Dispensing device, its use and method of sanitization

Abstract

A dispensing apparatus (1) comprising a solution (2) of probiotic bacteria with intact cell membranes and a dispensing device (10), the dispensing device (10) comprising: (i) a reservoir (4) containing said solution (2) of probiotic bacteria, (ii) a source of pressurized gas (6), (iii) a dispensing body (8) defining a mixing chamber (12) between said solution (2) of probiotic bacteria and said pressurized gas and providing a liquid-gas mixture, the dispensing body (8) comprising at least one dispensing nozzle (14) of said liquid-gas mixture in the form of a spray jet (16), said spray jet (16) comprising substantially spherical droplets having an average diameter between 100 μm and 300 μm, and (iv) at least one peristaltic pump (18) connected to said reservoir (4) and supplying said solution (2) of probiotic bacteria to said mixing chamber (12).

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a dispensing apparatus comprising (i) a solution of bacteria, preferably live viable bacteria, even more preferably live viable bacteria with intact cell membranes, and (ii) a dispensing device. Furthermore, the present invention relates to the use of said dispensing apparatus for sanitizing surfaces and / or environments, preferably indoor environments. Furthermore, the present invention relates to an air conditioning system comprising said dispensing apparatus.

[0002] Finally, the invention relates to a sanitization method implemented by said dispensing device or by said air conditioning system. [Background technology]

[0003] An air conditioner is a thermal machine designed to raise or lower the temperature of an environment (e.g., a room or the passenger compartment of a vehicle), one of its advantages being that it can combat heat and humidity, or conversely, cold and dampness.

[0004] The operating principle of air conditioners is the so-called "heat pump" by transferring heat to or absorbing heat from a heat exchange fluid contained in a circuit: energy is taken from one side of the circuit and transferred to the other side of the same circuit.

[0005] The components of an air conditioning system are a compressor, an evaporator, a condenser, a stacked valve, a reversible valve, and an air filter.

[0006] The compressor creates a pressure difference so that the circuit (and thus the thermodynamic cycle) can function to suck in and compress the heat exchange fluid from the evaporator and push this fluid into the condenser, where it condenses under pressure and releases the absorbed heat. After the condenser, the fluid passes through a stacked valve, which is a throttling device commissioned to reduce the pressure energy by friction, causing an irreversible expansion of the condensed heat exchange fluid. Fluidically downstream of the stacked valve, the heat exchange fluid flows into the evaporator and restarts the cycle. The heat exchange fluid thus changes its physical state in the two heat exchangers, namely in the evaporator (from liquid state to gaseous state) and in the condenser (from gaseous state to liquid state).

[0007] A reversible valve is a component commissioned to reverse the flow direction of a heat exchange fluid in a circuit, allowing it to either remove heat from an environment (reducing its temperature) or introduce heat into the same environment (increasing its temperature).

[0008] Finally, air filters are necessary to purify the air that has been thermally processed in the air conditioners, removing solid particles and airborne microorganisms.

[0009] One of the important issues in air conditioning equipment is the maintenance of the system, and more specifically the cleaning of the air filters. These filters provide a warm and moist environment that is ideal for colonization by pathogenic microorganisms, e.g. bacteria (e.g. Legionella spp.), molds (e.g. Penicillium spp.), supporting their growth. Serious human health problems can arise from contaminated air filters, as pathogenic microorganisms can pass through the ventilation ducts under the forced air drive and be released into the environment, settle on surfaces, and be inhaled or come into contact with the eyes.

[0010] In particular, in the workplace, pollution from air conditioning systems frequently leads to symptoms of "sick house syndrome" (SBS), a pathological condition occurring when 20%-30% of workers suffer from symptoms such as migraines, drowsiness, nasal blockage, itching, inflammation, conjunctivitis, burning eyes, respiratory disorders, etc., without any specific cause or illness being identified. Summary of the Invention [Means for solving the problem]

[0011] After a long and intensive research and development effort, the applicant has developed a dispensing device, an air conditioning system and a sanitization method that can provide an adequate response to the existing limitations, inconveniences and problems.

[0012] In particular, the present devices, systems and methods are designed to spray a solution containing bacteria, preferably live, viable bacteria, and even more preferably live, viable bacteria with intact cell membranes, which remain alive during spraying of the solution and are able to survive, replicate and colonize environments and surfaces.

[0013] The invention thus makes it possible to re-establish or achieve a biological balance in the air, in the environment, preferably in the indoor environment and / or on surfaces, thereby significantly reducing the concentration of harmful or pathogenic bacteria and allergens and contributing to the generation of a permanently healthy ecosystem.

[0014] An object of the present invention is therefore a dispensing apparatus comprising a solution of preferably live and viable bacteria, even more preferably live and viable bacteria with intact cell membranes, and a dispensing device, having the characteristics as defined in the appended claims.

[0015] An object of the invention is also the use of said dispensing device for sanitizing surfaces and / or environments, having the characteristics as defined in the appended claims.

[0016] An object of the invention is also an air conditioning system comprising said dispensing device, having the characteristics as defined in the appended claims.

[0017] A further object of the invention is a sanitization method implemented by said dispensing device or said air conditioning system, having the characteristics as defined in the appended claims. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0018] Preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described by way of example, and not by way of limitation, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0019] [Figure 1] 1 shows a side view of a part of a dispensing device that is the object of the invention, according to a possible embodiment. [Diagram 2] 1 shows a front view of a part of a dispensing device that is the object of the invention, according to a possible embodiment. [Diagram 3] In another embodiment, a detail of the lower part (including the hydraulic parts) of the dispensing device according to figures 1 and 2 is shown in a side cross-sectional view. [Figure 4] In another embodiment, a detail of the lower part (including the hydraulic parts) of the dispensing device according to figures 1 and 2 is shown in a front cross-sectional view. [Diagram 5] 1 depicts a functional diagram of hydraulic components of a dispensing device according to a possible embodiment; [Figure 6] Shown is the possible shape of the spray jet emerging from a dispensing nozzle for a possible embodiment of said nozzle, with sections A, B and C showing the diameter of said jet at distances of 15 cm and 38 cm from the nozzle and at the end of the jet, respectively (when in turbulent geometry).

[0020] The object of the invention is therefore a dispensing device, generally designated by the reference number 1 in the accompanying drawings. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0021] The dispensing apparatus comprises (a) a solution 2 of probiotic bacteria with intact cell membranes (and therefore viable) and (b) a dispensing device 10.

[0022] As used herein, the term "viable" means that 90% to 100%, preferably 95% to 99%, and even more preferably 96% to 98.5% of the total probiotic bacteria in the solution have intact cell membranes and are "alive" regardless of their ability to replicate.

[0023] Said probiotic bacteria with an intact cell membrane are preferably non-spore-forming bacteria.

[0024] Preferably, said probiotic bacteria with an intact cell membrane are selected from bacteria of the genera Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium, Streptococcus, Lactococcus, Akkermansia, Intestinimonas, Eubacterium, Faecalibacterium, Neisseria, Roseburia, Cutibacterium, and mixtures thereof, more preferably from bacteria of the genera Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium, and mixtures thereof.

[0025] Even more preferably, said probiotic bacteria with an intact cell membrane are selected from the group consisting of Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lactobacillus buchneri, Lactobacillus fermentum, Lactobacillus salivarius subsp. salivarius, Lactobacillus crispatus, Lactobacillus paracasei subsp. paracasei, Lactobacillus gasseri, Lactobacillus plantarum, Lactobacillus delbrueckii subsp. delbrueckii, subsp. delbrueckii, Lactobacillus rhamnosus, Lactobacillus pentosus, Lactobacillus fermentum, Lactobacillus brevis, Lactobacillus plantarum, Lactobacillus casei, Lactobacillus reuteri, Lactobacillus johnsonii, Bifidobacterium adolescentis, Bifidobacterium animalis subsp.lactis, Bifidobacterium breve, Bifidobacterium catenulatum, Bifidobacterium pseudocatenulatum, Bifidobacterium bifidum, Bifidobacterium lactis, Bifidobacterium infantis, Bifidobacterium longum, Akkermansia munichipila, Intestinimonas butyriciproducens, Eubacterium hallii The bacterial strain may be selected from the group consisting of: Acinetobacterium hallii, Faecalobacterium prausnitzii, Neisseria lactamica, Roseburia hominis, Cutibacterium acnes, and mixtures thereof.

[0026] The probiotic bacteria with intact cell membranes are preferably freeze-dried bacteria reconstituted in a solution, preferably an aqueous solution of probiotic bacteria 2, more preferably an aqueous solution of sodium chloride.

[0027] The aqueous sodium chloride solution preferably contains, in addition to probiotic bacteria with intact cell membranes, sodium chloride in an amount of 0.1% to 15% by weight, preferably 0.2% to 10% by weight, based on the total weight of the aqueous solution.

[0028] The dispensing device 10 comprises (i) a reservoir 4 containing said solution 2 of probiotic bacteria, (ii) a pressurized gas source 6, (iii) a dispensing body (or dispensing gun) 8, and (iv) at least one peristaltic pump 18.

[0029] Dispensing device 10 is preferably only partially enclosed within a device casing 34, which is preferably fabricated from a metallic material, more preferably steel, and even more preferably stainless steel (eg, AISI 304).

[0030] As used herein, the expression "only partially enclosed" means that not all parts of the dispensing device 10 are contained within the device casing 34. By way of example, at least the reservoir 4 and the dispensing body 8 are preferably external to the device casing 34.

[0031] The device casing 34 preferably defines at least two separate casing compartments 36, 38, a first casing compartment 36 (or lower compartment) housing the hydraulic components of the device and a second casing compartment 38 (or upper compartment) housing the electrical components of the device. The separate casing compartments 36, 38 are preferably closed by at least one open casing door 64.

[0032] Preferably, the dispensing device 10 comprises first temperature detection means 62 for detecting the temperature in the first casing compartment 36 and / or the second casing compartment 38. The first temperature detection means 62 is therefore capable of signalling any abnormal change in temperature in one or both of said compartments 36, 38.

[0033] The reservoir 4 has a volume commensurate with the volume of the solution 2 of probiotic bacteria contained therein. By way of example, the reservoir 4 may have a volume of 0.5 liters to 200 liters, preferably 0.6 liters to 2 liters, or 10 liters to 100 liters.

[0034] Preferably, the dispensing device 10 comprises means 40 for stirring the solution 2 of probiotic bacteria operatively connected to the reservoir 4. The stirring means 40 serves to prevent the formation of concentration gradients or sediments within the reservoir.

[0035] In the illustrated embodiment, the stirring means 40 comprises a mechanical agitator 42 with an impeller 44 at least partially immersed (in a rotatable manner) in the solution.

[0036] Preferably, the stirring means 40 comprises an air delivery conduit adapted to be inserted into the solution and adapted to introduce a gas, preferably air, into said solution to generate mixing. Preferably, the air delivery conduit has a free end located on the bottom wall 46 of said reservoir or immersed within said reservoir, from which said gas flows.

[0037] The reservoir 4 preferably comprises at least one closure element (not shown), which at least partially overlaps the reservoir access opening 48. The closure element preferably intersects an opening housing the stirring means 40 (i.e. the air delivery conduit or impeller 44, if provided), the solution suction conduit 50 (connected to the peristaltic pump 18) and, if necessary, a level detector 52 for the solution.

[0038] The reservoir 4 contains the solution 2 of probiotic bacteria and is preferably a thermostatically controlled reservoir.

[0039] Therefore, the dispensing device 10 preferably comprises (v) cooling means 20 (only shown in Figures 2 and 5) in thermal contact with the reservoir 4, for maintaining said solution 2 of probiotic bacteria at a predetermined temperature. The predetermined temperature is preferably between 1°C and 8°C (at about 1 atmosphere pressure), more preferably between 2°C and 5°C, even more preferably between 3.5°C and 4.5°C. When the solution of probiotic bacteria 2 is at the predetermined temperature, the probiotic bacteria are under "slowed down" bacterial replication conditions (compared to the replication rate at room temperature of 25°C and about 1 atmosphere pressure).

[0040] Preferably, the dispensing device 10 comprises said cooling means 20, a second solution temperature sensing means 34 and a management control means 32. The management control means 32 is operatively connected to the second temperature sensing means for receiving a temperature detection signal, and is connected to the cooling means 20 for transmitting a temperature control signal thereto.

[0041] Preferably, the supervisory control means 32 is electronic. More preferably, the supervisory control means 32 comprises at least one programmable logic controller (PLC).

[0042] The pressurized gas source 6 is preferably a source of pressurized air (or compressed air).

[0043] The source of pressurized gas 6 may include a pressurized container of said gas, or a compressor (fixed or portable), or a compressor installation.

[0044] Preferably, the dispensing device 10 comprises a compressed air control unit 54 fluidly arranged downstream of the pressurized gas source 6 and upstream of the dispensing body 8. The compressed air control unit 54 serves to regulate the pressurized gas flow rate and / or to avoid pressure peaks.

[0045] The dispensing body 8 defines a mixing chamber 12 between the solution 2 of probiotic bacteria and the pressurized gas, provides a liquid-gas mixture and comprises at least one dispensing nozzle 14 for said liquid-gas mixture in the form of a spray jet 16.

[0046] The spray jet 16 comprises roughly spherical droplets with an average diameter in the range of 100 μm to 300 μm.

[0047] The mean diameter is measured by methods known in the art, for example a suitable method is using a PDA (Phase Doppler Anemometer) instrument.

[0048] Preferably, the dispensing nozzle 14 is a nozzle with a variable nozzle opening, ie a nozzle with a passage cross-sectional area that is adjustable in dependence, inter alia, on the pressure and flow rate of the pressurized gas supply and on the pressure and flow rate of the solution supply.

[0049] As an example, an atomized jet 16 containing approximately spherical droplets with an average diameter in the range of 100 μm to 300 μm can be obtained under the following conditions: Solution supply pressure: 1.8 bar to 2.2 bar, preferably 2 bar. Pressurized gas supply pressure: 2.4 bar to 2.6 bar, preferably 2.5 bar. Solution supply flow rate: 6.0 L / h to 6.4 L / h, preferably 6.2 L / h. Pressurized gas supply flow rate: 49 liters / min to 55 liters / min, preferably 52 liters / min.

[0050] Preferably, the atomizing jet 16 has the shape shown diagrammatically in FIG. 6, where the parameters A, B, C are 38 cm, 53 cm, and 3.2 cm, respectively.

[0051] The pressure of the pressurized gas exiting the dispensing nozzle is preferably about 2.8 bar, and the pressure of the solution exiting the dispensing nozzle is about 2.0 bar.

[0052] Preferably, dispensing nozzle 14 has a shape characterized by an internal spiral.

[0053] Preferably, the dispensing nozzle 14 is removably connected to the dispensing body 8 such that the dispensing nozzle 14 can be exchanged according to the passage section required to dispense to the spray jet 16 .

[0054] As an example, a dispensing nozzle that can be used in this device or apparatus is the automatic spray nozzle "SPEEDY JET", model APAEV24VCC, manufactured by EUROSPRAY SPRAY AND FILTER TECFINOLOGY, SL (Spain; https: / / www.euspray.com / ).

[0055] A peristaltic pump 18 is connected to the reservoir 4 and delivers a solution of probiotic bacteria 2 to the mixing chamber 12 .

[0056] The use of a peristaltic pump 18 in the present dispensing device 10 was not an accidental choice, since this type of pump makes it possible to keep the cell membranes of the probiotic bacteria intact, preserving the viability of these bacteria and avoiding contamination of the solution before dispensing.

[0057] Preferably, the compression generated by the peristaltic pump 18 is between 1 atmosphere and 5 atmospheres, preferably between 2 atmospheres and 4 atmospheres.

[0058] The peristaltic pump 18 preferably comprises at least one motor unit 56 and at least one rotor unit 58, said rotor being connected to the shaft of the motor unit 56 and comprising a number of rollers. Due to the rotation of the rollers and the translational squeezing they exert on the flexible part of the suction conduit 50 (via a peristaltic mechanism), solution is drawn by suction from the reservoir 4 and supplied to the mixing chamber 12.

[0059] Dispensing device 10 preferably includes at least one solution anti-reflux valve 60 fluidly downstream of peristaltic pump 18 .

[0060] The dispensing device 10 preferably comprises (vi) a first cut-off means 22 of pressurized gas, (vii) a first detection means 24, 26 of the pressurized gas supply pressure, (viii) a second cut-off means 28', 28" of the probiotic bacteria solution 2, (ix) a second detection means 30 of the supply pressure of the probiotic bacteria solution 2, and (x) a management control means 32 functionally connected to said (ii), (iv), (vi), (vii), (viii) and (ix).

[0061] The management control means 32 is preferably configured to receive detection signals from (vii) and (ix) and generate and send control signals to (ii), (iv), (vi) and / or (viii) so that the pressurized gas supply pressure and the probiotic bacteria solution 2 supply pressure are each within a predetermined range.

[0062] Preferably, the first means 24 , 26 for sensing the pressurized gas supply pressure comprises a low pressure detector 24 and a high pressure detector 26 , the latter being separate and independent from the low pressure detector 24 .

[0063] Preferably, the second blocking means 28', 28" of the probiotic bacteria solution 2 comprises a second proximal blocking means 28' located fluidly upstream of the peristaltic pump and a second distal blocking means 28", preferably downstream of the peristaltic pump 18, more preferably upstream of the dispensing body 8.

[0064] The subject of the invention is also the use of said dispensing device 1 for sanitizing surfaces and / or environments.

[0065] Another object of the present invention is an air conditioning system comprising the dispensing device 1.

[0066] In this system, the spray jet 16 dispensed by the nozzle 14 is in one or more ventilation ducts of said air conditioning system; and / or to one or more air filters of said air conditioning system; and / or together with the thermally treated air and / or the air flow discharged from said air conditioning system to the environment or onto a surface, Dispensed, air conditioning system.

[0067] The air conditioning system preferably includes or consists of a heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system.

[0068] An object of the invention is also a sanitization method, preferably implemented by said dispensing device 1 or by said air conditioning system.

[0069] The sanitization method includes the following steps: (i) Dispensing said solution 2 of probiotic bacteria in the form of a spray jet 16 into the environment or onto a surface. (ii) sanitizing said environment or surface with said probiotic bacteria having an intact cell membrane.

[0070] Preferably, in step (ii), probiotic bacteria with intact cell membranes competitively replicate and colonise said environment or surface.

[0071] Advantageously, the device of the invention makes it possible to maintain the probiotic bacteria in a solution in a viable state during the various storage stages of the probiotic bacteria and the solution, during the spraying of said solution, and even after dispensing of said solution in spray form.

[0072] Advantageously, the device which is the subject of the invention makes it possible to minimize the stresses to which the probiotic bacteria are subjected, namely thermal stresses, contact stresses and compression stresses.

[0073] In particular, the employment of a peristaltic pump (preferably electronically controlled) makes it possible to reduce or eliminate the effects of the three above-mentioned stresses through a safe transport for the bacteria, which circulates from the reservoir to the dispensing nozzle without direct contact with potentially harmful sources of degradation and avoiding excessive pressure of the solutions.

[0074] Advantageously, the dispensing nozzle of the dispensing device of the invention is able to combine two essential requirements: on the one hand, to avoid excessive fragmentation of the solution into droplets that are too small, as this is a source of stress for the probiotic bacteria and their viability, and on the other hand, to avoid spray droplets that are too large, as these are not suitable for floating transport by air currents.

[0075] Advantageously, in the device subject of the present invention, the probiotic bacteria, when suspended or resuspended (i.e. reconstituted) in an aqueous solution (preferably sodium chloride), are capable of maintaining their properties, including their viability, for a period of more than 30 days at temperatures between 1°C and 8°C, preferably between 2°C and 5°C, even more preferably between 3.5°C and 4.5°C.

[0076] Advantageously, the use of a peristaltic pump in the device subject of the invention does not result in any kind of modification of the vital parameters of the probiotic bacteria or the solution containing them.

[0077] Advantageously, the dispensing nozzle of the device of the present invention substantially preserves the viability of the sprayed probiotic bacteria, which remain viable at a rate of 90% to 100%, preferably 95% to 99%, even more preferably 96% to 98.5%, downstream of dispensing into the environment or onto a surface.

[0078] Advantageously, the dispensing nozzle is 2×10 5 CFU / m 3 ~10×10 6 CFU / m 3 A solution of probiotic bacteria can be dispensed into the environment in amounts between 10 2 CFU / m 2 ~8×10 4 / m 2 The probiotic bacteria solution can be dispensed onto the surface in an amount between 0.01 and 0.1 mg / mL.

[0079] These amounts can be measured using an MD8 Air Port (Sartorius) air sampler. Starting with a solution of probiotic bacteria in an amount expressed as colony forming units per milliliter of solution (CFU / ml), a sample of known volume of 1 cubic meter (m 3 Alternatively, it is possible to measure the amount of bacteria dispensed in the form of a spray jet in a volume expressed as a quantity of colony forming units per square meter (m ) of a known surface, starting with a solution of probiotic bacteria in a quantity expressed as colony forming units per milliliter of solution (CFU / ml) using an MD8 Airport (Sartorius) air sampler. 2 It is possible to measure the amount of bacteria dispensed in the form of a spray jet onto a surface, expressed in amounts expressed as colony forming units per microgram (as a droplet).

[0080] Advantageously, the dispensing device 1 allows the probiotic bacteria to be dispensed in a viable form and at a concentration that substantially overlaps with the concentration originally loaded into the reservoir 4 of the dispensing device 1 .

[0081] With reference to the above-mentioned embodiments of the device, the plant, the use and the method, those skilled in the art can make substitutions or modifications to the described features according to unforeseen circumstances, which are also considered to be within the scope of the invention as formulated in the following claims.

[0082] Moreover, it is stated that any embodiment may be implemented independently of other described embodiments.

[0083] (example) Experiment 1. A solution 2 of probiotic bacteria is dispensed in the form of a spray jet 16 into the environment.

[0084] The following experimental methods were used: 1) A solution of probiotic bacteria was prepared in phosphate buffered saline (PBS) at 10 per ml in a volume of 200 ml. 7 The probiotic spores were prepared by dispersing 1000 μg of the probiotic spores in a 100 μg / ml container. Spores in lyophilized form of three different bacterial species belonging to the genus Bacillus (B. subtilis, B. pumilus, B. megaterium) were used. 2) Reservoir 4 of dispensing device 1 was filled with the prepared solution and the device was run until a total volume of 10 ml was collected in a 50 ml sterile tube. The dispense time required to collect 10 ml was found to be 45 seconds. 3) A 1:10 dilution of the scalar in PBS (1 ml of suspension in 9 ml of PBS) was then made of both the original solution and the solution collected after the spray jet had been dispensed. 4) Scalar dilutions were inoculated in duplicate onto tryptone soy agar (TSA) medium (0.5 mL / culture medium). 5) TSA medium containing scalar dilutions of the probiotic bacterial solution was incubated at 37°C for 24 hours, and the colony forming units (CFU) per ml of the probiotic bacterial solution were counted.

[0085] The results, expressed as CFU / ml of solution of probiotic bacteria, are reported in (Table 1) and show that the dispensing device 1 is able to dispense a solution of probiotic bacteria without loss of viability compared to the initial solution (the percentage variations are well within the limits of experimental variation and do not imply significant loss of concentration and / or viability of the microorganisms). The dispensing device 1 thus makes it possible to dispense probiotic bacteria in a viable form at a concentration superimposed on the concentration initially filled in the reservoir 4 of the dispensing device 1 (maximum variation of 8% relative to the solution introduced into the reservoir).

[0086] (Table 1) Probiotic bacteria dispensed from the tested dispensing device 1

[0087] [Table 1]

[0088] Experiment 2. A solution 2 of probiotic bacteria is dispensed in the form of a spray jet 16 into an indoor environment and onto certain surfaces in the indoor environment.

[0089] Considering the results of the preliminary experiment, the probiotic bacteria solution 2 was added to 1 ml 3 The concentration of probiotic bacteria was evaluated by dispensing in a volume chamber (either air or surface dispensing) in the form of a spray jet 16 for various dispensing times.

[0090] 1) All probiotic bacterial solutions used in the tests were prepared prior to the experiment as described in Experiment 1.

[0091] 2) 1m x 1m x 1m (1m 3 Four sterile plastic Petri dishes with a diameter of 90 mm were placed in a test chamber of 100 mm volume and fixed to the bottom and walls of the test chamber (height 50 cm) in order to highlight possible deposition of probiotic bacteria on the plastic Petri dish surface from those sprayed by the dispensing device 1 in the test chamber.

[0092] 3) Spraying of the probiotic suspension in the test chamber is then followed using the dispensing device 1, placing the dispensing body 8 directly inside one of the test chamber openings provided for this purpose, keeping all other test chamber openings sealed.

[0093] 4) The dispensing device 1 was operated for three different times, namely 30 seconds, 1 minute and 3 minutes, at the end of which samples for analysis were collected. Between these times the chamber was sanitized by peroxidation to remove the probiotic bacteria already dispensed and to return the chamber to its initial decontaminated state.

[0094] 5) At the times indicated in step 4, samples were collected as follows: At the end of the three operating periods of the control device 1 (30 seconds, 1 minute, and 3 minutes), the air in the chamber was sampled using an MD8 Air Port (Sartorius) air sampler, with an air volume of 0.5 m 3(corresponding to 15 min of aspiration).

[0095] 6) At the end of the air sampling, plates were collected from the surfaces.

[0096] 7) Under a biohazard class 2 laminar flow hood, the gelatin collection filter was removed from the air sampler and solubilized in 5 ml of sterile PBS at 37° C. Once complete, a 1:10 serial dilution was performed (1 ml of suspension in 9 ml of PBS).

[0097] 8) Each scalar dilution was inoculated in duplicate onto tryptone soy agar (TSA) medium (0.5 mL / medium).

[0098] 9) Tryptone soy agar (TSA) medium inoculated with each scalar dilution was incubated at a temperature of 37 ± 1°C for 24 hours, and the test chamber volume m of the probiotic bacteria solution was measured. 3 Periphery and sterile plastic Petri dish surface m 2 The colony forming units (CFU) per well were counted.

[0099] Table 2 shows the amount of probiotic bacteria in the air in the test chamber, measured in CFU / m2, for operation periods of the dispensing device 1 of 30 seconds, 1 minute, and 3 minutes, with an initial concentration of CFU / ml. 3 Shown as:

[0100] Table 3 shows the amount of probiotic bacteria on the surface of a sterile plastic Petri dish in the test chamber at an initial concentration of CFU / ml for operation periods of the dispensing device 1 of 30 seconds, 1 minute, and 3 minutes. 2 Shown as:

[0101] The results of Experiment 2 show that, for example, 7 Starting with a solution containing CFU / ml, the dispenser 1 dispenses approximately 10 6 / m 3 Probiotic bacteria concentrations of over 10 on surfaces in 1 minute of dispensing 3 / m 2This paper describes how it is possible to dispense concentrations of probiotic bacteria exceeding 100%.

[0102] Table 2. Concentrations of probiotic bacteria dispensed at the indicated times: Air

[0103] [Table 2]

[0104] Table 3. Concentration of dispensed probiotic bacteria at the indicated times: Surface

[0105] [Table 3]

[0106] List of reference numbers 1 Dispensing device 2 Probiotic bacteria solution 4 Reservoir 6 Pressurized gas source 8 Dispensing body or dispensing gun 10 Dispensing device 12 mixing chamber 14 dispensing nozzle 16 spray jet 18 peristaltic pump 20 cooling means 22 first cut-off means for pressurized gas 24 A first means for detecting the pressure of the pressurized gas supply, preferably a low pressure detector 26 First means for detecting the pressure of the pressurized gas supply, preferably a high pressure detector 28' A second blocking means for the solution of probiotic bacteria, preferably upstream of the peristaltic pump 28" A second blocking means for the solution of probiotic bacteria, preferably downstream of the peristaltic pump, more preferably upstream of the dispensing body 30. A second means for detecting the supply pressure of the probiotic bacteria solution. 32 Management control means 34 Device casing 36 First casing section or lower section 38 Second casing section or upper section 40 stirring means 42 mechanical stirrer 44 impeller 46 bottom wall 48 access opening 50 suction conduit 52 Level detector, preferably a level switch 54 Compressed air control unit 56 Motor unit 58 Rotor unit 60 Backflow prevention valve 62 First temperature detection means 64 Casing door

Claims

1. (a) a solution (2) of probiotic bacteria having an intact cell membrane; and (b) a dispensing device (10), a dispensing apparatus (1) comprising: The dispensing device (10) is (i) a reservoir (4) for containing the solution (2) of probiotic bacteria; (ii) a pressurized gas source (6); (iii) a dispensing body (8) that defines a mixing chamber (12) between the solution (2) of probiotic bacteria and the pressurized gas and provides a liquid-gas mixture, the dispensing body (8) comprising at least one dispensing nozzle (14) for the liquid-gas mixture in the form of a spray jet (16); (iv) at least one peristaltic pump (18) connected to the reservoir (4) for supplying the solution (2) of probiotic bacteria to the mixing chamber (12). A dispensing apparatus (1).

2. The dispensing nozzle (14) is configured to dispense substantially spherical droplets having an average diameter of 100 μm to 300 μm. The dispensing apparatus (1) according to claim 1.

3. The dispensing body (8) comprises a dispensing nozzle (14), The passage section is adjustable as a function of the pressure and flow rate of the pressurized gas (8) and as a function of the pressure and flow rate of the probiotic bacteria solution (2). The dispensing apparatus (1) according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The probiotic bacteria are non-spore-forming bacteria selected from the genera Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium, Streptococcus, Lactococcus, Akkermansia, Intestinimonas, Eubacterium, Faecalibacterium, Neisseria, Roseburia, Cutibacterium, and mixtures thereof. The dispensing apparatus (1) according to claim 1.

5. The probiotic bacteria are lyophilized bacteria and are reconstituted in an aqueous solution (2) of probiotic bacteria. The dispensing apparatus (1) according to claim 1.

6. The dispensing device (10) is (v) cooling means (20) in thermal contact with the reservoir (4) for maintaining the solution (2) of probiotic bacteria at a temperature of 1° C. to 8° C. under decelerated bacterial replication conditions of the probiotic bacteria. The dispensing apparatus (1) according to claim 1.

7. The dispensing device (10) is (vi) a first shut-off means (22) for the pressurized gas; (vii) first detection means (24, 26) for the pressurized gas supply pressure, (viii) second blocking means (28', 28") for the solution (2) of probiotic bacteria, (ix) second detection means (30) for the supply pressure of the solution (2) of probiotic bacteria, (x) management and control means (32) functionally connected to the above (ii), (iv), (vi), (vii), (viii) and (ix), comprising, The management and control means (32) is configured to receive a detection signal from (vii) and (ix), generate a control signal, and transmit it to (ii), (iv), (vi) and / or (viii). Therefore, the pressurized gas supply pressure and the supply pressure of the solution (2) of probiotic bacteria are each within a predetermined value range. The dispensing device (1) according to claim 1, wherein the management and control means (32) comprises at least one programmable logic controller (PLC).

8. Use of the dispensing device (1) according to claim 1 for sanitizing a surface and / or the environment.

9. An air conditioning system comprising the dispensing device (1) according to claim 1, The spray jet (16) dispensed from the dispensing nozzle (14) is - into one or more ventilation ducts of the air conditioning system, and / or - onto one or more air filters of the air conditioning system, and / or - together with the flow of heat-treated air and / or the air discharged from the air conditioning system to the environment or the surface, An air conditioning system that is dispensed.

10. The air conditioning system according to claim 9, characterized in that it includes a heating, ventilation, air conditioning (HVAC) system or consists of a heating, ventilation, air conditioning (HVAC) system.

11. A sanitization method implemented by the dispensing device (1) according to claim 1 or the air conditioning system according to claim 9, (i) dispensing the solution (2) of probiotic bacteria in the form of a spray jet (16) into the environment or onto the surface; (ii) sanitizing the environment or surface with the probiotic bacteria having intact cell membranes.

12. The sanitization method implemented by the dispensing device (1) according to claim 11, wherein in step (i), the solution supply pressure is 1.8 bar to 2.2 bar and the pressurized gas supply pressure is 2.4 bar to 2.6 bar.

13. The disinfection method implemented by the dispensing device (1) according to claim 11, wherein in step (i), the solution supply flow rate is 6.0 liters / hour to 6.4 liters / hour, and the pressurized gas supply flow rate is 49 liters / minute to 55 liters / minute.

14. The disinfection method according to claim 11, wherein in step (ii), the probiotic bacteria replicate antagonistically and form colonies on the environment or the surface.

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