DOSAGE CONTAINING A CARBON DIOXIDE PRECURSOR GEL, KIT, TRAPPING DEVICE AND METHOD OF USE

Abstract

DOSAGE COMPRISING A CARBON DIOXIDE PRECURSOR GEL, KIT, TRAPPING DEVICE AND METHOD OF USE The invention relates to a dose (2, 3, 4) comprising a composition encapsulated in a water-soluble shell, said dose being characterized in that said composition is formed of a CO2 precursor gel, comprising: - between 27% and 38% by mass of water relative to the total mass of said CO2 precursor gel, - between 60% and 70% by mass of sucrose relative to the total mass of said CO2 precursor gel, - between 2% and 4% by mass of animal gelatin relative to the total mass of said CO2 precursor gel. The invention also relates to a pest trapping device comprising at least one such dose and a method of using such a pest trapping device. Figure for the abstract: Figure 1

Description

Title of the invention: DOSETTE COMPRISING A CARBON DIOXIDE PRECURSOR GEL, KIT, TRAPPING DEVICE AND METHOD OF USE Technical field of the invention

[0001] The invention relates to gel pods adapted to enable the production of carbon dioxide using yeast. The invention also relates to a kit comprising such pods, as well as a device for trapping insects such as mosquitoes, and a method for using such a device. Technological background

[0002] Mosquitoes can act as disease vectors by transmitting a pathogen to a healthy person through a bite if they have previously bitten an infected person or animal. Mosquitoes are therefore not only a nuisance due to their unpleasant bites but also a risk to public health. Given climate change and the globalization of trade, at-risk areas are becoming increasingly widespread. It is therefore particularly important to combat the presence of mosquitoes.

[0003] A solution sometimes implemented in certain infested areas and / or areas with high population density involves spreading biocides and insecticides. However, this solution presents significant environmental and ecological drawbacks, especially if the application of such biocides must be repeated regularly.

[0004] It is known to attract female mosquitoes using gas canisters (butane or carbon dioxide). However, mosquito traps using such gas canisters are subject to strict regulatory constraints and must obtain marketing authorization. Objectives of the invention

[0005] The invention aims to provide, in at least one embodiment, CO2 precursor gel pods improving the effectiveness of a device for trapping harmful insects such as mosquitoes.

[0006] The invention also aims to provide CO2 precursor gel pods whose production is easily industrialized.

[0007] The invention also aims to provide CO2 precursor gel pods that can be handled and sprayed safely by any user.

[0008] The invention also aims to provide, in at least one embodiment, a mosquito trapping device that is highly effective while being economical and easy to use. Description of the invention

[0009] To this end, the invention relates to at least one single-dose container comprising a composition encapsulated in a water-soluble envelope, said single-dose container being characterized in that said composition is formed of a gel, referred to as a CO2 precursor gel, comprising: - between 27% and 38% by mass of water relative to the total mass of said CO2 precursor gel, - between 60% and 70% by mass of sucrose relative to the total mass of said CO2 precursor gel, - between 2% and 4% by mass of animal gelatin relative to the total mass of said CO2 precursor gel

[0010] Such doses are ready for use in order to be put into contact with an aqueous solution containing yeasts and their individual presentation in water-soluble packaging allows them to be used easily and handled safely by the user.

[0011] Throughout the text, the term "water-soluble envelope" refers to a film capable of dissolving in water, for example without leaving behind particles larger than 5 mm in diameter after immersing a piece of water-soluble film a few centimeters in size in water under light agitation for 10 minutes.

[0012] The gelatin used may be commercially available food-grade gelatin, which may be in powder or sheet form. Gelatin is a protein with a high glycine and proline content. It is obtained by partial hydrolysis of collagen found in animal skin and bones.

[0013] Thus and according to the invention, said CO2 precursor gel comprises between 31% and 34% by mass of water relative to the total mass of said CO2 precursor gel.

[0014] Thus and according to the invention, said water-soluble envelope is formed of at least one water-soluble material chosen from the group formed of water-soluble polymers.

[0015] Thus and according to the invention, said water-soluble envelope is formed of a water-soluble material chosen from the group consisting of polyvinyl alcohols (PVA or PVOH), casein and mixtures thereof.

[0016] Thus and according to the invention, said CO2 precursor gel further comprises trace elements, and / or minerals - such as zinc, potassium or copper - and / or B vitamins.

[0017] Advantageously and according to the invention, each pod has a mass between 25 g and 150 g, in particular between 50 g and 100 g.

[0018] It is also possible to add a colorant to the CO2 precursor gel so that it has a more pleasant appearance or a desired color, without affecting its effectiveness.

[0019] It is also possible to add glucose and / or fructose to sucrose.

[0020] Advantageously and according to the invention, each pod has a generally elongated shape, like sticks.

[0021] The invention also relates to a kit comprising at least two doses according to the invention and between 5 g and 25 g of yeasts belonging to the genus Saccharomyces.

[0022] The invention also relates to a device for trapping harmful insects such as mosquitoes, comprising: • at least one container comprising an opening configured to be able to be sealed, said container having a capacity of at least three litres, • at least one net with a single opening, configured to form a trap for mosquitoes, • at least one fan configured to generate an airflow that draws mosquitoes towards the net, • at least one electrical energy storage unit configured to electrically power said fan,

[0023] characterized in that it comprises at least one pod according to the invention.

[0024] The invention also relates to a method of using such a pest insect trapping device in which: • at least two liters (2 L) of water are introduced into the said container and between 5 g and 25 g of yeasts belonging to the genus Saccharomyces, • at least one sachet is introduced into the said container.

[0025] The number of pods to be introduced into the container depends in particular on the capacity of the container, the total volume of water added and the size and / or mass of CO2 precursor gel in each pod.

[0026] The invention also relates to a pod, a kit, a trapping device and a method characterized in combination by all or part of the characteristics mentioned above or below. List of figures

[0027] Other objects, features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description, given by way of non-limiting example only, and which refers to the accompanying figures in which: • Figure [1] is a schematic view representing three pods according to the invention, • [Fig.2] is a schematic perspective view of a trapping device according to the invention.

[0028] Detailed description of an embodiment of the invention

[0029] In the figures, the scales and proportions are not strictly respected for the purposes of illustration and clarity.

[0030] Identical, similar or analogous elements are designated by the same re- references in all figures.

[0031] Fig. 1 illustrates three CO2 precursor gel pods 2, 3, 4 presented in an elongated stick form.

[0032] Fig. 2 illustrates a device for trapping harmful insects such as mosquitoes with which the pods 2, 3, 4 can be used.

[0033] The trapping device 10 comprises uprights 11 assembled together, a container 12 having an opening configured to be able to be sealed, the container 12 having a capacity of at least three liters, and a capture net having a single opening 18. It also comprises a fan 16 configured to generate an airflow that draws mosquitoes towards said net, which is disposed inside a portion of cylindrical duct 17, and at least one electrical energy storage unit 25 configured to power said fan. The fan 16 is disposed adjacent to an open end of the portion of duct 17. In the embodiment illustrated in [Fig. 2], the electrical energy storage unit 25 (battery) is powered by a solar panel 20 and electrically connected to the fan 16 to enable its operation.

[0034] Each dose 2, 3, 4 comprises a composition encapsulated in a water-soluble shell. The encapsulated composition is formed from a CO2 precursor gel, comprising between 27% and 38% by mass of water, between 60% and 70% by mass of sucrose, and between 2% and 4% by mass of animal gelatin relative to the total mass of said CO2 precursor gel. Each dose 2, 3, 4 has a mass of between 25 g and 150 g, preferably between 50 g and 100 g.

[0035] For example, a CO2 precursor gel is prepared:

[0036] - 500 mL (0.50 L) of tap water,

[0037] - 1000 grams of white powdered sugar (sucrose),

[0038] - 45 grams of bovine gelatin,

[0039] - and 1 to 5 g of green food coloring.

[0040] After mixing and a possible resting period, the sachets are prepared using a water-soluble film by applying the desired quantity of CO2 precursor gel and sealing and cutting the film to the desired shapes and dimensions to form the water-soluble envelope of each sachet. This can be carried out using any suitable technique, for example, a vacuum sealing machine or a fully automated machine. This water-soluble film is made of a water-soluble material selected from the group consisting of polyvinyl alcohols (PVA or PVOH), casein, and mixtures thereof.

[0041] On the other hand, 7 grams of a mixture of brewer's yeast and trace elements (Saccharomyces cerevisiae strain) are also available.

[0042] Certain strains of yeast tend to produce more CO2 than ethanol during of fermentation. By adding more nutrients (e.g., mineral salts, vitamins, etc.) to the fermentation solution, yeast growth and CO2 production can be promoted.

[0043] Each pod 2, 3, 4 can be packaged in the form of capsules or sticks, for example sticks with a length of 150 mm and a width of 40 mm. Each stick weighs, for example, approximately 70 grams. Other dimensions are of course also possible, for example smaller pods such as 100 mm x 30 mm.

[0044] The thickness of the water-soluble film constituting the envelope of each pod preferably has a thickness between 70 micrometers and 90 micrometers, for example a thickness of around 76 micrometers.

[0045] The sticks needed for a one-month period of use can, for example, be packaged in a plastic box (20 sticks per box, for example). These sticks can be inserted into the container of the trapping device, for example, through the neck of a 5 L flexible container. For example, 10 sticks are used for the first 15 days of the month, and then 10 new sticks are added for the last 15 days of the month.

[0046] The container is filled with 2 L of tap water and a 7 g sachet of baker's yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) and is placed inside the trapping device. When the water-soluble packaging of the sachets comes into contact with this aqueous solution, it dissolves, releasing the CO2 precursor gel. After a lag phase, the yeast in the water (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) begins to feed on the CO2 precursor gel. This active microorganism uses the energy provided by carbohydrates to grow. This process releases the carbon dioxide (CO2) needed to attract mosquitoes closer to the trap.

[0047] The 5 L container 12 is connected to a CO2-compatible hose 14 (impermeable to gases such as carbon dioxide), the end of which is positioned as close as possible to the opening 18 of the capture net of the trapping device 10. The aim is to attract mosquitoes as close as possible to the suction point in order to trap them in a capture net.

[0048] After 15 days, when the CO2 precursor gel in container 12 has been completely consumed by the yeast, it is preferable for the user to drain some of the remaining liquid (approximately half of the liquid present) and then add tap water 13 until a volume of at least 2 L is reached. This step is facilitated when the container is equipped with a drain tap at the bottom. This step is necessary because the fermentation process results in the conversion of sugars into alcohol and the production of carbon dioxide. of carbon (CO2).

[0049] It is preferable to expel ethanol in order to prioritize the release of carbon dioxide. Ethanol production can slow yeast growth due to its accumulation, but this does not mean that it will stop CO2 production. In fact, the yeast will continue to produce CO2 until it reaches a state of dormancy or death, at which point CO2 production will cease.

[0050] The combination of the nature and mass proportions of each component of the CO2 precursor gel pods according to the invention, together with a device for trapping harmful insects such as mosquitoes using such pods, makes it possible to achieve a particularly high mosquito trapping efficiency, confirming their interest in particular in comparison with existing and generally much more expensive devices.

Claims

Demands

1. A sachet (2, 3, 4) comprising a composition encapsulated in a water-soluble envelope, said sachet being characterized in that said composition is formed of a gel, said CO2 precursor gel, comprising • between 27% and 38% by mass of water relative to the total mass of said CO2 precursor gel, • between 60% and 70% by mass of sucrose relative to the total mass of said CO2 precursor gel, • between 2% and 4% by mass of animal gelatin relative to the total mass of said CO2 precursor gel.

2. Dose according to claim 1, characterized in that said CO2 precursor gel comprises between 31% and 34% by mass of water relative to the total mass of said CO2 precursor gel.

3. Pod according to one of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that said water-soluble envelope is formed of at least one water-soluble material selected from the group formed of water-soluble polymers.

4. Pod according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that said water-soluble shell is formed of a water-soluble material selected from the group consisting of polyvinyl alcohols (PVA or PVOH), casein and mixtures thereof.

5. Dose according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that said CO2 precursor gel further comprises trace elements, and / or minerals - such as zinc, potassium or copper - and / or B vitamins.

6. A sachet according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that it has a mass between 25 g and 150 g, in particular between 50 g and 100 g.

7. Pod according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that it has a generally elongated shape.

8. Kit comprising at least two doses (2, 3, 4) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, and between 5 g and 25 g of yeasts belonging to the genus Sac-charomyces.

9. Device (10) for trapping harmful insects such as mosquitoes comprising: • at least one container (12) comprising an opening configured to be able to be closed, said container having a capacity of at least three litres, • at least one net having a single opening (18) and configured to be able to form a trap for mosquitoes, • at least one fan (17) configured to be able to generate an airflow drawing mosquitoes towards said net, • at least one electrical energy accumulator (25) configured to electrically power said fan, characterized in that it comprises at least one pod (2, 3, 4) according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

10. A method of using a pest insect trapping device (10) according to claim 9, wherein: • at least two liters of water are introduced into said container (12) and between 5 g and 25 g of yeasts belonging to the genus Sac-charomyces, • at least one scoop (2, 3, 4) is introduced into said container.

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