A portable ultraviolet and hydrogen peroxide synergistic sterilization device for biosafety sample handling packaging

Abstract

This invention discloses a portable UV and hydrogen peroxide co-sterilization device for biosafety sample collection and delivery packaging. The device employs a double-layered insulated enclosure, with a UV sterilization lamp at the top and an atomizing hydrogen peroxide nozzle on the inner wall. The atomizing nozzle sprays micron-sized aerosol particles to achieve omnidirectional dispersion of the aerosol medium within the sealed space, combined with the UV light source arrangement design to eliminate sterilization dead zones. An adjustable partition inside the enclosure allows for flexible separation of samples of different sizes, preventing cross-contamination. Ventilation holes in the enclosure walls balance internal and external air pressure, ensuring product safety. An environmental monitoring module at the bottom monitors temperature and humidity data in real time and displays it on a screen outside the enclosure, providing visualization of the internal temperature and humidity. This invention facilitates dual sterilization and is adaptable to various pathogenic microorganism disinfection scenarios, possessing characteristics such as impact resistance, corrosion resistance, non-destructive sample handling, and environmental friendliness.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of biosafety sterilization technology, specifically disclosing a portable ultraviolet and hydrogen peroxide synergistic sterilization device for biosafety sample collection and delivery packaging. It is suitable for the transportation of biosafety samples and the efficient elimination of surface pathogenic microorganisms, while meeting safety and environmental protection standards, providing a reliable sterilization guarantee for the safe transport of biosafety samples. Background Technology

[0002] With the rapid expansion of global trade and the intensification of cross-border personnel flows, the speed and scope of the spread of harmful pathogens have significantly increased. Currently, inspection and quarantine, as the first line of defense against the cross-border spread of pathogens, urgently needs to upgrade its technical capabilities. However, existing biosafety sample collection and delivery boxes typically only have insulation and sample loading functions, lacking active sterilization capabilities. During transportation, especially over long distances or under unstable temperature conditions, cross-contamination of pathogenic microorganisms may occur between samples, further exacerbating the risk of transmission.

[0003] Currently, mainstream sterilization technologies still primarily rely on chemical disinfectants (such as formaldehyde and ozone), but these suffer from problems such as high toxicity, high residual pollution, and difficulty in meeting GMP standards. Among physical disinfection methods, ultraviolet (UV) sterilization technology has been applied in water treatment, air purification, and medical device disinfection, but its penetration is limited, only capable of disinfecting surfaces or transparent media, and it has blind spots, resulting in insufficient coverage of complex structures. H2O2, due to its high efficiency and low residual toxicity, is used for disinfection of medical equipment and enclosed spaces. However, traditional hydrogen peroxide sterilization requires high concentrations (>1000 ppm), which not only corrodes materials such as rubber and plastics but also leaves residues within equipment, compromising long-term safety. Furthermore, high concentrations of H2O2 pose potential hazards to human health and the environment, limiting its application in biosafety sample collection and delivery scenarios.

[0004] Meanwhile, the existing equipment design has not been optimized for the specific needs of the sample delivery box, and still suffers from problems such as blind spots in disinfection, excessive energy consumption, and poor material compatibility. For example, the traditional UV light source layout is difficult to cover the complex structure inside the box, while high-concentration H2O2 spraying accelerates equipment aging and increases maintenance costs. Summary of the Invention

[0005] In view of this, the present invention provides a portable UV and hydrogen peroxide synergistic sterilization device for biosafety sample collection and delivery packaging. To address the problems of low sterilization efficiency, poor spatial adaptability, and high risk of secondary contamination in existing technologies, the present invention proposes the following technical solution:

[0006] A portable UV and hydrogen peroxide synergistic sterilization device for biosafety sample collection and delivery packaging includes a box body (3) with an opening at the top and a lid for closing the opening. The box body (3) is characterized by having a UV sterilization lamp (1) installed at the top; a double-layer insulation structure (6) on the inner wall of the box body (3), and an atomizing hydrogen peroxide nozzle (2) installed on the inner wall; the box body (3) is divided into multiple independent chambers by an adjustable partition (5), with ventilation holes (7) on the side walls of each chamber; a temperature and humidity sensor (4) is installed on the inner wall of the box body (3), and a display screen (10) is installed on its exterior to form a temperature and humidity monitoring module; a hydrogen peroxide solution storage tank (8) is built into the rear of the box body (3), and a hydrogen peroxide solution pump head (9) is connected to the hydrogen peroxide solution storage tank (8) via a corrosion-resistant silicone tubing, with the other end connected to the atomizing hydrogen peroxide nozzle (2).

[0007] Specifically, the adjustable partition (5) is a multi-level pull-out structure that supports multi-level height adjustment to adapt to different sample capacities. The adjustable height is 3-7cm lower than the inner wall height of the double-layer insulation structure (6).

[0008] Preferably, the height of the adjustable partition (5) is 5cm lower than the inner wall of the box (3) and is covered with a food-grade silicone sealing strip. The side wall of the separated independent chamber is provided with an array of 4-6mm diameter vent holes (7) with a honeycomb flow guide design with a hole spacing of 8-12mm. Preferably, the side wall of the separated independent chamber is provided with an array of 5mm diameter vent holes (7) with a hole spacing of 10mm.

[0009] Specifically, the temperature and humidity sensor (4) is embedded in the inner wall of the housing (3), and the display screen (10) is set on the outer wall. It is an IPS touch screen.

[0010] Furthermore, the temperature and humidity monitoring module is connected to a buzzer alarm, which automatically activates the protection mechanism when the temperature or humidity inside the chamber exceeds the required temperature or humidity for the sample.

[0011] Preferably, the double-layer insulation structure (6) is composed of a polyurethane foam layer and an aluminum foil reflective layer, with the reflective layer disposed on the inner surface of the box.

[0012] Preferably, the outer shell of the box (3) is made of ABS material, coated with an antibacterial coating with a thickness of 3-5mm and a corrosion resistance level ≥IP65.

[0013] Specifically, the connection between the lid and the body of the box adopts a magnetic double-layer sealing structure, with the outer layer being an EPDM rubber ring and the inner layer being an inflatable silicone strip.

[0014] Optionally, the enclosure (3) is also equipped with a wireless communication module to synchronize temperature and humidity in real time.

[0015] Specifically, the wavelength of the ultraviolet sterilization lamp (1) is 253nm, and the radiation intensity is ≥90μW / cm². 2 It supports intermittent pulsed irradiation to reduce energy consumption.

[0016] The chamber employs a dual inactivation mechanism of "ultraviolet irradiation inactivation - chemical oxidation inactivation." This mechanism is primarily achieved by a top-mounted ultraviolet sterilization lamp with a wavelength of 253nm, supporting intermittent pulse irradiation to reduce energy consumption. An atomizing hydrogen peroxide nozzle is installed on the inner wall. A pump delivers a low-concentration hydrogen peroxide solution (1.5-2.0mM) to the nozzle, generating aerosol particles with a diameter of 1-5μm and a diffusion uniformity exceeding 95%, ensuring omnidirectional dispersion of the aerosol medium within the enclosed space. A hydrogen peroxide solution storage tank is located at the rear of the chamber. The ultraviolet lamp and atomizing nozzle work synergistically, utilizing ultraviolet light to destroy the genetic material of bacteria and to stimulate the decomposition of hydrogen peroxide, producing ·OH and O2. — The active free radicals oxidize key structures in bacteria, enabling broad-spectrum and multi-component elimination of bacteria, viruses, and drug-resistant pathogens.

[0017] The chamber's interior is divided into multiple independent chambers by multi-level retractable partitions. The partitions are 3-7 cm lower than the double-layered inner wall, accommodating different sample capacity requirements. Each chamber's sidewall has ventilation holes to maintain airflow balance. In a preferred embodiment, the adjustable partitions are 5 cm lower than the inner wall and covered with food-grade silicone sealing strips. The sidewalls of the resulting independent chambers have an array of 7 5mm diameter ventilation holes with a 10mm spacing, creating a honeycomb-like airflow design to balance chamber pressure. Combined with the high permeability of micron-level aerosols, this effectively eliminates sterilization blind spots in instrument gaps and sample container dead corners. The intelligent monitoring system includes temperature and humidity sensors located at the bottom of the chamber and an external display screen, monitoring temperature and humidity data in real time and displaying it on the external screen, thus visualizing the internal temperature and humidity data.

[0018] Compared with existing technologies, the beneficial effects of this invention are mainly reflected in the following aspects: Based on the synergistic effect mechanism of ultraviolet light and hydrogen peroxide system, a breakthrough improvement in sterilization efficiency is achieved through precise control of reaction parameters. It innovatively adopts a dual inactivation pathway of ultraviolet light exciting hydrogen peroxide to generate highly active free radicals. Under the optimal combination of wavelength and hydrogen peroxide concentration, a dynamic balance between ultraviolet irradiation inactivation and chemical oxidation inactivation is formed. This not only significantly enhances the ability to disinfect highly resistant microorganisms, but also achieves a qualitative leap in sterilization effect while ensuring operational safety through precise control of free radical generation efficiency. Compared with traditional disinfection methods, this system exhibits excellent diffusion and coverage in complex spatial environments. With the synergistic layout of micron-level aerosol dispersion technology and ultraviolet light source array, it effectively solves the problem of pathogen inactivation in traditional disinfection blind spots such as instrument dead corners and ventilation ducts. It achieves significant optimization of drug residue control and energy consumption, constructing a new environmentally friendly disinfection model. This technology system, through innovation in multi-dimensional evaluation models and mechanism research methods, provides a new perspective for the theoretical study of the synergistic effect of ultraviolet light and hydrogen peroxide, while meeting the dual requirements of efficient disinfection and safe operation in high-demand scenarios such as biosafety sample collection and delivery. Attached Figure Description

[0019] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall three-dimensional structure of this utility model.

[0020] Figure 2 This is a cross-sectional view of the overall structure of this utility model.

[0021] Figure 3 This is a front view of the overall structure of this utility model.

[0022] Figure 4 This is a partial structural schematic diagram of the present invention.

[0023] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the overall appearance of this utility model.

[0024] Reference numerals in the attached diagram: 1. Ultraviolet sterilization lamp tube; 2. Hydrogen peroxide atomizing nozzle; 3. Sterilization chamber body; 4. Temperature and humidity sensor; 5. Multi-level adjustable partition; 6. Double-layer insulation structure of the chamber body; 7. Ventilation holes; 8. Hydrogen peroxide solution storage tank; 9. Hydrogen peroxide solution pump head. Detailed Implementation

[0025] The technical solutions of the present utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings of the embodiments. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present utility model, and not all embodiments.

[0026] In the description of this utility model, unless otherwise stated, the terms "upper", "lower", "left", "right", "inner", "outer", "internal", "external", etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing this utility model and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of this utility model.

[0027] Example 1:

[0028] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 A portable UV and hydrogen peroxide co-sterilization device for biosafety sample collection and delivery packaging includes a sterilization and delivery box 3. The outer shell of the box 3 is made of ABS engineering plastic, and the interior of the box 3 adopts a double-layer structure 6 of PIR foam + TiO2 coating. A single row of UV sterilization lamps 1 is installed on the top of the box 3. Atomizing hydrogen peroxide nozzles 2 are installed on the inner wall, which are connected to a hydrogen peroxide solution storage tank 8 and a hydrogen peroxide solution pump head 9 located at the rear of the box.

[0029] like Figure 3 As shown, the interior of the box 3 is divided into multiple independent chambers by adjustable partitions 5. Each chamber has ventilation holes 7 on its side wall, which communicate with the outside. The adjustable partitions 5 are 5cm lower than the inner wall and are covered with food-grade silicone sealing strips. The side walls of the separated independent chambers have two sets of 5mm diameter ventilation holes. The honeycomb-shaped airflow design with a 10mm hole spacing can balance the air pressure in the chambers. Combined with the high permeability of micron-level aerosols, it effectively eliminates sterilization blind spots in instrument gaps and sample container dead corners.

[0030] like Figure 4 As shown, the intelligent monitoring module also includes an embedded high-precision temperature and humidity sensor 4 and an external 4.3-inch IPS touchscreen 10, which together constitute a temperature and humidity detection module for real-time display of temperature and humidity data. When the temperature and humidity inside the chamber exceed the limits detected by the sensor, the signal is transmitted to the touchscreen through the built-in circuitry, triggering its built-in buzzer alarm to issue a warning.

[0031] The outer shell of the sterilization sample delivery box 3 is made of ABS engineering plastic with a 3-5mm thick antibacterial coating, achieving an IP65 corrosion resistance standard. The interior employs a double-layer structure 6 composed of PIR foam and a TiO2 coating, which provides efficient heat preservation while reflecting ultraviolet rays and isolating hydrogen peroxide corrosion, thus meeting biosafety standards. The lamps support intermittent pulse mode to reduce energy consumption.

[0032] The synergistic sterilization system consists of 316L stainless steel atomizing nozzles 2 evenly distributed on the inner wall and a single row of ultraviolet sterilization lamps 1 on the top. A stainless steel hydrogen peroxide solution storage tank 8 is integrated at the rear of the housing 3. The hydrogen peroxide atomizing nozzles 2 are connected to the hydrogen peroxide solution storage tank 8 via corrosion-resistant silicone tubing. A hydrogen peroxide solution pump head 9 atomizes a 1.5-2.0 mM concentration hydrogen peroxide solution into 1-5 μm aerosol particles, achieving a diffusion uniformity of over 95%. This, combined with ultraviolet light, forms a dual sterilization mechanism of ultraviolet irradiation inactivation and chemical oxidation inactivation.

[0033] The sterilization chamber achieves highly efficient sterilization through the synergistic effect of hydrogen peroxide oxidation and ultraviolet irradiation. After the samples to be sterilized are placed in the sterilization chamber, pull-out partitions can be used to separate the samples, ensuring that they do not come into contact with each other and become contaminated. Figure 5 As shown, press and hold the power button on the side of the cabinet for 3 seconds to start the system. After setting the temperature, humidity and sterilization mode through the touch screen, close the cabinet door. The connection between the cabinet lid and the cabinet body adopts a magnetic double-layer sealing structure (outer EPDM rubber ring + inner inflatable silicone strip).

[0034] After clicking the "Sterilize" button, the ultraviolet lamp and nebulization system start simultaneously. The system draws a 1.75mM low-concentration hydrogen peroxide solution into the tubing via the pump head, and then transforms it into 5-10μm particles through the nebulizer nozzle, forming an aerosol cloud that diffuses evenly throughout the chamber, adhering to the instrument surface and the inside of the tubing, achieving sterilization without dead angles. Simultaneously, the 253.7nm wavelength ultraviolet LED at the top center of the chamber activates, exciting the decomposition of hydrogen peroxide molecules to generate highly oxidizing hydroxyl radicals (·OH). The TiO2 reflective layer constructs a multi-optical path system, significantly increasing the intensity of ultraviolet radiation and ensuring a uniform concentration gradient of free radicals within the chamber for sterilization. For large-volume samples, the partition can be removed to expand the single-layer space. During sterilization, the IPS screen displays the temperature and humidity curves in real time; if abnormal fluctuations occur, the system immediately pauses operation. After sterilization, hydrogen peroxide residue is degraded to below 0.1 ppm, and ultraviolet light is continuously irradiated for 10 minutes to completely eliminate free radicals. Finally, the air pressure inside and outside the box is balanced through the vents to ensure the safety of operation when opening the box to retrieve items.

[0035] The principle of this utility model is as follows:

[0036] This invention provides a portable UV and hydrogen peroxide synergistic sterilization device for biosafety sample collection and delivery packaging. It is suitable for efficient disinfection of inspection and quarantine sample collection and delivery packaging, as well as broad-spectrum inactivation of pathogenic microorganisms, while meeting environmental protection and safety standards.

[0037] The device of this invention can also be used to investigate the hydrogen peroxide concentration, a key indicator in the UV / H2O2 synergistic sterilization system of a portable UV and hydrogen peroxide (UV / H2O2) synergistic sterilization device used for biosafety sample collection and delivery packaging. The experiment dynamically monitored the H2O2 concentration in the gradient range of 1.25-2.0 mM using potassium titanate spectrophotometry, revealing a non-linear relationship between the initial concentration and free radical generation. Experimental results showed that when the H2O2 concentration increased from 1.25 mM to 1.75 mM, the decomposition rate increased from 62.3% to 93.5%, and the generation of hydroxyl radicals (·OH) increased significantly. However, after the concentration exceeded 1.5 mM, the steady-state concentration of ·OH decreased due to self-quenching reaction (2·OH→H2O2) and secondary consumption (·OH+ H2O2→HO2·+H2O). Further spectrophotometric analysis using salicylic acid confirmed that the instantaneous concentration of ·OH reached its peak at 1.75 mM, at which point the E. coli inactivation rate increased to 5.19 log. Figure 4 It increased by 2.77 log and 2.05 log compared to UV alone (2.42 log) and H2O2 alone (3.19 log), respectively, showing a significant synergistic effect.

[0038] Example 2:

[0039] The sterilization mechanism of the synergistic sterilization system of ultraviolet (UV) and hydrogen peroxide (UV / H2O2) was investigated using the device of this invention: UV irradiation alone for 90 minutes achieved an inactivation rate of only 2.42 log, while static treatment with 1.75 mM H2O2 alone for the same time achieved an inactivation rate of 3.19 log. Using the synergistic effect of the device of this invention, the inactivation rate jumped to 5.19 log, proving that the ·OH generated from the UV photocatalytic decomposition of H2O2 is the core synergistic agent. Mechanistic experiments detected the characteristic signal of ·OH (quartet, g=2.005) and superoxide radicals (O2) by electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR). — The six-peak signal clearly indicates the generation of reactive oxygen species; fluorescence-laser confocal microscopy showed that after 90 minutes of treatment, more than 95% of E. coli cell membranes were damaged (red fluorescence > 95%), and scanning electron microscopy revealed significant wrinkling and cracks on the cell surface; three-dimensional fluorescence spectroscopy revealed that aromatic amino acids (such as tryptophan and tyrosine) released after cell rupture were gradually degraded under free radical attack, confirming the cumulative effect of oxidative damage. The inactivation mechanism of E. coli under ultraviolet and hydrogen peroxide systems is mainly the disruption of cell integrity. The decomposition of hydrogen peroxide produces free radicals that attack lipid proteins on the cell membrane surface, leading to cell membrane rupture and loss of cell activity.

[0040] The synergistic sterilization system of ultraviolet (UV) and hydrogen peroxide (UV / H2O2) using this novel device offers multiple advantages: by controlling the H2O2 concentration and UV irradiation, it maintains a high inactivation rate of 5.19 log while reducing reagent consumption by 40%, with a stable residual amount of <0.1 ppm; the atomized aerosol and TiO2 reflective light field design enhance reagent dispersion, eliminating sterilization dead zones in instrument lumens and enclosed spaces; the closed-loop free radical concentration control technology avoids overdosing, and the combination with the catalytic decomposition module ensures safe operation. Its high efficiency, low toxicity, and broad spectrum provide a reliable disinfection solution for medical equipment, biosafety cabinets, and other scenarios, and it is particularly suitable for the green inactivation of highly resistant pathogens such as heat-resistant spores.

[0041] Example 3: Application Case

[0042] The sterilization of a standard 20 cm × 20 cm × 15 cm express carton was verified using the device of this invention. The surface of the carton was uniformly inoculated with E. coli bacterial suspension (initial load 1.2 × 10⁻⁶). 4 CFU / box, totaling 20 CFU / cm³ 2 After nebulization with 1.75 mM H2O2 and simultaneous 90 minutes of UV irradiation, the colony count showed an inactivation rate of 5.02 log. The H2O2 decomposition rate was >99.9%. Control experiments showed that, under the same conditions, the inactivation rate of the UV-treated group alone was 2.77 log, and the inactivation rate of the 1.75 mM H2O2 nebulization group alone was 2.81 log.

[0043] The above are merely preferred embodiments of this utility model, but the scope of protection of this utility model is not limited thereto. Any equivalent substitutions or modifications made by those skilled in the art within the scope of the technology disclosed in this utility model, based on the technical solution and inventive concept of this utility model, should be included within the scope of protection of this utility model.

Claims

1. A portable ultraviolet and hydrogen peroxide synergistic sterilization device for biosafety sample handling packaging comprising a box (3) with an opening on top and a box cover for closing the opening, characterized in that, The top of the box (3) is equipped with an ultraviolet sterilization lamp tube (1); the inner wall of the box (3) adopts a double-layer heat preservation structure (6), and the inner wall of the box is equipped with an atomizing hydrogen peroxide nozzle (2); the inside of the box (3) is divided into multiple independent chambers by an adjustable partition (5), and each chamber has a ventilation hole (7) on its side wall; the inner wall of the box (3) is equipped with a temperature and humidity sensor (4) and an external display screen (10) to form a temperature and humidity monitoring module; a hydrogen peroxide solution storage tank (8) is built inside the rear of the box (3), and the hydrogen peroxide solution pump head (9) is connected to the hydrogen peroxide solution storage tank (8) through a corrosion-resistant silicone tube, and the other end is connected to the atomizing hydrogen peroxide nozzle (2).

2. The sterilization device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The adjustable partition (5) is a multi-level pull-out structure that supports multi-level height adjustment to suit different sample capacities. The adjustable height is 3-7cm lower than the inner wall height of the double-layer insulation structure (6).

3. The sterilization device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The height of the adjustable partition (5) is 5cm lower than the inner wall of the box (3) and is covered with a food-grade silicone sealing strip. The side wall of the independent chamber formed by the partition is provided with an array of 4-6mm diameter ventilation holes (7) with a honeycomb flow guide design with a hole spacing of 8-12mm.

4. The sterilization apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, The sidewalls of the separated independent chambers are provided with an array of 5 mm diameter vent holes (7) with a 10 mm hole spacing and a honeycomb-shaped flow guide design. The temperature and humidity sensor (4) is embedded in the inner wall of the housing (3), and the display screen (10) is set on the outer wall. It is an IPS touch screen.

5. The sterilization apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, The temperature and humidity monitoring module is connected to a buzzer alarm, which automatically activates the protection mechanism when the temperature or humidity inside the chamber exceeds the required temperature or humidity for the sample.

6. The sterilization apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, The double-layer insulation structure (6) is composed of a polyurethane foam layer and an aluminum foil reflective layer, with the reflective layer located on the inner surface of the box.

7. The sterilization apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, The outer shell of the box (3) is made of ABS material, with an antibacterial coating on the surface. The coating thickness is 3-5mm, and the corrosion resistance level is ≥IP65.

8. The sterilization apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, The connection between the lid and the body of the box adopts a magnetic double-layer sealing structure, with the outer layer being an EPDM rubber ring and the inner layer being an inflatable silicone strip.

9. The sterilization apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, The enclosure (3) is also equipped with a wireless communication module to synchronize temperature and humidity in real time.

10. The sterilization apparatus according to claim 2, characterized in that, The ultraviolet sterilization lamp (1) has a wavelength of 253nm and a radiation intensity of ≥90μW / cm², and supports intermittent pulse irradiation to reduce energy consumption.

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