovering them in the second liquid 68.

[0147] The recovery unit 30 can recover each liquid as follows: Figure 3 As shown, the liquid is recovered from the opening side of the first electrode 22 (the other end side of the main body 42 in the axial direction), or a hole may be partially opened in the side surface of the first electrode 22 to recover the liquid from the opening. In addition, the second liquid 68 may not necessarily be recovered during one supply or one sampling, but may be recovered after multiple supplies or samplings.

[0148] The driving unit 32 rotates the first electrode 22 around a rotation axis extending along the axial direction of the main body 56 of the first electrode 22 and passing through the first electrode 22. In the present embodiment, the rotation axis coincides with the axis B of the main body 56. That is, in the present embodiment, the driving unit 32 rotates the first electrode 22 around the axis B of the main body 56 of the first electrode 22. The driving unit 32 includes a gear 86 and a motor 88 for rotating the gear 86. The gear 86 includes external teeth (not shown) that mesh with external teeth (not shown) of the first electrode 22. The gear 86 is rotated by the motor 88 (see Figure 4 As a result, the first electrode 22 rotates around the axis B of the main body 56 (see arrow F). Figure 4 In this way, the first electrode 22 is rotated by the gear 86 driven by the motor 88.

[0149] In addition, the gas outside the particle sampling device 10 may pass through the inside of the second flange member 20 and then pass through the inside of the main body 56 of the first electrode 22 , and then be released from the first flange member 18 to the outside of the particle sampling device 10 .

[0150] Figure 5 is a block diagram showing the functional structure of the particle sampling device 10. Figure 5 , the functional structure of the particle sampling device 10 is described.

[0151] like Figure 5 As shown, the particle sampling device 10 further includes a control unit 90 .

[0152] The control unit 90 is electrically connected to the voltage applying unit 26, the supply unit 28, the recovery unit 30, and the driving unit 32. The control unit 90 controls the voltage applying unit 26, the supply unit 28, the recovery unit 30, and the driving unit 32. For example, the control unit 90 is implemented by a microcomputer, but may also be implemented by a processor or a dedicated circuit.

[0153] Next, the operation of the particle sampling device 10 configured as above will be described. Figure 6 This is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the particle sampling device 10 . Figure 7 1 is an explanatory diagram for explaining an example of the operation of the particle sampling device 10, and is a diagram showing the operation of the virus in the particle sampling device 10 until the virus is actually recovered. Figure 6 and Figure 7 , an example of the operation of the particle sampling device 10 in this embodiment including the process of capturing the influenza virus 1, recovering the influenza virus 1 in the liquid, and recovering the first liquid 67 or the second liquid 68 is described. Here, the particle sampling device 10 performs the liquid capture for the purpose of recovering the influenza virus 1 that is considered to cause airborne infection as a liquid sample that can be analyzed by a sensor or the like.

[0154] like Figure 6 As shown, first, the supply unit 28 supplies the first liquid 67 as the hydrophilization treatment liquid into the first electrode 22, and the first liquid 67 is stored in a part of the inner surface 66 in the direction around the axis B of the first electrode 22 (step S1: first supply step). For example, the user operates an arbitrary operation button (not shown) and the supply unit 28 is operated to supply the first liquid 67 into the main body 56 of the first electrode 22.

[0155] If step S1 is performed, then Figure 7 As shown, the first liquid 67 is supplied into the main body 56 of the first electrode 22 , and the first liquid 67 is stored in a portion of the inner surface 66 in the direction around the axis B of the main body 56 of the first electrode 22 .

[0156] The driving unit 32 rotates the first electrode 22 around the axis B (step S2: first driving step). For example, the user may operate an arbitrary operation button (not shown) to operate the driving unit 32 and rotate the first electrode 22.

[0157] like Figure 7 As shown, the first electrode 22 rotates around the axis B in a state where the first liquid 67 is stored in a portion of the inner surface 66 in the direction of the axis B of the main body 56 of the first electrode 22. In other words, the first electrode 22 rotates around the axis B in a state where the first liquid 67 is stored below the axis B in a manner that the first liquid 67 does not flow out of the main body 56. As a result, the inner surface 66 of the first electrode 22 sequentially contacts the stored first liquid 67. As a result, the amphiphilic polymer contained in the first liquid 67 contacts the surface of the inner surface 66 of the first electrode 22 and adheres thereto, making the inner surface 66 of the first electrode 22 hydrophilic. That is, the hydrophilic state of the inner surface 66 of the first electrode 22 is initialized and maintained. As a result, it is possible to suppress the adsorption of the target substance such as influenza virus 1 on the inner surface 66 of the first electrode 22, and reduce the loss of the target substance captured in the second liquid 68 supplied later. In addition, the second liquid 68 supplied thereafter is uniformly diffused in the first electrode 22, and the distance between the second electrode 24 at the center and the second liquid 68 can be kept constant with good reproducibility. Thus, the insulation breakdown between the second liquid 68 and the second electrode 24 can be suppressed, and normal discharge of the second electrode 24 described later and the formation of a desired electric field between the second electrode 24 and the first electrode 22 and normal sampling can be performed.

[0158] Furthermore, by using the first liquid 67 containing an amphiphilic polymer as the hydrophilization treatment liquid, it is not necessary to perform electrode treatment every time a hydrophilization treatment such as plasma treatment is performed.

[0159] return Figure 6 In step S2, the driving unit 32 is stopped to stop the rotation of the first electrode 22. Then, the stored first liquid 67 is recovered (step S3: first recovery step). For example, in step S2, at any time after a certain period of operation, the first liquid 67 is recovered to the recovery unit 30 (tank 82) by the extraction unit 84. In addition, for example, the user can also operate any operation button (not shown) to operate the recovery unit 30 to recover the first liquid 67 stored in the main body 56 of the first electrode 22.

[0160] Next, the supply unit 28 supplies the second liquid 68 into the first electrode 22 so that the second liquid 68 is stored in a portion of the inner surface 66 in the direction around the axis B of the first electrode 22 (step S4: second supply step). For example, when the user operates an arbitrary operation button (not shown), the supply unit 28 is operated to supply the second liquid 68 into the main body 56 of the first electrode 22.

[0161] like Figure 7 As shown in FIG. 5 , the second liquid 68 is supplied into the main body 56 of the first electrode 22, and the second liquid 68 is stored in a portion of the inner surface 66 in the direction around the axis B of the main body 56 of the first electrode 22. In addition, before step S4, by separately performing a cleaning process so that the residual liquid of the first liquid 67 containing the amphiphilic polymer is not included in the second liquid 68, it is possible to suppress the reduction of the infectivity of the virus caused by the amphiphilic polymer when analyzing the second liquid 68 that becomes the capture liquid. The cleaning process here is, for example, a process of supplying the second liquid 68, cleaning the inside of the first electrode 22, and after supplying the second liquid 68, rotating the first electrode 22 for a certain period of time and then collecting the second liquid 68.

[0162] Next, inside the particle sampling device 10, a gas such as air is introduced in the direction of passing through the particle sampling device 10 ( Figure 7 For example, air is directly introduced into the particle sampling device 10 by a pump (not shown) or the like, so that the gas is circulated in the particle sampling device 10.

[0163] return Figure 6 The driving unit 32 rotates the first electrode 22 around the axis B (step S6: second driving step). For example, the user may operate any operation button (not shown) to operate the driving unit 32 and rotate the first electrode 22.

[0164] like Figure 7 As shown in FIG. 2 , in a state where the second liquid 68 is stored in a portion of the inner surface 66 in the direction around the axis B of the main body 56 of the first electrode 22, the first electrode 22 is rotated around the axis B. In other words, in a state where the second liquid 68 is stored below the axis B so that the second liquid 68 does not flow out to the outside of the main body 56, the first electrode 22 is rotated around the axis B. As a result, the inner surface 66 of the first electrode 22 is sequentially in contact with the stored second liquid 68.

[0165] return Figure 6 The voltage applying unit 26 applies a voltage between the first electrode 22 and the second electrode 24 (step S7: voltage applying step). For example, the voltage applying unit 26 may be operated by the user operating any operation button (not shown) to apply a voltage between the first electrode 22 and the second electrode 24.

[0166] like Figure 7 As shown, by any air flow (refer to Figure 7 The influenza virus 1 introduced into the gas inside the particle sampling device 10 as indicated by the arrow A) is first charged with positive or negative charges by the ions 2 released by the discharge of the second electrode 24 to which the high voltage is applied. Here, the case where the influenza virus 1 is charged with positive charges is described.

[0167] The influenza virus 1 that has become charged (charged) passes through the electric field formed between the second electrode 24 and the first electrode 22 (see Figure 7 The first electrode 22 moves as indicated by the arrow E) as in the trajectory 3, and collects dust on the inner surface 66 of the first electrode 22. In this way, the influenza virus 1 is attached to the inner surface 66 of the first electrode 22 and is captured on the inner surface 66.

[0168] like Figure 7 As shown, the influenza virus 1 collected on the inner surface 66 is recovered in the second liquid 68 stored in the main body 56 of the first electrode 22 at any time. Specifically, the influenza virus 1 attached to the inner surface 66 of the main body 56 of the first electrode 22 is separated from the inner surface 66 by contact with the stored second liquid 68 and is recovered in the second liquid 68. The movement (rotation) of the first electrode 22 rotated by the motor 88 and the gear 86 can rinse the entire surface of the inner surface 66 of the first electrode 22 with the accumulated (stored) second liquid 68.

[0169] In addition, when the inner surface 66 of the first electrode 22 is hydrophilized, a voltage may be applied between the first electrode 22 and the second electrode 24 before the first electrode 22 is rotated around the axis B, and the first electrode 22 may be rotated around the axis B while the voltage is applied between the first electrode 22 and the second electrode 24.

[0170] In step S7, the voltage applying unit 26 is then stopped after a set time. Here, the set time is a time pre-set for capturing influenza virus 1, for example, 10 minutes. The set time is also used to determine the air flow rate used when evaluating the infection risk.

[0171] Next, the driving unit 32 is stopped to stop the rotation of the first electrode 22 (step S8 ).

[0172] Then, the flow of gas such as air into the particle sampling device 10 is stopped (step S9: flow stopping step). For example, the operation of a pump (not shown) or the like is directly stopped.

[0173] Finally, the recovery unit 30 recovers the second liquid 68 stored in the first electrode 22 (step S10: second recovery step). For example, at the moment when the applied voltage in step S7 is operated for a certain time, the second liquid 68 is recovered to the recovery unit 30 (tank 83) by the extraction unit 84. Thus, a liquid sample (second liquid 68) containing the influenza virus 1 separated from the gas can be obtained. In addition, for example, the user can also operate the recovery unit 30 by operating any operation button (not shown) and the like to recover the second liquid 68 stored in the main body 56 of the first electrode 22.

[0174] As described above, the particle sampling device 10 of the present embodiment can recover the influenza virus 1 at a high concentration in the second liquid 68 from the air.

[0175] In addition, the particle sampling device 10 can accumulate particles in the second liquid 68 stored in the first electrode 22 without circulating the second liquid 68, so it is easy to recover the particles in the second liquid 68 at a high concentration. In addition, the particle sampling device 10 does not need to provide a device for circulating the second liquid 68, and is a device that can easily achieve miniaturization and energy saving.

[0176] Furthermore, by including an amphiphilic polymer in the first liquid 67, the inner surface 66 of the first electrode 22 can always be kept in a hydrophilic state, and insulation breakdown caused by the second liquid 68 supplied later approaching a portion of the second electrode 24 on the center side can be suppressed, thereby allowing the device to be used safely.

[0177] Next, refer to Fig. 9 , a method for evaluating the infection risk using the second liquid 68 recovered in step S10 will be described. Fig. 9 Is the assessment passed Figure 6 Flow chart of the infection risk of viruses contained in the collected liquid (second liquid 68) recovered by a series of actions.

[0178] In infection risk assessment methods, such as Fig. 9 As shown, first, the second liquid 68 containing particles, ie, influenza virus 1, is obtained from the tank 82 of the particle sampling device 10 as a liquid sample (step S11). For example, the user removes the tank 82 to take out the second liquid 68 from the tank 82 as a liquid sample.

[0179] Next, the taken liquid sample is placed in an analysis device capable of measuring the infection titer of the virus (for example, an analysis device using cells based on TCID50 evaluation, etc.), and the infection titer of the virus contained in the liquid sample is quantified. That is, the infection titer of influenza virus 1 contained in the second liquid 68 recovered by the above-mentioned particle sampling method is quantified (step S12: quantification step).

[0180] Then, based on the infection titer (infection titer of influenza virus 1) quantified in step S12, the flow rate of air circulating inside for a certain period of time when voltage is applied in step S7, and the capture performance value specified by the particle sampling method, the infection titer concentration of influenza virus 1 contained in the air circulating inside is evaluated (step S13: evaluation step).

[0181] Finally, the user is notified of the estimated infection titer concentration of the influenza virus 1 (step S14 ). Thus, the user can understand the status of the influenza virus 1 in the space where the particle sampling device 10 is installed.

[0182] As described above, the particle sampling device 10 of the present embodiment is a particle sampling device for sampling particles into a liquid, and includes: a cylindrical first electrode 22, both ends of which are open in the axial direction; a second electrode 24, which extends in the axial direction of the first electrode 22 and is arranged in the first electrode 22 at a distance from the inner surface 66 of the first electrode 22; a supply unit 28, which supplies liquid into the first electrode 22 and stores the first liquid 67 or the second liquid 68 in a part of the inner surface 66 in the direction around the axis B of the first electrode 22; a voltage applying unit 26, which applies a voltage between the first electrode 22 and the second electrode 24; a driving unit 32, which rotates the first electrode 22 around a rotation axis extending in the axial direction B of the first electrode 22 and passing through the first electrode 22; and a recovery unit 30, which recovers the stored first liquid 67 or the second liquid 68. The first liquid 67 is a liquid containing an amphiphilic polymer, and the second liquid 68 is a liquid for particle analysis that does not contain an amphiphilic polymer. When sampling the microparticles, after the first liquid 67 is supplied to perform the surface treatment (hydrophilic treatment) of the inner surface 66 of the first electrode 22 , the second liquid 68 may be supplied to perform the collection of the microparticles.

[0183] Thus, it is possible to maintain the activity of the captured sample while suppressing the reduction of the hydrophilicity of the inner surface 66 of the first electrode 22, thereby performing sampling. In more detail, the first liquid 67 contains an amphiphilic polymer, thereby improving the affinity at the interface between the inner surface 66 of the first electrode 22 and the second liquid 68, and the surface of the inner surface 66 of the first electrode 22 can be hydrophilized. That is, the hydrophilized state of the inner surface 66 of the first electrode 22 can be maintained. On the other hand, the voltage applying unit 26 generates an electric field between the first electrode 22 and the second electrode 24 by applying a voltage between the first electrode 22 and the second electrode 24, and the particles in the gas in the first electrode 22 adhere to the inner surface 66 of the first electrode 22. Since the inner surface 66 of the first electrode 22 is hydrophilized, the second liquid 68 supplied thereafter is uniformly diffused into the first electrode 22. In addition, the driving unit 32 rotates the first electrode 22, whereby the inner surface 66 of the first electrode 22 sequentially contacts the second liquid 68 uniformly spread and stored in a portion of the inner surface 66 in the direction around the axis B of the main body 56, and the particles attached to the inner surface 66 are accumulated in the second liquid 68. The recovery unit 30 recovers the stored second liquid 68, thereby obtaining the second liquid 68 in which the particles are accumulated. At this time, since the second liquid 68 does not contain an amphiphilic polymer, the infectivity of the virus is reduced, and the adverse effect on the subsequent quantitative analysis is suppressed.

[0184] In this way, the particles introduced into the particle sampling device 10 are precipitated on the inner surface 66 of the first electrode 22 by the electric dust collection, and then accumulated in the second liquid 68 by the rotation of the first electrode 22, so that the particles can be sampled effectively. In addition, since it is not necessary to circulate the second liquid 68, the liquid volume of the second liquid 68 can be reduced. By accumulating the particles in the second liquid 68 with a small liquid volume, the concentration of the particles in the second liquid 68 can be easily increased, and the particles can be sampled effectively.

[0185] Furthermore, in the particle sampling device 10 of the present embodiment, the inner surface 66 of the first electrode 22 is subjected to a hydrophilic treatment using the first liquid 67 .

[0186] Thus, the particles attached to the inner surface 66 are easily separated from the inner surface 66 when they come into contact with the stored second liquid 68. Therefore, the loss of the particles collected on the inner surface 66 can be suppressed, and the particles can be sampled more efficiently.

[0187] Furthermore, in the particle sampling device 10 of the present embodiment, an adhesion suppressing material for suppressing adhesion of particles is attached to the inner surface 66 of the first electrode 22 .

[0188] Thus, the particles attached to the inner surface 66 are easily separated from the inner surface 66 when they come into contact with the stored second liquid 68. Therefore, the loss of the particles collected on the inner surface 66 can be suppressed, and the particles can be sampled more efficiently.

[0189] Furthermore, in the particle sampling device 10 of the present embodiment, the supply unit 28 supplies the liquid used for particle analysis as the second liquid 68 .

[0190] This makes it possible to easily extract the target substance contained in the microparticles, etc. In addition, by selecting the appropriate second liquid 68 according to the purpose or application, it is possible to implement an appropriate detection protocol and suppress damage to the sample, etc.

[0191] In addition, in the particle sampling device 10 of the present embodiment, the amphiphilic polymer contained in the first liquid 67 has a hydrophilic portion and a hydrophobic portion. The hydrophilic portion is composed of PEG (Polyethylene Glycol) or dextran, and the hydrophobic portion is composed of PLA (Polylactic Acid) or PLGA (Polylactic coGlycolic Acid).

[0192] Thus, the amphiphilic polymer is attached to the inner surface 66 of the first electrode 22 , and the inner surface 66 of the first electrode 22 can be reliably made hydrophilic.

[0193] In addition, in the particle sampling device 10 of the present embodiment, the first liquid 67 is a liquid containing 0.1% by weight or more of an amphiphilic polymer.

[0194] Thereby, the inner surface 66 of the first electrode 22 can be made into a hydrophilic state capable of effectively capturing the targeting substance and the like contained in the fine particles.

[0195] In addition, in the particle sampling device 10 of the present embodiment, the infection titer analysis of the second liquid 68 (capture liquid) obtained from the recovery part 30 can be performed using cells based on TCID50 evaluation, and the concentration of viruses with infection titers can be quantified. Thus, the amount of virus present in the space can be quantified based on the quantitative results obtained, the amount of air processed by the particle sampling device 10, and the device's unique capture efficiency.

[0196] Thus, the concentration of the virus contained in the space can be evaluated, and by comparing it with the concentration of the virus in the space during a known epidemic, the infection risk in the sampled space can be quantified. In addition, the quantitative analysis of the analysis device can be performed at a different location after the second liquid 68 is recovered, or it can be connected to the particle sampling device 10 for online analysis.

[0197] In addition, in the particle sampling device 10 of the present embodiment, in a space where a device such as a UV generator or an ozone generator is installed to be used for anti-viral infection, the viruses in the space are sampled before and after the operation of the anti-viral infection device, and the infection titer of the virus is evaluated. Through the operation of the anti-viral infection device, the reduction in the infection titer of the virus can be visualized, and the effect of the anti-viral infection device can be visualized.

[0198] In addition, in the particle sampling device 10 of this embodiment, by supplying the first liquid 67 containing an amphiphilic polymer, the reduction in the hydrophilicity of the inner surface 66 is initialized each time sampling is performed, and the loss ratio of the target substance when sampling with the second liquid 68 is constant, which can suppress the deviation of each sampling.

[0199] The particle sampling method of this embodiment is to use a first electrode 22 which is cylindrical and has both ends in the axial direction open and whose inner surface is hydrophilized, and a second electrode 24 which extends in the axial direction of the first electrode 22 and is arranged in the first electrode 22 at a distance from the inner surface 66 of the first electrode 22, to capture particles (for example, influenza virus 1) contained in the air circulating inside. Then, when capturing particles, a first liquid 67 containing an amphiphilic polymer is supplied into the first electrode 22 so that the amphiphilic polymer contacts the inner surface 66 of the first electrode 22, and then a second liquid 68 not containing an amphiphilic polymer is supplied to capture the particles contained in the air circulating inside in the second liquid 68.

[0200] Specifically, a first supply step (step S1) is performed to supply the first liquid 67 containing the amphiphilic polymer into the first electrode 22, and store the first liquid 67 in a portion of the inner surface 66 in the direction around the axis of the first electrode 22; a first driving step (step S2) is performed to rotate the first electrode 22 storing the first liquid 67 in a portion of the inner surface 66 around a rotation axis extending along the axis of the first electrode 22 and passing through the first electrode 22; a first recovery step (step S3) is performed to recover the first liquid 67 stored in a portion of the inner surface 66; a second supply step (step S4) is performed after the first recovery step, to supply the first liquid 67 to the first electrode 22; and a second supply step (step S5) is performed to supply the first liquid 67 to the first electrode 22. A second liquid 68 for particle analysis is supplied into the electrode 22, and the second liquid 68 is stored in a portion of the inner surface 66 in a direction around the axis of the first electrode 22; a second driving step (step S5), which causes the first electrode 22 storing the second liquid 68 in a portion of the inner surface 66 to rotate around a rotation axis extending along the axis of the first electrode 22 and passing through the first electrode 22; a voltage applying step (step S6), which applies a voltage between the first electrode 22 storing the second liquid 68 in a portion of the inner surface 66 and the second electrode 24; a second recovery step (step S7), which recovers the second liquid 68 stored in a portion of the inner surface 66.

[0201] Thus, the activity of the captured sample can be maintained while suppressing the reduction of the hydrophilicity of the inner surface 66 of the first electrode 22, thereby performing sampling. More specifically, by the rotation of the first electrode 22 in the first driving step (step S2), the inner surface 66 of the first electrode 22 sequentially contacts the stored first liquid 67, so that the amphiphilic polymer contained in the first liquid 67 contacts the surface of the inner surface 66 of the first electrode 22 and adheres thereto, making the inner surface 66 of the first electrode 22 hydrophilic. Next, in the first recovery step (step S3), the first liquid 67 is discharged as waste liquid, and as the second supply step (step S4), the second liquid 68 for particle analysis is re-supplied into the first electrode 22. Then, the air containing particles inside is circulated, and in the voltage application step (step S7), a voltage is applied between the electrodes to capture the particles using the second liquid 68. That is, the particles attached to the inner surface 66 of the first electrode 22 are accumulated in the second liquid 68. At this time, the adsorption of the attached particles is also suppressed by the amphiphilic polymer on the surface of the inner surface 66 of the first electrode 22. On the other hand, the second liquid 68 does not contain an amphiphilic polymer, thereby suppressing the decrease in the activity of the accumulated particles. Then, in the second recovery step (step S10), the stored second liquid 68 is recovered to obtain the second liquid 68 in which the particles are accumulated.

[0202] Furthermore, since the reduction in the hydrophilicity of the inner surface 66 of the first electrode 22 is initialized each time sampling is performed, the loss ratio of the target substance when sampling is performed by the second liquid 68 is constant, and variations in each sampling can be suppressed.

[0203] In addition, in the particle sampling method of the present embodiment, the second supply step (step S4) can also be performed at regular time intervals, the second driving step (step S6) and the voltage application step (step S7) can be performed while keeping the storage amount of the stored second liquid 68 at a certain level, and the stored second liquid 68 can be recovered in the second recovery step (step S10).

[0204] Thus, by making the amount of the second liquid 68 stored constant, the concentration deviation caused by the storage amount of the second liquid 68 between each sampling can be suppressed, and the sampling accuracy can be improved. In addition, by making the amount of the second liquid 68 stored constant, the distance between the second liquid 68 and the second electrode 24 can be kept constant, and the deviation of the electric field between the second liquid 68 and the second electrode 24 generated when the voltage is applied can be suppressed between the sampling and each sampling, and the improvement of the sampling accuracy and the evaluation of the sampling performance can be simplified. In addition, when the ambient humidity is higher or lower than usual, the evaporation amount of the stored second liquid 68 changes due to the ambient humidity, and there is a possibility that the discharge of the second electrode 24 due to the excess of the second liquid 68 and the loss or inactivation of the sampled particles due to the depletion of the second liquid 68 may occur, but by supplying at a certain time interval set arbitrarily, these situations can be suppressed.

[0205] In addition, in the particle sampling method of the present embodiment, before the second supply step (step S4) of supplying the second liquid 68 for the purpose of recovering it for the purpose of analysis, the supply of the second liquid 68 for the purpose of flushing and cleaning the inside of the first electrode 22, the rotation of the first electrode 22, and the recovery of the second liquid 68 to the tank 82 as waste liquid may be performed once or repeatedly multiple times.

[0206] Thus, the residual liquid of the first liquid 67 containing the amphiphilic polymer remains in the second liquid 68, and it is possible to suppress the reduction of viral infectivity and the like due to the amphiphilic polymer when analyzing the second liquid 68 as the collection liquid.

[0207] In addition, the infection risk assessment method includes: a quantification step (step S12), using an analysis device capable of measuring the infection titer to quantify the infection titer of influenza virus 1 contained in the second liquid 68 recovered according to the above-mentioned particle sampling method; an evaluation step (step S13), based on the infection titer quantified in the quantification step, the circulation volume of the air circulating inside and the capture performance value specified by the particle sampling method, evaluating the infection titer concentration of the virus contained in the air circulating inside.

[0208] This allows the user to accurately grasp the status of the influenza virus 1 in the space where the particle sampling device 10 is installed.

[0209] (Variant 1)

[0210] In the particle sampling device 10 of the first embodiment, the main body 56 of the first electrode 22 is described as being cylindrical, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the main body of the first electrode 22 may be an elliptical cylinder or a polygonal cylinder.

[0211] In the particle sampling device 10 of the first embodiment, the first electrode 22 is described as being disposed in a posture in which the axis B of the main body 56 is parallel to the horizontal direction. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the first electrode 22 may not be disposed in a posture in which the axis B of the main body 56 is parallel to the horizontal direction. For example, the first electrode 22 may be disposed in a posture in which the axis B of the main body 56 is inclined relative to the horizontal direction, as long as the first liquid 67 or the second liquid 68 can be stored in a portion of the inner surface 66 in the direction around the axis B of the main body 56 so that the first liquid 67 or the second liquid 68 does not flow out of the main body 56. In other words, the first electrode 22 may be disposed in a posture in which the first liquid 67 or the second liquid 68 can be stored on the inner surface 66.

[0212] In the particle sampling device 10 of the first embodiment, the second electrode 24 is described as being provided in a posture in which the axis of the second electrode 24 coincides with the axis B of the main body 56 of the first electrode 22. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the second electrode 24 may not be provided in a posture in which the axis of the second electrode 24 coincides with the axis B of the main body 56 of the first electrode 22. For example, the second electrode 24 may be provided in a posture in which the axis of the second electrode 24 is inclined relative to the axis B of the main body 56, as long as it extends at least in the axis direction of the main body 56 of the first electrode 22. In addition, for example, the second electrode 24 may be provided in a posture in which the axis of the second electrode 24 does not coincide with the axis B of the main body 56 of the first electrode 22, and the axis of the second electrode 24 is parallel to the axis B of the main body 56 of the first electrode 22.

[0213] In the particle sampling device 10 of the first embodiment, the second electrode 24 is described as being linear, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the second electrode may be plate-shaped or needle-shaped.

[0214] In the particle sampling device 10 of the first embodiment, a case where one second electrode 24 is disposed inside the first electrode 22 is described, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, a plurality of second electrodes may be disposed inside the first electrode.

[0215] In the particle sampling device 10 of the first embodiment, the second electrode 24 protrudes outward from one end of the main body 56 and protrudes outward from the other end of the main body 56, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the length of the second electrode 24 may be the same as the length of the main body 56 or may be shorter than the length of the main body 56.

[0216] In the particle sampling device 10 of the first embodiment, the driving unit 32 is described as rotating the first electrode 22 around the axis B of the main body 56 of the first electrode 22. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the driving unit 32 may rotate the first electrode 22 around a rotation axis slightly inclined with respect to the axis of the main body 56 of the first electrode 22. In addition, the driving unit 32 may rotate the first electrode 22 around a rotation axis parallel to the axis of the main body 56 of the first electrode 22. It is sufficient that the driving unit 32 rotates the first electrode 22 around a rotation axis extending in the axis direction of the first electrode 22 and passing through the first electrode.

[0217] (Implementation Method 2)

[0218] Figure 1 It is a perspective view showing the appearance of the particle sampling device 10 according to the present embodiment. Fig.10 Yes means Figure 1 1 is a side view of the appearance of the particle sampling device 10. Fig.11 yes Figure 1 The internal view of the particle sampling device 10 is Figure 1 Cross-sectional view along line III-III. Fig.12 yes Figure 1 IV-IV line end view. Figure 1 and Figures 10 to 12 , a particle sampling device 10 according to an embodiment will be described.

[0219] In the second embodiment, the same components as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof will be omitted. Here, differences from the first embodiment will be mainly described.

[0220] like Figure 1 and Figures 10 to 12As shown, the particle sampling device 10 is a device for sampling particles into a liquid. Specifically, the particle sampling device 10 is a device for sampling particles into a liquid by capturing particles in a gas into a liquid 268 (described later). For example, the particles include fungi, bacteria, viruses, and aerosols. The particle sampling device 10 includes a pipeline 12, a first bearing seal 14, a second bearing seal 16, a first flange member 18, a second flange member 20, a first electrode 22, a second electrode 24, a voltage applying unit 26, a supply unit 28, a recovery unit 30, and a drive unit 32.

[0221] As will be described in detail later, in the present embodiment, since a solution containing an amphiphilic polymer (described later) is supplied to the electrode as a sampling solution (collecting solution) when sampling is performed, the amphiphilic polymer contained in the sampling solution contacts and adheres to the entire inner surface of the electrode to maintain the hydrophilic state of the inner surface of the electrode.

[0222] The first electrode 22 stores the liquid 268 on the inner surface 66 of the main body 56. Specifically, the first electrode 22 is disposed in a direction around the axis B of the main body 56 (see Fig.12 The first electrode 22 stores the liquid 268 at a portion of the inner surface 66 on the arrow D of the main body 56. The stored liquid 268 is located below the axis B of the main body 56. In addition, the first electrode 22 stores the liquid 268 at the portion of the inner surface 66 along the axial direction of the main body 56. The first inner flange portion 62 holds the liquid 268 so that the liquid 268 stored at the portion of the inner surface 66 of the main body 56 does not overflow from one end of the main body 56 in the axial direction. The second inner flange portion 64 holds the liquid 268 so that the liquid 268 held at the portion of the inner surface 66 of the main body 56 does not overflow from the other end of the main body 56 in the axial direction. In this way, the first electrode 22 stores the liquid 268 at a portion of the inner surface 66 of the main body 56 to prevent the liquid 268 from flowing out of the main body 56. In the main body 56, a sampling space 69 is formed above the stored liquid 268 and penetrates the main body 56 in the axial direction.

[0223] The voltage applying unit 26 can pass a current of any size and waveform through the first electrode 22 and the second electrode 24 disposed near the center of the first electrode 22 via the first electric wire 74 and the second electric wire 76. Thus, the particle sampling device 10 performs electric dust collection of particles. In addition, the structure of the second electrode 24 may not be linear, but may be a plate-shaped or needle-shaped structure, etc., and is not limited to the structure or the setting position, as long as an unequal electric field can be formed. For example, the voltage applying unit 26 is implemented by a power supply circuit including a converter, etc. In addition, for example, the voltage applying unit 26 applies a DC voltage of 6 [kV].

[0224] For example, the voltage applying unit 26 applies a voltage between the first electrode 22 and the second electrode 24 so that the second electrode 24 side has a higher potential than the first electrode 22 side. As a result, an electric field is generated from the second electrode 24 to the first electrode 22 in the sampling space 69 (see Fig.11 Arrow E and Fig.12 arrow E).

[0225] The supply unit 28 supplies the liquid 268 into the first electrode 22, and stores the liquid 268 in a portion of the inner surface 66 in the direction around the axis B of the first electrode 22. In other words, the supply unit 28 supplies the liquid 268 into the first electrode 22, and stores the liquid 268 in a portion of the inner surface 66 in the direction around the axis B of the first electrode 22. In this way, the liquid 268 supplied by the supply unit 28 is stored on the inner surface 66 of the main body 56 of the first electrode 22. The supply unit 28 has a tank 278 and an injection unit 80. The liquid supply of the supply unit 28 can also be performed as follows. Fig.11 As shown, the liquid is supplied from the opening side of the first electrode 22 (one end side of the main body 42 in the axial direction), or a hole may be partially opened in the side surface of the first electrode 22 and the liquid may be supplied from the hole.

[0226] The tank 278 holds the liquid 268 for supplying into the first electrode 22. The liquid 268 held in the tank 278 is discharged from the injection portion 80 by a pump (not shown) or the like, and is supplied into the main body 56 of the first electrode 22. In this way, the tank 278 for storing the liquid 268 such as the capture liquid for influenza virus sensing in advance is provided, and the liquid 268 is supplied into the first electrode 22 through the injection portion 80. In addition, the supply is not limited to one time per sampling, and it can also be supplied multiple times according to the amount of liquid in the first electrode 22.

[0227] In the present embodiment, the supply unit 28 supplies the liquid used for particle analysis as liquid 268. For example, the liquid used for particle analysis refers to a liquid used for analysis, a liquid used for analysis to maintain the activity of the target substance contained in the particle, a liquid used for analysis to give a label to the target substance contained in the particle, a liquid used for analysis to protect the target substance contained in the particle, or any combination thereof. For example, in the case where the target substance is influenza virus, liquid 268 can use a liquid such as physiological saline, PBS (Phosphate-Buffered Saline) buffer, EDTA (Ethylene Diamine Tetraacetic Acid) buffer, bicarbonate buffer, etc. for the purpose of dissolution and preservation, or a liquid containing a substance that specifically binds to the virus and emits magnetism or fluorescence, etc. In addition, liquid 268 may not be a liquid used for particle analysis, for example, it may also be pure water.

[0228] In addition, the targeting substance is not limited to influenza virus. For example, the targeting substance may also be other viruses, or an organism other than a virus (e.g., bacteria). In addition, the targeting substance may not be an organism, but may be an environmental pollutant or an allergen.

[0229] In the present embodiment, the liquid 268 includes an amphiphilic substance mainly composed of an amphiphilic polymer. An amphiphilic polymer is a polymer having a hydrophilic part and a hydrophobic part in a polymer. For example, as a hydrophilic part, PEG (Polyethylene Glycol) or dextran is used, and as a hydrophobic part, PLA (Polylactic Acid) or PLGA (Polylactic co Glycolic Acid) is used. In addition, at this time, the amount of substance contained in the capture liquid is about 0.1 weight % (wt%) to 1.0 weight % (wt%). If the amount of substance is less than 0.1 weight %, the hydrophilicity required for effective capture cannot be maintained. If it is more than 1.0 weight %, the biological characteristics such as the infection titer or antigenicity of the captured target substance may be weakened. By supplying the liquid 268 containing the amphiphilic polymer to rotate the first electrode 22, the hydrophobic part of the amphiphilic polymer is adsorbed on the surface of the inner surface 66 of the first electrode 22, so as to be oriented in a manner that the hydrophilic part is exposed to the liquid 268 side. As a result, the affinity of the interface between the inner surface 66 of the first electrode 22 and the liquid 268 is improved, and the surface of the inner surface 66 of the first electrode 22 can be hydrophilized. In other words, the hydrophilized state of the inner surface 66 of the first electrode 22 can be maintained. As a result, the adsorption of the target substance such as influenza virus on the inner surface 66 of the first electrode 22 can be suppressed, and the loss of the target substance in the liquid 268 can be reduced.

[0230] In addition, by including an amphiphilic polymer in the liquid 268, the liquid 268 is uniformly diffused into the first electrode 22, so that the distance between the second electrode 24 at the center and the liquid 268 can be kept constant. As a result, the insulation breakdown between the liquid 268 and the second electrode 24 can be suppressed, and normal discharge of the second electrode 24 described later and the formation of a desired electric field between the second electrode 24 and the first electrode 22 and normal sampling can be performed.

[0231] The recovery unit 30 recovers the liquid 268 stored in a portion of the inner surface 66 in the direction around the axis B of the first electrode 22. The recovery unit 30 has a tank 282 and an extraction unit 84. The liquid 268 stored in a portion of the inner surface 66 in the direction around the axis B of the first electrode 22 is sucked from the extraction unit 84 by a pump (not shown) or the like, and is retained in the tank 282 and recovered. In this way, the liquid 268 such as the capture liquid in which the particles are accumulated is sucked by the extraction unit 84 and retained in the tank 282. The liquid recovery of the recovery unit 30 can also be performed as shown in FIG. Figure 3 As shown, the liquid may be recovered from the opening side of the first electrode 22 (one end side of the axial direction of the main body 42), or a hole may be partially opened on the side of the first electrode 22 to recover the liquid from the opening. In addition, the liquid may be recovered using the opening used in the supply of the supply unit 28. In addition, the recovery does not have to be performed in one supply or one sampling, but may be performed after multiple supplies or samplings.

[0232] The driving unit 32 rotates the first electrode 22 around a rotation axis extending along the axial direction of the main body 56 of the first electrode 22 and passing through the first electrode 22. In the present embodiment, the rotation axis coincides with the axis B of the main body 56. That is, in the present embodiment, the driving unit 32 rotates the first electrode 22 around the axis B of the main body 56 of the first electrode 22. The driving unit 32 includes a gear 86 and a motor 88 for rotating the gear 86. The gear 86 includes external teeth (not shown) that mesh with external teeth (not shown) of the first electrode 22. The gear 86 is rotated by the motor 88 (see Fig.12 The first electrode 22 rotates around the axis B on the main body 56 (see arrow F). Fig.12 In this way, the first electrode 22 is rotated by the gear 86 driven by the motor 88.

[0233] In addition, the gas outside the particle sampling device 10 may pass through the inside of the second flange member 20 and then pass through the inside of the main body 56 of the first electrode 22 , and then be released from the first flange member 18 to the outside of the particle sampling device 10 .

[0234] Next, the operation of the particle sampling device 10 configured as above will be described. Fig.13 This is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the particle sampling device 10 . Fig.14 1 is an explanatory diagram for explaining an example of the operation of the particle sampling device 10, and is a diagram showing the operation of the virus in the particle sampling device 10 until the virus is actually recovered. Fig.13 and Fig.14 , an example of the operation of the particle sampling device 10 in this embodiment including the process of capturing the influenza virus 1, recovering the influenza virus 1 in the liquid, and recovering the liquid 268 is described. Here, the particle sampling device 10 is used to capture the influenza virus 1 that is considered to cause airborne infection as a liquid sample that can be analyzed by a sensor or the like.

[0235] like Fig.13As shown, first, the supply unit 28 supplies the liquid 268 as the collection liquid into the first electrode 22, and the liquid 268 is stored in a portion of the inner surface 66 in the direction around the axis B of the first electrode 22 (step S21: supply step). For example, the user operates any operation button (not shown), and thereby the supply unit 28 operates to supply the liquid 268 into the main body 56 of the first electrode 22.

[0236] like Fig.14 As shown, the liquid 268 is supplied into the main body 56 of the first electrode 22 , and the liquid 268 is stored in a portion of the inner surface 66 of the first electrode 22 in the direction around the axis B of the main body 56 .

[0237] The driving unit 32 rotates the first electrode 22 around the axis B (step S22 : driving step). For example, the user may operate an arbitrary operation button (not shown) to operate the driving unit 32 and rotate the first electrode 22 .

[0238] like Fig.14 As shown, the first electrode 22 rotates around the axis B in a state where the liquid 268 is stored in a portion of the inner surface 66 of the first electrode 22 in the direction around the axis B of the main body 56. In other words, the first electrode 22 rotates around the axis B in a state where the liquid 268 is stored below the axis B in a manner that the liquid 268 does not flow out to the outside of the main body 56. As a result, the inner surface 66 of the first electrode 22 sequentially contacts the stored liquid 268. As a result, the amphiphilic polymer contained in the liquid 268 contacts and adheres to the surface of the inner surface 66 of the first electrode 22, making the inner surface 66 of the first electrode 22 hydrophilic. That is, the hydrophilic state of the inner surface 66 of the first electrode 22 is maintained. As a result, it is possible to inhibit the adsorption of the targeting substance such as influenza virus on the inner surface 66 of the first electrode 22, and reduce the loss of the targeting substance in the liquid 268. In addition, the liquid 268 is uniformly spread in the first electrode 22, and the distance between the second electrode 24 at the center and the liquid 268 can be kept constant. Thus, the insulation breakdown between the liquid 268 and the second electrode 24 can be suppressed, and normal discharge of the second electrode 24 described later and the formation of a desired electric field between the second electrode 24 and the first electrode 22 and normal sampling can be performed.

[0239] Furthermore, by using the liquid 268 containing an amphiphilic polymer as the collection liquid, it is not necessary to perform electrode treatment every time for hydrophilization treatment such as plasma treatment, and the sample can be directly used as a sample for analysis such as PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction).

[0240] return Fig.13Then, the voltage applying unit 26 applies a voltage between the first electrode 22 and the second electrode 24 (step S23: voltage applying step). For example, the voltage applying unit 26 may be operated by the user operating any operation button (not shown) to apply a voltage between the first electrode 22 and the second electrode 24.

[0241] like Fig.14 As shown, by any air flow (refer to Fig.14 The influenza virus 1 introduced into the gas inside the particle sampling device 10 as indicated by the arrow A) is first charged with either positive or negative electricity by the ions 2 released by the discharge of the second electrode 24 to which the high voltage is applied. Here, the case where the influenza virus 1 is charged with positive electricity is described.

[0242] The influenza virus 1 that has become charged (charged) is electrically charged by the electric field formed between the second electrode 24 and the first electrode 22 (see Fig.14 The first electrode 22 moves as indicated by the arrow E) as in the trajectory 3, and collects dust on the inner surface 66 of the first electrode 22. In this way, the influenza virus 1 is attached to the inner surface 66 of the first electrode 22 and is captured on the inner surface 66.

[0243] like Fig.14 As shown, the influenza virus 1 collected on the inner surface 66 is recovered in the liquid 268 stored in the main body 56 of the first electrode 22 at any time. Specifically, the influenza virus 1 attached to the inner surface 66 of the main body 56 of the first electrode 22 is separated from the inner surface 66 by contact with the stored liquid 268 and is recovered in the liquid 268. According to the movement (rotation) of the first electrode 22 rotated by the motor 88 and the gear 86, the entire inner surface 66 of the first electrode 22 can be washed with the accumulated (stored) liquid 268.

[0244] In addition, when the inner surface 66 of the first electrode 22 is hydrophilized, a voltage may be applied between the first electrode 22 and the second electrode 24 before the first electrode 22 is rotated around the axis B, and the first electrode 22 may be rotated around the axis B while the voltage is applied between the first electrode 22 and the second electrode 24.

[0245] return Fig.13 Finally, the recovery unit 30 recovers the stored liquid 268 (step S24: recovery step). For example, at any time after running for a certain period of time, the liquid 268 can be recovered to the recovery unit 30 (tank 282) through the extraction unit 84, and a liquid sample (liquid 268) containing the influenza virus 1 separated from the gas can be obtained. In addition, for example, the user can also operate the recovery unit 30 by operating any operation button (not shown) and recover the liquid 268 stored in the main body 56 of the first electrode 22.

[0246] As described above, the particle sampling device 10 of this embodiment can recover the influenza virus 1 from the air in the liquid 268 at a high concentration.

[0247] In addition, the particle sampling device 10 can accumulate particles in the liquid 268 stored in the first electrode 22 without circulating the liquid 268, so it is easy to recover the particles in the liquid 268 in a manner that the concentration of the particles becomes high. In addition, the particle sampling device 10 does not need to provide a device for circulating the liquid 268, and is a device that can easily achieve miniaturization and energy saving.

[0248] In addition, by including an amphiphilic polymer in the liquid 268, the inner surface 66 of the first electrode 22 can always be kept in a hydrophilic state, and the insulation breakdown caused by the supplied liquid 268 approaching a part of the second electrode 24 on the center side can be suppressed, so that the device can be used safely. In addition, since the amphiphilic polymer is also contained in the liquid 268 during the dust collection process and the subsequent recovery, the adsorption loss on the dust collecting electrode surface or in the recovery container can be suppressed, and a higher concentration of sample can be obtained. In addition, by supplying the liquid 268 containing the amphiphilic polymer as the capture liquid, it is not necessary to treat the electrode every time for the hydrophilic treatment, and it can be directly used as a sample for analysis such as PCR.

[0249] As described above, the particle sampling device 10 of the present embodiment is a particle sampling device for sampling particles into a liquid, and includes: a first electrode 22 which is cylindrical and has both ends in the axial direction thereof opened; a second electrode 24 which extends in the axial direction of the first electrode 22 and is arranged in the first electrode 22 at a distance from the inner surface 66 of the first electrode 22; a supply unit 28 which supplies liquid into the first electrode 22 so that the liquid 268 is stored in a portion of the inner surface 66 in the direction around the axis B of the first electrode 22; a voltage applying unit 26 which applies a voltage between the first electrode 22 and the second electrode 24; a driving unit 32 which rotates the first electrode 22 around a rotation axis extending in the direction of the axis B of the first electrode 22 and passing through the first electrode 22; and a recovery unit 30 which recovers the stored liquid 268. The inner surface 66 of the first electrode 22 is subjected to a hydrophilic treatment, and the liquid 268 is a collection liquid containing an amphiphilic polymer.

[0250] Thus, a voltage is applied between the first electrode 22 and the second electrode 24 by the voltage applying unit 26, an electric field is generated between the first electrode 22 and the second electrode 24, and the particles in the gas in the first electrode 22 adhere to the inner surface 66 of the first electrode 22. In addition, since the liquid 268 contains an amphiphilic polymer, the supplied liquid 268 is uniformly diffused into the first electrode 22. In addition, the first electrode 22 is rotated by the driving unit 32, and the inner surface 66 of the first electrode 22 sequentially contacts the liquid 268 uniformly diffused and stored in a part of the inner surface 66 in the direction around the axis B of the main body 56, and the particles attached to the inner surface 66 are accumulated in the liquid 268. During this storage, the adsorption of the attached particles is also suppressed by the amphiphilic polymer on the surface of the inner surface 66 of the first electrode 22. In addition, the recovery unit 30 recovers the stored liquid 268 to obtain the liquid 268 in which the particles are accumulated. In this way, the particles introduced into the particle sampling device 10 are precipitated on the inner surface 66 of the first electrode 22 by the electric dust collector, and then accumulated in the liquid 268 by the rotation of the first electrode 22, so that the particles can be sampled effectively. In addition, since it is not necessary to circulate the liquid 268, the amount of the liquid 268 can be reduced. In this way, by accumulating the particles in the liquid 268 with a small amount of liquid, the concentration of the particles in the liquid 268 can be easily increased, and the particles can be sampled effectively. In addition, by supplying the liquid 268 containing the amphiphilic polymer as the capture liquid, it is not necessary to perform the electrode treatment every time for the hydrophilization treatment, and it can be used directly as a sample for analysis such as PCR.

[0251] Furthermore, in the particle sampling device 10 of the present embodiment, the inner surface 66 of the first electrode 22 is subjected to a hydrophilic treatment.

[0252] Thus, when particles attached to the inner surface 66 come into contact with the stored liquid 268, they are easily separated from the inner surface 66. Therefore, the loss of particles collected on the inner surface 66 can be suppressed, and the particles can be sampled more efficiently.

[0253] Furthermore, in the particle sampling device 10 of the present embodiment, an adhesion suppressing material for suppressing adhesion of particles is attached to the inner surface 66 of the first electrode 22 .

[0254] Thus, when particles attached to the inner surface 66 come into contact with the stored liquid 268, they are easily separated from the inner surface 66. Therefore, the loss of particles collected on the inner surface 66 can be suppressed, and the particles can be sampled more efficiently.

[0255] Furthermore, in the particle sampling device 10 of the present embodiment, the supply unit 28 supplies the liquid used for particle analysis as the liquid 268 .

[0256] This makes it possible to easily extract the target substance contained in the microparticles, etc. In addition, by selecting an appropriate liquid 268 according to the purpose or application, an appropriate detection protocol can be implemented and damage to the sample can be suppressed.

[0257] In addition, in the particle sampling device 10 of the present embodiment, the amphiphilic polymer has a hydrophilic portion and a hydrophobic portion. The hydrophilic portion is composed of PEG (Polyethylene Glycol) or dextran, and the hydrophobic portion is composed of PLA (Polylactic Acid) or PLGA (Polylactic co Glycolic Acid).

[0258] Thus, the amphiphilic polymer is attached to the inner surface 66 of the first electrode 22 , and the inner surface 66 of the first electrode 22 can be reliably made hydrophilic.

[0259] In addition, in the particle sampling device 10 of the present embodiment, the liquid 268 is a collection liquid containing 0.1 wt % to 1.0 wt % of the amphiphilic polymer.

[0260] Thereby, the inner surface 66 of the first electrode 22 can be made into a hydrophilic state capable of effectively capturing the targeting substance and the like contained in the fine particles.

[0261] In addition, in the particle sampling device 10 of the present embodiment, the sample (capture liquid) obtained from the recovery section 30 can be directly analyzed using an analysis device such as PCR to quantify the concentration of the virus. The amount of virus present in the space can be quantified based on the quantitative results obtained, the amount of air processed by the particle sampling device 10, and the device's unique capture efficiency.

[0262] Thus, the concentration of the virus contained in the space can be evaluated, and by comparing it with the concentration of the virus in the space during a known epidemic, the infection risk in the sampled space can be quantified. In addition, the quantitative analysis of the analysis device can also be performed at different locations after the sample is recovered, or it can be connected to the particle sampling device 10 and analyzed online.

[0263] In addition, in the particle sampling device 10 of this embodiment, by supplying the liquid 268 containing the amphiphilic polymer as the collection liquid, the reduction in the hydrophilicity of the inner surface 66 is initialized every time sampling is performed, the loss ratio of the target substance during sampling is constant, and the deviation of each sampling can be suppressed.

[0264] In addition, in the existing equipment for sampling, in order to suppress hydrophilization and loss, it is preferred to use an amphiphilic substance mainly composed of an amphiphilic polymer as a capture liquid. However, since air must be bubbled in the capture liquid or the capture liquid must be strongly stirred, when using an amphiphilic polymer, the amphiphilic polymer wraps the air contained in the capture liquid during stirring, generating a large amount of foam, and the capture liquid overflows outside the sampling device, etc., which makes it difficult to use the amphiphilic polymer. However, in the particle sampling device 10 of this embodiment, even when the liquid 268 containing the amphiphilic polymer is supplied as the capture liquid, since the stirring caused by the rotation of the first electrode 22 is small, no foam is generated, and it can be used without any problem.

[0265] In addition, the particle sampling method of the present embodiment uses two electrodes: a first electrode 22 which is cylindrical and has both ends in the axial direction open and whose inner surface is subjected to hydrophilization treatment, and a second electrode 24 which extends in the axial direction of the first electrode 22 and is arranged in the first electrode 22 at a distance from the inner surface 66 of the first electrode 22, and the particle sampling method includes: a supply step (step S21) of supplying a liquid 268 into the first electrode 22 and storing the liquid 268 in a part of the inner surface 66 in the direction around the axial center of the first electrode 22; a driving step (step S22) of rotating the first electrode 22 around a rotation axis extending in the axial direction of the first electrode 22 and passing through the first electrode 22; a voltage applying step (step S23) of applying a voltage between the first electrode 22 and the second electrode 24; and a recovery step (step S24) of recovering the stored liquid 268. In the supply step, a collection liquid containing an amphiphilic polymer is used as the liquid 268.

[0266] Thus, by the rotation of the first electrode 22 in the driving step, the inner surface 66 of the first electrode 22 sequentially contacts the stored liquid 268, so the amphiphilic polymer contained in the liquid 268 contacts the surface of the inner surface 66 of the first electrode 22 and adheres thereto, making the inner surface 66 of the first electrode 22 hydrophilic. On the other hand, the microparticles that contact the stored liquid 268 uniformly spread in a direction around the axis B of the main body 56 and adhere to the inner surface 66 are accumulated in the liquid 268. At this time, the adsorption of the attached microparticles is also suppressed by the amphiphilic polymer on the surface of the inner surface 66 of the first electrode 22. In the recovery step, the stored liquid 268 is recovered to obtain the liquid 268 in which the microparticles are accumulated. Here, since the liquid 268 containing an amphiphilic polymer is used as the capture liquid, it is not necessary to perform plasma treatment on the electrode each time for hydrophilization treatment of the inner surface 66 of the first electrode 22, and the electrode can be directly used as a sample for analysis such as PCR. In addition, each time sampling is performed, the reduction in the hydrophilicity of the inner surface 66 of the first electrode 22 is initialized, so the loss ratio of the target substance during sampling is fixed, and the deviation of each sampling can be suppressed.

[0267] In the particle sampling method of this embodiment, the supply step may be performed at regular time intervals, and the driving step and the voltage applying step may be performed while maintaining the storage amount of the stored liquid 268 constant, and the liquid 268 stored in the recovery step may be recovered.

[0268] Thus, by making the amount of the stored liquid 268 constant, the concentration deviation between each sampling due to the storage amount of the liquid 268 can be suppressed, and the sampling accuracy can be improved. In addition, by making the amount of the stored liquid 268 constant in the same manner, the distance between the liquid 268 and the second electrode 24 can be kept constant, and the deviation between the samples and each sampling of the electric field between the liquid 268 and the second electrode 24 generated when the voltage is applied can be suppressed, and the improvement of the sampling accuracy and the evaluation of the sampling performance can be simplified. In addition, when the ambient humidity is higher or lower than usual, the evaporation amount of the stored liquid 268 changes due to the ambient humidity, and there is a possibility that the discharge of the second electrode 24 due to the excess of the liquid 268 and the loss or inactivation of the sampled particles due to the depletion of the liquid 268 may occur. By supplying at a certain time interval set arbitrarily, the occurrence of these situations can be suppressed.

[0269] (Implementation 3)

[0270] In the above-mentioned Embodiment 2, the particle sampling device 10 is described in which the voltage applying unit 26, the supply unit 28, the recovery unit 30, and the driving unit 32 are independently configured, but the present invention is not limited thereto. Fig.16 The method shown in the figure may also be a particle sampling system 110 that integrates them. Fig.16 The particle sampling system 110 will be described. Fig.16 is Figure 1 The particle sampling device 10 automatically performs Fig.13 An external view of a particle sampling system 110 for the described process.

[0271] like Fig.16 As shown, the particle sampling system 110 includes: a particle sampling device 10, a suction fan 111, a housing 112, a voltage control unit 113, a liquid flow port 114, a touch panel 115, a voltage display unit 116, an air volume control unit 117, a fan power button 118 and a voltage application button 119.

[0272] The housing 112 is a member constituting an outer frame of the particle sampling system 110. The control unit 90, the voltage applying unit 26, the supply unit 28, the collection unit 30, and the driving unit 32 described in the particle sampling device 10 are incorporated in the housing 112.

[0273] The suction fan 111 is a device for passing air through the particle sampling system 110 , and is provided in the particle sampling system 110 .

[0274] The touch panel 115 is a display unit for operating the control unit 90, and is provided on one side surface of the housing 112. By operating the touch panel 115, on / off of each control and control of numerical values ​​are performed.

[0275] The voltage applying button 119 is a power switch for turning the voltage applying unit 26 on and off. The voltage applied to the electrodes of the particle sampling device 10 is determined by adjusting the voltage control unit 113 while observing the voltage value displayed on the voltage display unit 116 .

[0276] The fan power button 118 is a power switch for turning on / off the suction fan 111 , and controls the volume of air sucked into the particle sampling device 10 while adjusting the air volume control unit 117 .

[0277] The liquid flow path port 114 is a port for supplying liquid from an external liquid tank or the like through the supply unit 28, and is connected to the port by a tube or the like to supply liquid. Alternatively, it is a port for discharging the liquid recovered by the recovery unit 30 to the recovery tank, and is connected to the port by a tube or the like to discharge the liquid to the connection destination. The liquid may be a sample after recovery, or waste liquid during cleaning, and its discharge destination may be switched by switching the port.

[0278] Even in such a structure, the effects described in the second embodiment can be obtained.

[0279] In the third embodiment, the particle sampling device 10 and the integrated device (particle sampling system 110) are described as sucking air from the vicinity of the flange 50 (described later), but the present invention is not limited thereto. Fig.17 As shown, it can also be a particle sampling system 110a for processing air at a remote location. Fig.17 The particle sampling system 110 a will be described. Fig.17 is an external view of a particle sampling system 110a including a conduit for sampling particles from air at a remote location.

[0280] The particle sampling system 110 a includes the particle sampling device 10 , a flange 50 , a flexible pipe 150 , and a suction port 152 .

[0281] The flange 50 is a component installed at the air inlet of the particle sampling device 10. The flange 50 is connected to a flexible pipe 150.

[0282] The flexible duct 150 is a bendable cylindrical member made of plastic, metal, rubber, etc. One end of the opening of the flexible duct 150 is connected to the flange 50, and the other end of the opening of the flexible duct 150 is a suction port 152. By operating the suction fan 111, the air 154 in the space is sucked from the new suction port 152 in the direction of the suction direction arrow 151. In this way, the object 153 contained in the air 154 at a distant position can be sucked, and in addition, the user can capture the air at any position that he wants to capture by operating the flexible duct 150.

[0283] (Variant 2)

[0284] In the above-mentioned second embodiment, the main body 56 of the first electrode 22 is described as being cylindrical, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the main body of the first electrode may be an elliptical cylinder or a polygonal cylinder.

[0285] In the above-mentioned second embodiment, the case where the first electrode 22 is provided in a posture in which the axis B of the main body 56 is parallel to the horizontal direction is described, but the present invention is not limited thereto, and the first electrode 22 may not be provided in a posture in which the axis B of the main body 56 is parallel to the horizontal direction. For example, the first electrode 22 may be provided in a posture in which the axis B of the main body 56 is inclined relative to the horizontal direction, as long as the liquid 268 can be stored in a part of the inner surface 66 in the direction around the axis B of the main body 56 to prevent the liquid 268 from flowing out to the outside of the main body 56. In other words, it is sufficient as long as the first electrode 22 is arranged in a posture in which the liquid 268 can be stored on the inner surface 66.

[0286] In the above-mentioned second embodiment, the second electrode 24 is described as being provided in a posture in which the axis of the second electrode 24 coincides with the axis B of the main body 56 of the first electrode 22, but the present invention is not limited thereto, and the second electrode 24 may not be provided in a posture in which the axis of the second electrode 24 coincides with the axis B of the main body 56 of the first electrode 22. For example, the second electrode 24 may be provided in a posture in which the axis of the second electrode 24 is inclined relative to the axis B of the main body 56, as long as it extends at least in the axis direction of the main body 56 of the first electrode 22. In addition, for example, the second electrode 24 may be provided in a posture in which the axis of the second electrode 24 does not coincide with the axis B of the main body 56 of the first electrode 22, and the axis of the second electrode 24 is provided in parallel with the axis B of the main body 56 of the first electrode 22.

[0287] In the above-mentioned second embodiment, the second electrode 24 is described as being linear, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the second electrode may be plate-shaped or needle-shaped.

[0288] In the above-mentioned second embodiment, a case where one second electrode 24 is arranged inside the first electrode 22 is described, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a plurality of second electrodes may be arranged inside the first electrode.

[0289] In the above-mentioned second embodiment, the second electrode 24 protrudes outward from one end of the main body 56 and protrudes outward from the other end of the main body 56, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the length of the second electrode 24 may be the same as that of the main body 56 or may be shorter than that of the main body 56.

[0290] In the above-mentioned second embodiment, the driving unit 32 rotates the first electrode 22 around the axis B of the main body 56 of the first electrode 22, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the driving unit may rotate the first electrode around a rotation axis slightly inclined relative to the axis of the main body of the first electrode. In addition, the driving unit may rotate the first electrode around a rotation axis parallel to the axis of the main body of the first electrode. It is sufficient that the driving unit rotates the first electrode around a rotation axis extending in the axis direction of the first electrode and passing through the first electrode.

[0291] (Implementation 4)

[0292] In the prior art, there is known a technique for sampling particles in a gas using a device that utilizes the inertia or centrifugal force possessed by the particles (for example, refer to Patent Documents 2, 3, and 4). Patent Document 2 discloses a technique for sucking air through a membrane filter and capturing microorganisms floating in the air on a membrane filter. Patent Document 3 discloses a technique for causing air sucked from a suction portion to collide with a culture medium so that floating bacteria in the air are attached to the culture medium and captured. Patent Document 4 discloses a technique for separating and capturing a capture object from the air using the centrifugal force generated by the swirling of the sucked air.

[0293] In addition, microparticles, floating bacteria, and capture objects all correspond to microparticles in the present application.

[0294] However, in the above-mentioned prior art, particles such as aerosol separated from the suction air are mostly accumulated in a dry state, and further analysis steps such as extraction into a solution are required. In addition, when the particles of the sampling object are biological, there is a problem that they cannot be captured while maintaining their activity.

[0295] Furthermore, even if the purpose is to recover the solution in a liquid in order to solve these problems, in order to obtain a high concentration, there are still problems such as a long time required for sampling depending on the amount of solution, and a large pressure loss and a large noise caused by suction.

[0296] In addition, due to factors such as the shape and size of the device, the suction speed and the size of the target aerosol, its collection performance varies greatly, and there is a problem that it cannot be effectively collected.

[0297] In addition, in order to effectively capture, there is an electrostatic capture method that charges more particles of the sampling object by discharge. However, a large amount of active substances such as ozone are generated during the discharge. In order to oxidize the particles of the sampling object, if the particles of the sampling object are biological, it is difficult to capture the active substances while maintaining their activity, which seriously affects the inspection of the particles after sampling.

[0298] The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned conventional problems, and provides a particle sampling device capable of efficiently sampling particles while maintaining the activity of a sampling target.

[0299] In order to achieve the object, the particle sampling device of the present invention comprises: a first cylindrical electrode; a sampling space arranged inside the cylinder; a second electrode arranged in the sampling space along the length direction of the cylinder and charging the particles in the sampling space by causing discharge; and a voltage applying unit for applying voltage to the second electrode. The sampling space has: one end into which gas containing particles to be sampled flows; and the other end into which the gas flowing in from the one end flows out. The second electrode has a discharge concentration portion that limits the location where the discharge occurs.

[0300] A particle sampling device according to one embodiment of the present invention can efficiently sample particles while maintaining the activity of a sampling target.

[0301] Reference Figures 18 to 20 , a particle sampling device 410 according to a fourth embodiment will be described. Fig.18 It is a perspective view showing the appearance of a particle sampling device 410 according to the fourth embodiment. Fig.19 Yes means Fig.18 A side view of the appearance of the particle sampling device 410. Fig. 20 yes Fig.18 An internal view of the particle sampling device 410 is Fig.18 Cross-sectional view along line III-III.

[0302] like Fig.18 As shown, the particle sampling device 410 is a device for sampling particles into a liquid. Specifically, the particle sampling device 410 is a device for sampling particles into a liquid by capturing particles in a gas into the liquid. For example, the particles include viruses, fungi, bacteria, and aerosols.

[0303] like Figure 18 to Figure 20 As shown, the particle sampling device 410 includes the pipe 12 , the first flange member 18 , the second flange member 20 , the first electrode 22 , the second electrode 24 , a voltage applying unit 425 , a supply unit 430 , a recovery unit 431 , and a driving unit 32 .

[0304] The particle sampling device 410 is composed of a first electrode 22 that rotates and is surrounded by a pipe 12 , a first flange member 18 , and a second flange member 20 , and a second electrode 24 that is disposed at the center of the first electrode 22 .

[0305] In the particle sampling device 410, air or other gas is inserted into the particle sampling device 410 in the direction ( Fig.19The particle sampling device 410 passes in the direction indicated by the arrow A, the length direction of the cylinder). For example, air may be directly introduced into the particle sampling device 410 by a fan or a pump, etc., so that the gas passes through the particle sampling device 410. In addition, for example, the particle sampling device 410 may be set in an air-conditioning device with a flow of air or other gases, such as an air conditioner, an air purifier, an air duct, a ventilation fan or a ventilation port, and the air is introduced into the particle sampling device 410 and then processed. In this way, by installing the particle sampling device 410 in a gas flow generating device or a piping connected to them, there is no need to assemble a fan or a pump for generating a gas flow into the particle sampling device 410, and a small, silent and low-pressure-loss device can be easily realized. As a result, there is no need to select a comparison location, and the device can be set and assembled in various locations.

[0306] Below, use Fig. 20 and Fig.21 Each structure of the particle sampling device 410 will be described.

[0307] Fig. 20 yes Fig.18 An internal view of the particle sampling device 410 is Figure 1 Cross-sectional view along line III-III.

[0308] Fig.21 yes Fig.18 Cross-sectional view along line IV-IV.

[0309] The pipe 12 is cylindrical, and the first electrode 22 is rotatably supported inside the pipe 12. The pipe 12 includes a pipe body 42, a first support portion 44, and a second support portion 46. The pipe body 42, the first support portion 44, and the second support portion 46 have insulating properties. That is, the pipe 12 has insulating properties, and prevents the first electrode 22 described later from making electrical contact with the human body or surrounding components and causing accidental energization.

[0310] The pipe body 42 is cylindrical, and one end and the other end of the pipe body 42 in the axial direction are open. Fig.19 The direction indicated by the arrow A is the longitudinal direction of the tube. The duct body 42 prevents the first electrode 22 described later from making electrical contact with the human body or surrounding components and causing unintentional energization.

[0311] The first support portion 44 protrudes from one end of the axial direction of the pipe body 42 to the radially outward direction of the pipe body 42, and is formed integrally with the pipe body 42. The first support portion 44 protrudes to the radially outward direction of the pipe body 42 and is substantially U-shaped. The first support portion 44 is annular when viewed from the axial direction of the pipe body 42 (see Fig.18 ).

[0312] The first bearing seal 14 is disposed inside the first support portion 44. The first support portion 44 rotatably supports the first electrode 22 via the first bearing seal 14. In addition, the first support portion 44 prevents the first electrode 22 from making electrical contact with the human body or surrounding components via the first bearing seal 14 to prevent unintentional energization.

[0313] The first bearing seal 14 seals the space between the first support portion 44 and the first outer flange portion 58 so that gas does not leak between the first support portion 44 and the first outer flange portion 58 (described later).

[0314] The second support portion 46 protrudes from the other end of the axial direction of the pipe body 42 to the radial outward of the pipe body 42 and is formed integrally with the pipe body 42. The second support portion 46 protrudes to the radial outward of the pipe body 42 and is substantially U-shaped. The second support portion 46 is annular when viewed from the axial direction of the pipe body 42 (see Fig.18 ).

[0315] The second bearing seal 16 is disposed inside the second support portion 46. The second support portion 46 rotatably supports the first electrode 22 via the second bearing seal 16. In addition, the second support portion 46 prevents the first electrode 22 from making electrical contact with the human body or surrounding components via the second bearing seal 16 to prevent unintentional energization.

[0316] The second bearing seal 16 seals the space between the second support portion 46 and the second outer flange portion 60 so that gas does not leak between the second support portion 46 and the second outer flange portion 60 (described later).

[0317] The first flange member 18 is cylindrical and connected to the duct 12. The first flange member 18 prevents the second electrode 24 from being electrically contacted with the human body or surrounding components and causing unintentional energization. In addition, the first flange member 18 is fixed to an external air duct or a flange of a ventilation fan as needed, and introduces all or part of the air flowing from the upstream as sampling target air into the interior of the first electrode body 456. The first flange member 18 includes a first flange member body 448 and a flange 50.

[0318] The first flange member body 448 is cylindrical, and one end and the other end of the first flange member body 448 in the axial direction are open. The other end of the first flange member body 448 in the axial direction is connected to one end of the pipe 12 in the axial direction. The first flange member body 448 prevents the second electrode 24 from making electrical contact with the human body or surrounding components and causing accidental energization.

[0319] The flange 50 protrudes from one end portion of the first flange member body 448 in the axial direction to the radially outward direction of the first flange member body 448, and is formed integrally with the first flange member body 448. The flange 50 is annular when viewed from the axial direction of the first flange member body 448. The flange 50 is fixed to an external air duct or a flange of a ventilation fan as required, and introduces all or part of the air flowing from the upstream into the interior of the first electrode body 456 as sampling target air.

[0320] The second flange member 20 is cylindrical and connected to the duct 12. The second flange member 20 prevents the second electrode 24 from making electrical contact with the human body or surrounding components and causing unintentional energization. In addition, the second flange member 20 is fixed to an external wind duct or a flange of a ventilation fan as needed, and guides the total amount or a part of the air passing through the interior of the first electrode body 56 to the downstream.

[0321] The second flange member 20 includes a second flange member main body 452 and a flange 54 .

[0322] The second flange member body 452 is cylindrical, and one end and the other end of the second flange member body 452 in the axial direction are open. The one end of the second flange member body 452 in the axial direction is connected to the other end of the pipe 12 in the axial direction. The second flange member body 452 prevents the second electrode 24 from making electrical contact with the human body or surrounding components and causing unintentional energization.

[0323] The flange 54 protrudes from the other end of the axial direction of the second flange member body 452 to the radial outward of the second flange member body 452, and is formed integrally with the second flange member body 452. The flange 54 is annular when viewed from the axial direction of the second flange member body 452. The flange 54 is fixed to an external wind duct or a flange of a ventilation fan as needed, and guides the total amount or a part of the air passing through the inside of the first electrode body 456 to the downstream.

[0324] When a voltage is applied to the first electrode 22, dust particles are collected on the inner wall. The first electrode 22 is cylindrical, and any shape is acceptable as long as the second electrode 24 can be inserted into the inside of the cylinder, but a cylindrical shape is preferred. For example, when the first electrode 22 is a square tube such as a quadrangular tube, the distance from the second electrode 24 varies depending on the location, so the electric field strength varies. When the first electrode 22 is cylindrical, by setting the second electrode 24 at the center of the internal space of the first electrode 22, the distance between the first electrode 22 and the second electrode 24 at each location of the IV-IV line cross section can be made equal. Therefore, the electric field strength at each location of the IV-IV line cross section can be made uniform.

[0325] Both ends in the axial direction of the first electrode 22 are open. The first electrode 22 is connected to the ground via a second electric wire 76 (described later) or the like.

[0326] The first electrode 22 is provided in a posture where the axis B of the first electrode body 456 is parallel to the horizontal direction. The first electrode 22 is supported so as to be rotatable around the axis B of the first electrode body 456 (see Fig.21 In other words, the first electrode 22 is supported so as to be rotatable.

[0327] The first electrode 22 stores the liquid 68 on the inner surface 66 of the first electrode body 56. Specifically, the first electrode 22 is disposed in a direction around the axis B of the first electrode body 56 (see Fig.21 A portion of the inner surface 66 (indicated by the arrow D) stores the liquid 68. The stored liquid 68 is located below the axis B of the first electrode body 56 in the Z-axis direction.

[0328] The first electrode 22 includes a first electrode body 456, a first outer flange 58, a second outer flange 60, a first inner flange 62, and a second inner flange 64. For example, the first electrode body 56, the first outer flange 58, the second outer flange 60, the first inner flange 62, and the second inner flange 64 are formed using stainless steel such as SUS.

[0329] The first electrode body 456 is cylindrical, and one end and the other end of the axial direction of the first electrode body 456 are open. The axial direction of the first electrode body 456 refers to the direction in which the axis B of the first electrode body 456 extends (X-axis direction, length direction in the cylindrical shape). The first electrode body 456 has external teeth on the outer peripheral surface of the first electrode body 456 that mesh with the external teeth of the gear 86 (described later). A sampling space 69 is formed in the first electrode body 456.

[0330] The sampling space 69 is a space formed inside the first electrode body 456 and is a space for collecting particles. The second electrode 24 is provided in the sampling space 69. In addition, the liquid 468 is supplied to the sampling space 69 by the supply unit 430, and the particles are captured by the supplied liquid and recovered by the recovery unit 431.

[0331] The sampling space 69 has one end 471 and another end 472 .

[0332] The one end portion 471 is a space into which a gas containing particles to be sampled flows.

[0333] The other end portion 472 is a space where the gas that flows in from the one end portion 471 and flows in the sampling space 69 flows out to the outside of the sampling space 69 .

[0334] The first outer flange portion 58 protrudes from one end portion of the first electrode body 456 in the axial direction toward the radial outward of the first electrode body 456, and is formed integrally with the first electrode body 456. The first outer flange portion 58 is annular around the axis B of the first electrode body 456. That is, the first outer flange portion 58 is annular when viewed from the axial direction of the first electrode body 456. The first outer flange portion 58 is arranged inside the first bearing seal 14. The first outer flange portion 58 contacts the first bearing seal 14 on its outer surface, and contacts the first inner flange portion 62 on its inner surface.

[0335] The second outer flange portion 60 protrudes from the other end portion of the first electrode body 456 in the axial direction to the radially outward direction of the first electrode body 456, and is formed integrally with the first electrode body 456. The second outer flange portion 60 is annular around the axis B of the first electrode body 456. That is, the second outer flange portion 60 is annular when viewed from the axial direction of the first electrode body 456. The second outer flange portion 60 is arranged inside the second bearing seal 16. The second outer flange portion 60 contacts the second bearing seal 16 on its outer surface, and contacts the second inner flange portion 64 on its inner surface.

[0336] The first inner flange portion 62 protrudes from one end portion in the axial direction of the first electrode body 456 toward the radial inward of the first electrode body 456, and is formed integrally with the first electrode body 456. The first inner flange portion 62 is annular around the axis B of the first electrode body 456. That is, the first inner flange portion 62 is annular when viewed from the axial direction of the first electrode body 456. The first inner flange portion 62 holds the liquid 468 so that the liquid 468 stored in a portion of the inner surface 66 of the first electrode body 456 does not overflow from one end portion in the axial direction of the first electrode body 456.

[0337] The second inner flange portion 64 protrudes from the other end portion of the first electrode body 456 in the axial direction toward the radial inward of the first electrode body 456, and is formed integrally with the first electrode body 456. The second inner flange portion 64 is annular around the axis B of the first electrode body 456. That is, the second inner flange portion 64 is annular when viewed from the axial direction of the first electrode body 456. The second inner flange portion 64 holds the liquid 468 so that the liquid 468 held on a portion of the inner surface 66 of the first electrode body 456 does not overflow from the other end portion of the first electrode body 456 in the axial direction.

[0338] The second electrode 24 is rod-shaped and extends along the axial direction of the first electrode body 456 of the first electrode 22. The second electrode 24 is inserted through the radial inner side of the first electrode body 456 of the first electrode 22 and is located inside the first electrode body 456. The second electrode 24 protrudes outward from one end of the first electrode body 456 in the axial direction of the first electrode body 456 and protrudes outward from the other end 472 of the first electrode body 456. Thus, the second electrode 24 can be fixed without affecting the rotation of the first electrode 22.

[0339] The second electrode 24 is disposed in the sampling space 69 at a distance from the inner surface 66 of the first electrode body 56 of the first electrode 22, and is disposed near the center of the first electrode 22. In the present embodiment, the second electrode 24 is provided in a posture where the axis of the second electrode 24 coincides with the axis B of the first electrode body 56 of the first electrode 22. The second electrode 24 has a discharge concentration portion 426.

[0340] The discharge concentrated area 426 is provided to limit the discharge generating portion from the second electrode 24 and to discharge efficiently. Since the discharge concentrated area 426 generates ions during discharge, the generated ions can be used to charge the particles flowing into the sampling space 69.

[0341] The discharge concentration portion 426 includes a covering portion 427 , an exposed portion 428 , and an outer skin portion 429 .

[0342] The covering portion 427 is a portion of the second electrode 24 that is covered by a cover portion 429 described later. Since the covering portion 427 is covered by the cover portion 429 , the surface of the covering portion 427 is not exposed in the sampling space 69 .

[0343] The exposed portion 428 is a portion of the second electrode 24 disposed on the upstream side of the covering portion 427, and is disposed at one end portion 471 of the sampling space 69. Since the exposed portion 428 is not covered by the outer skin portion 429, the surface of the exposed portion 428 is exposed in the sampling space 69. The exposed portion 428 is disposed in the longitudinal direction ( Fig.21 The length in the X-axis direction) is shorter than the length of the covering portion 427 in the length direction.

[0344] The outer skin portion 429 is a portion covering the covering portion 427. The outer skin portion 429 is to increase the vertical cross-section (with respect to the vertical cross-section of the first electrode 22 and the second electrode 24) Fig. 20The outer skin portion 429 is provided to increase the electric field strength of the space between the first electrode 22 and the outer peripheral surface of the outer skin portion 429 in the cross section perpendicular to the X-axis of the sample space 69. The outer skin portion 429 makes the electric field strength of the space between the first electrode 22 and the outer skin portion 429 higher than that of the covering portion 427 (i.e., the exposed second electrode 24) when the outer skin portion 429 does not exist. As a result, the particles charged by the discharge from the exposed portion 428 in the discharge concentration portion 426 are attracted with a stronger electric field strength downstream, and are easily attracted to the inner wall surface of the sampling space 69. As a result, the particle collection efficiency can be improved.

[0345] The outer skin portion 429 is provided continuously from the downstream end of the exposed portion 428 of the second electrode 24 to the other end side of the second electrode 24. Thus, since the exposed portion 428 is provided only on the upstream side of the covering portion 427, discharge is generated intensively from the exposed portion 428. Therefore, discharge efficiency is improved.

[0346] The outer skin portion 429 is a surface perpendicular to the flow direction of the gas flowing into the sampling space 69 from one end side to the other end side (with the Fig. 20 The outer skin portion 429 is preferably in the shape of a truncated cone with one end side as an upper bottom surface and the other end side as a lower bottom surface with a larger area than the upper bottom surface. Other shapes of the outer skin portion 429 may be a shape in which one end side and the other end side are connected by an exponential function-like curve in the III-III line cross section (so-called trumpet shape) or a shape in which one end side and the other end side are connected by a saturation curve-like curve (so-called pendulum shape). In any of these cases, the outer skin portion 429 is arranged in a manner that the diameter is larger at the other end than at the one end.

[0347] The diameter of the outer skin portion 429 is preferably less than half of the inner diameter of the first electrode 22. When the diameter of the outer skin portion 429 is too large and the distance to the inner wall of the first electrode 22 is too close, insulation breakdown occurs between the first electrode 22 and the outer skin portion 429, and the particles cannot be charged. Therefore, the first electrode 22 and the outer skin portion 429 are arranged at a certain interval. If the diameter of the outer skin portion 429 is less than half of the inner diameter (diameter of the internal space) of the first electrode 22, the distance between the first electrode 22 and the outer skin portion 429 can be sufficiently maintained.

[0348] The coating 427 and the exposed portion 428 are made of the same material and are preferably integrally formed. For example, commonly used metals such as iron, copper, brass, and aluminum can be used as the coating 427 and the exposed portion 428. As long as it is a material that can conduct electricity, the outer skin 429 can be made of the same material as the coating 427 and the exposed portion 428, or a different material. The material of the outer skin 429 is a material whose electrical conductivity is greater than 0 and is less than the electrical conductivity of the coating 427. In the case where the outer skin 429 uses a material that shows an electrical conductivity less than the electrical conductivity of the coating 427 and the exposed portion 428 of the same material in the second electrode 24, the electrical conductivity of the coating 427 and the exposed portion 428 is higher than that of the outer skin 429, so the discharge of the coating 427 is suppressed, resulting in an increase in the discharge intensity of the exposed portion 428.

[0349] The voltage applying unit 425 applies a voltage between the first electrode 22 and the second electrode 24. The voltage applying unit 425 includes a first support 70, a second support 72, a first electric wire 74, and a second electric wire 76.

[0350] The first support body 70 is fixed to the first flange member 18 disposed on the outside of the end of the pipe 12 in the X-axis direction in a manner not to affect the rotation of the first electrode 22, with one end portion located inside the first flange member 18 and the other end portion protruding from the outer surface of the first flange member 18. One end portion of the first support body 70 is connected to one end portion of the second electrode 24 in the axial direction, and supports the second electrode 24.

[0351] The second support body 72 is fixed to the second flange member 20 disposed on the outside of the end of the pipe 12 in the X-axis direction in a manner not to affect the rotation of the first electrode 22, with one end portion located inside the second flange member 20 and the other end portion protruding from the outer surface of the second flange member 20. One end portion of the second support body 72 is connected to the other end portion of the second electrode 24 in the axial direction, and supports the second electrode 24.

[0352] The first support 70 and the second support 72 have conductivity, and are electrically connected to the second electrode 24 and the discharge concentration portion 26 .

[0353] The first electric wire 74 is electrically connected to the second electrode 24 and the discharge concentration portion 26 via the second support 72 .

[0354] The second electric wire 76 is electrically connected to the first electrode 22 via the gear 86 and the like.

[0355] The voltage applying unit 425 can pass a current of any magnitude and waveform through the first electrode 22, the second electrode 24 provided near the center of the first electrode 22, and the discharge concentration unit 26 via the first electric wire 74 and the second electric wire 76. Thus, the particle sampling device 410 performs electric dust collection of particles.

[0356] For example, the voltage applying unit 425 is implemented by a power supply circuit including a converter, etc. For example, the voltage applying unit 425 applies a DC voltage of 10 [kV]. For example, the voltage applying unit 425 applies a voltage between the first electrode 22 and the second electrode 24 so that the second electrode 24 side becomes a higher potential than the first electrode 22 side. As a result, an electric field is generated from the second electrode 24 to the first electrode 22 and from the discharge concentration unit 426 to the first electrode 22 in the sampling space 69 (see Fig.21 arrow E).

[0357] The supply unit 430 supplies the liquid 468 into the first electrode 22. The supplied liquid 468 is stored in a portion of the inner surface 66 in the direction around the axis B of the first electrode 22. In other words, the supply unit 430 supplies the liquid 468 into the first electrode 22 so that the liquid 468 is stored in a portion of the inner surface 66 in the direction around the axis B of the first electrode 22. The supply unit 430 includes a tank 78 and an injection unit 80.

[0358] The tank 78 holds the liquid 468 to be supplied to the first electrode 22. The liquid 468 held in the tank 78 is discharged from the injection portion 80 by a pump or the like and supplied to the first electrode body 456 of the first electrode 22. In this way, the tank 78 for storing the liquid 468 such as the capture liquid for influenza virus sensing in advance is provided, and the liquid 468 is supplied to the inside of the first electrode 22 through the injection portion 80.

[0359] The injection part 80 supplies the liquid 468 to the first electrode 22. The injection part 80 may be provided at any position in the axial direction of the first electrode 22. The injection part 80 can collect particles attached to the inner surface 66 of the first electrode 22 in a wide range.

[0360] In this way, a tank 78 is provided for pre-accumulating a liquid 468 such as a capture liquid for influenza virus sensing, and the liquid 468 is supplied to the interior of the first electrode 22 through the injection portion 80. In the present embodiment, the supply portion 430 supplies a liquid for particle analysis as the liquid 468. For example, the liquid for particle analysis refers to a liquid for analysis, a liquid for maintaining the activity of a targeting substance contained in the particle for analysis, a liquid for marking a targeting substance contained in the particle for analysis, a liquid for protecting the targeting substance contained in the particle for analysis, or any combination thereof. For example, in the case where the targeting substance is an influenza virus, as the liquid 68, a liquid for dissolving and preserving the target substance, such as physiological saline, PBS buffer, EDTA buffer, bicarbonate buffer, or the like, or a liquid containing a substance that specifically binds to the virus and emits magnetism or fluorescence, etc., can be used. In addition, the liquid 468 may not be a liquid for particle analysis, and may be, for example, pure water or tap water.

[0361] In addition, the targeting substance is not limited to influenza virus. For example, the targeting substance can be other viruses such as coronavirus, or can be an organism other than a virus (such as bacteria). In addition, the targeting substance can also be other than an organism, and can also be an environmental pollutant or an allergen.

[0362] The recovery unit 431 recovers the liquid 468 stored on a portion of the inner surface 66 in the direction around the axis B of the first electrode 22. The recovery unit 31 includes a tank 82 and an extraction unit 84. The liquid 468 stored on a portion of the inner surface 66 in the direction around the axis B of the first electrode 22 is sucked from the extraction unit 84 by a pump or the like, and is retained in the tank 82 and recovered. In this way, the liquid 468 such as the capture liquid in which the particles are accumulated is sucked by the extraction unit 84 and retained in the tank 82.

[0363] The driving unit 32 rotates the first electrode 22 around a rotation axis extending along the axial direction of the first electrode body 456 of the first electrode 22 and passing through the first electrode 22. In the present embodiment, the rotation axis coincides with the axis B of the first electrode body 456. That is, in the present embodiment, the driving unit 32 rotates the first electrode 22 around the axis B of the first electrode body 456 of the first electrode 22. In the present embodiment, the driving unit 32 performs forward driving to rotate the first electrode 22 so that the liquid 468 is transported from one end to the other end of the first electrode 22. The driving unit 32 includes a gear 86 and a motor 88 for rotating the gear 86.

[0364] The gear 86 has external teeth that mesh with the external teeth of the first electrode 22. The gear 86 is rotated by the motor 88 (see Fig.21 As a result, the first electrode 22 rotates around the axis B on the first electrode body 456 (see arrow F). Fig.21 In this way, the first electrode 22 is rotated by the gear 86 driven by the motor 88.

[0365] The above is the structure of the particle sampling device 410 .

[0366] Next, use Fig. 22 and Fig.23 The operation of the particle sampling device 410 will be described. Fig. 22 4 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the particle sampling device 410 . Fig.23 yes Figure 1 The III-III line cross-sectional view is an explanatory diagram for explaining an example of the operation of the particle sampling device 410 , and is a diagram showing the movement of the virus in the particle sampling device 410 until the virus is actually recovered.

[0367] An example of the operation of the particle sampling device 410 is described below, and the operation includes the process of capturing influenza virus, recovering influenza virus 1 in liquid, and recovering liquid 468. Here, the particle sampling device 410 is used to capture the influenza virus 1, which is considered to cause airborne infection, as a liquid sample that can be analyzed by a sensor or the like.

[0368] First, the supply unit 430 supplies the liquid 468 into the first electrode 22 so that the liquid 468 is stored in a portion of the inner surface 66 in the direction around the axis B of the first electrode 22 (supply step: step S41 ).

[0369] When the liquid 468 is supplied into the first electrode body 456 of the first electrode 22 , the liquid 468 is stored on the inner surface 66 in the direction around the axis B of the first electrode body 456 of the first electrode 22 .

[0370] Next, the voltage applying unit 425 applies a voltage between the first electrode 22 and the second electrode 24 (voltage applying step: step S42). After the voltage is applied, the influenza virus 1 in the gas introduced into the interior of the particle sampling device 410, i.e., the sampling space 69, by the flow of air in the direction of arrow A is first charged with positive or negative electricity by ions released by discharge from the exposed portion 428 of the discharge concentration portion 426 provided on the second electrode 24 to which the high voltage is applied.

[0371] The discharge is described in detail. As described in the present embodiment, by providing the discharge concentration portion 426 on the surface of the second electrode 24, the discharge generation site is concentrated on the exposed portion 428 included in the discharge concentration portion 426. Thus, discharge is generated intensively from the exposed portion 428 provided on the side of the one end portion 471. On the other hand, when the discharge concentration portion 426 is not provided, when a voltage is applied to the second electrode 24, discharge is generated from the entire surface of the second electrode to the first electrode 22. Therefore, compared with the case where the discharge concentration portion 426 is not provided and the discharge is discharged from the surface of the second electrode 24, the discharge intensity is improved by providing the discharge concentration portion 426. In addition, at this time, by applying a high voltage to the second electrode 24, ozone is generated incidentally from the exposed portion 428.

[0372] Here, the case where the influenza virus 1 is positively charged is described. The influenza virus 1 that has become charged (charged) is charged by the electric field ( Fig.21 Arrow E), such as trajectory 3 ( Fig.23The particle 428 moves as shown in the dashed arrow in the figure, and collects dust on the inner surface 66 of the first electrode 22. In this way, the influenza virus 1 adheres to the inner surface 66 of the first electrode 22 and is captured on the inner surface 66. In addition, the trajectory 3 is, for example, a trajectory of an exponential function curve from the second electrode 24 toward the first electrode 22. In the present embodiment, since the exposed portion 428 is disposed upstream of the covering portion 427, the particles flowing into the sampling space 69 can be charged on the upstream side in the sampling space 69. Therefore, it is ensured that the particles are charged, and the distance of the electric field disposed downstream is long, so that they are easily attached to the surface of the first electrode body 456. If the exposed portion 428 is disposed on the other end 472 side of the sampling space 69, the discharge is concentrated on the other end 472 side, and the particles flowing in may flow out of the sampling space 69 before attaching to the first electrode 22.

[0373] In addition, the outer skin portion 429 of the present embodiment is in the shape of a truncated cone. As a result, the electric field strength of the surface of the first electrode 22 and the discharge concentration portion 426 increases toward the other end side of the outer skin portion 429. Due to the increase in the electric field strength, the particles charged by the discharge from the exposed portion 428 of the discharge concentration portion 426 are attracted with a stronger electric field strength downstream, so they are easily attracted to the inner wall surface of the sampling space 69. Therefore, the particles can be effectively captured. In addition, since it is a truncated cone shape whose cross-sectional area (cross-sectional area) increases toward the other end 472 side, the flow path resistance in the sampling space 69 can be suppressed. Moreover, the diameter of the outer skin portion 429 is less than half of the inner diameter of the first electrode 22. By configuring in this way, it is possible to suppress the insulation breakdown between the first electrode 22 and the surface of the outer skin portion 429, and it is possible to continuously sample the particles for a long time.

[0374] Next, the driving unit 32 rotates the first electrode 22 around the axis B (driving step: step S43 ). Alternatively, for example, the user may operate the driving unit 32 and rotate the first electrode 22 by operating any operation button or the like.

[0375] The first electrode 22 is rotated around the axis B while the liquid 468 is stored in a portion of the inner surface 66 in the direction of the axis B of the first electrode body 456 around the first electrode 22. In other words, the first electrode 22 is rotated around the axis B while the liquid 468 is stored below the axis B so that the liquid 468 does not flow out to the outside of the first electrode body 456. As a result, the inner surface 66 of the first electrode 22 is sequentially in contact with the stored liquid 468.

[0376] The influenza virus 1 collected on the inner surface 66 is recovered in the liquid 468 stored in the first electrode body 456 of the first electrode 22 at any time. Specifically, the influenza virus 1 attached to the inner surface 66 of the first electrode body 456 of the first electrode 22 is contacted with the stored liquid 468, leaves the inner surface 66, and is recovered in the liquid 468. The movement (rotation) of the first electrode 22 rotated by the motor 88 and the gear 86 can rinse the entire surface of the inner surface 66 of the first electrode 22 with the accumulated (stored) liquid 468. By recovering the influenza virus 1 in the liquid 468, the contact time of the influenza virus 1 with the ozone generated by applying a high voltage to the second electrode 24 can be reduced. Therefore, the inactivation of the influenza virus caused by ozone can be suppressed, and the influenza virus 1 can be recovered in the liquid 468 while maintaining its activity.

[0377] Alternatively, the first electrode 22 may be rotated about the axis B before applying a voltage between the first electrode 22 and the second electrode 24 , and a voltage may be applied between the first electrode 22 and the second electrode 24 while the first electrode 22 is rotated about the axis B.

[0378] Finally, the recovery unit 431 recovers the stored liquid 468 (recovery step: step S44). For example, at any time after a certain period of operation, the liquid 468 can be recovered to the recovery unit 431 (tank 82) through the extraction unit 84, and a liquid sample (liquid 468) containing the influenza virus 1 separated from the gas can be obtained. In addition, for example, the user can also operate the recovery unit 431 by operating any operation button, etc., to recover the liquid 468 stored in the first electrode body 456 of the first electrode 22.

[0379] In this manner, in the particle sampling device 410 , particles in the gas are recovered into the liquid.

[0380] As described above, according to the particle sampling device 410 of the fourth embodiment, the following effects can be obtained.

[0381] (1) The particle sampling device 410 includes: a first electrode 22 in a cylindrical shape; a sampling space 69 provided inside the cylinder; a second electrode 24 provided in the sampling space 69 along the longitudinal direction of the cylinder and charging the particles in the sampling space 69 by causing discharge; and a voltage applying unit 425 for applying voltage to the second electrode 24. The sampling space 69 has: one end 471 into which a gas containing particles to be sampled flows; and another end 472 into which the gas flowing in from the one end 471 flows out. The second electrode 24 has a discharge concentration unit 426 that limits the location where discharge occurs.

[0382] By adopting such a structure, the voltage applying section 425 generates discharge from a specific part of the second electrode 24 in a concentrated manner by applying a voltage between the first electrode 22 and the second electrode 24. Therefore, compared with the case where the discharge concentrating section 426 is not provided, the discharge can be generated in a concentrated manner, so the discharge intensity is increased. Therefore, it is easy to charge the particles, or the particles are strongly charged. In addition, by applying the voltage of the voltage applying section 425, an electric field is generated between the first electrode 22 and the second electrode 24, and the particles in the gas charged by the discharge from the discharge concentrating section 426 are attracted to the inner surface 66 of the first electrode 22 by the electric field and attached. Therefore, according to the particle sampling device 410 having the discharge concentrating section 426, the charge amount or charge intensity of the particles as the sampling object can be increased, so that they can be quickly attached to the surface of the first electrode 22. Therefore, the particles can be effectively sampled while maintaining the activity of the particles.

[0383] (2) The discharge concentration portion 426 includes: a covering portion 427 that covers; an exposed portion 428 that is provided on the upstream side of the covering portion 427; and an outer skin portion 429 that covers the covering portion 427. When a voltage is applied to the second electrode 24, the electric field is concentrated on the exposed portion 428 of the discharge concentration portion 426. Therefore, discharge can be effectively generated. In addition, ozone generated by discharge is not concentrated on the entire surface of the second electrode 24, but is concentrated on the exposed portion 428. Therefore, the ozone generation area can be reduced. Therefore, the particles can be effectively sampled while suppressing the reduction in the activity of the particles.

[0384] (3) The outer skin portion 429 is provided so as to cover the other end side of the covering portion 427. Thus, when a voltage is applied to the second electrode 24, the electric field intensity between the first electrode 22 and the surface of the discharge concentration portion 426 in the vertical cross section between the first electrode 22 and the second electrode 24 can be increased, and the particles charged by the discharge from the exposed portion 428 can be effectively sampled.

[0385] (4) The outer skin portion 429 is provided continuously from the downstream end of the exposed portion 428 in the discharge concentration portion 426 to the other end side of the second electrode 24. Thus, since the exposed portion 428 is provided only on the upstream side of the covering portion 427, discharge is generated intensively from the exposed portion 428, and discharge efficiency is improved. Furthermore, since the discharge is concentrated in the exposed portion 428, the ozone generation region can be reduced. Therefore, sampling can be performed efficiently while suppressing the reduction in the activity of the particles.

[0386] (5) The outer skin portion 429 is formed in a shape in which the cross-sectional area of ​​the surface perpendicular to the flow direction of the gas flowing into the sampling space 69 increases from one end side to the other end side. As a result, the electric field intensity on the surface of the first electrode 22 and the discharge concentration portion 426 increases toward the other end side of the outer skin portion 429. Therefore, the particles charged by the discharge can be effectively sampled.

[0387] (6) The outer skin portion 429 is in the shape of a truncated cone with one end side as the upper bottom surface and the other end side as the lower bottom surface having a larger area than the upper bottom surface. According to the truncated cone shape, the electric field intensity on the surface of the first electrode 22 and the discharge concentration portion 426 can be increased while suppressing the flow path resistance. Therefore, the particles charged by the discharge can be effectively sampled.

[0388] (7) The diameter of the outer skin portion 429 is less than half the inner diameter of the first electrode 22. Thus, when a voltage is applied to the second electrode 24, the insulation breakdown between the first electrode 22 and the outer skin portion 29 surface can be prevented, and the microparticles can be continuously sampled. Therefore, the microparticles can be sampled efficiently.

[0389] (8) The exposed portion 428 is shorter than the length of the covering portion 427 in the length direction of the second electrode 24. Thus, when a voltage is applied to the second electrode 24, the discharge generation site is limited, and the discharge is concentratedly generated from the exposed portion 428, so the discharge efficiency is improved. Therefore, the particles can be sampled efficiently.

[0390] (9) The material of the outer skin 429 has an electrical conductivity greater than 0 and less than that of the coating 427. As a result, the electrical conductivity of the exposed portion 428 is higher than that of the outer skin 429, and the discharge efficiency of the exposed portion 428 is improved. Therefore, the particles can be sampled efficiently.

[0391] The present invention has been described above based on Embodiment 4. It should be understood by those skilled in the art that these embodiments are exemplary and that combinations of these constituent elements or various processing processes may have various modifications, and these modifications are also within the scope of the present invention.

[0392] In the fourth embodiment, the first electrode body 456 is described as being cylindrical, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the first electrode body may be an elliptical cylinder or a polygonal cylinder.

[0393] In the above-mentioned Embodiment 4, the case where the axis B of the first electrode body 456 is arranged in a posture parallel to the horizontal direction is described, but the present invention is not limited thereto. The axis B of the first electrode body 456 may be arranged in a posture inclined relative to the horizontal direction, as long as the liquid 468 is stored in a part of the inner surface 66 in the direction around the axis B of the first electrode body 456 to prevent the liquid 468 from flowing out to the outside of the first electrode body 456. In other words, the first electrode 22 may be arranged in a posture capable of storing the liquid 468 on the inner surface 66.

[0394] In the above-mentioned fourth embodiment, the second electrode 24 protrudes outward from one end of the first electrode body 456 , but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the second electrode 24 may not protrude outward from the first electrode body 456 .

[0395] In the above-mentioned Embodiment 4, the case where the driving unit 32 rotates the first electrode 22 around the axis B of the first electrode body 456 of the first electrode 22 is described, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the driving unit may rotate the first electrode around a rotation axis slightly inclined relative to the axis of the body of the first electrode. In addition, the driving unit may rotate the first electrode around a rotation axis parallel to the axis of the body of the first electrode. The driving unit may rotate the first electrode around a rotation axis extending in the axis direction of the first electrode and passing through the first electrode.

[0396] Industrial Applicability

[0397] The present invention can be widely used in devices and methods for sampling aerosol and other particles from gases such as air.

Claims

1. A particle sampling method, characterized in that: A first electrode having a cylindrical shape and openings at both ends in the axial direction and a second electrode extending in the axial direction of the first electrode and arranged in the first electrode at a distance from the inner surface of the first electrode are used to capture particles contained in the air circulating inside. A first liquid containing an amphiphilic polymer is supplied into the first electrode, and after the amphiphilic polymer is brought into contact with the inner surface of the first electrode, a second liquid not containing an amphiphilic polymer is supplied, and fine particles contained in air circulating inside are captured in the second liquid.

2. The particle sampling method according to claim 1, characterized in that: include: a first supplying step of supplying the first liquid into the first electrode so as to store the first liquid in a portion of the inner surface in a direction around the axis of the first electrode; a first driving step of rotating the first electrode storing the first liquid at a portion of the inner surface thereof about a rotation axis extending in the axial direction of the first electrode and passing through the first electrode; a first recovery step of recovering the first liquid stored on a portion of the inner surface; a second supplying step of supplying the second liquid into the first electrode after the first recovering step, so as to store the second liquid in a portion of the inner surface in a direction around the axis of the first electrode; a second driving step of rotating the first electrode storing the second liquid on a portion of the inner surface thereof about a rotation axis extending in the axial direction of the first electrode and passing through the first electrode; a voltage applying step of applying a voltage between the first electrode and the second electrode on a portion of the inner surface storing the second liquid; and The second recovery step is to recover the second liquid stored on a portion of the inner surface.

3. The particle sampling method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: In the second supply step, when the fine particles contained in the air circulating inside are viruses, a capture liquid having a small effect of reducing the infection titer of the virus is used as the second liquid.

4. The particle sampling method according to claim 3, characterized in that: The capture solution is any one of physiological saline, PBS buffer, EDTA buffer, bicarbonate buffer and pure water.

5. The particle sampling method according to claim 3, characterized in that: After the first driving step is performed for a predetermined time, the first recovery step is performed. The second supplying step is performed at regular time intervals, thereby performing the second driving step and the voltage applying step while maintaining the second liquid stored in a portion of the inner surface at a predetermined amount.

6. A method for assessing infection risk, characterized in that: include: a quantification step of quantifying the infection titer of the virus contained in the second liquid recovered by the microparticle sampling method according to claim 3 using an analysis device capable of measuring the infection titer; and An evaluation step is performed to evaluate the infection titer concentration of the virus contained in the air circulating inside the chamber based on the infection titer quantified in the quantification step, the flow rate of the air circulating inside the chamber, and the capture performance value specified by the particle sampling method.

7. A particle sampling device capable of collecting particles contained in the air circulating inside, characterized in that: include: A first electrode having a cylindrical shape and openings at both ends in the axial direction; and a second electrode extending in the axial direction of the first electrode and arranged in the first electrode at a distance from the inner surface of the first electrode, A first liquid containing an amphiphilic polymer is supplied into the first electrode, and after the amphiphilic polymer is brought into contact with the inner surface of the first electrode, A second liquid not containing an amphiphilic polymer is supplied, and fine particles contained in the air circulating inside are captured in the second liquid.

8. A particle sampling device capable of sampling particles into a liquid, characterized in that: include: A first electrode having a cylindrical shape and openings at both ends in the axial direction; a second electrode extending in the axial direction of the first electrode and arranged in the first electrode at a distance from the inner surface of the first electrode; a supply unit that supplies liquid into the first electrode and stores the liquid in a portion of the inner surface in a direction around the axis of the first electrode; a voltage applying unit that applies a voltage between the first electrode and the second electrode; a driving unit configured to rotate the first electrode around a rotation axis extending in the axial direction of the first electrode and passing through the first electrode; and a recovery unit that recovers the stored liquid, The inner surface of the first electrode is subjected to a hydrophilic treatment. The liquid is a capture liquid containing an amphiphilic polymer.

9. The particle sampling device according to claim 8, characterized in that: An adhesion inhibiting material for inhibiting adhesion of the fine particles is attached to the inner surface of the first electrode.

10. The particle sampling device according to claim 8 or 9, characterized in that: The amphiphilic polymer has a hydrophilic part and a hydrophobic part, The hydrophilic part is composed of polyethylene glycol or dextran, The hydrophobic part is composed of polylactic acid or a polylactic acid-glycolic acid copolymer.

11. The particle sampling device according to claim 8 or 9, characterized in that: The liquid is a collection liquid containing 0.1 wt% to 1.0 wt% of the amphiphilic polymer.

12. A particle sampling method, characterized in that: A first electrode and a second electrode are used, wherein the first electrode is cylindrical and has both ends in the axial direction thereof opened and the inner surface thereof is subjected to a hydrophilic treatment, and the second electrode extends in the axial direction of the first electrode and is arranged in the first electrode at a distance from the inner surface of the first electrode. The particle sampling method comprises: a supplying step of supplying a liquid into the first electrode so as to store the liquid in a portion of the inner surface in a direction around the axis of the first electrode; A driving step of rotating the first electrode around a rotation axis extending in the axial direction of the first electrode and passing through the first electrode; a voltage applying step of applying a voltage between the first electrode and the second electrode; and a recovery step, recovering the stored liquid, In the supplying step, a collection liquid containing an amphiphilic polymer is used as the liquid.

13. The particle sampling method according to claim 12, characterized in that: The supplying step is performed at regular time intervals, The driving step and the voltage applying step are performed while keeping the stored liquid fixed, The stored liquid is recovered in the recovery step.

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