Optimized microwave disinfection protocol for the destruction / inactivation of SARS-COV-2 and H1N1 viruses

Abstract

The present invention relates to a microwave sterilization device (2) configured for destroying / inactivating SARS-COV-2 and H1N1 viruses, the microwave sterilization device (2) comprising a microwave irradiation section (22) configured to irradiate microwave signals having an amplitude of an incident electric field not greater than 6 V / m and frequencies comprised in the range of 8 to 10 GHz and spaced apart from each other by steps comprising a range between 10 MHz and 100 MHz, to irradiate microwave signals at each individual frequency with a time interval comprising a range between 50 ms and 1 s, and to irradiate microwave signals having a duty cycle comprising a range between 5% and 50%.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS This application claims priority to European Patent Application No. 22158343.8, filed February 23, 2022, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] The present invention generally relates to a microwave sterilization device based on an innovative electromagnetic field application protocol.

[0003] More specifically, the present invention relates to an apparatus configured to destroy and / or inactivate SARS-CoV-2 virus and H1N1 influenza virus by microwave irradiation using an optimized operating protocol characterized by low field strength, suitable operating frequency range, suitable microwave irradiation timing parameters, and suitable irradiation beam shape. [Background technology]

[0004] The Applicant's WO 2022 / 018772 relates to microwave disinfection systems and methods.

[0005] In particular, the microwave disinfection system of WO 2022 / 018772 is configured to destroy and / or inactivate pathogens (i.e. microorganisms that cause, have the capacity to cause or are causative of disease in the human body, such as, for example, viruses, coronaviruses, viroids, germs, bacteria, fungi (i.e. fungi), molds, protozoa, prions, etc.) in real time by microwave irradiation and associated resonant absorption of microwaves by the pathogens.

[0006] In this regard, Figure 1 shows a schematic diagram of the high-level architecture of a microwave disinfection system according to WO 2022 / 018772 (generally designated 1).

[0007] As shown in FIG. 1, the microwave sterilization system 1 is a microwave sterilization apparatus 10, a control section 11 including electronic control means 111 and storage means 112; A microwave irradiation section 12, an electronic signal generating means 121 controlled by an electronic control means 111; a signal amplification section 122, which in use is driven by electronic signal generating means 121 and controlled by electronic control means 111 and includes electronic signal amplifying means 123 and signal filtering means 124; The microwave sterilization apparatus 10 comprises a microwave irradiation section 12 which, in use, comprises an antenna 125 driven by a signal amplification section 122 .

[0008] Furthermore, the microwave disinfection system 1 also comprises human-machine interface (HMI) means 13 which, in the example shown in FIG. 1, is external to the microwave disinfection apparatus 10 and remotely connected to the control section 11, for example in wireless mode.

[0009] More generally, the HMI means 13 may be connected to the control section 11 in wired or wireless mode, for example via a connection based on USB technology (abbreviation for "Universal Serial Bus"), or via one or more Internet Protocol (IP) based networks, such as, for example, the Internet network, and / or via one or more mobile phone networks (for example, GSM (Global System for Mobile Communications), GPRS (General Packet Radio Service), UMTS (universal mobile telecommunications system), HSPA (high-speed packet access), LTE (Long Term Evolution), 4.5G (4.5th Generation), 5G (5th Generation), etc.) and / or one or more local, home, corporate, public or private networks, or via Bluetooth technology, etc.

[0010] The HMI means 13 may be implemented by a PC (Personal Computer), a laptop, a tablet, a smartphone, a smartwatch, etc.

[0011] According to an alternative embodiment to that shown in FIG. 1, the HMI means 13 may instead be integrated into the microwave sterilization apparatus 10, for example they may be embodied in the form of one or more displays (such as of touch screen type) and / or one or more user interface devices (UI) of hard and / or soft key type.

[0012] The control section 11 is controlled by a user through the HMI means 13. setting one or more predetermined microwave application parameters associated with one or more predetermined microwave disinfection treatments for one or more pathogens; storing the predetermined microwave irradiation parameters in the storage means 112.

[0013] In other words, the HMI means 13 is configured to enable a user to set up and store in the storage means 112 one or more predetermined microwave irradiation parameters associated with one or more predetermined microwave disinfection treatments against one or more pathogens, thereby configuring the control section 11 to perform the predetermined microwave disinfection treatment against the pathogens by the microwave irradiation section 12.

[0014] In particular, the HMI means 13 is configured to enable a user to set and store in the storage means 112 one or more respective predefined microwave irradiation parameters associated with one or more respective predefined microwave disinfection treatments for a particular pathogen (conveniently for each pathogen among a plurality of given pathogens), wherein each predefined microwave irradiation parameter may comprise one or more of the following parameters associated with microwave inactivation of the particular pathogen:

[0015] One or more predetermined microwave irradiation waveforms one or more predetermined wavelengths (i.e., one or more predetermined frequencies) for microwave disinfection and / or one or more predetermined wavelength ranges (i.e., one or more predetermined frequency ranges) for microwave disinfection one or more predetermined microwave disinfection timing parameters (e.g., with respect to the duration of each individual microwave disinfection and the repetition frequency of the microwave disinfection), One or more predetermined microwave radiation powers More specifically, the HMI means 13 is configured to store in the storage means 112 respective libraries containing respective predetermined microwave irradiation parameters for a particular pathogen (conveniently for each pathogen within a given pathogen group).

[0016] The electronic control means 111 is therefore configured to operate, i.e. control the operation of, the microwave irradiation section 12 (in particular, to operate, i.e. control the operation of the electronic signal generating means 121 and the signal amplification section 122) based on predetermined microwave irradiation parameters stored in the storage means 112 so that the microwave irradiation section 12 performs a predetermined microwave disinfection treatment against pathogens.

[0017] More specifically, the microwave irradiation section 12 is configured, when operated by the electronic control means 111, to perform one or more microwave irradiations based on predetermined microwave irradiation parameters, i.e. to emit a microwave signal in accordance with the predetermined microwave irradiation parameters (e.g. a predetermined waveform, and / or a predetermined wavelength or frequency, and / or a predetermined wavelength or frequency range, and / or predetermined timing parameters, and / or a predetermined power).

[0018] As shown in FIG. 1, the microwave sterilization apparatus 10 includes one or more presence (or proximity) sensors 14, Detecting the presence of one or more persons in the vicinity of the microwave disinfection apparatus 10 (e.g., within a predetermined distance from the microwave disinfection apparatus 10), i.e., in a given environment in which the microwave disinfection apparatus 10 is installed / placed; There may also be a human presence (or proximity) sensor 14 configured to signal the presence of one or more persons to electronic control means 111 which may be configured to operate the microwave irradiation section 12 when the human presence sensor 14 detects the presence of one or more persons.

[0019] In addition, the microwave sterilization apparatus 10 includes one or more pathogen detectors 15, Detecting the presence of one or more pathogens; A pathogen detector 15 may also be provided which is configured to signal the presence of one or more pathogens to electronic control means 111 which may be configured to operate the microwave irradiation section 12 based on predefined microwave irradiation parameters stored in storage means 112.

[0020] The microwave sterilization apparatus 10 may also be equipped with one or more environmental sensors 16 (e.g., a temperature sensor, and / or a pressure sensor, and / or a humidity sensor, and / or a detector of one or more pollutants / harmful elements / substances, etc.) configured to send respective environmental monitoring data to an electronic control means 111 which may be configured to control the operation of the microwave irradiation section 12 also based on the environmental monitoring data received from the environmental sensors 16. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0021] Starting from the microwave disinfection system according to WO 2022 / 018772, the Applicant has continued his scientific research and carried out a series of experimental tests to identify an optimized microwave disinfection protocol for the destruction / inactivation of SARS-CoV2 virus and H1N1 influenza virus, thus arriving at the present invention.

[0022] It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a microwave disinfection device that is specifically configured to destroy / inactivate SARS-CoV2 virus and H1N1 influenza virus. [Means for solving the problem]

[0023] This and other objects are achieved by the present invention, which relates to a microwave disinfection device and is defined in the appended claims.

[0024] In particular, the present invention relates to a microwave disinfection device configured to destroy / inactivate SARS-CoV2 and H1N1 viruses.

[0025] The present invention includes a microwave irradiation section, the microwave irradiation section comprising: Irradiating the device with microwave signals having an amplitude of an incident electric field not greater than 6 V / m and frequencies comprised in the range of 8 to 10 GHz and separated from each other by a range / step having a range between 10 MHz and 100 MHz, irradiating a microwave signal at each individual frequency for a time interval having a range between 50 ms and 1 s; The microwave signal is configured to emit a microwave signal having a duty cycle ranging between 5% and 50%.

[0026] Conveniently, the microwave irradiation section includes a smart antenna and is configured to irradiate the microwave signal by the smart antenna, the smart antenna being configured to irradiate a predetermined microwave beam that is shaped such that the microwave signal is irradiated within a predetermined volume of space near or around the microwave sterilization apparatus.

[0027] Preferably, the microwave sterilization device is implemented or integrated in the form of a device that is portable or wearable by a user, and the smart antenna is configured to irradiate a predetermined microwave beam that is shaped such that the microwave signal is irradiated within a predetermined volume of space near or around the microwave sterilization device and is not radiated towards the user's body.

[0028] For a better understanding of the present invention, some preferred embodiments, provided merely as illustrative examples and in no way limiting or binding, are illustrated below with reference to the accompanying drawings (not to scale): [Brief description of the drawings]

[0029] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a microwave disinfection system described in WO 2022 / 018772. [Diagram 2] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a microwave sterilization apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 3] 3 is an example of an embodiment of the microwave disinfection device in FIG. 2. [Figure 4] 3 is an example of an embodiment of the microwave disinfection device in FIG. 2. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0030] The following description is provided to enable any person skilled in the art to make and use the present invention. Various modifications to the described embodiments will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the general principles disclosed herein may, however, be applied to other embodiments and applications without departing from the scope of protection of the present invention as defined in the appended claims. Thus, the present invention should not be understood as being limited to the only embodiments described and shown, but is to be accorded the broadest scope of protection in accordance with the characteristics defined in the appended claims.

[0031] The present invention relates to a device configured to destroy and / or inactivate SARS-CoV-2 and H1N1 influenza viruses by microwave irradiation using an optimized operating protocol characterized by low field strength, a suitable operating frequency range, suitable microwave emission timing parameters, a suitable irradiation beam shape. These characteristics allow the implementation of a device that is wearable or portable by a user and capable of inactivating in real time SARS-CoV2 and / or H1N1 type virus particles present in a volume of space around / near the device itself, i.e. in a volume of space around / near the user, ensuring compatibility with the user's presence. Indeed, the irradiated radio frequency (RF) signal, more particularly microwave irradiated signal, is compatible with human presence and does not cause interference with other electronic devices present in the surrounding environment.

[0032] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of the top level architecture of a microwave sterilization apparatus (generally designated 2) according to a preferred (but by no means limiting or binding) embodiment of the present invention.

[0033] The microwave disinfection device 2 is embodied in the form of a wearable device 20 (and is therefore intended to be worn by a user, although not shown in FIG. 2 ), a power supply section 21 including a rechargeable battery (not shown in FIG. 2); a microwave irradiation section 22 configured to generate and irradiate a microwave signal, the microwave irradiation section 222 including a smart antenna 221 for irradiating the microwave signal; and a control section 23 configured to control the operation of the microwave sterilization apparatus 2 in general (e.g., switching the microwave sterilization apparatus 2 on and off) and the operation of the microwave irradiation section 22 in particular.

[0034] The microwave irradiation section 22 and the control section 23 of the microwave disinfection apparatus 2 may advantageously have the same architecture as the control section 11 and the microwave irradiation section 12, respectively, of the microwave disinfection system 1 according to WO 2022 / 018772.

[0035] In addition, the control section 23 may be advantageously connected in wired or wireless mode and controlled by the HMI means (not shown in FIG. 2, for example implemented by a PC, laptop, tablet, smartphone, smartwatch, etc.) according to what is described in WO 2022 / 018772 with respect to the HMI means 13 and the control section 11. The HMI means may be integrated into the microwave disinfection device 2 itself (for example, this may be implemented in the form of one or more touch screen type displays and / or one or more user interface devices of hard and / or soft key type).

[0036] The control section 23 is configured to operate, i.e., control the operation of, the microwave irradiation section 22 based on predetermined microwave irradiation parameters so that the microwave irradiation section 22 performs one or more specific microwave disinfection processes against the SARS-CoV2 virus and the H1N1 influenza virus.

[0037] The microwave irradiation section 22 is therefore configured, when operated by the control section 23, to perform microwave irradiation based on predetermined microwave irradiation parameters, i.e. to irradiate a microwave signal in accordance with the predetermined microwave irradiation parameters by the smart antenna 221.

[0038] More specifically, the predetermined microwave irradiation parameters are optimized specifically for the destruction / inactivation of SARS-CoV2 virus and H1N1 influenza virus; the frequencies of the irradiating microwave signals being included in the range of 8 to 10 GHz and separated from each other by ranges / steps having a range between 10 MHz and 100 MHz; irradiating a microwave signal at each individual frequency for a time interval ranging between 50 ms and 1 s; an illuminating microwave signal having an incident electric field amplitude not greater than 6 V / m; and irradiating the microwave signal with a duty cycle ranging between 5% and 50%.

[0039] Thus, in use, when operated by the control section 23, the microwave irradiation section 22 irradiates, by the smart antenna 221, microwave signals having frequencies in the range of 8 to 10 GHz and spaced from each other by ranges / steps in the range of 10 MHz to 100 MHz, irradiating a microwave signal at each individual frequency for a time interval in the range of 50 ms to 1 s, the irradiated microwave signals having an incident electric field amplitude of not more than 6 V / m, and the irradiation of the microwave signals being carried out with a duty cycle in the range of 5% to 50%.

[0040] The applicant has successfully identified the above-mentioned microwave irradiation parameters that are specifically optimized for the destruction / inactivation of SARS-COV-2 and H1N1 influenza viruses by performing numerous processing tests on aerosols containing SARS-CoV2 and H1N1. In particular, tests performed using the above-mentioned microwave irradiation parameters have resulted in greater than 1 log (90%) inactivation of SARS-COV-2 virus and greater than 2 log inactivation of H1N1 influenza virus.

[0041] Furthermore, the microwave irradiation parameters mentioned above allow for miniaturization and therefore the realization of wearable / portable devices for the inactivation of viral particles in aerosols.

[0042] The smart antenna 221 further detects whether the microwave signal is A volume of space is irradiated near or around the microwave disinfection device 2 (wherein the inactivation of the virus particles in the aerosol is performed), and The microwave is not directly irradiated onto the body of the user, i.e., the user wearing the microwave sterilization device 2. The microwave irradiation device is configured to irradiate a predetermined microwave beam shaped as follows.

[0043] FIG. 3 shows a first example of an embodiment of a microwave disinfection device 2 in the form of a bracelet or smart watch 3 worn by a user 4 (in particular on the left wrist of the user 4) and configured to emit a suitably shaped radiation beam 5, in particular a radiation beam 5 shaped to form a substantially spherical SARS-COV-2 and H1N1 virus inactivation area outside the body of the user 4, on the left side of the user 4.

[0044] Further, FIG. 4 shows a second example embodiment of a microwave sterilization device 2 in the form of a pendant 6 worn by a user 7 (in particular around the user's neck) and configured to emit a suitably shaped beam of radiation 8, in particular a shaped beam of radiation 8 for forming a substantially spherical SARS-COV-2 and H1N1 virus inactivation area outside the user's body, in front of the torso of the user 7.

[0045] The microwave disinfection device 2 may be conveniently realized in the form of an accessory that is clipped onto a belt or carried in a pocket.

[0046] More generally, the microwave disinfection device 2 may be conveniently realized in the form of or integrated into any portable or wearable object or device.

[0047] In addition, the microwave disinfection device of the present invention may be conveniently integrated into any electronic device, both of domestic type (e.g., refrigerator, washing machine, oven, television or chandelier, etc.) and computer type (e.g., PC, tablet, smartphone or smart watch, etc.), or may be conveniently installed inside private and public transport vehicles.

[0048] From the foregoing description, the innovative features and technical advantages of the present invention will be immediately apparent to those skilled in the art.

[0049] In particular, it is important to highlight that the present invention makes it possible to realize a device, preferably of portable or wearable type, capable of inactivating SARS-COV-2 and H1N1 viruses in real time by applying an innovative low-level electromagnetic field protocol that ensures compatibility with human presence.

[0050] In conclusion, it should be noted that although the present invention described above refers in particular to very specific embodiments, it is not intended to be limited to such embodiments, but includes within its scope all variations, modifications or simplifications covered by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A microwave disinfection device (2) configured to destroy / inactivate SARS-COV-2 and H1N1 viruses, comprising: The microwave sterilization apparatus (2) includes a microwave irradiation section (22), The microwave irradiation section (22) comprises: Irradiating the device with microwave signals having an amplitude of an incident electric field not greater than 6 V / m and frequencies comprised in the range of 8 to 10 GHz and spaced apart from one another by steps having a range between 10 MHz and 100 MHz; irradiating said microwave signal at each individual frequency for a time interval ranging between 50 ms and 1 s; A microwave sterilization device (2), configured to irradiate said microwave signal with a duty cycle comprising a range between 5% and 50%.

2. the microwave irradiation section (22) includes a smart antenna (221) and is configured to irradiate the microwave signal by the smart antenna (221); The microwave sterilization device (2) of claim 1, wherein the smart antenna (221) is configured to radiate a predetermined microwave beam that is shaped so that the microwave signal is radiated within a predetermined volume of space near or around the microwave sterilization device (2).

3. Implemented in the form of a device (20, 3, 6) that is portable or wearable by the user (4, 7) or integrated into a device (20, 3, 6) that is portable or wearable by the user (4, 7), The microwave disinfection device (2) of claim 2, wherein the predetermined microwave beam emitted by the smart antenna (221) in use is shaped so that the microwave signal is not radiated toward the body of the user (4, 7).

4. The microwave disinfection apparatus (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising a control section (23) configured to control the operation of the microwave irradiation section (22).

5. A microwave disinfection device (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising a power supply section (21) including a rechargeable battery.

6. A microwave disinfection device (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, integrated into an electronic device or into a transport vehicle.

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