CONTAINER, DETECTION DEVICE AND A METHOD FOR PATHOGENIC SUBSTANCES CONTAINED IN AIR

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a detection device and a detection method for the preferably quantitative detection of pathogenic substances, in particular viruses, contained in air. The invention further relates to a container with an air inlet, an air outlet, and a detection volume for receiving a detection medium.

[0002] The in-situ detection of pathogenic substances in ambient and exhaled air, so-called aerosol particles, has long been a subject of research and has gained particular momentum, not least due to the pandemic consequences of the recently emerged SARS-CoV-2 virus. As a result, numerous, including recent, state-of-the-art, methods exist. The following publications serve as examples.

[0003] Document CN 11 1662816 A discloses an arrangement that draws in ambient air, filters out viruses in an enrichment container and directs them together with a buffer solution to a microfluidic chip in which a biochemical reaction (LAMP) takes place under temperature control and is detected by optical means.

[0004] US patent 2020 / 0309703 A1 discloses an aerosol detector based on the fluorescence excitation of harmful aerosol particles, including SARS-CoV-2 viruses, using UV radiation. The particles are captured and held on a transparent plate by electrostatic force or simply by gravity. The plate is backlit by a UV LED. Fluorescence is observed by looking at the plate or can be detected using an unspecified detector. An alarm can be triggered when fluorescence is detected.

[0005] WO 2008 / 108872 A2 discloses a detector for the detection of various bioactive substances, including influenza type A viruses. The detection of specific antigens is achieved via an antibody reaction. For this purpose, a sensor element is coated with the antibody ligand. Measurement is performed either by means of an electrostatic pulse characteristic of the reaction using an electrode (bio pore sensor) or by means of a characteristic fluorescence using a photodetector (optical-based sensor).

[0006] US patent 7,265,669 B2 describes a self-regenerating collector plate for detecting particles. Viruses are among the particles mentioned as detectable. The detection method includes an excitation light source and a photodetector for fluorescent light. The detector can be mounted on the wall or ceiling for monitoring ambient air quality.

[0007] In US document 7,494,769 B2, bioaerosols are again detected using fluorescence or phosphorescence measurements. Room air is pumped to a collector. A special feature is a collector with a liquid reservoir in which the aerosols are captured and concentrated.

[0008] Document CN 11 1665356 A specifically addresses the detection of Covid-19 viruses. The laboratory analysis method is based on Raman spectroscopy, more precisely surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS). Fluid samples, which may consist of a concentrated aerosol, for example, are analyzed. SERS utilizes silver or gold surfaces functionalized with antibodies.

[0009] WO 2006 / 106235 A1 describes a device and an automated detection method for microbiological material, including viruses, in which an aerosol is drawn in, concentrated into a sample, and fed to an array of test discs coated with antibodies in test zones. A reaction causes the test zone to change color, which is automatically read optically and transmitted to an evaluation system. Apart from the automatic reading, the detection method is similar to the immunostaining used in rapid tests.

[0010] According to document CN 11 0118711 B, the bacterial load in the room air is determined by means of fluorescence measurements, taking into account various environmental conditions. The device described therein is suitable for issuing a warning signal as a result of detection.

[0011] CN 20 7516253 U discloses a device for detecting hepatitis B viruses in the air. The device draws air into a housing and directs it into a test liquid located therein. The liquid is applied to several test strips via a channel system, and the test strips can be observed through windows in the housing wall.

[0012] Document CN 21 0720420 U also deals with the detection of pathogenic substances in the air using antibodies applied to a resin, which are used to fill stuffing boxes.

[0013] Another device for detecting bioactive substances in the air is known from EP 1 309 720 B1. This device comprises an inlet, a filter for removing dust and larger particles, a fluid line with a barrier where a vortex forms to sort particles by size, and a bioreceptor surface where the particles strike and which is equipped with an aptamer for the detection of specific substances by binding. Here, too, the reaction is optically detected using fluorescence radiation.

[0014] As in the previous document, US 2019 / 0242807 A1 also concerns a device and method for the rapid in-situ detection of pathogens, particularly viruses, in ambient air using an aptamer. The device draws in air, cleans it of particles, and enriches it in a buffer solution. This solution is pumped into a detection chamber containing an electrode functionalized with an aptamer. Counter electrodes are arranged parallel to a multitude of detection chambers. Pathogens are detected based on a characteristic electronic response to an electric field applied between them.

[0015] EP 1 882 177 B1 describes the reaction of an airborne particle with a "reporter," which, after the reaction has occurred, is irradiated with light in a detection zone. Fluorescence, phosphorescence, etc., are mentioned as possible reactions. The reporter is a fluorescent or phosphorescent molecule that may be bound to an antigen.

[0016] Document US 10,677,773 B2 deals generally with a miniaturized device for monitoring ambient air. A virus detector is mentioned as an example. The document essentially concerns the spatial arrangement of pumps, channels, sensors, power supply, etc., within the device.

[0017] US patent 7,705,739 B2 discloses an analysis and warning system for the multi-stage detection of various pathogenic substances, including viruses, in the air. The system includes an optical detection module designed for luminescence measurement.

[0018] The document EP 1 158 292 B1 deals with an aerosol particle detector based on angle-resolved scattered light measurement under the incidence of a laser beam.

[0019] Similarly, US patent 7,053,783 B2 deals with a scattered light detector, specifically for detecting pathogenic particles in the air. The detector measures only the pulse height of the scattered light signals, which are then assigned to a specific particle size, and the presence of pathogenic substances is inferred from the occurrence of certain particle sizes.

[0020] From KR 101625133 B1, an air quality measurement system with networked detectors is known, which is intended to detect various types of air pollutants and to trigger an alarm if certain limit values ​​are exceeded. Viruses are among the pollutants mentioned. The focus of the document is on the networking aspect. The translated excerpts provide no information on the detection process.

[0021] Document US 2013 / 303929 A1 discloses a container for the quantitative detection of pathogenic substances contained in air, in particular viruses, according to the preamble of claim 1.

[0022] The object of the present invention is to provide a reliable detection device for the in situ detection of pathogenic substances contained in air, which is built from simple components and opens up various application possibilities.

[0023] The problem is solved according to a first aspect of the invention by a container according to claim 1. The present invention also relates to a detection device according to claim 3, which comprises the container according to the invention.

[0024] The container is designed and intended for use in a detection device described above. It has an air inlet, an air outlet, a detection volume, and a detection medium for the detection of airborne pathogenic substances, in particular viruses, wherein the detection medium is positioned in the detection volume such that an airflow within the container flows from the air inlet to the air outlet through the detection medium.

[0025] According to a second aspect of the invention, the problem is solved by a method according to claim 15.

[0026] The procedure for detecting pathogenic substances contained in air, especially viruses, comprises the following steps: Providing a container with an air inlet, an air outlet and a detection volume, providing a detection medium in the detection volume, generating a negative pressure (relative to the ambient pressure) in an intake volume downstream of the detection volume by means of a pump, drawing air from the air inlet through the detection medium, and detecting turbidity and / or coloration in the detection medium by means of a sensor element depending on the presence of at least one pathogenic substance in the drawn-through air.

[0027] In this context, "negative pressure" refers to the pressure difference between the ambient pressure, i.e., the pressure in the surrounding air, and the specific pressure generated by the pump, the latter always being lower than the ambient pressure. Accordingly, the "pump for generating a negative pressure" is a suction pump configured with its suction side connected to the intake volume and its pressure side communicating directly or indirectly with the environment to draw air from the intake volume and discharge it into the surroundings.

[0028] A key advantage of the invention is that the air to be tested is drawn through the detection medium, thereby not only detecting the pathogenic substances in the detection medium but also simultaneously filtering them out of the air. The detection volume is located near the beginning of the flow path, so that most of the passive and active components of the device, particularly those for generating and regulating the airflow (pump, valves, etc.), do not come into contact with the pathogenic substances and therefore require less frequent or even non-regular decontaminating or replacement. This allows the device to be manufactured and operated simply and cost-effectively.

[0029] According to the invention, the detection volume is designed to receive a detection liquid, wherein the air inlet of the container, when used as intended, opens into the container below the air outlet with respect to the direction of gravity.

[0030] This ensures that a detection fluid, filled to a certain level in the container, fluidically separates the air inlet from the air outlet. The fill level thus defines the detection volume within the container. The air inlet then opens into the detection volume, while the air outlet opens into or exits the container above the fill level and therefore above the detection volume.

[0031] Terms such as "above", "over", "below" or "under" refer here, on the one hand, to an intended arrangement of the device or the components and substances contained therein, and on the other hand, to the direction of gravity, unless otherwise specified.

[0032] Liquids containing antibodies, i.e., antibody solutions, are preferred as detection media. Here, antibodies are understood to be all immunologically active proteins, regardless of their production, including, in particular, monoclonal antibodies. One variant of this involves a detection fluid containing antibody-loaded latex particles. This fluid is known to be used for particle-enhanced nephelometric immunoassays. When the loaded latex particles come into contact with the analyte to be measured, in this case, the aerosol particles, agglutinates are formed. In the case of nephelometry, these agglutinates are quantitatively detected by light scattering. The higher the concentration of the analyte, the more numerous and larger the scattering particle agglutinates and the stronger the light scatter signal. This principle has been known for a long time and is described, for example, in EP 0 019 741 B1.

[0033] The air inlet is advantageously formed by a supply line (immersion tube) that, during intended use, dips downwards into the detection volume in sections, relative to the direction of gravity.

[0034] In this arrangement, air is supplied from above, following the principle of a gas washing bottle, and released directly into the detection liquid, from where it bubbles through the detection liquid and the contained aerosols come into contact with it. Preferably, a porous or perforated air distribution structure is located in the area of ​​the air inlet in the container.

[0035] Such a structure serves to distribute the air flowing into the detection volume into the smallest possible gas bubbles, thereby increasing the total contact area between the air and the detection fluid. As a secondary effect, the rising velocity of the bubbles decreases when they are smaller, which simultaneously extends the contact time between the air and the detection fluid. The fundamental goal is to optimize the reaction between the pathogenic substance and the detection fluid so that, for example, virtually every virus reacts with at least one antibody.

[0036] The porous air distribution structure is preferably formed by a granular substance or an open-pored material. Zirconia spheres, for example, are also considered granular substances. Zirconia (ZrO₂) is known for the production of, for example, high-performance ceramics for medical applications. The flow along the smooth ceramic surface of the spheres increases the surface area of ​​the now very small air bubbles in the solution, while also increasing their number. Consequently, the total surface area of ​​the air bubbles, where a reaction can occur between the pathogenic substances to be detected, e.g., viruses, and the detection fluid, e.g., the antibodies in the solution, is increased.Preferably, the amount of aerosol supplied, the size, number and surface finish of the zirconium oxide spheres, the volume and geometry of the detection chamber and the detection fluid are coordinated in such a way that air bubbles with a diameter of at most one micrometer are generated in the detection fluid.

[0037] Suitable open-pore materials include solid foams or sponge-like materials with an enlarged surface area. Perforated structures can be achieved, for example, by using sieve or nozzle plates made of glass or another suitable material.

[0038] An advantageous embodiment of the invention provides that the intake volume is formed by a vacuum tank which is connected to the air outlet of the container via a connecting line.

[0039] Alternatively, the intake volume is integrated into the container. In this case, the detection volume and the intake volume preferably together form the container volume, wherein, under normal use, the intake volume is located above the detection volume (i.e., in the case of a detection liquid, above its fill level) within the container volume, and wherein the air outlet opens into or exits from the intake volume.

[0040] Preferably, the detection device has a control unit to which the pump is electronically connected.

[0041] Furthermore, a pressure sensor is advantageously arranged in the intake volume, or a pressure sensor is directly fluidically connected to the intake volume and electronically linked to the control system. "Directly fluidically connected" refers, in contrast to a connection through the detection medium, to a connection via an open fluid line.

[0042] It has also proven advantageous to include a controllable pump valve, which is positioned between the pump and the intake volume and electronically connected to the control system. Such a valve is necessary when the intake volume is not very large, for example, due to space constraints, and the pump therefore intermittently empties the intake volume during a measurement process. This valve then ensures that no ambient air flows back through the pump into the intake volume when the pump is not running. Alternatively, a check valve can be integrated into the pump, which achieves the same effect.

[0043] Furthermore, a housing is preferably provided in which the container is arranged and which has an inlet nozzle or inlet opening that communicates fluidically with the air inlet.

[0044] Advantageously, a controllable inlet valve is also provided, which is located upstream of the air inlet in the inlet nozzle and is electronically connected to the control system.

[0045] If the detection device is used, for example, to analyze a person's breath, the valve, controlled by the system, only opens when a slight overpressure is detected upstream, as explained below. This provides a dual benefit. Firstly, air is only drawn in when a test subject is breathing into a mouthpiece connected to the inlet nozzle. This prevents backbreathing and ensures a defined flow rate through the detection fluid. Secondly, it prevents accidental leakage of the detection fluid when the device is not in operation, i.e., when there is no negative pressure in the intake volume, and when the device is not held or placed in its intended orientation.

[0046] Furthermore, the detection device advantageously includes a pressure sensor which is arranged upstream of the inlet valve in the inlet nozzle or is directly fluidically connected to it and which is electronically connected to the control system.

[0047] If the detection device is used, for example, to analyze a person's breath, the combination of the inlet valve and an upstream pressure sensor first serves to detect that a person is breathing into a mouthpiece connected to the inlet nozzle. This increases the pressure upstream of the inlet valve (inlet pressure). If the sensor detects that a preset value has been exceeded, i.e., a defined overpressure has been reached, the control unit opens the inlet valve to fluidically connect the mouthpiece to the detection volume. The defined pressure drop between the regulated overpressure in the mouthpiece and the intake volume ensures a controlled flow rate of the exhaled aerosol and thus creates the prerequisite for a reliable, quantitative determination of the aerosol particles contained in a specific volume.If the inlet pressure determined by the pressure sensor falls below the same or a different preset value, the control system closes the inlet valve to separate the mouthpiece from the detection volume and, among other things, to prevent backbreathing.

[0048] Accordingly, in this embodiment, the detection device preferably further comprises a mouthpiece that can be connected to the inlet nozzle.

[0049] The mouthpiece preferably comprises an inlet section, an outlet section, and a branching connecting section, the connecting section being configured for fluidic connection with the inlet nozzle. The inlet section, outlet section, and connecting section are designed and dimensioned in such a way that, on the one hand, exhaling into the inlet section generates sufficient overpressure in the connecting section to exceed the preset value and thus open the inlet valve. On the other hand, it must be ensured that exhaling does not generate a significantly higher overpressure, so as not to substantially alter the volumetric flow rate through the detection medium.

[0050] In addition to or as an alternative to the pressure sensor upstream of the inlet valve, a switch, for example one operated by the test subject, may be provided on the detection device, which puts the device into standby mode and / or starts the measurement.

[0051] The outlet section preferably includes a filter element that retains the pathogenic substance, so that the exhaled air, which does not pass through the detection medium, is released into the environment as free as possible from any pathogenic substances that may be present.

[0052] Preferably, the container and the housing have corresponding locking elements, wherein the container can be removed from the housing when the locking elements are not engaged, and is locked in its intended position in the housing when the locking elements are engaged.

[0053] The detection device thus allows for the replacement of the container, for example, when it has completed a certain number of test cycles or when a pathogenic substance has been detected (positive result). For this purpose, the control unit advantageously includes a counter that is incremented by one with each completed test cycle.

[0054] It is also advantageous if the container has a sealing element at both the air inlet and the air outlet to prevent the detection medium from escaping from the removed container.

[0055] The closure element can be designed as a passive valve or check valve that keeps the container closed due to a restoring force without external force, opening in the intended state and / or during operation through interaction with a housing element (outlet side) or through a pressure gradient from outside to inside (inlet side).

[0056] Preferably, the housing, if present, comprises the pump, the control unit, the controllable valves, the sensor element, and the inlet nozzle. The housing thus contains all fixed, i.e., non-replaceable, components and functional elements of the detection device, while the container, as a replaceable part, can be exchanged after each positive result or at the latest after a certain number of test cycles. The mouthpiece, in turn, is designed as a single-use part.

[0057] The sensor element is preferably an optical sensor electronically connected to the control system, wherein a viewing window is arranged in a wall of the container in the area of ​​the detection volume, towards which the optical sensor is directed.

[0058] Furthermore, the detection device preferably has in the housing a light source electronically connected to the control system and an inlet window arranged in a wall of the container in the area of ​​the detection volume, towards which the light source is directed.

[0059] The light source, the optical sensor and the control system are particularly preferably configured to determine the light absorbed or scattered in the detection medium.

[0060] Furthermore, it has proven advantageous if at least one air guide element is arranged within the container, within the detection volume, such that the airflow from the air inlet to the air outlet is deflected at least once, so that the detection medium does not flow directly through it from the air inlet to the air outlet. The at least one air guide element preferably forms a meandering structure.

[0061] The previously mentioned nephelometry method can be used for detection, in which the quantitative concentration of finely dispersed, colloidal aerosol particles can be determined via turbidity. In this method, the detection medium is placed in a light beam, and due to the turbidity, some of the light is scattered laterally to the incoming beam. The scattered light exits the detection volume of the container through the viewing window and is directed, if necessary, by optical components (lenses, prisms, mirrors) onto a photodetector. All optical components and the detector are considered part of the sensor. The photodetector's measurement is directly proportional to the light intensity.

[0062] Turbidimetry is another possible detection method. This involves measuring the scattering-induced reduction in intensity (extinction) of the light beam passing through the detection medium, i.e., the transmission, where the concentration of the reaction products is directly proportional to the turbidity of the solution.

[0063] According to a fourth aspect of the invention, the problem is solved by using the detection device of the type described above as a test device for detecting pathogenic substances, in particular viruses, contained in the exhaled air of a test subject, or as a monitoring device for detecting pathogenic substances, in particular viruses, contained in ambient air. The test device and the monitoring device may each include additional specific functional components, such as a mouthpiece in the case of the test device or a suction funnel in the case of the monitoring device, or appropriately adapted display or data transmission modules. In particular, the monitoring device may have an interface and / or a radio module for wired or wireless data or signal exchange with a server or a stationary or mobile terminal device or a similar monitoring device.This equipment is also conceivable for the test device, which, in its simplest form as a mobile test unit, can manage with its own visual and / or audible display. Conversely, the monitoring device can also have an additional visual and / or audible display to immediately alert people in the monitored area.

[0064] The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to the drawings. These show: Figure 1 is a schematic representation of a first embodiment of the detection device according to the invention as a test device for the exhaled air of a subject; Figure 2 is a schematic representation of a second embodiment of the detection device according to the invention as a test device for the exhaled air of a subject; Figure 3 is a schematic representation of a third embodiment of the detection device according to the invention as a test device for the exhaled air of a subject; and Figure 4 is a schematic representation of a fourth embodiment of the detection device according to the invention as a monitoring device for room air.

[0065] In Figure 1A detection device 100 for detecting pathogenic aerosol particles contained in air, used as a test device 110 for the exhaled air of a test subject, is shown in simplified form. It comprises a housing 120 in which a container 122 with an air inlet 124, an air outlet 126, and a detection volume 128 is arranged. The housing 120 has an inlet opening 129 that communicates fluidically with the air inlet 124 of the container 122. A detection medium 130, preferably a detection liquid, is contained in the detection volume 128 such that an airflow, see arrows 132, is forced through the detection medium 130 within the container 122 from the air inlet 124 to the air outlet 126. If the detection medium 130 is a detection liquid, an air-filled buffer volume 133 is preferably located above its fill level 131.

[0066] The housing 120 also contains an intake volume 134 downstream of the detection volume 128 and within a vacuum tank 136 that is external to the container 122. The vacuum tank 136 is connected to the air outlet 126 of the container 122 via a connecting line 137. A controllable intake valve 138 is integrated into the connecting line 137. The housing 120 also contains a pump 140, connected to the vacuum tank 136 via a controllable pump valve 139, for generating a vacuum in the intake volume 134. The pump 140, the intake valve 138, and the pump valve 139 are electronically connected to a controller 141. Furthermore, a pressure sensor 142 can be located in or fluidically connected to the intake volume 134.The pressure determined in the intake volume 134 is compared with programmed switching thresholds by means of the control unit 141, from which comparison in conjunction with any further input variables the control unit 141 generates on and off signals for the pump 140 and control signals for opening or closing the intake valve 138 and the pump valve 139.

[0067] The pump 140 is configured as a suction pump, with its suction side 143 connected to the intake volume 134 and its pressure side 144 communicating directly or indirectly with the environment to draw air from the intake volume 134 and discharge it into the environment. The air to be tested is thus drawn through the detection medium 130 in the direction indicated by arrow 132, with the detection volume 128 positioned very close to the beginning of the flow path. This ensures that most of the passive and active components for generating and regulating the airflow 132, such as the pump 140, the pump valve 138, and the vacuum tank 136, do not come into contact with the pathogenic substances and therefore do not need to be decontaminated or replaced, even in the event of a positive test result.

[0068] Furthermore, a sensor element 146 is arranged in the housing 120, which is designed to detect turbidity and / or coloration in the detection medium 130 depending on the presence of at least one pathogenic substance in the air flowing through the detection medium 130. The sensor element 146 is an optical sensor electronically connected to the control unit 141 and directed towards a viewing window 148 in the container, which may be formed by a translucent section of the housing wall.

[0069] The air inlet 124 is formed by a supply line 150, also referred to as a dip tube, which, in the intended orientation shown here, dips downwards section by section, relative to the direction of gravity, into the detection volume 128. The air inlet 124 of the container 122 thus opens into the container 122 below the air outlet 126, whereby the air is supplied from above and released directly into the detection fluid 130, from where it bubbles through the detection fluid 130 and the contained aerosols come into contact with the detection fluid 130. The detection fluid 130 fluidically separates the air inlet opening 152 from the air outlet opening 154. The buffer volume 133 corresponds at least to the volume of the column of air present in the immersed section of the dip tube 150 during intake.This prevents the detection fluid 130, displaced by the air in the immersion tube 150, from causing the fill level to rise so high that the detection fluid 130 enters the intake volume 134.

[0070] In the area of ​​the air inlet 124, more precisely the air inlet opening 152, in the container 122 there is a porous or perforated air distribution structure 156, which serves to distribute the air flowing into the detection volume 128 onto the smallest possible gas bubbles.

[0071] Upstream of the air inlet 124 of the container 122 in the inlet opening 129 are arranged a controllable inlet valve 158 and further upstream another pressure sensor 160. The pressure measured in the inlet opening 129 is compared by the controller 141 with programmed switching thresholds, from which comparison in conjunction with any other input variables the controller 141 generates a control signal to open or close the inlet valve 158.

[0072] The detection device 100 further comprises a mouthpiece 162 connected to the inlet opening 129. The mouthpiece 162 has an inlet section 164, an outlet section 166, and a branching connecting section 168. The connecting section 168 is designed for a fluid-tight connection with the inlet opening 129. The inlet section 164, outlet section 166, and connecting section 168 are designed and dimensioned in such a way that, on the one hand, exhaling into the inlet section 164 generates sufficient overpressure in the connecting section 168 to exceed the programmed threshold value at the pressure sensor 160. On the other hand, it must be ensured that exhaling does not generate a significantly higher overpressure, so as not to substantially alter the volume flow through the detection medium 130. Therefore, most of the exhaled air escapes into the environment through the outlet section 166.Therefore, the outlet section 166 includes a filter element 170 that retains the pathogenic substance, so that the exhaled air which does not pass through the detection medium 130 is released into the environment as free as possible from any pathogenic substances that may be present.

[0073] When the detection device 100 is used to analyze a person's breath, the combination of the inlet valve 158 and the pressure sensor 160 first serves to detect that a person is breathing into the mouthpiece 162. This increases the pressure upstream of the inlet valve 158. If the sensor 160 detects that the preset threshold has been exceeded, the control unit 141 opens the inlet valve 158 to connect the mouthpiece 162 fluidically to the detection volume 128. The defined pressure drop between the regulated overpressure in the mouthpiece 162 and the regulated underpressure in the intake volume 134, as described above, ensures a controlled flow rate of the exhaled aerosol.

[0074] In a modified, simplified design, the pressure sensor 160 and the inlet valve 158 can also be replaced by a passive valve integrated into the inlet section 164 of the mouthpiece 162. This valve is closed in its resting state and opens towards the detection volume at a specific pressure differential. The valve can be designed, for example, as a check valve with a preset preload or as a slotted valve. The slotted valve can be formed by a simple tube, preferably made of silicone, with a closed end. Near the end, there are one or more incisions or slots of a suitable shape that open from the inside out at a specific pressure differential. If the pressure differential is lower or disappears, the elastic restoring forces of the tube cause the slot(s) to close. This prevents air or liquid from entering the tube from the outside.The slotted valve is particularly simple and cost-effective.

[0075] Container 122 has a sealing element 172 at both the air inlet 124 and the air outlet 126, preventing the escape of the detection medium 130 from the removed container 122. This valve can also be designed as a gravity valve, a check valve with a preset preload, or a slotted valve. The slotted valve is particularly simple and cost-effective. It can be formed by a simple tube, preferably made of silicone, with a closed end. Near the end, there are one or more incisions or slots of a suitable shape that open from the inside out at a certain pressure differential. If the pressure differential is lower or disappears, the elastic restoring forces of the tube cause the slot(s) to close. This prevents air or liquid from entering the tube from the outside.

[0076] The pump 140, the control unit 141, the controllable valves 138, 139 and 158, the sensor element 146, the pressure sensors 142, 160, the inlet opening 129, the reservoir 122 and the vacuum tank 136, as well as all connecting lines in between are housed in the casing 120.

[0077] Not shown is a light source, for example in the form of an LED or a laser diode, also arranged in the housing 120 and electronically connected to the control unit 141. The light source shines light through an inlet window located in a wall of the container 122 in the area of ​​the detection volume 128 into the detection medium 130. Depending on the measurement method, the optical axes of the sensor element 146 and the light source are aligned coaxially (extinction or absorption measurement) or at right angles (scattered light measurement) to each other.

[0078] Furthermore, the housing 120 may contain a power supply in the form of a battery, in particular a rechargeable battery, or in the form of an external cable for connection to a power source; neither is shown. Also omitted for the sake of simplicity, display or data transmission modules may be arranged in or on the housing. In particular, the detection device may have an interface and / or a radio module for wired or wireless data or signal exchange with a server or a stationary or mobile device, or with similar detection devices. Alternatively or additionally, the detection device 100 may also be equipped with an optical and / or acoustic display.

[0079] The pump 140, the controllable valves 138, 139 and 158, the sensor element 146, the pressure sensors 142, 160, the light source are electronically connected to the control unit 141 by control lines, which are not shown in the diagram for the sake of simplicity.

[0080] In Figure 2 Another embodiment of the detection device 100 for detecting pathogenic aerosol particles contained in the air, used as a test device 110 for the exhaled air of a test subject, is shown in simplified form. The detection device 100 differs from the embodiment of the Figure 1In principle, this is achieved by integrating the intake volume 134 into the container 122. This eliminates the need for the vacuum tank 136, the connecting line 137, and the intake valve 138. The detection volume 128 and the intake volume 134 together constitute the container volume, with the intake volume 134, in the intended orientation shown, being located above the detection volume 128, i.e., above the fill level 131 of the detection fluid 130, within the container volume. The air outlet 126 therefore opens into or branches off from the intake volume 134. The intake volume 134 is generally significantly larger than the buffer volume 133, as shown in the example from [reference missing]. Figure 1 , because the intake volume 134 should act as a vacuum pressure reservoir, providing a pressure difference that is as constant as possible even over a longer intake duration.

[0081] In Figure 3Another embodiment of the detection device 100 for detecting pathogenic aerosol particles contained in air is shown in simplified form as a test device 110 for the exhaled air of a test subject. This detection device differs from the embodiment of the Figure 1 This is achieved by arranging three air guide elements 180 in the container 120 within the detection volume 128 in such a way that they form a meandering structure. The airflow 132 through the detection medium 130 from the air inlet 124 to the air outlet 126 is thereby deflected multiple times. The detection medium 130 is thus not traversed directly from the air inlet 124 to the air outlet 126, but rather via a longer path. This increases the contact time between the air, or the aerosols contained therein, and consequently also the viruses contained therein, and the detection medium 130, thereby increasing the detection efficiency of the detection device 100.

[0082] In Figure 4 Figure 200 is a simplified embodiment of the detection device 200 for detecting pathogenic aerosol particles contained in air, used as a monitoring device 210 for indoor air. The detection device 200 differs from the embodiment of the Figure 1The design is primarily determined by the shape of the housing 220, which is exemplified here as a spherical segment-shaped shell for ceiling mounting. Furthermore, the nozzle 162 is omitted in this configuration. Air is drawn into the housing interior through openings 222 in the housing wall and then into an intake pipe 224, which leads into the air inlet 124. The pressure sensor 160 can be omitted here because ambient pressure is always present in the intake pipe in this application. The intake process is initiated by the control unit by activating the pump and opening the inlet valve 158 when a preset vacuum is reached in the intake volume 134 or in the vacuum tank 136. The subsequent measurement proceeds analogously to that previously described in connection with the test devices 110. When using the detection device 200 as a monitoring device 210, the measurements can be performed at specific intervals according to a defined schedule. REFERENCE MARK LIST

[0083] 100 Detection device 110 Test device 120 Housing 122 Container 124 Air inlet 126 Air outlet 128 Detection volume 129 Inlet opening 130 Detection medium, detection fluid 131 Fill level 132 Arrow, airflow 133 Buffer volume 134 Suction volume 136 Vacuum tank 137 Connection line 138 Suction valve 139 Pump valve 140 Pump 141 Control 142 Pressure sensor 143 Suction side of pump 144 Pressure side of pump 146 Sensor element 148 Viewing window 150 Supply line, immersion tube 152 Air inlet opening 154 Air outlet opening 156 Air distribution structure 158 Inlet valve 160 Pressure sensor 162 Nozzle 164 Inlet section 166 Outlet section 168 Connection section 170 Filter element 172 Closure element 180 Air guide element 200 Detection device 210 Monitoring device 220 Housing 222 Opening 224 Intake pipe

Claims

1. Container (122) with an air inlet (124), an air outlet (126), a detection volume (128) and a detection liquid (130) for the detection of pathogenic substances contained in air, in particular viruses, wherein the detection liquid (130) is placed in the detection volume (128) when used as intended, such that an air flow (132) within the container (122) flows through the detection liquid (130) from the air inlet (124) to the air outlet (126) and wherein the air inlet (124) opens into the container (122) below the air outlet (126), with respect to the direction of gravity.

2. Container (122) according to claim 1, characterized in that the detection liquid (130) contains antibodies or antibody-loaded latex particles.

3. Detection device (100, 200) for the detection of pathogenic substances contained in air, in particular viruses, comprising a container (122) according to one of claims 1 or 2, an intake volume (134) downstream of the detection volume (128), a pump (140) connected to the intake volume (134) for generating a vacuum in the intake volume (134), and a sensor element (146) arranged to detect turbidity and / or coloration in the detection liquid (130) as a result of the presence of at least one pathogenic substance in the air flowing through the detection liquid (130).

4. Detection device (100, 200) according to claim 3, characterized in that, the air inlet (124) is formed by a supply line (150) which, when used as intended, partly dips downwards into the detection volume (128) with respect to the direction of gravity.

5. Detection device (100, 200) according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that, a porous or perforated air distributor structure (156) is located in the region of the air inlet (124), which is formed by a granular substance or an open-pored material.

6. Detection device (100, 200) according to one of claims 3 to 5, characterized in that the intake volume (134) is formed by a vacuum tank (136), which is connected to the air outlet (126) of the container (122) via a connection pipe (137).

7. Detection device (100, 200) according to one of claims 3 to 6, characterized in that the intake volume (134) is integrated in the container (122), wherein the detection volume (128) and the intake volume (134) together form the container volume, wherein, when used as intended, the intake volume (134) is formed above the detection volume (128) in the container volume, with respect to the direction of gravity, and wherein the air outlet (126) opens into the intake volume (134).

8. A detection device (100, 200) according to any one of claims 3 to 7, characterized by, a controller (141) and a pressure sensor (142), which is arranged in the intake volume (134) or is directly fluidically connected thereto, the pump (140) and the pressure sensor (142) being electronically connected to the controller (141).

9. A detection device (100, 200) according to any one of claims 3 to 8, characterized by, a controller (141) and a controllable pump valve (139) arranged between the pump (140) and the intake volume (134), the pump (140) and the controllable pump valve (139) being electronically connected to the controller (141).

10. A detection device (100, 200) according to any one of claims 3 to 9, characterized by, a controller (141), a housing (120) in which the container (122) is disposed and which has an inlet port or opening (129) in fluid communication with the air inlet (124) of the container (122), and a controllable inlet valve (158) disposed in the inlet port, wherein the pump (140) and the controllable inlet valve (158) are electronically connected to the controller (141).

11. Detection device (100, 200) according to claim 10, characterized by, a pressure sensor (160), which is arranged in the inlet connection piece or is directly fluidically connected thereto upstream of the inlet valve (158) and which is electronically connected to the control unit (141).

12. Detection device (100, 200) according to one of claims 10 or 11, characterized in that, the container (122) and the housing (120) have corresponding locking elements, wherein the container (122) is removable from the housing (120) when the locking elements are not engaged and wherein it is locked in its intended position in the housing (120) when the locking elements are engaged, wherein the container (122) has a closure element (172) at the air inlet (124) and at the air outlet (126) which prevents the detection liquid (130) from flowing out of the removed container (122).

13. A detection device (100, 200) according to any one of claims 10 to 12, characterized by, a mouthpiece (162) connectable to the inlet port and comprising an inlet section (164), an outlet section (166) and a branching connection section (168), wherein the connection section (168) is adapted for fluidic connection to the inlet port and wherein the outlet section (166) comprises a filter element (170) retaining the pathogenic substance.

14. Detection device (100, 200) according to any one of claims 3 to 13, characterized in that, the sensor element (146) is an optical sensor which is electronically connected to the controller (141), and in that a viewing window (148), towards which the optical sensor is aligned, is arranged in a wall of the container (122) in the region of the detection volume (128), and in that a light source electronically connected to the controller (141) and an inlet window arranged in a wall of the container (122) in the region of the detection volume (128) are provided, towards which the light source is aligned, wherein the light source, the optical sensor and the controller (141) being set up to determine the light absorbed or scattered in the detection liquid (130).

15. Method for the detection of pathogenic substances (aerosol particles) contained in air, in particular viruses, comprising - providing a container (122) according to any one of claims 1 or 2 with an air inlet (124), an air outlet (126) and a detection volume (128), - providing a detection liquid (130) in the detection volume (128), - generating a negative pressure (relative to the ambient pressure) in an intake volume (134) downstream of the detection volume (128) by means of a pump (140), - intaking air from the air inlet (124) through the detection liquid (130), - detecting turbidity and / or coloration in the detection medium (130) by means of a sensor element (146) as a result of the presence of at least one pathogenic substance in the air sucked through.