Measuring method and measuring device for component contained in aerosol, reaction liquid, and mixing kit for the same

Abstract

To simply and accurately measure a component contained in an aerosol in the atmosphere.SOLUTION: A method for measuring a component contained in an aerosol is a method for measuring a target component included in an aerosol in the atmosphere, and includes: (a) a step of preparing a reaction liquid including a first substance causing a reaction with the target component; (b) a step of causing the reaction liquid to take in the aerosol and causing the first substance to react with the target component, to generate a second substance; (c) a step of oxidizing or reducing the second substance under the presence of a third substance; and (d) a step of evaluating the presence or absence of the target component in the aerosol, on the basis of the value of a current generated by returning the third substance, which has been changed by contribution to the oxidization or reduction of the second substance, to an original state by using an electrochemical method.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a method for measuring components contained in an aerosol, a measuring device, a reaction solution, and a mixing kit thereof.

Background Art

[0002] For example, in a poorly ventilated indoor environment, the environmental atmosphere may deteriorate due to overcrowding of people. This is because fine particles such as saliva derived from human exhalation, dust (such as PM2.5, etc.) and pollen brought in with human movement float in the environmental atmosphere. These saliva and fine particles will exist in the environmental atmosphere as aerosols. If the saliva contains pathogens such as viruses, it may cause infection through aerosols. Fine particles may cause diseases of the respiratory system, etc.

[0003] Therefore, it is required to measure the components contained in aerosols in the environmental atmosphere. As this method, for example, Patent Document 1 proposes a method of capturing aerosols contained in air using a filter, irradiating the components captured on the filter with excitation light, and measuring the luminescence of the captured components.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] However, in the measurement method of Patent Document 1, even if the components contained in the aerosol are collected by a filter, it may not be possible to selectively measure a specific component contained therein. In addition, since devices such as a device for irradiating excitation light and a device for observing luminescence are required, it may not be possible to easily measure the contained components.

[0006] The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object thereof is to provide a technique for simply and selectively measuring the components contained in aerosol in the atmosphere.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0007] One aspect of the present invention is A method for measuring a target component contained in aerosol in the atmosphere, comprising: (a) preparing a reaction solution containing a first substance that reacts with the target component; (b) incorporating the aerosol into the reaction solution, reacting the target component with the first substance to produce a second substance; (c) oxidizing or reducing the second substance in the presence of a third substance; (d) evaluating the presence or absence of the target component in the aerosol based on the current value generated by returning the third substance, which has changed by contributing to the oxidation or reduction of the second substance, to its original state by an electrochemical method. A method for measuring the components contained in aerosol.

[0008] Another aspect of the present invention is An apparatus for measuring a target component contained in aerosol in the atmosphere, comprising: a reaction section configured to contain a reaction solution containing a first substance that reacts with the target component and to incorporate the aerosol into the reaction solution; a measurement section configured to measure the reaction solution by an electrochemical method; a determination section configured to determine the presence or absence of the target component in the aerosol based on the result of the measurement section; In the reaction section, when the aerosol is incorporated into the reaction solution, a second substance is produced by the reaction of the target component and the first substance, and the second substance is oxidized or reduced in the presence of a third substance. In the measurement section, the current value generated by returning the third substance, which has changed by contributing to the oxidation or reduction of the second substance, to its original state by an electrochemical method is measured in the reaction solution. It is a measuring device for the components contained in an aerosol.

[0009] Still another aspect of the present invention is A reaction solution for measuring amylase contained in an aerosol, Comprising at least one of amylose and amylopectin, at least one of glucose oxidase and glucose dehydrogenase, and an electron mediator. It is a reaction solution for amylase measurement.

[0010] Still another aspect of the present invention is A mixing kit for preparing a reaction solution for measuring amylase contained in an aerosol, At least one of amylose and amylopectin, At least one of glucose oxidase and glucose dehydrogenase, An electron mediator, are each housed separately and configured to be prepared as the reaction solution by mixing. It is a mixing kit for a reaction solution for amylase measurement.

[0011] Still another aspect of the present invention is A reaction solution for measuring pathogens contained in an aerosol, Wherein the pathogen is at least one of influenza virus having neuraminidase in its chemical structure and Streptococcus pneumoniae, Comprising sialyllactose, lactase, at least one of glucose oxidase and glucose dehydrogenase, and an electron mediator. It is a reaction solution for pathogen measurement.

[0012] Still another aspect of the present invention is A mixing kit for preparing a reaction solution for measuring pathogens contained in an aerosol, Wherein the pathogen is at least one of influenza virus having neuraminidase in its chemical structure and Streptococcus pneumoniae, Cialyl lactose, lactase, at least one of glucose oxidase and glucose dehydrogenase, and an electron mediator are each accommodated separately and configured to be prepared as the reaction solution by mixing. It is a mixing kit for a reaction solution for pathogen measurement.

Effect of the Invention

[0013] According to the present invention, the components contained in the aerosol in the atmosphere can be measured simply and accurately.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0014]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0015] <An Embodiment of the Present Invention> Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described. Prior to the description of the measuring method and measuring device of the present embodiment, the reaction solution used in these will be described.

[0016] (1) Reaction Solution The reaction solution of the present embodiment is used to measure the components contained in the aerosol in the environmental atmosphere. The reaction solution takes in the aerosol in the atmosphere, collects the components contained in the aerosol, and reacts the components so that they can be measured by the electrochemical method described later. Here, the component to be measured (target component) is a component that forms an aerosol and floats in the air, such as amylase derived from saliva, pathogens such as viruses.

[0017] Specifically, the reaction solution is composed of at least a first substance that reacts with the target component and a solvent. The reaction solution may contain other additives in addition to these components as necessary. Hereinafter, each component will be described in detail.

[0018] (First Substance) The first substance is a compound that reacts with the target component in the aerosol and generates a second substance that can be measured by an electrochemical method. The first substance can be appropriately changed according to the target component. For example, when the target component is amylase derived from saliva, it is preferable to use at least one of amylose and amylopectin as the first substance. Amylose and amylopectin are hydrolyzed by the reaction with amylase in saliva to generate glucose as the second substance. Also, for example, when the target component is a component having neuraminidase in its chemical structure (such as influenza virus and Streptococcus pneumoniae), it is preferable to use sialyllactose and lactase as the first substance.

[0019] The content of the first substance in the reaction solution is not particularly limited, but it is preferably in an excess amount relative to the target component. By having the first substance present in an excess amount in the reaction solution, the reaction between the target component and the first substance can be made more certain. Also, when the target component is amylase and the first substance is amylose or amylopectin, the amylase can repeatedly hydrolyze an excess amount of amylose or the like to increase the production amount of glucose, and the sensitivity when measuring by the electrochemical method described later can be enhanced.

[0020] (Solvent) The solvent is not particularly limited as long as it can take in and collect the aerosol and dissolve the first substance, and for example, water or the like can be used. Preferably, a pH buffer solution having a buffering action is used. The pH range may be appropriately adjusted according to the types of the first substance and the second substance to be reacted.

[0021] (Third Substance) The reaction solution preferably contains a third substance that oxidizes or reduces the second substance. The third substance is an oxidizing agent capable of oxidizing the second substance or a reducing agent capable of reducing the second substance. For example, when an oxidizing agent is used as the third substance, the second substance is oxidized by the third substance to form an oxidized form, while the third substance is reduced to a reduced form by receiving electrons during the oxidation of the second substance. Conversely, when a reducing agent is used as the third substance, the second substance is reduced by the third substance to form a reduced form, while the third substance is oxidized to form an oxidized form. In the present embodiment, as will be described in detail later, for the third substance in the reduced form or oxidized form, the electrochemical current response when returning to the original state, that is, when oxidizing or reducing, is detected. This response corresponds to the content of the oxidizing agent in the reduced form. The content of the oxidizing agent in the reduced form corresponds to the amount of glucose produced, and the amount of glucose produced serves as an index for the content of amylase in the aerosol taken in.

[0022] The third substance can be appropriately changed according to the type of the second substance. When the second substance is glucose, it is preferable to use an oxidizing agent as the third substance. Specifically, it is more preferable to use at least one of glucose oxidase and glucose dehydrogenase. The content of the third substance is not particularly limited as long as it can oxidize or reduce a sufficient amount of the second substance produced, and it may be appropriately changed according to the production amount of the second substance.

[0023] (Electron mediator) The reaction solution preferably further contains an electron mediator. The electron mediator acts to mediate the oxidation-reduction reaction during measurement by an electrochemical method. Specifically, the electron mediator can facilitate the transfer of electrons between the third substance in the reduced form or oxidized form and the electrode of the measuring device. According to the electron mediator, the response generated when the third substance that contributed to the oxidation-reduction of the second substance returns to the original state can be detected more accurately.

[0024] As the electron mediator, at least one of general electron mediators such as potassium ferricyanide, p-benzoquinone, p-benzoquinone derivatives, oxidized phenazine methosulfate, methylene blue, ferrocene and ferrocene derivatives, dichloroindophenol, 1,10-phenanthroline-5,6-dione, etc. can be used.

[0025] The content of the electron mediator is not particularly limited, but from the viewpoint of detecting the response more accurately during measurement by an electrochemical method, it is preferably in an excessive amount relative to the content of the target component.

[0026] (2) Measuring device Next, the measuring device for the contained components of the aerosol will be described with reference to FIG. 1. FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of the measuring device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0027] The measuring device 1 of the present embodiment includes a reaction unit 10 that houses the reaction solution S, a measuring unit 20 that measures the reaction solution S by an electrochemical method, and a determination unit 30 that evaluates the presence or absence of the contained components based on the measurement results.

[0028] (Reaction unit) The reaction unit 10 is configured to house the reaction solution S, take in the aerosol in the environmental atmosphere into the reaction solution S, and react the target component in the reaction solution S. For the reaction unit 10, for example, a measurement cell having an opening at the upper part can be used.

[0029] In the reaction unit 10, when the aerosol is taken into the reaction solution S, if the aerosol contains the target component, the following reaction occurs. First, the first substance reacts with the target component in the reaction solution S to generate the second substance. Subsequently, the second substance is oxidized or reduced by the third substance. On the other hand, the third substance is reduced or oxidized by contributing to the oxidation or reduction of the second substance.

[0030] (Measuring unit) The measurement unit 20 measures the reaction solution S by an electrochemical method. The measurement unit 20 is configured to perform, for example, voltammetry measurement. Specifically, the measurement unit 20 includes a working electrode 21, a counter electrode 22, and a reference electrode 23 as electrodes, a potential sweep unit 24, and a current measurement unit 25.

[0031] Each electrode is arranged to be immersed in the reaction solution S in the reaction unit 10. During measurement, the working electrode 21 oxidizes or reduces the third substance in the reduced or oxidized form in the reaction solution S to return it to its original state. When an electron mediator is included in the reaction solution S, the third substance is reduced or oxidized through the electron mediator. The counter electrode 22 causes a reaction opposite to that of the working electrode 21. The reference electrode 23 serves as a reference for keeping the potential of the working electrode 21 constant.

[0032] Each electrode is not particularly limited as long as it can measure the reduction current, and a conventionally known one can be used. As the working electrode 21 and the counter electrode 22, for example, a metal electrode such as gold or platinum or a carbon electrode can be used. As the reference electrode 23, for example, a silver / silver chloride electrode can be used.

[0033] The potential sweep unit 24 is connected to each electrode and is configured to sweep the voltage applied to the working electrode 21 as the potential with respect to the reference electrode 23 within a predetermined range and at a predetermined sweep rate. Specifically, when returning the third substance in the reduced form to its original state by oxidation, the potential sweep unit 24 sweeps the potential of the working electrode 21 positively, and conversely, when returning the third substance in the oxidized form to its original state by reduction, the potential sweep unit 24 sweeps the potential of the working electrode 21 negatively.

[0034] The potential sweep unit 24 only needs to be able to adjust the potential of the working electrode 21 to a potential that returns the third substance in the reduced or oxidized form to its original state, and may be appropriately changed according to the type of the third substance.

[0035] Note that the potential sweep unit 24 is not particularly limited in the sweep method as long as it can measure the current response associated with oxidation-reduction, and it may be appropriately changed according to the measurement methods such as cyclic voltammetry and linear sweep voltammetry.

[0036] The current measurement unit 25 is connected to each electrode and is configured to measure the current response flowing between the working electrode 21 and the counter electrode 22 during the potential sweep. For example, in the reaction solution S, when the third substance is in the reduced form, the oxidation current value when returning from the reduced form to the original state is obtained, and when the third substance is in the oxidized form, the reduction current value when returning from the oxidized form to the original state is obtained.

[0037] (Determination unit) The determination unit 30 is connected to the measurement unit 20 and is configured to determine the presence or absence of the target component contained in the reaction solution S based on the results of the measurement unit 20. For example, it is configured to include a determination processing unit 31. The determination processing unit 31 determines that, for example, if a current response is detected by the measurement unit 20, the target component is incorporated into the reaction solution S, that is, the target component is present in the environmental atmosphere. On the other hand, if no current response is detected by the measurement unit 20, it is determined that the target component is not present in the environmental atmosphere.

[0038] The determination unit 30 is preferably configured such that the determination processing unit 31 can quantify the amylase in the aerosol incorporated into the reaction solution S based on the magnitude of the current value acquired by the measurement unit 20. Further, the determination unit 30 more preferably further includes a storage unit 32 that stores a calibration curve showing the correlation between the current value and the content of the aerosol together with the determination processing unit 31. In this case, the determination processing unit 31 can quantify the content of the amylase contained in the reaction solution S from the calibration curve based on the current value.

[0039] (Control unit) The control unit 40 includes, for example, a computer, and is configured to be connected to the measurement unit 20 and the determination unit 30 to control them. Specifically, in the measurement unit 20, the potential sweep unit 24 is controlled to sweep the voltage applied to the working electrode 21 as the potential with respect to the reference electrode 23 within a predetermined range, and the current measurement unit 25 is controlled to measure the current flowing between the working electrode 21 and the counter electrode 22 during the potential sweep. Also, in the determination unit 30, the determination processing unit 31 is controlled to determine the presence or absence of the target component contained in the reaction solution S from the current value acquired by the measurement unit 20. When the determination unit 30 includes the storage unit 32, the determination processing unit 31 is controlled to quantify the content of the target component contained in the reaction solution S with reference to the calibration curve in the storage unit 32.

[0040] (3) Method for Measuring Components Contained in Aerosol Subsequently, a method for measuring the target component contained in the aerosol in the atmosphere will be described with reference to FIG. 2. FIG. 2 is a flowchart of the measurement method according to an embodiment of the present invention. Hereinafter, the case of measuring amylase as the target component will be described as an example.

[0041] (Preparation Step S1) First, a reaction solution S for amylase measurement is prepared. For example, as the first substance, amylose that reacts with amylase, which is the target component, water as a solvent, preferably a pH buffer solution, and as the third substance, glucose oxidase that can oxidize glucose generated by the hydrolysis of amylose by the reaction with amylase, and potassium ferricyanide as an electron mediator are mixed to prepare the reaction solution S. This reaction solution S is accommodated in the reaction unit 10.

[0042] (Incorporation Step S2) Subsequently, the aerosol is incorporated into the reaction solution S. At this time, the following reactions occur depending on the presence or absence of amylase in the aerosol.

[0043] When the aerosol contains amylase, amylose and amylopectin in the reaction solution S are hydrolyzed by reaction with amylase, and glucose, which is the second substance, is produced. The produced glucose is oxidized by the oxidizing agent in the reaction solution S. The oxidizing agent is reduced by contributing to the oxidation of glucose. On the other hand, when the aerosol does not contain amylase, the production of glucose does not proceed, and amylose and amylopectin remain as they are.

[0044] The method of introducing the aerosol into the reaction solution S is not particularly limited, but it is preferable to arrange the reaction solution S so as to be exposed to the environmental atmosphere. In this case, for example, after the reaction solution S is housed in the reaction unit 10, it may be left standing while being exposed for a predetermined time. Thereby, the aerosol can be introduced into the reaction solution S, and the second substance can be produced in the reaction solution S. From the viewpoint of promoting the introduction of the aerosol, the air in the environmental atmosphere may be blown into the reaction solution S.

[0045] The time for introducing the aerosol into the reaction solution S is not particularly limited, but it is preferable to increase the introduction time. The longer the introduction time, the more reliably the aerosol in the atmosphere can be introduced into the reaction solution S, and the amount of the target component, amylase, taken in can be increased. Further, the introduction time is also the time for reacting amylase with amylose (hereinafter also referred to as the reaction time). By increasing this time, amylose and amylopectin in the reaction solution S can be repeatedly hydrolyzed, and the production amount of glucose can be increased. By increasing the production amount of glucose, the amount of the oxidizing agent contributing to the oxidation of glucose can be increased. Thereby, measurement can be performed with high sensitivity in the measurement step S3 described later. The introduction time (reaction time) is not particularly limited, but it is preferably set to a time such that the production amount of glucose is larger than the amount of amylase taken into the reaction solution S. The introduction time corresponds to the exposure time from the start of exposing the reaction solution S to the environmental atmosphere until it is subjected to the measurement step S3 described later.

[0046] (Measurement Step S3) Subsequently, the measurement unit 20 measures the reaction solution S by an electrochemical method. Specifically, the working electrode 21, the counter electrode 22, and the reference electrode 23 are immersed in the reaction solution S, and a positive voltage is applied to the working electrode 21 by the potential sweep unit 24. As a result, the oxidant in the reduced form at the working electrode 21 is oxidized and returns to its original state. At this time, the electron mediator mediates the transfer of electrons between the oxidant in the reduced state and the working electrode 21. The current measurement unit 25 measures the oxidation current value flowing between the working electrode 21 and the counter electrode 22 accompanying the oxidation reaction occurring at the working electrode 21 by potential sweep.

[0047] The current value obtained in the measurement step S3 serves as an indicator showing the content of amylase contained in the aerosol taken into the reaction solution S per unit time.

[0048] (Determination step S4) Next, the determination processing unit 31 of the determination unit 30 determines the presence or absence of amylase taken into the reaction solution S based on the measurement result in the measurement unit 20, specifically, the oxidation current value obtained by the current measurement unit 25. For example, if an oxidation current value is detected, it is determined that amylase has been taken into the reaction solution S and amylase is present in the ambient atmosphere. On the other hand, if no oxidation current value is detected, it is determined that amylase is not present in the ambient atmosphere.

[0049] In the determination step S4, it is preferable to set a threshold value for the oxidation current value and determine the quality of the ambient atmosphere based on the threshold value. By making a determination based on the threshold value, it becomes possible to determine the quality of the ambient atmosphere with a margin.

[0050] As described above, it is possible to measure whether the aerosol in the ambient atmosphere contains amylase. Further, by repeatedly performing the above-described series of steps over time, it is possible to measure the temporal change in the quality of the ambient atmosphere.

[0051] <Effects according to this embodiment> According to this embodiment, one or more of the following effects are achieved.

[0052] (a) According to the measurement method of this embodiment, first, aerosols floating in the environmental atmosphere are taken into the reaction solution S. Thereby, when the aerosol contains amylase, the amylase can be collected in the reaction solution S. The collected amylase hydrolyzes amylose and the like in the reaction solution S to generate glucose. This glucose is oxidized in the presence of an oxidizing agent, and the oxidizing agent becomes a reduced form by contributing to the oxidation. Then, by an electrochemical method, the oxidation current value generated when the reduced form of the oxidizing agent is oxidized back to its original state is measured. This oxidation current value is a value corresponding to the amount of the oxidizing agent that contributed to the oxidation of glucose, and is a value corresponding to the amount of amylase that contributed to the generation of glucose. Therefore, based on the oxidation current value, it is possible to selectively and simply measure whether the aerosol in the environmental atmosphere contains amylase.

[0053] (b) It is preferable to accommodate the reaction solution S in the reaction unit 10 and arrange it so that the reaction solution S is exposed to the environmental atmosphere. Thereby, by simply leaving the reaction solution S in the environmental atmosphere, the contained components of the aerosols floating in the atmosphere can be measured. That is, the evaluation of the environmental atmosphere can be performed more simply.

[0054] (c) The reaction solution S further contains an electron mediator, and it is preferable to measure the oxidation current value in the presence of the electron mediator. According to the electron mediator, the transfer of electrons between the oxidized form of the oxide and the working electrode 21 can be promoted, and the oxidation current value flowing between the electrodes during the oxidation reaction at the working electrode 21 can be measured more accurately.

[0055] (d) The reaction solution S preferably contains amylose and amylopectin in an amount in excess of the amylase to be taken in. Thereby, amylose and the like can be repeatedly hydrolyzed by amylase to increase the production amount of glucose. As a result, the sensitivity can be increased in the measurement step S3, and the measurement can be performed accurately.

[0056] (e) The reaction solution S preferably contains an electron mediator in an amount in excess of the amylase to be incorporated. Thereby, in the measurement step S3, the transfer of electrons by the electron mediator can be promoted, and the oxidation current value flowing between the electrodes due to the oxidation reaction at the working electrode 21 can be measured more accurately.

[0057] (f) The reaction time from the incorporation step S2 to the measurement step S3 is preferably set such that the amount of glucose produced is greater than the amount of amylase to be incorporated. When the amount of amylase contained in the aerosol is extremely small, if the reaction time is excessively short, the amount of glucose produced will also be extremely small, and it may not be possible to perform the measurement with high sensitivity in the measurement step S3. In this regard, by increasing the reaction time so that the amount of glucose produced is greater than the amount of amylase incorporated, the current response in the measurement step S3 can be amplified and the measurement can be performed with high sensitivity.

[0058] <Other Embodiments> As described above, the embodiments of the present invention have been explained. However, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications can be made without departing from the gist of the present invention.

[0059] In the above-described embodiment, an oxidizing agent is added to the reaction solution S to react amylase and amylose to produce glucose and at the same time oxidize glucose. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, an oxidizing agent may not be added to the reaction solution S in advance, and after the aerosol is incorporated into the reaction solution S, the oxidizing agent may be added before performing the measurement by an electrochemical method.

[0060] In the above-described embodiment, an electron mediator is added to the reaction solution S in advance. However, the present invention is not limited to this. The electron mediator only needs to be present in the reaction solution S during the measurement step S3. For example, it may be added to the reaction solution S after the incorporation step S2 and before performing the measurement step S3.

[0061] In the above-described embodiment, the case where the measurement unit 20 is of the three-electrode type has been described, but the present invention is not limited thereto. The measurement unit 20 may be of the two-electrode type, and may be configured to include, for example, a working electrode and a counter electrode that also serves as a reference electrode.

[0062] In the above-described embodiment, the case where the reaction solution S in which at least one substrate of amylose and amylopectin, at least one of glucose oxidase and glucose dehydrogenase as an oxidizing agent, and an electron mediator are pre-mixed is accommodated in the reaction unit 10 has been described, but the present invention is not limited thereto. In a state where the substrate, the oxidizing agent, and the electron mediator are mixed, the reaction solution S may deteriorate due to the reaction of each of them. In this regard, for example, it is preferable to use a mixing kit for the reaction solution S in which the substrate, the oxidizing agent, and the electron mediator are accommodated separately. The mixing kit is configured such that, for example, a solution containing a substrate, a solution containing an oxidizing agent, and a solution containing an electron mediator are accommodated in separate containers. According to this mixing kit, the reaction solution S can be prepared by supplying and mixing each solution from the respective containers at an arbitrary timing. The mixing kit may be directly accommodated in the reaction unit 10 and mixed at the stage of starting the measurement to prepare the reaction solution S. Thereby, deterioration of the reaction solution S at the stage before measurement can be suppressed.

[0063] In the above-described embodiment, the case of measuring amylase derived from saliva as the target component has been described, but the present invention is not limited thereto. The target component can also be a component having neuraminidase in its chemical structure. Examples of such components include pathogens such as influenza virus and Streptococcus pneumoniae having neuraminidase on their surfaces. The measurement methods for these components will be described below.

[0064] First, prepare a reaction solution for pathogen measurement. This reaction solution can be prepared by mixing a solvent, sialyllactose and lactase as the first substance, glucose oxidase as the third substance, and potassium ferricyanide as the electron mediator.

[0065] Arrange the reaction solution to be exposed to the environmental atmosphere. Thereby, the aerosol present in the environmental atmosphere is incorporated into the reaction solution. At this time, if influenza virus is present in the aerosol, lactose is generated by the reaction of neuraminidase present on the surface of the influenza virus with sialyllactose in the reaction solution. This lactose is converted into glucose and galactose by lactase in the reaction solution. Then, similar to the above-described embodiment, glucose oxidase contributes to the oxidation of glucose and is reduced, and the oxidation current value generated when the reduced glucose oxidase returns to its original state is measured. Based on this current value, it is possible to measure whether the influenza virus has been incorporated into the reaction solution, that is, the presence or absence of influenza virus in the environmental atmosphere. In this way, a compound containing neuraminidase in the chemical structure such as influenza virus can be selectively and easily measured.

[0066] Note that the reaction solution for pathogen measurement may be in a pre-mixed state, similar to the reaction solution for amylase measurement, or each component may be separately contained and in the form of a mixing kit. For example, the mixing kit is configured such that a solution containing sialyllactose, a solution containing lactase, a solution containing at least one of glucose oxidase and glucose dehydrogenase, and a solution containing an electron mediator are separately contained and prepared as the above reaction solution by mixing. Thereby, deterioration of the reaction solution in the mixed state can be suppressed.

[0067] <Preferred Embodiment of the Present Disclosure> Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present disclosure will be appended.

[0068] (Appended Note 1) A method for measuring a target component contained in an aerosol in the atmosphere, comprising: (a) a step of preparing a reaction solution containing a first substance that reacts with the target component; (b) Incorporating the aerosol into the reaction solution, reacting the target component with the first substance to produce a second substance; (c) Oxidizing or reducing the second substance in the presence of a third substance; (d) Evaluating the presence or absence of the target component in the aerosol based on the current value generated by returning the third substance, which has changed by contributing to the oxidation or reduction of the second substance, to its original state by an electrochemical method. A method for measuring the components contained in an aerosol.

[0069] (Appendix 2) The target component is amylase derived from saliva contained in the aerosol, The first substance is at least one of amylose and amylopectin, In (b), incorporating the aerosol containing the amylase into the reaction solution, hydrolyzing the first substance with the amylase, and generating glucose as the second substance; In (c), oxidizing the glucose in the presence of an oxidizing agent as the third substance; In (d), determining the presence or absence of the amylase in the aerosol based on the current value generated by returning the oxidizing agent, which has changed by contributing to the oxidation of the glucose, to its original state by an electrochemical method. The method for measuring the components contained in the aerosol according to Appendix 1.

[0070] (Appendix 3) The target component is a component having neuraminidase in its chemical structure, The first substances are sialyllactose and lactase, In (b), incorporating the aerosol containing the component having neuraminidase into the reaction solution, hydrolyzing the neuraminidase with the sialyllactose to lactose, and generating glucose as the second substance from the lactose by the lactase; In (c), the glucose is oxidized in the presence of an oxidizing agent as the third substance. In (d), based on the current value generated by returning the oxidizing agent, which has changed by contributing to the oxidation of the glucose, to its original state by an electrochemical method, the presence or absence of the amylase in the aerosol is determined. The method for measuring the components contained in the aerosol according to Supplementary Note 1.

[0071] (Supplementary Note 4) The component having the neuraminidase is at least one of influenza virus and Streptococcus pneumoniae. The method for measuring the components contained in the aerosol according to Supplementary Note 3.

[0072] (Supplementary Note 5) In (b), the reaction solution is arranged to be exposed to the environmental atmosphere. The method for measuring the components contained in the aerosol according to any one of Supplementary Notes 1 to 4.

[0073] (Supplementary Note 6) The reaction solution further contains an electron mediator. In (d), in the presence of the electron mediator, the changed third substance is returned to its original state by an electrochemical method. The method for measuring the components contained in the aerosol according to any one of Supplementary Notes 1 to 5.

[0074] (Supplementary Note 7) The reaction solution contains the first substance in an amount in excess of the target component. The method for measuring the components contained in the aerosol according to any one of Supplementary Notes 1 to 6.

[0075] (Supplementary Note 8) The reaction solution contains the electron mediator in an amount in excess of the target component. The method for measuring the components contained in the aerosol according to Supplementary Note 6.

[0076] (Supplementary Note 9) The step (b) is carried out until the production amount of the second substance becomes larger than that of the target component. The method for measuring the contained components of the aerosol according to any one of Supplementary Notes 1 to 8.

[0077] (Supplementary Note 10) In the step (d), a threshold value of the current value is set, and the quality of the ambient atmosphere is determined based on a predetermined threshold value. The method for measuring the contained components of the aerosol according to any one of Supplementary Notes 1 to 9.

[0078] (Supplementary Note 11) An apparatus for measuring a target component contained in an aerosol in the atmosphere, comprising: a reaction unit configured to accommodate a reaction solution containing a first substance that reacts with the target component and to take in the aerosol into the reaction solution; a measurement unit configured to measure the reaction solution by an electrochemical method; a determination unit configured to determine the presence or absence of the target component in the aerosol based on the result obtained by the measurement unit. In the reaction unit, when the aerosol is taken into the reaction solution, a second substance is generated by the reaction between the target component and the first substance, and the second substance is oxidized or reduced in the presence of a third substance. In the measurement unit, a current value generated by returning, by an electrochemical method, the third substance that has changed by contributing to the oxidation or reduction of the second substance in the reaction solution to its original state is measured. An apparatus for measuring the contained components of an aerosol.

[0079] (Supplementary Note 12) The target component is amylase derived from saliva contained in the aerosol. The first substance is at least one of amylose and amylopectin. In the reaction unit, glucose is generated as the second substance by the reaction between the first substance and amylase, and the glucose is oxidized in the presence of an oxidizing agent as the third substance. In the measurement unit, a current value generated by returning the oxidant that has changed by contributing to the oxidation of the glucose to its original state by an electrochemical method is measured. In the determination unit, the presence or absence of the amylase in the aerosol is evaluated based on the current value. The measuring device for the contained components of the aerosol according to Supplementary Note 11.

[0080] (Supplementary Note 13) The target component is a component having neuraminidase in its chemical structure. The first substance is sialyllactose and lactase. In the reaction unit, lactose is generated by the reaction of the neuraminidase and the sialyllactose, and glucose is generated as the second substance by the reaction of the lactose and the lactase. The glucose is oxidized in the presence of an oxidant as the third substance. In the measurement unit, a current value generated by returning the oxidant that has changed by contributing to the oxidation of the glucose to its original state by an electrochemical method is measured. In the determination unit, the presence or absence of the amylase in the aerosol is evaluated based on the current value. The measuring device for the contained components of the aerosol according to Supplementary Note 11.

[0081] (Supplementary Note 14) The component having neuraminidase is at least one of influenza virus and Streptococcus pneumoniae. The measuring device for the contained components of the aerosol according to Supplementary Note 13.

[0082] (Supplementary Note 15) The reaction unit is configured to expose the reaction solution to the environmental atmosphere. The measuring device for the contained components of the aerosol according to any one of Supplementary Notes 11 to 14.

[0083] (Supplementary Note 16) The reaction solution further contains an electron mediator. The measurement unit measures a current value generated by returning the changed third substance to its original state by an electrochemical method in the presence of the electron mediator. An aerosol-containing component measuring apparatus according to any one of Appendices 11 to 15.

[0084] (Appendix 17) The reaction unit reacts the target component with the first substance until the production amount of the second substance becomes larger than the target component. An aerosol-containing component measuring apparatus according to any one of Appendices 11 to 16.

[0085] (Appendix 18) A reaction solution for measuring amylase contained in an aerosol, comprising at least one of amylose and amylopectin, at least one of glucose oxidase and glucose dehydrogenase, and an electron mediator. A reaction solution for amylase measurement.

[0086] (Appendix 19) A mixing kit for preparing a reaction solution for measuring amylase contained in an aerosol, at least one of amylose and amylopectin, at least one of glucose oxidase and glucose dehydrogenase, and an electron mediator, which are each accommodated separately and configured to be prepared as the reaction solution by mixing. A mixing kit for a reaction solution for amylase measurement.

[0087] (Appendix 20) A reaction solution for measuring a pathogen contained in an aerosol, wherein the pathogen is at least one of influenza virus having neuraminidase in its chemical structure and Streptococcus pneumoniae, Comprising sialyllactose, lactase, at least one of glucose oxidase and glucose dehydrogenase, and an electron mediator Reaction solution for pathogen measurement

[0088] (Appendix 21) A mixing kit for preparing a reaction solution for measuring pathogens contained in an aerosol, wherein the pathogen is at least one of influenza virus having neuraminidase in its chemical structure and Streptococcus pneumoniae, sialyllactose, lactase, at least one of glucose oxidase and glucose dehydrogenase, and an electron mediator are each accommodated separately and configured to be prepared as the reaction solution by mixing, Mixing kit for reaction solution for pathogen measurement

Explanation of symbols

[0089] 1 Measuring device 10 Reaction part 20 Measuring part 21 Working electrode 22 Counter electrode 23 Reference electrode 24 Potential sweep part 25 Current measurement part 30 Judgment part 31 Judgment processing part 32 Memory part 40 Control part S Reaction solution

Claims

1. A method for measuring a target component contained in an aerosol in an atmosphere, comprising: (a) preparing a reaction solution containing a first substance that reacts with the target component; (b) introducing the aerosol into the reaction solution to react the target component with the first substance to produce a second substance; (c) oxidizing or reducing the second substance in the presence of a third substance; (d) evaluating the presence or absence of the target component in the aerosol based on a current value generated by returning the third substance, which has changed by contributing to the oxidation or reduction of the second substance, to its original state by an electrochemical method. A method for measuring the components contained in an aerosol.

2. The target component is amylase derived from saliva contained in the aerosol, the first substance is at least one of amylose and amylopectin, in (b), the aerosol containing amylase is introduced into the reaction solution, the first substance is hydrolyzed by the amylase, and glucose is produced as the second substance, in (c), the glucose is oxidized in the presence of an oxidizing agent as the third substance, in (d), determining the presence or absence of the amylase in the aerosol based on a current value generated by returning the oxidizing agent, which has changed by contributing to the oxidation of the glucose, to its original state by an electrochemical method. The method for measuring the components contained in an aerosol according to Claim 1.

3. The target component is a component having neuraminidase in its chemical structure, the first substances are sialyllactose and lactase, in (b), the aerosol containing the component having neuraminidase is introduced into the reaction solution, the neuraminidase hydrolyzes sialyllactose to lactose, and lactase produces glucose as the second substance from the lactose, in (c), the glucose is oxidized in the presence of an oxidizing agent as the third substance, in (d), determining the presence or absence of the amylase in the aerosol based on a current value generated by returning the oxidizing agent, which has changed by contributing to the oxidation of the glucose, to its original state by an electrochemical method. The method for measuring the components contained in an aerosol according to Claim 1.

4. In (b), the reaction solution is arranged to be exposed to the environmental atmosphere. The method for measuring the components contained in the aerosol according to claim 1.

5. The reaction solution further contains an electron mediator, In the step (d), in the presence of the electron mediator, the changed third substance is returned to its original state by an electrochemical method. The method for measuring the components contained in the aerosol according to claim 1.

6. The reaction solution contains the first substance in an amount excessive with respect to the target component. The method for measuring the components contained in the aerosol according to claim 1.

7. The reaction solution contains the electron mediator in an amount excessive with respect to the target component. The method for measuring the components contained in the aerosol according to claim 5.

8. The step (b) is performed until the amount of the second substance produced becomes larger than the target component. The method for measuring the components contained in the aerosol according to claim 1.

9. An apparatus for measuring a target component contained in an aerosol in the atmosphere, comprising: a reaction part configured to accommodate a reaction solution containing a first substance that reacts with the target component and to take in the aerosol into the reaction solution; a measurement part configured to measure the reaction solution by an electrochemical method; a determination part configured to determine the presence or absence of the target component in the aerosol based on the result of the measurement part; In the reaction part, when the aerosol is taken into the reaction solution, a second substance is generated by the reaction of the target component and the first substance, and the second substance is oxidized or reduced in the presence of a third substance. In the measurement part, in the reaction solution, a current value generated by returning, by an electrochemical method, the third substance that has changed by contributing to the oxidation or reduction of the second substance to its original state is measured. An apparatus for measuring the components contained in an aerosol.

10. The target component is amylase derived from saliva contained in the aerosol, The first substance is at least one of amylose and amylopectin, In the reaction part, the amylase hydrolyzes the first substance to generate glucose as the second substance, and the glucose is oxidized in the presence of an oxidizing agent as the third substance. In the measurement part, a current value generated by returning, by an electrochemical method, the oxidizing agent that has changed by contributing to the oxidation of the glucose to its original state is measured. In the determination part, based on the current value, the presence or absence of the amylase in the aerosol is evaluated. The apparatus for measuring the components contained in the aerosol according to claim 9.

11. The target component is a component having neuraminidase in its chemical structure, The first substance is sialyllactose and lactase, In the reaction section, lactose is generated by the reaction of the neuraminidase and the sialyllactose, and glucose is generated as the second substance by the reaction of the lactose and the lactase. The glucose is oxidized in the presence of an oxidizing agent as the third substance. In the measurement section, the current value generated by returning the oxidizing agent that has changed by contributing to the oxidation of the glucose to its original state by an electrochemical method is measured. In the determination section, based on the current value, the presence or absence of the amylase in the aerosol is evaluated. The measuring device for the components contained in the aerosol according to claim 9.

12. The reaction section is configured to expose the reaction solution to the ambient atmosphere. The measuring device for the components contained in the aerosol according to claim 9.

13. The reaction solution further contains an electron mediator. In the measurement section, in the presence of the electron mediator, the current value generated by returning the changed third substance to its original state by an electrochemical method is measured. The measuring device for the components contained in the aerosol according to claim 9.

14. The reaction section reacts the target component with the first substance until the production amount of the second substance becomes larger than the target component. The measuring device for the components contained in the aerosol according to claim 9.

15. A reaction solution for measuring amylase contained in an aerosol, comprising at least one of amylose and amylopectin, at least one of glucose oxidase and glucose dehydrogenase, and an electron mediator. Reaction solution for amylase measurement.

16. A mixing kit for preparing a reaction solution for measuring amylase contained in an aerosol, at least one of amylose and amylopectin, at least one of glucose oxidase and glucose dehydrogenase, and an electron mediator are each accommodated separately and configured to be prepared as the reaction solution by mixing. Mixing kit for reaction solution for amylase measurement.

17. A reaction solution for measuring pathogens contained in an aerosol, wherein the pathogen is at least one of influenza virus and Streptococcus pneumoniae having neuraminidase in its chemical structure. A reaction solution for pathogen measurement, comprising sialyllactose, lactase, at least one of glucose oxidase and glucose dehydrogenase, and an electron mediator. A reaction solution for pathogen measurement.

18. A mixing kit for preparing a reaction solution for measuring a pathogen contained in an aerosol, wherein the pathogen is at least one of influenza virus having neuraminidase in its chemical structure and Streptococcus pneumoniae, sialyllactose, lactase, at least one of glucose oxidase and glucose dehydrogenase, and an electron mediator are each separately housed and configured to be prepared as the reaction solution by mixing. A mixing kit for a reaction solution for pathogen measurement.

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