Selective Detection of Silverfish

Abstract

Disclosed are pest control devices, systems, and methods. The pest control device includes a sensor having a sensor cell, the surface of which is coated with an agent that reacts with a target biochemical analyte secreted by the pest, and a controller. The controller is coupled to the sensor and is configured to receive sensor data from the sensor cell indicative of a rate of change of sensor mass detected on the surface of the sensor cell, determine whether the rate of change of sensor mass based on the received sensor data exceeds a predetermined threshold rate, and, in response to a determination that the rate of change exceeds the predetermined threshold rate, transmit a pest detection alert notification to a server.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Cross - reference to Related Applications This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 770,413, filed on November 21, 2018, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 985,093, filed on May 21, 2018, and International Application No. PCT / US2018 / 033679, filed on May 21, 2018, are cross - referenced.

[0003] This disclosure generally relates to pest control, and more specifically to the detection, monitoring, and control of insects such as bed bugs.

Background Art

[0004] Recent data suggest an increase in the infestation of bed bugs (Cimex species) in human dwellings. At least 92 species have been identified worldwide, and at least 16 of them are present on the North American continent. Generally, bed bugs are pests that parasitize hosts including humans and various livestock. The infestation of bed bugs is now considered to be at least partially a more significant problem because long - acting residual pesticides are no longer used to suppress bed bug populations. In addition, the increase in international travel and insecticide resistance have spread bed bug infestations and made control with insecticides very difficult. In terms of scale, such infestations are of particular concern to hotel operators, cruise ships, trains, daycare facilities, etc. due to the risk of threatening business evaluations brought about by negative or scathing newspaper reviews. Other problem areas tend to include nursing homes, barracks, dormitories, hospitals, and various other forms of high - density housing. Nevertheless, single - family homes can also be similarly and severely affected.

[0005] Exemplary behavioral studies of bed bugs are described in Corraine A. McNeill et al., Journal Of Medical Entomology, 2016, July 1, 53(4):760-769, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Exemplary studies on bed bug mating and pheromones are described in Vincent Harraca et al., BMC Biology. 2010 Sept 9; 8:121 and Joelle F Olson et al., Pest Management Science, 2017 January; 73(1): 198-205, the entire contents of each of which are incorporated herein by reference. Suitable sampling and preconcentration techniques are described in Maria Rosa Ras et al., Trac Trends In Analytical Chemistry, 2009 Mar. 28(3): 347-361, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Exemplary antibody detection methods for bed bugs are described in U.S. Patent No. 9,500,643 and U.S. Patent Application No. 2017 / 0137501, the entire contents of each of which are incorporated herein by reference. An exemplary detection system based on image analysis is described in U.S. Patent No. 9,664,813, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

Summary of the Invention

[0006] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a pest control device is disclosed. The pest control device includes a sensor including a sensor cell, and a controller coupled to the sensor. The surface of the sensor cell is coated with an agent that reacts with a target biochemical analyte secreted by a pest. The controller receives sensor data from the sensor cell indicating a rate of change of the sensor mass detected on the surface of the sensor cell, determines whether the rate of change of the sensor mass based on the received sensor data exceeds a predetermined threshold rate, and is configured to transmit a pest detection warning notification to a server in response to the determination that the rate of change exceeds the predetermined threshold rate. The rate of change correlates with an increase in the concentration of the target biochemical analyte.

[0007] In some embodiments, the pest control device may include a handle that provides a grip for a human operator to move the pest control device to identify a local area of the target biochemical analyte.

[0008] In some embodiments, the controller is further configured to activate a timer when the rate of change exceeds a predetermined threshold rate, deactivate the timer when the rate of change returns to a value lower than the predetermined threshold rate, determine an amount of time during which the rate of change of the sensor mass exceeded the predetermined threshold rate, and determine whether the amount of time is longer than a predetermined period.

[0009] In some embodiments, the controller can send a pest detection warning notification in response to determining that the amount of time is longer than a predetermined period.

[0010] In some embodiments, the predetermined threshold rate can be a reference mass change rate in the presence of mealworms.

[0011] In some embodiments, the target biochemical analyte can include analytes present in the secretions of mealworms. For example, in some embodiments, the target biochemical analyte may include trans-2-hexenal (T2H). Additionally, or alternatively, in some embodiments, the target biochemical analyte may include trans-2-octenal (T2O). In some embodiments, the target biochemical analyte may include 4-oxo-(E)-2-hexenal. In some embodiments, the target biochemical analyte may include 4-oxo-(E)-2-octenal.

[0012] In some embodiments, the agent may include a dioctyl cyclic thiol intermediate (dioctyl-CTI). Additionally, or alternatively, in some embodiments, the agent may include a cyclic thiol intermediate (CTI).

[0013] In some embodiments, the sensor may be a quartz crystal microbalance. In some embodiments, the sensor cell may be a quartz resonator.

[0014] According to another aspect, a method for detecting the presence of pests is disclosed. The method includes receiving data from a sensor indicative of a rate of change of sensor mass, determining whether the rate of change of sensor mass exceeds a predetermined threshold rate, and transmitting a pest detection warning notification to a server in response to a determination that the rate of change exceeds the predetermined threshold rate. The sensor includes a coating that reacts with a target biochemical analyte secreted by pests, and the rate of change of sensor mass correlates with an increase in the concentration of the target biochemical analyte.

[0015] In some embodiments, the method may include activating a timer when the rate of change exceeds a predetermined threshold rate, deactivating the timer when the rate of change returns to a value lower than the predetermined threshold rate, determining an amount of time that the rate of change of sensor mass exceeded the predetermined threshold rate, and determining whether the amount of time is longer than a predetermined period.

[0016] In some embodiments, the step of transmitting a pest detection warning notification may include transmitting a pest detection warning notification in response to a determination that the amount of time is longer than a predetermined period.

[0017] In some embodiments, the predetermined threshold rate can be a reference rate of mass change in the presence of rice weevils.

[0018] In some embodiments, the target biochemical analyte may include trans-2-hexenal (T2H). Additionally, or alternatively, in some embodiments, the target biochemical analyte may include trans-2-octenal (T2O). In some embodiments, the target biochemical analyte may include 4-oxo-(E)-2-hexenal. In some embodiments, the target biochemical analyte may include 4-oxo-(E)-2-octenal.

[0019] In some embodiments, the coating may include a dioctyl cyclic thiol intermediate (dioctyl-CTI). Additionally, or alternatively, in some embodiments, the coating may include a cyclic thiol intermediate (CTI).

[0020] In some embodiments, the sensor may be a quartz crystal microbalance.

[0021] In some embodiments, the surface of the sensor cell may be coated with a coating gel compound including a polymer gel and an agent.

[0022] In some embodiments, the polymer gel may have high viscosity as well as high thermal and chemical stability to form a stability coating on the surface of the sensor cell. In some embodiments, the polymer gel may have a low molecular weight.

[0023] In some embodiments, the polymer gel may be at least one of polymethylphenylsiloxane (PMPS), polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS), fluoroalcohol polycarbosilane, fluoroalcohol polysiloxane, bisphenol-containing polymer (BSP3), poly-2-dimethylamino-ethyl-methacrylate (PDMAEMC), and a polymer having silicon (Si) and iron (Fe).

[0024] In some embodiments, the polymer gel may be polymethylphenylsiloxane (PMPS). Alternatively, in some embodiments, the polymer gel may be polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS). Alternatively, in some embodiments, the polymer gel may be fluoroalcohol polycarbosilane. Alternatively, in some embodiments, the polymer gel may be fluoroalcohol polysiloxane. Alternatively, in some embodiments, the polymer gel may be bisphenol-containing polymer (BSP3). Alternatively, in some embodiments, the polymer gel may be poly-2-dimethylamino-ethyl-methacrylate (PDMAEMC). Alternatively, in some embodiments, the polymer gel may be a polymer having silicon (Si) and iron (Fe).

[0025] According to another aspect, a method of detecting the presence of pests is disclosed. The method includes receiving first sensor data from a sensor, receiving second sensor data from the sensor, determining a first gradient of signal change based on the first and second sensor data, receiving third sensor data from the sensor, determining a second gradient of signal change based on the second and third sensor data, determining whether the second gradient is different from the first gradient, and transmitting a pest detection warning notification to a server in response to the determination that the second gradient is different from the first gradient. The sensor includes a coating that reacts with a target biochemical analyte secreted by the pest, and the signal change correlates with an increase in the concentration of the target biochemical analyte.

[0026] In some embodiments, the method further includes activating a timer when a second gradient is different from a first gradient, receiving sensor data from a sensor, determining a gradient of a signal change based on the sensor data while the timer is active, deactivating the timer when the change in gradient is no longer detected, determining a time interval measured by the timer, and determining whether the time interval is longer than a predetermined period. In some embodiments, the step of sending a pest detection warning notification includes sending a pest detection warning notification in response to a determination that the time interval is longer than a predetermined period.

[0027] In some embodiments, the predetermined threshold rate can be a reference mass change rate in the presence of rice weevils.

[0028] In some embodiments, the target biochemical analyte may include trans-2-hexenal (T2H). Additionally, or alternatively, in some embodiments, the target biochemical analyte may include trans-2-octenal (T2O). In some embodiments, the target biochemical analyte may include 4-oxo-(E)-2-hexenal. In some embodiments, the target biochemical analyte may include 4-oxo-(E)-2-octenal.

[0029] In some embodiments, the coating may include a dioctyl cyclic thiol intermediate (dioctyl-CTI). Additionally, or alternatively, in some embodiments, the coating may include a cyclic thiol intermediate (CTI).

[0030] In some embodiments, the sensor may be a quartz crystal microbalance.

[0031] In some embodiments, the coating includes a polymer gel and a dioctyl cyclic thiol intermediate (dioctyl-CTI) or a cyclic thiol intermediate (CTI).

[0032] In some embodiments, the polymer gel may have high viscosity as well as high thermal and chemical stability to form a stability coating on the surface of the sensor cell. In some embodiments, the polymer gel may have a low molecular weight.

[0033] In some embodiments, the polymer gel may be at least one of polymethylphenylsiloxane (PMPS), polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS), fluoroalcohol polycarbosilane, fluoroalcohol polysiloxane, bisphenol-containing polymer (BSP3), poly-2-dimethylamino-ethyl-methacrylate (PDMAEMC), and a polymer having silicon (Si) and iron (Fe).

[0034] In some embodiments, the polymer gel may be polymethylphenylsiloxane (PMPS). Alternatively, in some embodiments, the polymer gel may be polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS). Alternatively, in some embodiments, the polymer gel may be fluoroalcohol polycarbosilane. Alternatively, in some embodiments, the polymer gel may be fluoroalcohol polysiloxane. Alternatively, in some embodiments, the polymer gel may be bisphenol-containing polymer (BSP3). Alternatively, in some embodiments, the polymer gel may be poly-2-dimethylamino-ethyl-methacrylate (PDMAEMC). Alternatively, in some embodiments, the polymer gel may be a polymer having silicon (Si) and iron (Fe).

[0035] According to another aspect, the method includes determining the amount of an agent available on a pest detection sensor for reacting with a target biochemical analyte secreted by a pest, determining whether the amount of the agent is lower than a threshold level, and in response to determining that the amount of the agent is lower than the threshold level, sending a notification to a server indicating that the sensor requires maintenance. The amount of the agent coated on the pest detection sensor decreases when the agent reacts with the target biochemical analyte.

[0036] In some embodiments, the agent may include a dioctyl cyclic thiol intermediate (dioctyl-CTI). Additionally, or alternatively, in some embodiments, the agent may include a cyclic thiol intermediate (CTI).

[0037] In some embodiments, the target biochemical analyte may include an analyte present in the secretion of the rice weevil. For example, the target biochemical analyte may include trans-2-hexenal (T2H). Additionally, or alternatively, in some embodiments, the target biochemical analyte may include trans-2-octenal (T2O). In some embodiments, the target biochemical analyte may include 4-oxo-(E)-2-hexenal. In some embodiments, the target biochemical analyte may include 4-oxo-(E)-2-octenal.

[0038] In some embodiments, the threshold level is determined based on the minimum amount of the agent required to react with the target biochemical analyte.

[0039] According to another aspect, a cyclic thiol of formula I

[0040]

Chemical formula

[0041] In some embodiments, X may be S. In some embodiments, Z 1 may be O. In some embodiments, Z 1 and Z 2 may each be O. In some embodiments, X may be S, and Z 1 and Z 2 may each be O.

[0042] In some embodiments, R 1 and R 2 may each be C4-C 10 alkyl and may be the same. For example, in some embodiments, R 1and R 2 may each be octyl, respectively.

[0043] In addition, or alternatively, in some embodiments, R 1 and R 2 at least one of may be linked to a polymer backbone group. In some embodiments, R 1 and R 2 at least one of may be hydrogen.

[0044] In some embodiments, the polymer backbone group may be selected from the group consisting of silicone, polyolefin, polyamide, polyester, polycarbonate, polyaramid, polyurethane, polystyrene, epoxy, rubber, starch, protein, cellulose, acrylate, ABS polymer, PEEK polymer, polyol, polyether, polyether polyol, and copolymers of two or more of the foregoing. For example, in some embodiments, the polymer backbone group may be silsesquioxane. In some embodiments, the polymer backbone group may be crosslinked.

[0045] In some embodiments, R 1 may have the formula CH2O(CH2)3S(CH2)3R 5

[0046] In some embodiments, the cyclic thiol may have a weight of about 350 Da to about 5000 Da.

[0047] In some embodiments, a may be 1.

[0048] In some embodiments, R 3 , R 3’ , R 4 and R 4’ may each be hydrogen, respectively.

[0049] In some embodiments, the cyclic thiol has the following formula​

[0050] [Chemical formula] may have, wherein R 1 and R 2 may each independently be hexyl or octyl. For example, in some embodiments, R 1 and R 2 may each be octyl.

[0051] In some embodiments, the thiol group may have a pKa of about 1 to about 4.

[0052] According to another aspect, the cyclic adduct of Formula II

[0053] [Chemical formula] (wherein X is S or O, Z 1 and Z 2 are each independently O or S, R 1 is hydrogen, C1-C 12 alkyl, C2-C 12 alkenyl, C6-C 10 aryl, 5-7 membered heteroaryl, -OR 5 , -SR 5 , -(OC1-C4 alkylene) x R 5 , -(SC1-C4 alkylene) y R 5 , -(OC1-C4 alkylene) x (SC1-C4 alkylene) y R 5 , -(SC1-C4 alkylene) y (OC1-C4 alkylene) x R 5 , C1-C3 alkylene(OC1-C4 alkylene) x R 5 , C1-C3 alkylene(SC1-C4 alkylene)y R 5 、 C1-C3 alkylene (OC1-C4 alkylene) x (SC1-C4 alkylene) y R 5 、 and C1-C3 alkylene (SC1-C4 alkylene) y (OC1-C4 alkylene) x R 5 selected from the group consisting of, R 2 R is hydrogen, C1-C 12 alkyl, C2-C 12 alkenyl, C6-C 10 aryl, 5-7 membered heteroaryl, -OR 5 、 -SR 5 、 -(OC1-C4 alkylene) x R 5 、 -(SC1-C4 alkylene) y R 5 、 -(OC1-C4 alkylene) x (SC1-C4 alkylene) y R 5 、 -(SC1-C4 alkylene) y (OC1-C4 alkylene) x R 5 、 C1-C3 alkylene (OC1-C4 alkylene) x R 5 、 C1-C3 alkylene (SC1-C4 alkylene) y R 5 、 C1-C3 alkylene (OC1-C4 alkylene) x (SC1-C4 alkylene) y R 5 、 and C1-C3 alkylene (SC1-C4 alkylene) y (OC1-C4 alkylene) x R 5 selected from the group consisting of, R 3 、 R 3’ 、 R 4 and R 4’ are each independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, C1-C8 alkyl, C2-C8 alkenyl, and C6-C 10 aryl, R 5is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, C1-C8 alkyl, C2-C8 alkenyl, C6-C 10 aryl, and a polymeric linking group, R 6 is C1-C 12 alkyl or oxo-substituted C1-C 12 alkyl, a is 0 or 1, x and y are each independently an integer from 1 to 10) or a tautomer thereof is disclosed.

[0054] In some embodiments, R 6 may be propyl or pentyl. For example, in some embodiments, R 6 may be pentyl. In some embodiments, R 6 may be 1-oxopropyl or 1-oxopentyl.

[0055] According to another aspect, the thiol of formula III

[0056]

Chemical formula

[0057] According to another aspect, an adduct of formula IV

[0058]

Chemical formula

[0059] According to another aspect, the adduct of formula V

[0060] [Chemical formula] (wherein X is S or O, Z 3 and Z 4 are each independently O or S, R 7 and R 8 are each independently selected from the group consisting of C1-C4 alkylene-O-(C1-C4 alkylene) q R 9 and C1-C4 alkylene-S-(C1-C4 alkylene) z R 10 and are selected from the group consisting of, R 9 and R 10 are each independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, C1-C8 alkyl, C2-C8 alkenyl, C6-C 10 aryl, and polymeric linking groups, q and z are each independently integers from 0 to 10) or its tautomer is disclosed.

[0061] In some embodiments, R 7 and R 8 may each be C1-C4 alkylene-O-(C1-C4 alkylene) q R 9 . For example, in some embodiments, R 7 and R 8 may each be C2 alkylene-O-(C1-C4 alkylene) q R 9 .

[0062] In some embodiments, R 7 and R 8 may each be C1-C4 alkylene-O-(C1-C4 alkylene) q R 9It may be, and q may be 0. For example, in some embodiments, R 7 and R 8 may each be C2 alkylene - O - R 9 respectively.

[0063] In some embodiments, R 7 and R 8 may each be C1 - C4 alkylene - O - (C1 - C4 alkylene) q R 9 respectively, q may be 0, and R 9 may be C1 - C8 alkyl. For example, in some embodiments, R 7 and R 8 may each be CH2 - CH2 - O - CH3 respectively.

[0064] According to another aspect, the pest control device includes a housing including an inner chamber, a plurality of inlets to the inner chamber, and a plurality of inner walls dividing the inner chamber into a plurality of channels. Each channel is sized to receive one or more pests. The pest control device comprises any sensor illustrated and / or described in the present application and any controller illustrated and / or described in the present application. The sensor is attached to the housing.

[0065] In some embodiments, the pest control device may further include an air flow device configured to create an air flow to draw air from the inner chamber to the sensor along the plurality of channels.

[0066] In some embodiments, the housing may include a first panel movable relative to a second panel to enable access to the inner chamber.

[0067] In some embodiments, the first panel may be pivotally connected to the second panel.

[0068] In some embodiments, the housing may include an impermeable liner between the outer frame of the first panel and the outer frame of the second panel to minimize loss of the target biochemical analyte through the gap between the outer frames.

[0069] In some embodiments, the impermeable liner may be a film coated with aluminum.

[0070] In some embodiments, the first panel may include a base surface and a plurality of inner walls extending from the base surface.

[0071] In some embodiments, the first panel may include an inclined surface located outside each inlet for guiding pests to the corresponding inlet.

[0072] In some embodiments, the plurality of inner walls may include a pair of guide walls and a blocking wall located on each side surface of the inlet. Each guide wall may extend in a first direction and can define a first channel among the plurality of channels. The blocking wall may extend in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction at a distance from the end of the guide wall.

[0073] In some embodiments, the blocking wall may include a first wall portion extending in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, a second wall portion extending from the end of the first wall portion, and a third wall portion extending from the opposite end of the first wall portion. The second wall portion may extend parallel to the guide wall and can jointly define a second channel among the plurality of channels. The second wall portion may extend parallel to the guide wall and can jointly define a third channel among the plurality of channels.

[0074] In some embodiments, the first channel may be configured to guide the airflow in the first direction, and the second and third channels may be configured to guide the airflow in a third direction opposite to the first direction.

[0075] In some embodiments, the blocking wall may be a first blocking wall, and the plurality of inner walls may include a second blocking wall spaced from the end of the first blocking wall. The first blocking wall and the second blocking wall can jointly define a fourth channel configured to direct the airflow in a first direction.

[0076] In some embodiments, the fourth channel may be offset from the inlet of the housing.

[0077] In some embodiments, the sensor may be located in the inner chamber of the housing.

[0078] In some embodiments, the airflow device may be located in the inner chamber.

[0079] In some embodiments, the pest control device may further include an external preconcentrator.

[0080] In some embodiments, the preconcentrator may include a heating element for raising the temperature of the inner chamber.

[0081] In some embodiments, the preconcentrator may include a sheet for sorbing the target biochemical analyte.

[0082] In some embodiments, the sheet may be made of a woven or non-woven fibrous material and may include sorbent powder between the fibers of the fibrous material sheet.

[0083] In some embodiments, the preconcentrator may include a plurality of sheets made of a woven or non-woven fibrous material for sorbing the target biochemical analyte, and may include sorbent powder between two sheets of the fibrous material.

[0084] In some embodiments, the preconcentrator may include a tube extending from one of the plurality of inlets to the sensor and configured to sorb the target biochemical analyte.

[0085] In some embodiments, the preconcentrator may include a test chamber sized to receive an amount of a target biochemical analyte.

[0086] In some embodiments, the preconcentrator may have a surface configured to sorb the target biochemical analyte at a first temperature and desorb the target biochemical analyte at a second temperature.

[0087] In some embodiments, the pest control device may further include a heating element capable of selectively adjusting the temperature of the inner chamber.

[0088] In some embodiments, the heating element may be able to raise the temperature to eradicate pests in the inner chamber.

[0089] In some embodiments, the housing may be configured to be fixed to the bed.

[0090] In some embodiments, the pest control device may further include a headboard of the bed, and the housing is configured to be fixed to the headboard of the bed.

[0091] The detailed description refers particularly to the following drawings.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0092]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8A

Figure 8B

Figure 9

Figure 10

Figure 11

Figure 12

Figure 13

Figure 14

Figure 15

Figure 16

Best Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0093] The concept of the present disclosure is susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, and specific exemplary embodiments thereof will be shown by way of example in the drawings and described in detail herein. However, it is not intended to limit the concept of the present disclosure to the specific forms disclosed, but on the contrary, it is intended to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives included within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

[0094] Referring now to FIG. 1, there is shown a pest control system 100 for detecting the presence of pests. The system 100 includes, by way of example, one or more groups of pest control devices 102 in communication with a central pest data management server 104 via a network 106. The central pest data management server 104 is further configured to communicate with one or more client computing devices 108 via a network 110 for transmitting information received from the group of pest control devices 102.

[0095] The group of pest control devices 102 includes a plurality of pest control devices 108. Each pest control device 108 is configured to detect the presence of bed bugs and provides sensor data indicative of the detection of bed bugs, as described in more detail below. The pest control device 108 transmits the sensor data to the central pest data management server 104 via the network 106. In an exemplary embodiment, to do so, the plurality of pest control devices 120 communicate with a gateway 122 to transmit the sensor data to the network 106. It should be understood that in other embodiments, or in other groups of pest control devices 102, one or more of the control devices 120 may communicate directly with the network 106.

[0096] The gateway 122 can be incorporated as any type of computing or computer device capable of wirelessly communicating with the pest control device 120 and the network 106. In some embodiments, a range extender or repeater may be used to extend the communication range between the pest control device 120 and the gateway 122. Additionally, the gateway 122 may incorporate a bi-directional transceiver for communicating with the pest control device 120 and / or the repeater and the network 106. In an exemplary embodiment, the gateway device may incorporate digital cellular technology to enable communication with the network 106. An exemplary system of a repeater and a gateway device is illustrated and described in U.S. Patent No. 8,026,822, issued on September 8, 2009, which is hereby expressly incorporated by reference herein.

[0097] The network 106 can be incorporated as any type of network that can facilitate communication between the gateway 122 of the group of pest control devices 120 and the central pest data management server 104. In an exemplary embodiment, the network 106 can be incorporated as a cellular network or a wireless wide area network (WAN) using a cellular network. In some embodiments, it should be understood that the network 106 can be incorporated as, or may otherwise include, a publicly accessible global network such as a wireless local area network (LAN), a wide area network (WAN), and / or the Internet. As such, the network 106 may include a number of additional devices such as additional computers, routers, and switches to facilitate communication. In other embodiments, each of the pest control devices 120 may include separate transmitters and receivers for transmitting and receiving data from the server 104 using the network 106. In yet other embodiments, the gateway 122 may be configured to be wired to the network 106 via a cable.

[0098] Server 104 includes communication middleware, application software 140, and database 142. It should be understood that server 104 may be located on-site or off-site of the pest control device 120. Server 104 can be incorporated as any type of computing or computer device capable of performing the functions described herein, including but not limited to servers, computers, multiprocessor systems, rack-mounted servers, blade servers, laptop computers, notebook computers, tablet computers, wearable computing devices, network appliances, web appliances, distributed computing systems, processor systems, and / or household electronic devices. It should be understood that server 104 can be incorporated as a single computing device or a group of distributed computing devices. In an exemplary embodiment, server 104 provides various virtual / logical components to aggregate the sensor data of each pest control device 120 received via gateway 122 into database 142. Server 104 should be understood to communicate with all remote pest control device groups 102, evaluate the data obtained, and take corresponding actions using the application service provider (ASP) model. In particular, server 104 needs to collect sensor data from the pest control device group 102, aggregate and process the sensor data, and determine the information to be transferred to customers or technicians. In addition, server 104 facilitates the data archiving, notification, and reporting processes.

[0099] The client computing device 108 can be incorporated as any type of computing device or computer device capable of communicating with the server 104, including but not limited to computers, multiprocessor systems, laptop computers, notebook computers, tablet computers, wearable computing devices, network appliances, web appliances, distributed computing systems, processor systems, and / or home electronic devices. In an exemplary embodiment, the client computing device 108 can selectively access the server 104 through the network 110. The client computing device 108 may include a browser subsystem, a spreadsheet interface, an email interface, a short message service (SMS) interface, and other interface subsystems.

[0100] The network 110 can be incorporated as any type of network that can facilitate communication between the client computing device 108 and the central pest data management server 104. In an exemplary embodiment, the network 110 can be incorporated as a publicly accessible global network such as a wireless local area network (LAN) or the Internet. However, it should be understood that in some embodiments, the network 110 can be incorporated as or may include a cellular network or a wireless wide area network (WAN). As such, the network 110 may include a number of additional devices such as additional computers, routers, and switches to facilitate communication.

[0101] Referring now to FIG. 2, a pest control device 120 for detecting the presence of pests is shown in more detail. The pest control device 120 includes a housing 202 defined by an outer wall 204 and a top cover 206 that encloses an inner chamber 208. In an exemplary embodiment, the inner chamber 208 houses a sensor 210, a controller 212, a power supply 214, and a wireless communication circuit 216. In some embodiments, the inner chamber 208 may house a local indicator 218.

[0102] The sensor 210 is configured to detect a target biochemical analyte contained in the secretions of pests. For example, in an exemplary embodiment, the sensor 210 is configured to detect a target biochemical analyte contained in the secretions of the rice weevil. The sensor 210 is connected to conduits 222 on each side surface of the sensor 210 and extends through the outer wall 204 of the inlet 224 and the outlet 226. The secretions of the rice weevil enter through the inlet 224 and flow into the sensor 210 through the conduit 222. It should be understood that in some embodiments, a blower 220 may be disposed in the inner chamber 208 near the outlet 226 to draw air from the inlet 224 through the sensor 210 towards the outlet 226.

[0103] The sensor 210 can be incorporated as any type of device, circuit, or component capable of performing the functions described herein. In an exemplary embodiment, the sensor 210 is incorporated as a resonator sensor such as a quartz crystal microbalance (QCM). As shown in FIG. 2, the sensor 210 includes a sensor cell or quartz resonator 230 such that the conduit 222 extends to the quartz resonator 230 and disperses air through the quartz resonator 230. It should be understood that in some embodiments, the sensor 210 may include a series of multiple sensor cells or quartz resonators 230 arranged in parallel such that the conduit 222 is split into multiple lines to form multiple quartz resonators 230 and air is dispersed through each quartz resonator 230.

[0104] In use, power supply 214 supplies power to sensor 210 to oscillate crystal resonator 230, and crystal resonator 230 is configured to measure a frequency. Crystal resonator 230 is further configured to generate sensor data including the frequency of crystal resonator 230 indicative of a mass change on the surface of crystal resonator 230. It should be understood that the frequency of crystal resonator 230 is generally determined by the sensor mass detected on the surface of crystal resonator 230. For example, if the mass attached to the surface of crystal resonator 230 increases, the frequency decreases. As such, the mass change per unit area can be determined based on the sensor data received from crystal resonator 230. Accordingly, controller 212 of pest control device 120 can further determine the change in sensor mass based on the change in frequency. In some embodiments, sensor 210 may be a small-scale QCM such as an open-type QCM. It should be understood that in some embodiments, sensor 210 may be any type of mass resonator capable of detecting the presence of a target biochemical analyte. In some embodiments, sensor 210 may be incorporated as a cantilever sensor. In other embodiments, sensor 210 may be incorporated as a cantilever sensor.

[0105] As shown in FIG. 3, crystal resonator 230 is coated with sensor coating 306 on the surface of crystal resonator 230. In an exemplary embodiment, crystal resonator 230 includes crystal oscillator 302 and electrode 304. It should be understood that sensor coating 306 can be attached on the entire surface or a partial surface of crystal oscillator 302.

[0106] In an exemplary embodiment, the sensor coating 306 is made of an agent that reacts with a target biochemical analyte contained in the secretion of the clothes moth. In an exemplary embodiment, the target biochemical analyte is, for example, an unsaturated aldehyde compound such as trans-2-hexenal (T2H), trans-2-octenal (T2O), 4-oxo-(E)-2-hexenal, and / or 4-oxo-(E)-2-octenal. In an exemplary embodiment, dioctyl-cyclic thiol intermediate (dioctyl-CTI) is used to form the sensor coating 306 because it reacts selectively with T2H, T2O, 4-oxo-(E)-2-hexenal, and / or 4-oxo-(E)-2-octenal. In an exemplary embodiment, the dioctyl-CTI has the following formula

[0107]

Chemical formula

[0108]

Chemical formula

[0109] In some embodiments, the agent of the sensor coating 306 is a cyclic thiol of Formula I

[0110] [Chemical formula] (wherein, X is S or O, Z 1 and Z 2 are each independently O or S, R 1 is hydrogen, C1-C 12 alkyl, C2-C 12 alkenyl, C6-C 10 aryl, 5-7 membered heteroaryl, -OR 5 , -SR 5 , -(OC1-C4 alkylene) x R 5 , -(SC1-C4 alkylene) y R 5 , -(OC1-C4 alkylene) x (SC1-C4 alkylene) y R 5 , -(SC1-C4 alkylene) y (OC1-C4 alkylene) x R 5 , C1-C3 alkylene(OC1-C4 alkylene) x R 5 , C1-C3 alkylene(SC1-C4 alkylene) y R 5 , C1-C3 alkylene(OC1-C4 alkylene) x (SC1-C4 alkylene) y R 5, and C1-C3 alkylene (SC1-C4 alkylene) y (OC1-C4 alkylene) x R 5 selected from the group consisting of R 2 is hydrogen, C3-C 12 alkyl, C2-C 12 alkenyl, C6-C 10 aryl, 5-7 membered heteroaryl, -OR 5 , -SR 5 , -(OC1-C4 alkylene) x R 5 , -(SC1-C4 alkylene) y R 5 , -(OC1-C4 alkylene) x (SC1-C4 alkylene) y R 5 , -(SC1-C4 alkylene) y (OC1-C4 alkylene) x R 5 , C1-C3 alkylene(OC1-C4 alkylene) x R 5 , C1-C3 alkylene(SC1-C4 alkylene) y R 5 , C1-C3 alkylene(OC1-C4 alkylene) x (SC1-C4 alkylene) y R 5 , and C1-C3 alkylene(SC1-C4 alkylene) y (OC1-C4 alkylene) x R 5 selected from the group consisting of R 3 , R 3’ , R 4 and R 4’ are each independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, C1-C8 alkyl, C2-C8 alkenyl, and C6-C 10 aryl R 5 is hydrogen, C1-C8 alkyl, C2-C8 alkenyl, C6-C 10 aryl, and a polymeric linking group a is 0 or 1 x and y are each independently an integer from 1 to 10) or a tautomer thereof.

[0111] In some embodiments, X is S. In some embodiments, Z 1 is O. In some embodiments, Z 2 is O. In some embodiments, Z 1 and Z 2 are each O. In some embodiments, X is S and Z 1 and Z 2 are each O.

[0112] In some embodiments, R 1 and R 2 are the same. In some embodiments, R 1 and R 2 are each independently C4-C 10 alkyl. In some embodiments, R 1 and R 2 are each C4-C 10 alkyl and are the same. In some embodiments, R 1 and R 2 are each independently C6-C8 alkyl. In some embodiments, R 1 and R 2 are each C6-C8 alkyl and are the same. In some embodiments, R 1 and R 2 are each octyl.

[0113] In some embodiments, at least one of R 1 and R 2 is linked to a polymeric backbone group. In some embodiments, at least one of R 1 and R 2 is hydrogen.

[0114] In some embodiments, the polymeric capping group is selected from the group consisting of silicone, polyolefin, polyamide, polyester, polycarbonate, polyaramid, polyurethane, polystyrene, epoxy, rubber, starch, protein, cellulose, acrylate, ABS polymer, PEEK polymer, polyol, polyether, polyether polyol, and copolymers of two or more of the foregoing. In some embodiments, the polymeric capping group is silicone. In some embodiments, the polymeric capping group is silsesquioxane. In some embodiments, the polymeric capping group is crosslinked.

[0115] As used herein, "polymeric capping group" refers to oligomers and polymers that are, in some embodiments, silsesquioxanes. Examples of silsesquioxane compounds are described in Cordes D., et al., Chem. Rev. 2010, 11, 2081-2173, which is hereby expressly incorporated by reference herein.

[0116] In some embodiments, R 1 is -(OC1-C4 alkyl) x R 5 or C1-C3 alkyl(OC1-C4 alkyl) x R 5 In some embodiments, R 1 is -(OC1-C4 alkyl) x (SC1-C4 alkyl) y R 5 or C1-C3 alkyl(OC1-C4 alkyl) x (SC1-C4 alkyl) y R 5 In some embodiments, R 1 has the formula -CH2O(CH2)3S(CH2)3R 5

[0117] ​In some embodiments, the cyclic thiol has a weight of about 200 Da to about 5000 Da. In some embodiments, the cyclic thiol has a weight of about 350 Da to about 5000 Da. In some embodiments, the cyclic thiol has a weight of about 1000 Da to about 5000 Da.

[0118] In some embodiments, a is 1.

[0119] In some embodiments, R 3 , R 3’ , R 4 and R 4’ are each hydrogen.

[0120] In some embodiments, the cyclic thiol has the following formula

[0121]

Chemical formula

[0122] In some embodiments, the thiol group has a pKa of about 1 to about 4. In some embodiments, the thiol group has a pKa of about 2.5.

[0123] In some embodiments, the cyclic thiol is part of a composition that does not contain a metal thiol chelating agent. In some embodiments, the composition has a pH of about 2 to about 8. In some embodiments, the composition has a pH of about 2 to about 9. In some embodiments, the composition has a pH of about 7.

[0124] In some embodiments, when the agent of the sensor coating 306 reacts with the target biochemical analyte, a cyclic adduct is formed. In some embodiments, the cyclic adduct is represented by Formula II

[0125] [Chemical formula] (wherein, X is S or O, Z 1 and Z 2 are each independently O or S, R 1 is hydrogen, C1-C 12 alkyl, C2-C 12 alkenyl, C6-C 10 aryl, 5-7 membered heteroaryl, -OR 5 , -SR 5 , -(OC1-C4 alkylene) x R 5 , -(SC1-C4 alkylene) y R 5 , -(OC1-C4 alkylene) x (SC1-C4 alkylene) y R 5 , -(SC1-C4 alkylene) y (OC1-C4 alkylene) x R 5 , C1-C3 alkylene(OC1-C4 alkylene) x R 5 , C1-C3 alkylene(SC1-C4 alkylene) y R 5 , C1-C3 alkylene(OC1-C4 alkylene) x (SC1-C4 alkylene) y R 5 , and C1-C3 alkylene(SC1-C4 alkylene) y (OC1-C4 alkylene) x R 5 is selected from the group consisting of, R 2 is hydrogen, C1-C 12 alkyl, C2-C 12 alkenyl, C6-C 10 aryl, 5-7 membered heteroaryl, -OR 5 , -SR 5 , -(OC1-C4 alkylene) x R 5 , -(SC1-C4 alkylene) y R5 -, (OC1-C4 alkylene) x (SC1-C4 alkylene) y R 5 -, (SC1-C4 alkylene) y (OC1-C4 alkylene) x R 5 , C1-C3 alkylene(OC1-C4 alkylene) x R 5 , C1-C3 alkylene(SC1-C4 alkylene) y R 5 , C1-C3 alkylene(OC1-C4 alkylene) x (SC1-C4 alkylene) y R 5 , and C1-C3 alkylene(SC1-C4 alkylene) y (OC1-C4 alkylene) x R 5 selected from the group consisting of, R 3 , R 3’ , R 4 and R 4’ are each independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, C1-C8 alkyl, C2-C8 alkenyl, and C6-C 10 aryl, R 5 is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, C1-C8 alkyl, C2-C8 alkenyl, C6-C 10 aryl, and a polymeric linking group, R 6 is C1-C 12 alkyl or oxo-substituted C1-C 12 alkyl, a is 0 or 1, x and y are each independently integers from 1 to 10) or a tautomer thereof.

[0126] In some embodiments, R 6 is propyl or pentyl. In some embodiments, R 6 is pentyl. In some embodiments, R 6is 1-oxopropyl or 1-oxopentyl.

[0127] In some embodiments, X is S. In some embodiments, Z 1 is O. In some embodiments, Z 2 is O. In some embodiments, Z 1 and Z 2 are each O. In some embodiments, X is S, and Z 1 and Z 2 are each O.

[0128] In some embodiments, R 1 and R 2 are the same. In some embodiments, R 1 and R 2 are each, independently, C4-C 10 alkyl. In some embodiments, R 1 and R 2 are each C4-C 10 alkyl and are the same. In some embodiments, R 1 and R 2 are each C6-C8 alkyl and are the same. In some embodiments, R 1 and R 2 are each octyl.

[0129] In some embodiments, at least one of R 1 and R 2 is linked to a polymeric backbone group. In some embodiments, at least one of R 1 and R 2 is hydrogen.

[0130] In some embodiments, the polymeric capping group is selected from the group consisting of silicone, polyolefin, polyamide, polyester, polycarbonate, polyaramid, polyurethane, polystyrene, epoxy, rubber, starch, protein, cellulose, acrylate, ABS polymer, PEEK polymer, polyol, polyether, polyether polyol, and copolymers of two or more of the foregoing. In some embodiments, the polymeric capping group is silicone. In some embodiments, the polymeric capping group is silsesquioxane. In some embodiments, the polymeric capping group is crosslinked.

[0131] In some embodiments, R 1 is -(OC1-C4 alkyl) x R 5 or C1-C3 alkyl(OC1-C4 alkyl) x R 5 is. In some embodiments, R 1 is -(OC1-C4 alkyl) x (SC1-C4 alkyl) y R 5 or C1-C3 alkyl(OC1-C4 alkyl) x (SC1-C4 alkyl) y R 5 includes. In some embodiments, R 1 has the formula -CH2O(CH2)3S(CH2)3R 5 .

[0132] In some embodiments, the cyclic adduct has a weight of about 200 Da to about 5000 Da. In some embodiments, the cyclic adduct has a weight of about 350 Da to about 5000 Da. In some embodiments, the cyclic adduct has a weight of about 1000 Da to about 5000 Da.

[0133] In some embodiments, a is 1.

[0134] In some embodiments, R 3 , R3’ , R 4 and R 4’ are each hydrogen.

[0135] In some embodiments, the cyclic adduct has the formula

[0136]

Chemical formula

[0137] In some embodiments, the thiol group has a pKa of about 1 to about 4. In some embodiments, the thiol group has a pKa of about 2.5.

[0138] In some embodiments, the cyclic adduct is part of a composition that does not contain a metal thiol chelating agent. In some embodiments, the composition has a pH of about 2 to about 8. In some embodiments, the composition has a pH of about 2 to about 9. In some embodiments, the composition has a pH of about 7.

[0139] In some embodiments, the agent of the sensor coating 306 is a thiol of formula III

[0140]

Chemical formula

[0141] In some embodiments, X is S. In some embodiments, Z 1 is O. In some embodiments, Z 2 is O. In some embodiments, Z 1 and Z 2 are each O. In some embodiments, X is S and Z 1 and Z 2 are each O

[0142] In some embodiments, R 1 and R 2 are the same. In some embodiments, R 1 and R 2 are each independently C4-C 10 alkyl. In some embodiments, R 1 and R 2 are each C4-C 10 alkyl and are the same. In some embodiments, R 1 and R 2are each independently C6-C8 alkyl. In some embodiments, R 1 and R 2 are each C6-C8 alkyl and are the same. In some embodiments, R 1 and R 2 are each octyl.

[0143] In some embodiments, at least one of R 1 and R 2 is linked to a polymeric backbone group. In some embodiments, at least one of R 1 and R 2 is hydrogen.

[0144] In some embodiments, the polymeric backbone group is selected from the group consisting of silicone, polyolefin, polyamide, polyester, polycarbonate, polyaramid, polyurethane, polystyrene, epoxy, rubber, starch, protein, cellulose, acrylate, ABS polymer, PEEK polymer, polyol, polyether, polyether polyol, and copolymers of two or more of the foregoing. In some embodiments, the polymeric backbone group is silicone. In some embodiments, the polymeric backbone group is silsesquioxane. In some embodiments, the polymeric backbone group is cross-linked.

[0145] In some embodiments, R 1 is -(OC1-C4 alkyl) x R 5 or C1-C3 alkyl(OC1-C4 alkyl) x R 5 In some embodiments, R 1 is -(OC1-C4 alkyl) x (SC1-C4 alkyl) y R 5 or C1-C3 alkyl(OC1-C4 alkyl) x (SC1-C4 alkyl) y R 5includes. In some embodiments, R 1 has the formula -CH2O(CH2)3S(CH2)3R 5 .

[0146] In some embodiments, the thiol has a weight of about 200 Da to about 5000 Da. In some embodiments, the thiol has a weight of about 350 Da to about 5000 Da. In some embodiments, the thiol has a weight of about 1000 Da to about 5000 Da.

[0147] In some embodiments, a is 1.

[0148] In some embodiments, the thiol group has a pKa of about 1 to about 4. In some embodiments, the thiol group has a pKa of about 2.5.

[0149] In some embodiments, the thiol is part of a composition that does not contain a metal thiol chelating agent. In some embodiments, the composition has a pH of about 2 to about 8. In some embodiments, the composition has a pH of about 2 to about 9. In some embodiments, the composition has a pH of about 7.

[0150] In some embodiments, when the agent of the sensor coating 306 reacts with the target biochemical analyte, an adduct is formed. In some embodiments, the adduct is represented by Formula II

[0151]

Chemical formula

[0152] In some embodiments, R 6 is propyl or pentyl. In some embodiments, R 6 is pentyl. In some embodiments, R 6 is 1-oxopropyl or 1-oxopentyl

[0153] In some embodiments, X is S. In some embodiments, Z 1 is O. In some embodiments, Z 2 is O. In some embodiments, Z 1 and Z 2 are each O. In some embodiments, X is S and Z 1 and Z 2 are each O

[0154] In some embodiments, R 1 and R 2 are the same. In some embodiments, R 1 and R2 is, independently of each other, C4-C 10 alkyl. In some embodiments, R 1 and R 2 are each C4-C 10 alkyl and are the same. In some embodiments, R 1 and R 2 are each, independently of each other, C6-C8 alkyl. In some embodiments, R 1 and R 2 are each C6-C8 alkyl and are the same. In some embodiments, R 1 and R 2 are each octyl.

[0155] In some embodiments, at least one of R 1 and R 2 is linked to a polymeric blocking group. In some embodiments, at least one of R 1 and R 2 is hydrogen.

[0156] In some embodiments, the polymeric blocking group is selected from the group consisting of silicone, polyolefin, polyamide, polyester, polycarbonate, polyaramid, polyurethane, polystyrene, epoxy, rubber, starch, protein, cellulose, acrylate, ABS polymer, PEEK polymer, polyol, polyether, polyether polyol, and copolymers of two or more of the foregoing. In some embodiments, the polymeric blocking group is silicone. In some embodiments, the polymeric blocking group is silsesquioxane. In some embodiments, the polymeric blocking group is crosslinked.

[0157] In some embodiments, R 1 is -(OC1-C4 alkyl) x R 5 or C1-C3 alkyl(OC1-C4 alkyl) x R 5is. In some embodiments, R 1 is -(OC1-C4 alkyl) x (SC1-C4 alkyl) y R 5 or C1-C3 alkyl(OC1-C4 alkyl) x (SC1-C4 alkyl) y R 5 includes. In some embodiments, R 1 has the formula -CH2O(CH2)3S(CH2)3R 5 .

[0158] In some embodiments, the adduct has a weight of about 200 Da to about 5000 Da. In some embodiments, the adduct has a weight of about 350 Da to about 5000 Da. In some embodiments, the adduct has a weight of about 1000 Da to about 5000 Da.

[0159] In some embodiments, a is 1.

[0160] As described above, the agent of the sensor coating 306 is configured to react with the target biochemical analyte to produce a product having a high molecular weight. In use, the initial increase in the sensor mass detected on the surface of the crystal resonator 230 is determined based on the sensor data. As discussed above, in an exemplary embodiment, the sensor data includes the frequency of the crystal resonator 230, and the change in frequency is generally proportional to the change in the sensor mass. Accordingly, the initial increase in the sensor mass is determined by measuring the change in the frequency of the crystal resonator 230, as detailed below.

[0161] In some embodiments, the initial increase in the sensor mass can also be determined based on the absolute mass change. To do so, the current surface mass and the initial surface mass on the crystal resonator 230 before the reaction may be compared to measure the initial increase in the sensor mass. It should be understood that the detection of subsequent increases in the sensor mass is determined by comparing the current surface mass on the crystal resonator 230 with the subsequent surface mass.

[0162] The mass change generally correlates with the concentration of the target biochemical analyte detected on the crystal resonator 230. However, it should be understood that the amount of agent available to react with the target biochemical analyte can affect the reaction rate, thereby affecting the mass change and / or the rate of mass change detected on the surface of the crystal resonator 230. The increase in mass associated with such a reaction is detected by the controller 212 of the pest control device 120, as detailed in FIGS. 6 and 8.

[0163] In some embodiments, the rate of mass change can be affected by the detection response time of the sensor 210. If an accumulation of the target biochemical analyte in the air surrounding the sensor 210 is required to produce a measurable change indicating the presence of the flour beetle, the detection response time can increase. In other words, at low concentrations of the target biochemical analyte, the mass change of the crystal resonator 230 caused by the reaction may not be sufficient until the target biochemical analyte accumulates to a predetermined amount. In some embodiments, a preconcentrator may be used to reach a minimum predetermined amount of the target biochemical analyte so that the sensor 210 can immediately detect low concentrations of the target biochemical analyte.

[0164] It should be noted that the amount of agent in the sensor coating 306 decreases when the agent reacts with the target biochemical analyte. In some embodiments, it should be understood that the reaction is reversible from the product to the agent by heating. In such embodiments, the pest control device 120 further includes a heating element (not shown). When the amount of agent in the sensor coating 306 reaches a threshold level, the pest control device 120 applies heat to the crystal resonator 230 to reverse the reaction and recover the agent in the sensor coating 306. In some embodiments, the pest control device 120 can issue a local or remote warning indicating that the sensor 210 needs maintenance to replenish the agent in the sensor coating 306 or replace the crystal resonator 230 or the sensor 210.

[0165] Returning to FIG. 2 for reference, the controller 212 can be incorporated as any type of controller, circuit, or component capable of performing the functions described herein. The controller 212 is configured to determine the presence of the mealworm by analyzing sensor data generated by the sensor 210. Specifically, in an exemplary embodiment, the crystal resonator 230 of the sensor 210 generates sensor data. The sensor data particularly includes a change in mass on the surface of the crystal resonator 230. It should be understood that a change in the mass of the crystal resonator 230 indicates that the agent of the sensor coating 306 of the crystal resonator 230 is converted into a product having a different molecular weight, and the rate of change in mass is generally proportional to the rate of the reaction for converting the agent into the product.

[0166] As discussed above, in an exemplary embodiment, the product obtained from the reaction between an agent (e.g., dioctyl-CTI) and a target biochemical analyte such as T2H, T2O, 4-oxo-(E)-2-hexenal, and / or 4-oxo-(E)-2-octenal has a higher molecular weight compared to the molecular weight of dioctyl-CTI. Accordingly, the controller 212 determines whether the increase in mass exceeds a predetermined threshold rate. The predetermined threshold rate is the reference mass change rate in the presence of the mealworm. For example, in some embodiments, the reference mass change can be the minimum mass change rate in the presence of the mealworm. In other embodiments, the reference mass change may be the minimum mass change rate plus some additional safety factors to avoid false positives or unwanted detections. For example, in some cases, environmental factors such as temperature and humidity in the air surrounding the sensor 210 can affect the accuracy of the detected mass change rate and cause sensor drift. By including some additional safety factors, the uncertain environmental effects can be offset and unwanted detections due to sensor drift can be reduced.

[0167] As discussed above, the initial increase in the sensor mass detected on the surface of the crystal resonator 230 is determined by measuring the change in the frequency of the crystal resonator 230. In some embodiments, as discussed above, the initial increase in the sensor mass may be determined based on the absolute mass change by comparing the current mass on the crystal resonator 230 with the initial mass on the crystal resonator 230 prior to the reaction. It should be understood that the detection of subsequent mass increases is determined by comparing the current mass of the crystal resonator 230 with the subsequent mass of the crystal resonator 230. In some embodiments, it should be understood that the sensor data can be processed by the server 104.

[0168] In some embodiments, the sensor 210 can detect the presence of mealworms by detecting a decrease in the sensor mass when the crystal resonator 230 is heated. To do this, the sensor 210 can determine the mass detected on the surface of the crystal resonator 230 before and after heating of the crystal resonator 230 to determine whether the change in mass exceeds a predetermined threshold. As discussed above, when heat is applied to the crystal resonator 230, the product obtained from the reaction between the agent and the target biochemical analyte releases the target biochemical analyte, reducing the sensor mass and detecting the presence of mealworms.

[0169] In some embodiments, the sensor 210 can determine both mass increases and mass losses to eliminate false positives or unwanted detections. For example, in some cases, environmental factors such as dust or other particles in the air surrounding the sensor 210 can interact with the agent of the sensor coating 306, increasing the sensor mass detected on the surface of the crystal resonator 230. In such embodiments, the sensor 210 can identify false positives or unwanted detections if the increase in the sensor mass before heating exceeds a first predetermined threshold while the decrease in the sensor mass after heating does not exceed a second predetermined threshold.

[0170] The power source 214 can be incorporated as any type of device, circuit, or component that can supply power to components of the pest control device 120, such as the controller 212, the sensor 210 if necessary, the wireless communication circuit 216, the local indicator 218, or the blower 220. In some embodiments, the power source 214 may be an electrochemical cell or battery.

[0171] The wireless communication circuit 216 can be incorporated as any type of device, circuit, or component that enables communication between the pest control device 104 and the gateway 122. Each pest control device 120 is configured to communicate with the gateway 122 periodically or constantly in order to transmit sensor data to the server 104 using the network 106. For example, the sensor data may particularly include notifications such as the detection of rice weevils and / or an indication that the sensor requires maintenance. To do this, the wireless communication circuit 216 can be configured to perform such communication using any one or more communication technologies (e.g., wireless or wired communication) and related protocols (e.g., Ethernet, Bluetooth®, Wi-Fi®, WiMAX, LTE, 5G, etc.).

[0172] The local indicator 218 can be incorporated as any type of indicator capable of creating a warning to notify a human operator or technician. For example, the local indicator 218 can be incorporated as a visual and / or audible indicator. In some embodiments, the visual indicator 218 may include a light emitting diode (LED), fluorescence, incandescence, and / or neon-type light sources. The audible indicator can generate a warning sound to notify the technician. In an exemplary embodiment, the local indicator 218 generates a warning indicating the presence or absence of the mealworm. For example, in some embodiments, the LED light indicator 218 can be excited to project a colored light, change color, or change from non-flashing light to flashing light to indicate the presence of the mealworm. In other embodiments, the audible local indicator 218 can generate a sound to indicate the presence of the mealworm.

[0173] In some embodiments, the local indicator 218 can also output a signal indicating whether the sensor 230 requires maintenance. For example, the local warning can indicate a failure of the sensor 230. In some embodiments, the local warning can indicate depletion of the agent of the sensor 210. In such embodiments, the LED light indicator 218 can be excited to project a colored light, change color, or change from non-flashing light to flashing light to indicate the presence of the mealworm. It should be understood that the color of the LED light indicator 218 indicating sensor maintenance can be different from the color of the LED light indicator 218 indicating mealworm detection. In some embodiments, the visual indicator can be used to indicate the presence of the mealworm, and the audible indicator can be used to indicate that the sensor 210 requires maintenance, or vice versa.

[0174] It should be understood that in some embodiments, the pest control device 120 may further include a handle (not shown) on the housing member 202 for providing a grip to a human operator or technician. The technician can hold the handle of the pest control device 120 and manually move the pest control device 120 to identify a local area of a target biochemical analyte indicating the presence of silverfish.

[0175] Referring now to FIG. 4, the gateway 122 includes a controller 402 having a memory 404, a wireless network interface 406 having an antenna 408, and a modem 410 having an antenna 414. The controller 402 can be incorporated as any type of controller, circuit, or component capable of performing the functions described herein, including but not limited to a computer, a multiprocessor system, a laptop computer, a notebook computer, a tablet computer, a wearable computing device, a network appliance, a web appliance, a distributed computing system, a processor system, and / or a household electronic device. In some embodiments, the controller 402 may be of a microcontroller type such as model number C805F120 provided by Cygnal Technologies.

[0176] The memory 404 can be incorporated as any type of volatile or non-volatile memory or data storage capable of performing the functions described herein. During operation, the memory 404 can store various data and software used during operation of the gateway 122, such as programs, libraries, and drivers. In some embodiments, the memory 404 can temporarily store and aggregate sensor data received from the pest control device 120 before transmitting the sensor data to the server 104 via the network 106.

[0177] In an exemplary embodiment, a modem 410 having an antenna 414 is configured to interface with a cellular network or a wireless WAN network 106 and communicate with the network 106. In some embodiments, the modem 410 may utilize a General Packet Radio Service (GPRS) via a Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM) protocol. In some embodiments, the modem 408 may be of a wired dial-up connection and / or coaxial cable type.

[0178] In an exemplary embodiment, a wireless network interface 406 having an antenna 408 is configured to interface with a wireless communication network defined by a corresponding group of pest control devices 102 and communicate with a pest control device 120. In some embodiments, the wireless communication network may be of a Local Area Network (LAN) type.

[0179] Referring now to FIG. 5, in use, the pest control system 100 can execute a routine 500 for detecting the presence of bedbugs. The routine 500 begins at block 502 where the communication components of the pest control system 100 are initialized and a new communication path is formed from each pest control device 120 to the server 104 or the client computing device 108. For example, the wireless network interface 406 and the modem 410 of the gateway 122 are initialized to establish a link to the network.

[0180] In block 504, each pest control device 120 acquires and analyzes data generated by the sensor 210 of the pest control device 120. As described above, in an exemplary embodiment, the sensor 210 includes a crystal resonator 230 configured to output sensor data, and the surface of the crystal resonator 230 has a sensor coating 306 containing an agent. As discussed above, the agent of the sensor coating 306 selectively reacts with a target biochemical analyte secreted by pests. During the reaction, the agent is converted into a product having a molecular weight different from that of the agent. As discussed above, the crystal resonator 230 outputs sensor data including a frequency indicating a change in mass on the surface of the crystal resonator 230. As discussed above, the change in frequency is generally proportional to the change in the mass of the sensor attached to the surface of the crystal resonator 230. Accordingly, the controller 212 of the pest control device 120 analyzes the sensor data of the crystal resonator 230 and determines the presence of pests based on the level of the mass change, which is described in detail in FIGS. 6 and 7.

[0181] In some embodiments, the sensor data may include the status of the sensor 210. For example, the status of the sensor 210 may include the amount of the remaining agent of the sensor coating 306. As discussed above, the frequency of the crystal resonator 230 is partially determined by the mass of the agent coated on the crystal resonator 230. As such, the remaining agent coated on the crystal resonator 230 can be estimated based on the frequency of the crystal resonator 230. In other embodiments, each pest control device 120 can determine the amount of the agent converted into the product, thereby determining the amount of the remaining agent in the sensor coating 306. It should be understood that having a sufficient amount of the agent of the sensor coating 306 is necessary to accurately detect the presence of pests.

[0182] In block 506, the sensor data of the pest control device 120 is transmitted to the pest data management server 104. To do this, the pest control device 120 transmits the sensor data to the gateway 122. The gateway 122 subsequently transmits the sensor data to the server 104 via the network 106.

[0183] In block 508, the server 104 outputs the sensor data. In some embodiments, the server 104 can execute corresponding actions using the application 140. For example, the application 140 includes a notification and alert service that can send a warning to the client computing device 108 based on conditions set in the database 142.

[0184] Referring now to FIGS. 6 and 7, during use, the controller 212 of the pest control device 120 can implement a routine 600 for detecting the presence of silverfish by determining the rate of change of the sensor mass, and a routine 700 for determining whether to issue a warning notification. Routine 600 begins at block 602 where the controller 212 determines whether the sensor 210 of the pest control device 120 is active. If the controller 212 determines that the sensor 210 is not active, routine 600 loops back to block 602 and continues monitoring the active sensor 210. However, if the controller 212 determines that the sensor 210 is active, routine 600 proceeds to block 604.

[0185] At block 604, controller 212 receives sensor data from sensor 210. In an exemplary embodiment, sensor or quartz crystal microbalance 210 generates sensor data indicative of a change in mass on the surface of quartz resonator 230 of quartz crystal microbalance 210. As discussed above, the sensor data generally includes the frequency of vibration of quartz resonator 230, which is proportional to the change in sensor mass. Based on the received sensor data, at block 606, controller 212 determines the rate of change of sensor mass (i.e., the rate of change of mass on the surface of quartz resonator 230).

[0186] At block 608, controller 212 determines whether the determined rate of change of sensor mass exceeds a predetermined threshold rate. It should be understood that the predetermined threshold rate is the reference rate of mass change in the presence of rice weevils and is used to reduce false positive detections of rice weevils. As discussed above, the reference rate of mass change is the minimum rate of mass change in the presence of rice weevils. In some embodiments, the reference mass change may be the minimum rate of mass change plus some additional safety factor to avoid false positives or unwanted detections.

[0187] If controller 212 determines that the rate of change does not exceed the predetermined threshold rate, controller 212 determines that no rice weevils are detected, and routine 600 branches to block 710 of routine 700 shown in FIG. 7, detailed below. However, if controller 212 determines that the rate of change exceeds the predetermined threshold rate, routine 600 proceeds to block 610. At block 610, controller 212 activates or starts a timer when the rate of change of sensor mass exceeds the predetermined threshold rate. It should be understood that in some embodiments, controller 212 can record the start time when the rate of change of sensor mass exceeds the predetermined threshold rate. In other words, the start time is the time when pest control device 108 detects the presence of rice weevils.

[0188] To further reduce the false positive detection of bed bugs, the controller 212 determines the length of time that the rate of change of mass has exceeded a predetermined threshold rate. To do this, the controller 212 receives subsequent sensor data from the sensor 210 at block 612. Based on the subsequent sensor data, the controller 212 determines the rate of change of the sensor mass at block 614.

[0189] At block 616, the controller 212 determines whether the rate of change still exceeds a predetermined threshold rate based on the subsequent sensor data. If the controller 212 determines that the rate of change exceeds the predetermined threshold rate, the routine 600 loops back to block 612 and continues to receive subsequent sensor data. However, if the controller 212 determines that the rate of change does not exceed the predetermined threshold rate, the routine 600 proceeds to block 618.

[0190] At block 618, the controller 212 stops the timer. It should be understood that in some embodiments, the controller 212 records the end time when the rate of change exceeded the predetermined threshold rate. In other words, the end time is the time when the pest control device 108 stops detecting the presence of bed bugs. The routine 600 subsequently proceeds to block 702 of the routine 700 shown in FIG. 7 to determine whether to issue a warning notification.

[0191] At block 702 shown in FIG. 7, the controller 212 determines the time interval measured by the timer. It should be understood that the determined time interval indicates the period during which bed bugs were detected.

[0192] In block 704, the controller 212 determines whether the time interval is longer than a predetermined period. As discussed above, the predetermined period is used to reduce false positive detections. If the time interval is shorter than the predetermined period, the controller 212 determines that such a detection may be a false positive, and routine 700 jumps to block 708 where the controller 212 records the time interval. False positives can be caused, for example, by unexpected environmental factors, unexpected device failures, and / or human error.

[0193] However, if the controller 212 determines that the time interval exceeds the predetermined period, routine 700 proceeds to block 706. In block 706, the controller 212 issues a carpet beetle detection warning notification. In some embodiments, the controller 212 may issue a local carpet beetle detection warning notification via the local indicator 218. In some embodiments, the controller 212 may issue a carpet beetle detection warning notification to the server 104. In block 708, the controller 212 records the time interval.

[0194] Subsequent to the detection of the presence of carpet beetles, the controller 212 further determines the agent level of the sensor coating 306 on the crystal resonator 230 of the sensor 210 and determines when to replenish the sensor coating 306 on the crystal resonator 230 or replace the crystal resonator 230 and / or the sensor 210. It should be understood that in some embodiments, the controller 212 can determine the agent level and the presence of carpet beetles simultaneously.

[0195] In block 710, the controller 212 determines the level of the agent of the sensor coating 306 on the crystal resonator 230. To do this, in some embodiments, in block 712, the controller 212 may determine the agent level based on the sensor data. As discussed above, the frequency of the crystal resonator 230 is partially determined by the mass of the agent coated on the crystal resonator 230. As such, the controller 212 can estimate the amount of the remaining agent based on the frequency of the corresponding crystal resonator 230.

[0196] In some embodiments, in block 714, the controller 212 may determine the agent level by analyzing the rate of change of the sensor mass. For example, the controller 212 determines the rate of change of the sensor mass over a predetermined period and calculates the total mass change over the predetermined period. It should be understood that the total mass change is the weight difference between the weight of the product generated over a predetermined period and the weight of the agent reacted with the target biochemically analyte to produce the product. The controller 212 can calculate the amount of the agent consumed during the reaction from the total mass change. Accordingly, the controller 212 can determine the amount of the agent remaining on the crystal resonator 230 available for reaction with the target biochemically analyte.

[0197] In some embodiments, in block 716, the controller 212 can determine the agent level of the sensor 210 by comparing the current sensor mass with the theoretical sensor mass. The theoretical sensor mass is the sensor mass estimated when all of the agent of the sensor coating 306 is converted to the product.

[0198] In block 718, the controller 212 determines whether the agent level is lower than the threshold level. The threshold level is set based on the minimum amount of the agent in the sensor coating 306 required to react with the target biochemically analyte. In other words, if the agent level is lower than the threshold level, the agent is depleted and no further reaction can occur.

[0199] In that case, routine 700 proceeds to block 720 where controller 212 issues a notification for replacing sensor 210. In some embodiments, controller 212 may issue a local replacement notification via local indicator 218. In other embodiments, controller 212 may issue a notification to server 104.

[0200] However, if controller 212 determines that the agent level exceeds the threshold level, routine 700 jumps to block 720. Routine 700 can then loop back to block 604 of routine 600 in FIG. 6, continue to receive sensor data, and determine the presence of the mealybug and the agent level of sensor 210.

[0201] Referring now to FIGS. 8A and 8B, during use, controller 212 of pest control device 120 may execute an alternative alternative routine 800 of routine 600 to detect the presence of the mealybug by comparing the rate of change of frequency over time. Routine 800 begins at block 802 where controller 212 determines whether sensor 210 of pest control device 120 is active. If controller 212 determines that sensor 210 is not active, routine 800 loops back to block 802 and continues to monitor for an active sensor 210. However, if controller 212 determines that sensor 210 is active, routine 800 proceeds to block 804.

[0202] In block 804, the controller 212 receives first sensor data and subsequently, after a predetermined time, receives second sensor data. As discussed above, in an exemplary embodiment, the sensor data includes the frequency of the vibrating crystal resonator 230. Accordingly, in block 806, the controller 212 determines a first gradient of the frequency change (i.e., the rate of change of the frequency) over a predetermined time based on the first and second sensor data. However, in other embodiments, it should be understood that the controller 212 determines a first gradient of any signal change based on the first and second sensor data.

[0203] Subsequently, in block 808, the controller 212 further receives subsequent sensor data after a predetermined time. Then, in block 810, the controller 212 determines a second gradient of the frequency change based on the second and subsequent sensor data.

[0204] In block 812, the controller 212 determines whether the second gradient is different from the first gradient. In other words, the controller 212 compares the first and second rates of change of the frequency. As discussed above, the change in frequency indicates a change in the sensor mass. However, it should be noted that the sensitivity and / or accuracy of the sensor detection can be degraded by sensor drift over time, which may prevent the controller 212 from detecting the presence of a low-level target biochemically analyte. As such, by calculating the difference in the rate of change of the frequency to determine the presence of the weevil, the controller 212 can minimize the influence of possible sensor drift when performing long-term monitoring.

[0205] If the controller 212 determines that the second gradient is not different from the first gradient (i.e., the rate of change of the frequency has not changed), the controller 212 determines that the weevil is not detected, and the routine 800 jumps to block 710 of the routine 700 shown in FIG. 7.

[0206] However, if the controller 212 determines that the second slope is different from the first slope, routine 800 proceeds to block 814 shown in FIG. 8B, where the controller 212 activates a timer, indicating the start time when the controller 212 detected a sudden change in frequency. In other words, the start time is the time when the pest control device 108 detected the presence of the mealworm.

[0207] To further reduce false positive detections of the mealworm, the controller 212 determines the length of time during which the rate of change of the frequency (i.e., the rate of change of the sensor mass) changes. To do this, the controller 212 receives subsequent sensor data from the sensor 210 at block 612. Based on the subsequent sensor data, the controller 212 determines the slope of the subsequent frequency change at block 818.

[0208] At block 820, the controller 212 determines whether the subsequent slope is different from the previous slope. It should be understood that the previous slope is the slope determined immediately prior to the subsequent slope. If the controller 212 determines that the slope has changed, routine 800 loops back to block 816 and continues to receive subsequent sensor data. However, if the controller 212 determines that the slope has not changed, routine 800 proceeds to block 822.

[0209] At block 822, the controller 212 stops the timer, indicating the end time when the controller 212 detected no change in frequency. In other words, the end time is the time when the pest control device 108 stops detecting the presence of the mealworm. Next, routine 800 proceeds to block 702 of routine 700 shown in FIG. 7 and determines whether to issue a mealworm detection warning notification based on the time interval between the start time and the end time detailed above.

[0210] It should be understood that sensor 210 can be incorporated as other types of sensors capable of detecting target biochemical analytes. For example, as discussed above, sensor 210 can be incorporated as a cantilever sensor. In such embodiments, the cantilever sensor includes a body and one or more cantilevers protruding outward from the body. Each cantilever is coated with an agent that reacts with the target biochemical analyte and is configured to vibrate longitudinally. To initiate the vibration of each cantilever, the cantilever sensor can be excited by resistive heating to thermally expand and mismatch the layers. When the agent of the oscillating cantilever reacts with the target biochemical analyte, the resonant frequency of the oscillating cantilever changes due to the increase in mass on the cantilever. As discussed above, the change in frequency can be used to detect the presence of bed bugs. In some embodiments, the cantilever sensor may further include a piezoresistive pressure sensor. In such embodiments, the piezoresistive pressure sensor measures the degree of deformation (e.g., bending) of the vibrating cantilever and determines the presence of bed bugs when the degree of deformation is greater than a predetermined threshold.

[0211] Referring now to FIGS. 9 - 12, another embodiment of a pest control device (hereinafter, pest control device 890) is shown. In an exemplary embodiment, the pest control device 890 includes a sensor 908 located within a harborage mechanism 900. It should be understood that sensor 908 can take the form of sensor 210 described above with reference to FIGS. 1 - 8 or any of the other sensors described above. The harborage mechanism 900 is configured to create a preferred state that attracts pests (e.g., a color, temperature, texture, and / or odor that attracts the target pest) such that the pests enter and gather in the harborage mechanism. For example, in an exemplary embodiment, the harborage mechanism 900 includes a light - blocking material to attract pests such as bed bugs that prefer a dark, shady environment. Additionally, in an exemplary embodiment, the harborage mechanism 900 includes an attractive color that attracts the target pest.

[0212] As shown in FIG. 9, the hiding place mechanism 900 is configured to be fixed to the headboard 952 for the bed of the bed 950. For example, the hiding place mechanism 900 can be fixed to the surface of the headboard 952 for the bed that is away from the mattress 954 of the bed and faces the wall of the room. Such a hiding place mechanism 900 is configured to attract pests that have a preferred habitat near the bed or mattress, such as bed bugs. In some embodiments, it should be understood that the hiding place mechanism 900 can be fixed to any surface of the bed 950 using a fastener or adhesive that does not produce volatile compounds that can react with the target analyte or otherwise interfere with the sensor. In other embodiments, the hiding place mechanism 900 may be placed near the bed 950 or in any other environment where pests are likely to invade.

[0213] The hiding place mechanism 900 includes an inner chamber 940 and a plurality of inlets 928 that lead to the chamber 940 for pests to enter. Each inlet 928 is sized to facilitate access by pests and to supply oxygen into the hiding place mechanism 900 to allow pests to hide. To do this, the width of each inlet 928 can be determined based on the size of the target pest, ensuring that each inlet 928 is sized to allow the target pest to enter while suppressing unnecessary diffusion loss of the target analyte into the environment of the hiding place mechanism 900. For example, if the hiding place mechanism 900 is configured to detect the presence of bed bugs, the optimal width of each inlet 928 can be in the range of 3 mm to 100 mm.

[0214] In an exemplary embodiment, the hiding place mechanism 900 is configured to be opened by a technician or other user to allow access to the chamber 940. Referring now to FIGS. 10 and 11, the hiding place mechanism 900 is shown in an open configuration. The hiding place mechanism 900 includes a lower panel 902 and an upper panel 904 rotatably coupled to the lower panel 902 via a hinge 906. The hinge 906 moves the upper panel 904 relative to the lower panel 902 to allow access to the inner chamber 940. In use, the hiding place mechanism 900 is folded via the hinge 906 such that the upper panel 904 is positioned on top of the lower panel 902 and the hiding place mechanism 900 is closed (see FIGS. 9 and 12-13). It should be understood that in some embodiments, the lower panel 902 can be coupled to the upper panel 904 via other types of fasteners to separate the panels and allow access to the inner chamber 940.

[0215] As shown in FIG. 10, the lower panel 902 includes an outer frame 912 and a plurality of openings 914 disposed within the outer frame 912. The upper panel 904 also includes an outer frame 922 that, in conjunction with the outer frame 912 of the lower panel 902, defines the inner chamber 940. The upper panel 904 includes a plurality of openings 924 disposed within the outer frame 922 that are aligned with corresponding openings 914 of the lower panel 902 and are configured to define an entrance 928 to the hiding place mechanism 900 when the hiding place mechanism 900 is closed (i.e., when the upper panel 904 is folded over the lower panel 902 via the hinge 906 as shown in FIGS. 11 and 12).

[0216] Panels 902 and 904 each further include inner surfaces 918 and 926. In an exemplary embodiment, inner surfaces 918 and 926 are coated with a textured material to attract pests into the harborage mechanism 900. For example, the textured material may be a fibrous material. The textured material is configured to provide traction for moving pests into the harborage mechanism 900 along inner surfaces 918 and 926. For example, the textured material may be a woven (e.g., fabric) or non-woven (e.g., paper) material and may be made of synthetic, natural, or blended fibers. In some embodiments, the textured material may be colored to attract pests. For example, a red shade or black paper may be used to attract cockroaches. It should be understood that the textured material is configured to minimize analyte sorption to prevent or minimize interference with sensor detection. In some embodiments, the thickness of the textured material can be optimized to reduce analyte sorption.

[0217] In addition, lower panel 902 further includes a plurality of inner walls 916 extending from inner surface 918. As detailed below, the plurality of inner walls 916 divide inner chamber 940 into a plurality of channels 932. Each channel 932 is sized to receive one or more pests and is configured to direct an airflow from inlet 928 towards sensor 908 as indicated by arrow 934. It should be understood that in some embodiments, flow channels 932 may taper towards the periphery of the harborage mechanism 900. Such tapered flow channels 932 are adapted to increase the concentration of the target analyte in the harborage mechanism 900 by limiting the diffusion of the target analyte into the narrower flow channels 932 and reducing the loss of the target analyte to the space surrounding the pests.

[0218] The plurality of inner walls 916 includes a plurality of guide walls 936 and a plurality of blocking walls 938. Each guide wall 936 is located on each side of the inlet 928 and extends in a first direction indicated by arrow 968. Each pair of guide walls 936 defines an inlet channel 960 of the plurality of channels 932. Each blocking wall 938 is spaced from the end of the guide wall 936 and includes a first wall portion 942, a second wall portion 944 extending from the end of the first wall portion 942, and a third wall portion 946 extending from the opposite end of the first wall portion 942 to form an overall U-shaped barrier.

[0219] The first wall portion 942 is configured to extend in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, while the second wall portion 944 and the third wall portion 946 extend parallel to the guide wall 936. The second wall portion 944, in conjunction with the guide wall 936, defines a first side channel 962 of the plurality of channels 932, while the third wall portion 946, in conjunction with the guide wall 936, defines a second side channel 964 of the plurality of channels 932. As described above, the plurality of channels 932 together define a flow path in the inner chamber 940 from the inlet 928 to the sensor 908, as indicated by arrow 934. To do this, the first channel 960 is configured to direct the airflow in the first direction from the corresponding inlet 928, and the first and second side channels 962 and 964 are configured to direct the airflow in a third direction opposite to the first direction indicated by arrow 970. In addition, a fourth channel 966 is defined between the blocking walls 938, particularly between the third wall portion 946 of one blocking wall 938 and the second wall portion 944 of another blocking wall 938, and directs the airflow in the first direction indicated by arrow 972. As can be seen in FIG. 10, the fourth channel 966 is offset from the inlet 928 of the latency site mechanism 900.

[0220] As further shown in FIG. 10, the hiding place mechanism 900 includes a sensor 908 and an air flow device 910, and air flow is drawn into the sensor 908 through a flow path. In an exemplary embodiment, the air flow device 910 is an air pump such as a peristaltic or diaphragm pump, for example. However, it should be understood that in some embodiments, the air flow device 910 can be incorporated as a compressor, a Micro-Electro-Mechanical-System (MEMS) device, or a blower. The sensor 908 and the air pump 910 are disposed in the upper panel 904 of the hiding place mechanism 900 such that the sensor 908 and the air pump 910 are located within the inner chamber 940 of the hiding place mechanism 900. The sensor 908 and the air pump 910 are located on the inner surface 926 of the upper panel 904, and thus, when the hiding place mechanism 900 is closed, the sensor 908 and the air pump 910 do not engage the plurality of inner walls 916, thereby avoiding interference with the ability of air flow and / or pests to move within the inner chamber 940. In an exemplary embodiment, the air pump 910 is located between the outer frame 922 and the sensor 908 and draws air in from the inlet 928 and passes it towards the sensor 908. It should be understood that in some embodiments, the air pump 910 can be removed from the hiding place mechanism 900. In such embodiments, the sensor 908 can rely on natural air flow within the inner chamber 940 to deliver target analytes secreted by pests to the sensor 908 for detection.

[0221] In some embodiments, the sensor 908 may include a blocking sheet that covers the sensor 908. The blocking sheet is made of a mesh material to prevent pests from coming into direct contact with the sensor 908. It should be understood that the mesh material does not block the diffusion of the target analyte.

[0222] As described above, sensor 908 is configured to detect the presence of pests. For example, in an exemplary embodiment, sensor 908 is incorporated as a resonator sensor such as a quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) or a micro-scale QCM sensor. As detailed above, resonator sensor 908 is configured to detect the presence of pests by detecting the presence of target biochemical analytes secreted by pests in the air. It should be understood that in some embodiments, sensor 908 may be incorporated as a cantilever sensor for detecting the presence of pests as detailed above. It should be understood that sensor 908 may be any of the sensors described above with respect to FIGS. 1-8.

[0223] In some embodiments, sensor 908 may be located outside the harborage mechanism 900. In such embodiments, sensor 908 is coupled to the harborage mechanism 900 via a conduit adapted to direct an air flow from the harborage mechanism 900 and supply the air into sensor 908 for detection. In some embodiments, the end of the conduit can be inserted into the inner chamber 940 to a depth of up to 15 cm to create a highly airtight environment in the inner chamber 930 and attract pests (e.g., cockroaches) that avoid positions where interstitial air enters. In some embodiments, the conduit can be inserted along one of the ends of the inner chamber 930. In other embodiments, the conduit can be oriented at an angle of up to 90 degrees with respect to one of the ends of the harborage mechanism 900.

[0224] It should be understood that in some embodiments, the hiding place mechanism 900 may include a heating element for adjusting the temperature in the inner chamber 940. In such embodiments, the hiding place mechanism 900 may also include a controller that operates the heating element to maintain the temperature in the inner chamber 940 from a temperature higher than room temperature up to a maximum of 40 °C to create a preferred state for the mealworms. Additionally, in some embodiments, the controller can further increase the temperature up to about 100 °C to eradicate all pests detected in the inner chamber 940. In such embodiments, the controller can increase the temperature from the inlet 928 of the hiding place mechanism 900 to the barrier wall 938 up to about 100 °C to prevent the mealworms in the inner chamber 940 from exiting the hiding place mechanism 900.

[0225] In some embodiments, the hiding place mechanism 900 may further include a preconcentrator that accumulates a target analyte and releases the accumulated target analyte for pest detection. The preconcentrator can be incorporated as one or more sheets (e.g., one or more passages from the inlet 928 to the sensor 908) that sorb the target biochemical analyte covering at least a portion of the inner surfaces 918 and 926 of the hiding place mechanism 900. For example, the one or more sheets can be made of a material or fabric or non-woven fibrous material that sorbs the analyte. In some embodiments, the one or more fibrous sheets may contain a sorbent powder between the fibers of the sheet of fibrous material or between two sheets of fibrous material for enhanced sorption. The preconcentrator can be configured to sorb and accumulate the target analyte for a certain period of time and then, upon heating, release the accumulated target analyte all at once to obtain a more concentrated target analyte for sensor detection. This reduces the diffusion of the target analyte into the space surrounding the pests and allows the sensor 908 to detect the presence of a smaller number of pests.

[0226] For example, the preconcentrator may be configured to absorb the target analyte at a first temperature and release the absorbed target analyte at a second temperature. For example, in some embodiments, the preconcentrator may be a fibrous material such as paper filled with sorbent powder and located on at least one of the inner surfaces 918 and 926. In such embodiments, the preconcentrator has an absorption stage and a desorption (e.g., release) stage. During the absorption stage, the heating element can be operated to raise the temperature inside the hiding place mechanism 900 above room temperature to attract pests, and the preconcentrator is configured to absorb the target analyte secreted by the pests. During the desorption or release stage, the heating element is operated to further increase the temperature inside the hiding place mechanism 900 to desorb or release the target analyte from the preconcentrator. The desorption of the target analyte increases the concentration of the target analyte drawn into the sensor 908 for pest detection by the air pump 910. It should be understood that the sensor 908 can detect the presence of pests continuously or intermittently during the desorption stage.

[0227] In some embodiments, the preconcentrator can be incorporated as a tube or column extending from the inlet 928 of the hiding place mechanism 900 to the sensor 908. In such embodiments, the tube is made of a material that adsorbs the analyte, configured to adsorb the target biochemical analyte as the air surrounding the hiding place mechanism 900 passes through the tube. When the tube is heated, the analyte collected in the tube rapidly desorbs. It should be understood that the air pump 910 can facilitate drawing the desorbed target analyte released from the preconcentrator to the sensor 908 for detection.

[0228] In some embodiments, the hiding place mechanism 900 may include a plurality of heating elements. The heating elements are uniformly distributed along the flow path and can propagate a heat pulse from the inlet 928 towards the sensor 908. For example, the heating elements can be activated in order from the heating element farthest from the sensor 908 to the heating element near the sensor 908, or in the reverse order, to continuously desorb the target analyte from the preconcentrator. Subsequently, the air pump 910 can be activated to draw air into the sensor 908. When fresh air is drawn into the sensor 908 through the inlet 928 from outside the inner chamber 940, the air collects the target analyte desorbed from the preconcentrator in the inner chamber 940 and transports it into the sensor 908, obtaining a high concentration of the target analyte for pest detection.

[0229] It should be understood that the preconcentrator can be arranged along the periphery of the hiding place mechanism 900. In some embodiments, the preconcentrator may be arranged adjacent to the sensor 908 on the side opposite the air pump 910, so that the sensor 908 is located between the air pump 910 and the preconcentrator. Such a configuration enables the air pump 910 to draw the desorbed target analyte released from the preconcentrator into the sensor 908 for detection. In some embodiments, the sensor 908 may include an internal preconcentrator. In some embodiments, the external preconcentrator can be incorporated as a test chamber sized to receive a certain amount of the target analyte.

[0230] In some embodiments, when the hiding place mechanism 900 is in a closed configuration, a barrier can be disposed between the outer frame 912 of the lower panel 902 and the outer frame 922 of the upper panel 904 to prevent the target analyte from diffusing out of the hiding place mechanism 900. For example, the barrier can be incorporated as a lining between the outer frames 912 and 922 and may be made of a film coated with aluminum. Such a barrier can increase the concentration of the target analyte in the hiding place mechanism 900 for sensor detection. The barrier can further provide a preferred state by constructing a highly airtight zone inside the hiding place mechanism 900 and attracting pests (e.g., flour beetles) that avoid the positions where the interstitial wind enters.

[0231] Referring now to FIGS. 12 and 13, the hiding place mechanism 900 is folded such that the outer frame 922 of the upper panel 904 is positioned at the top of the outer frame 912 of the lower panel 902. As discussed above, when the hiding place mechanism 900 is in a closed configuration, the inner surface 918 of the lower panel 902 faces the inner surface 926 of the upper panel 904 with a gap therebetween, defining an inner chamber 940 and configured to move pests into the inner chamber 940. In an exemplary embodiment, the width of the inner chamber 940 (i.e., the distance between the inner surface 918 of the lower panel 902 and the inner surface 926 of the upper panel 904) decreases towards the sensor 908, creating a narrower flow path near the sensor 908 and increasing the concentration of the target analyte near the sensor 908 by limiting the diffusion of the target analyte into the narrow passage. However, it should be understood that in some embodiments, the width of the inner chamber 940 can be uniform throughout the hiding place mechanism 900.

[0232] As shown in FIG. 13, the lower panel 902 further includes a plurality of inclined surfaces 920, each inclined surface being located outside a corresponding inlet 928 and guiding pests to the corresponding inlet 928. In an exemplary embodiment, the width of each inclined surface 920 can range from 3 mm to 100 mm and corresponds to the width of the corresponding inlet 928. In some embodiments, the lower panel 902 may include a single inclined surface 902 extending along the entire width of the lower panel 902.

[0233] As shown in FIG. 9, in an exemplary embodiment, the hiding place mechanism 900 is adapted to be located on or fixed to the headboard 952 of the bed 950, and thus the lower panel 902 is located between the surface of the headboard 952 of the bed and the upper panel 904. When the hiding place mechanism 900 is fixed to the headboard of the bed, each inclined surface 920 is configured to bridge between the surface of the headboard 952 of the bed and each inlet 928, and thus pests can move from the bed to the hiding place mechanism 900. The inclined surface 920 may be coated with a textured material similar to the material on the inner surface 918 of the lower panel 902, and it should be understood that it provides traction for the pests to move upward along the inclined surface 920 to the hiding place mechanism 900. In some embodiments, the inclined surface 920 may be colored to create a favorable state for attracting pests to the hiding place mechanism 900.

[0234] In an exemplary embodiment, the hiding place mechanism 900 has a rectangular shape, but it should be understood that the hiding place mechanism 900 may be polygonal, rounded polygonal, elliptical, or circular. It should be understood that the outer surface of the hiding place mechanism 900 may be an attractive color to attract pests. For example, the outer surface of the hiding place mechanism 900 may be a red shade or black to attract cockroaches. In some embodiments, both the lower and upper panels 902 and 904 may be flat or curved, defining the inner chamber 930 of the hiding place mechanism 900. In other embodiments, one of the panels may be flat and the other panel may be curved to reduce the material used.

[0235] In an exemplary embodiment, the hiding place mechanism 900 further includes a local indicator. The local indicator is connected to the sensor 908 via a wire and is disposed on the outer surface of the upper panel 904 of the hiding place mechanism 900. However, in some embodiments, the local indicator may be disposed outside the hiding place mechanism 900 via a wire. In other embodiments, the local indicator may be wirelessly connected to the sensor 908 in the hiding place mechanism 900. Similar to the local indicator 218 detailed above, the local indicator can be incorporated as any type of indicator that can create a warning to notify a human operator or technician. For example, the local indicator of the hiding place mechanism 900 can be incorporated as a visual and / or audible indicator. In some embodiments, the visual indicator may include a light-emitting diode (LED), fluorescence, incandescence, and / or neon-type light sources. The audible indicator can generate a warning sound to notify the technician. In an exemplary embodiment, the local indicator generates a warning indicating the presence or absence of silverfish. For example, in some embodiments, the LED light indicator can be excited to project colored light, change color, or change from non-blinking light to blinking light to indicate the presence of silverfish. In other embodiments, the audible local indicator can generate a sound to indicate the presence of silverfish.

[0236] In other embodiments, the hiding place mechanism 900 may include a wireless communication circuit for communicating with a pest control system or server to notify when a pest is detected and / or when the sensor requires maintenance. As detailed above, the wireless communication circuit can be configured to perform such communication using any one or more communication technologies (e.g., wireless or wired communication) and related protocols (e.g., Ethernet, Bluetooth®, Wi-Fi®, WiMAX, LTE, 5G, etc.).

[0237] In use, a human operator or technician can attach the harborage mechanism 900 to the bed headboard 952 of the bed 950 to detect the presence of pests, such as bed bugs, that have a preferred habitat near the bed or mattress. Orient the harborage mechanism 900 so that the lower panel 902 of the harborage mechanism 900 is positioned on the surface of the bed headboard 952. Thereby, the inclined surface 920 of the harborage mechanism 900 can bridge the gap between the surface of the bed headboard 952 and the inlet 928, causing pests to move from the bed headboard 952 into the inner chamber 930 of the harborage mechanism 900. As discussed above, the inclined surface 920 may be colored or coated with a textured material to create a preferred condition for attracting the target pests along the inclined surface 902 into the inner chamber 930.

[0238] Actuate the air pump 910 of the harborage mechanism 900 continuously or periodically to draw air in through the inlet 928 and draw the target biochemical analyte from the area surrounding the pests in the inner chamber 930 towards the sensor 908. When air is drawn into the sensor 908, the sensor 908 is configured to detect the target biochemical analyte in the air and detect the presence of pests. For example, the sensor 908 is configured to detect target biochemical analytes such as T2H, T2O, 4-oxo-(E)-2-hexenal, and / or 4-oxo-(E)-2-octenal to detect the presence of bed bugs in or near the harborage mechanism 900. The sensor 908 then transmits a signal to a local indicator to emit a warning notifying a human operator or technician of the presence of bed bugs.

[0239] As described above, the hiding place mechanism 900 does not include any airflow devices such as, for example, an air pump 910. In the absence of an air pump 910 that draws air into the sensor 908, the sensor 908 relies on target analytes present in the air surrounding the pest and reaches the sensor 908 mainly through diffusion by the air in the inner chamber 940. In other words, the target biochemical analyte molecules are diffused in all effective directions from the source (i.e., the cockroach that emits the analyte) through the air in the inner chamber 930 of the hiding place mechanism 900. In such an embodiment, the position of the sensor 908 in the inner chamber 940 can be selected to minimize the maximum diffusion path (e.g., the open passage from the inlet 928 to the sensor 908). The hiding place mechanism may further include an impermeable liner (e.g., a film coated with aluminum plating) located in the gap between the respective outer frames 912 and 922 of the upper and lower panels 902 and 904 to minimize the loss of target analytes due to the gap and maximize the concentration of target analytes in the inner chamber 940 for sensor detection. It should be understood that in such an embodiment, the hiding place mechanism may further include a preconcentrator similar to the preconcentrator detailed above. In other embodiments, the hiding place mechanism may also include one or more heating elements similar to the heating elements detailed above.

[0240] Referring now to FIG. 14, another embodiment of the sensor 1000 is shown. Similar to the sensor 210, the sensor 1000 includes a sensor cell 1002 (e.g., a quartz resonator) and a sensor coating 1004 coated on the surface of the sensor cell 1002. In an exemplary embodiment, the sensor coating 1004 includes a coating gel compound made of a polymer gel and an agent (e.g., dioctyl-CTI). As discussed above, the agent is configured to react with a target biochemical analyte 1006 (e.g., T2H, T2O, 4-oxo-(E)-2-hexenal, or 4-oxo-(E)-2-octenal) contained in the secretions of cockroaches.

[0241] In an exemplary embodiment, the polymeric gel has a high viscosity (e.g., jelly-like consistency), optionally exhibits viscoplastic properties (e.g., yield stress), and exhibits high thermal and chemical stability, forming a stability coating on the surface of the sensor cell 1002. As such, rather than directly coating the agent on the surface of the sensor cell 1002, the polymeric gel is adapted to form a medium to immobilize the agent at the top of the surface of the sensor cell 1002. Additionally, in an exemplary embodiment, a polymeric gel having a relatively low molecular weight is used to achieve a polymeric gel of a desired viscosity level, enhancing the detection sensitivity of the target biochemical analyte, which is further discussed below. It should be understood that the liquid used to dissolve the polymer to form the polymeric gel is determined by the type of polymer to achieve a stability interface having high thermal and chemical stability. Exemplary polymeric gels include polymethylphenylsiloxane (PMPS), polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS), fluoroalcohol polycarbosilane commercially available as SC-F101 from Seacoast Science, Inc., Carlsbad, California, fluoroalcohol polysiloxane commercially available as SXFA from Seacoast Science, Inc., Carlsbad, California, bisphenol-containing polymer (BSP3), poly-2-dimethylamino-ethyl-methacrylate (PDMAEMC), or a polymer having silicon (Si) and iron (Fe). It should be understood that in some embodiments, the coating gel compound may include multiple types of polymeric gels.

[0242] In use, as shown in FIG. 14, a target biochemical analyte 1006, typically in gaseous state, present in the air surrounding sensor 1000 diffuses into the coating gel compound of sensor coating 1004. The diffused target biochemical analyte 1006 then reacts with an agent present in the coating gel compound to produce a product of the agent and the target biochemical analyte having a higher molecular weight than the agent alone. In an exemplary embodiment, a low molecular weight polymer gel is used to form the coating gel compound, and thus a small weight change can be detected and the presence of a small amount of target biochemical analyte 1006 can be indicated. It should be understood that the diffused target biochemical analyte 1006 that still needs to react further with the agent can be released based on the solubility of the coating gel compound and returned to the air.

[0243] In an exemplary embodiment, sensor coating 1004 is formed by spin coating, and a uniform film is deposited on the surface of sensor cell 1002 using a spin coater. To form a thin and uniform coating, a thick layer of coating gel compound is deposited on sensor cell 1002, and the excess coating gel compound is removed by the centrifugal force exerted by rotation using a spin coater. In some embodiments, sensor coating 1004 can be formed by spraying a dosage of a mist of coating gel compound onto sensor cell 1002 using spray coating. A spray nozzle (e.g., piezoelectric or pressurized gas driven), an inkjet printing head (e.g., piezoelectric or thermal), or a similar device can be used to generate the mist and eject single microdroplets at a time. In other embodiments, sensor coating 1004 can be formed using capillary deposition, soft lithography (e.g., microcontact printing), or dip coating. It should be understood that in each embodiment, the coating gel compound can be diluted in a volatile solvent to control the viscosity of the coating gel compound during the coating process.

[0244] Referring now to FIG. 15, the graph illustrates the mass change of a coating gel compound comprising a polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) polymer gel and a CTI agent. As discussed above, the mass change is caused by the reaction between the CTI agent in the PDMS coating gel compound and trans-2-hexenal (T2H) (i.e., the target biochemical analyte) present in the air surrounding the PDMS coating gel compound. Before introducing the target biochemical analyte, from t0 to t1, the temperature is raised to about 50° C. for about 110 minutes to ensure that the PDMS coating gel compound is clean. As discussed above, the reaction between the target biochemical analyte and the agent can be reversible by heating. By heating the PDMS coating gel compound at about 50° C. for about 110 minutes, any possible target biochemical analyte that reacts with the agent in the PDMS coating gel compound is surely removed from the PDMS coating gel compound. Additionally, any possible target biochemical analyte diffused in the PDMS coating gel compound that may not have reacted with the agent can also be released from the PDMS coating gel compound.

[0245] Note that the temperature decreased to about 35° C. at t2 and remained at about 35° C. It was noted that the weight of the PDMS coating gel compound remained relatively constant until the target biochemical analyte was introduced at t3. In other words, in the absence of the target biochemical analyte, no significant weight change was detected in the PDMS coating gel compound comprising the PDMS polymer gel and the CTI agent.

[0246] At t3, the sample having the target biochemical analyte was released into the air surrounding the PDMS-coated gel compound until t4. The target biochemical analyte in the air surrounding the PDMS-coated gel compound is adapted to diffuse into the PDMS-coated gel compound based on the solubility of the PDMS-coated gel compound. Once the target biochemical analyte has diffused into the PDMS-coated gel compound, the target biochemical analyte reacts with the target biochemical analyte in the PDMS-coated gel compound and is configured to produce a product of the agent and the target biochemical analyte that has a higher molecular weight than the individual agent. Accordingly, as can be seen in FIG. 15, the weight plot continuously increases during the release of the target biochemical analyte from t3 to t4, indicating an increase in the weight of the PDMS-coated gel compound.

[0247] When the flow of the sample stopped at t4, the weight of the PDMS-coated gel compound decreased slightly. Such a weight decrease can occur by the release of unreacted target biochemical analyte from the PDMS-coated gel compound. For example, the target biochemical analyte in the air surrounding the sensor 1000 may have diffused into the PDMS-coated gel compound between t3 and t4, but did not react further with the agent in the PDMS-coated gel compound. Such unreacted target biochemical analyte is adapted to diffuse out of the PDMS-coated gel compound and back into the surrounding air. In addition, in some embodiments, the reaction between the agent and the target biochemical analyte can be reversible. In such embodiments, in the absence of the target biochemical analyte in the surroundings, the product of the agent and the target biochemical analyte may return to the reactants (i.e., the agent and the target biochemical analyte) over time.

[0248] At t5, the sample having the target biochemical analyte was reintroduced into the air surrounding the sensor 1000, and the weight of the PDMS-coated gel compound continued to increase again from the reaction between the target biochemical analyte of the sample and the agent in the PDMS-coated gel compound.

[0249] Referring now to FIG. 16, the graph illustrates the mass change of a polymethylphenylsiloxane (PMPS) polymer gel and another coating gel compound containing a CTI agent. Similar to FIG. 15, the mass change is caused by the reaction between the CTI agent in the PMPS coating gel compound and trans-2-hexenal (T2H) (i.e., the target biochemical analyte) present in the air surrounding the PMPS coating gel compound.

[0250] Before introducing the target biochemical analyte, from t0 to t1, the temperature is raised to about 50° C. for about 110 minutes to ensure that the PMPS coating gel compound is thoroughly cleaned. As discussed above, the reaction between the target biochemical analyte and the agent can be reversible by heating. By heating the PMPS coating gel compound at about 50° C. for about 110 minutes, any possible target biochemical analyte that reacts with the agent in the PMPS coating gel compound is surely removed from the PMPS coating gel compound. Additionally, any possible target biochemical analyte that may have diffused in the PMPS coating gel compound but did not react with the agent can also be released from the PMPS coating gel compound.

[0251] Note that the temperature decreased to about 35° C. at t2 and remained at about 35° C. It was noted that the weight of the PMPS coating gel compound remained relatively constant until the target biochemical analyte was introduced at t3. In other words, in the absence of the target biochemical analyte, no significant weight change was detected in the PMPS coating gel compound containing the PMPS polymer gel and the CTI agent.

[0252] At t3, the sample having the target biochemical analyte was released into the air surrounding the PMPS-coated gel compound until t4. The target biochemical analyte in the air surrounding the PMPS-coated gel compound is adapted to diffuse into the PMPS-coated gel compound based on the solubility of the PMPS-coated gel compound. Once the target biochemical analyte has diffused into the PMPS-coated gel compound, the target biochemical analyte reacts with the target biochemical analyte in the PMPS-coated gel compound and is configured to produce a product of the agent and the target biochemical analyte, which has a higher molecular weight than the individual agent. Accordingly, as can be seen in FIG. 16, the weight plot continuously increases during the release of the target biochemical analyte from t3 to t4, indicating an increase in the weight of the PMPS-coated gel compound.

[0253] When the flow of the sample stopped at t4, the weight of the PMPS-coated gel compound decreased slightly. As discussed above, such a weight decrease can occur by the release of unreacted target biochemical analyte from the PMPS-coated gel compound. For example, the target biochemical analyte in the air surrounding the sensor 1000 may have diffused into the PMPS-coated gel compound between t3 and t4, but did not further react with the agent in the PMPS-coated gel compound. Such unreacted target biochemical analyte is adapted to diffuse out of the PMPS-coated gel compound and back into the surrounding air. Additionally, in some embodiments, the reaction between the agent and the target biochemical analyte can be reversible. In such embodiments, in the absence of the target biochemical analyte in the surroundings, the product of the agent and the target biochemical analyte may return to the reactants (i.e., the agent and the target biochemical analyte) over time.

[0254] At t5, the sample having the target biochemical analyte was reintroduced into the air surrounding the sensor 1000, and the weight of the PMPS-coated gel compound continued to increase again from the reaction between the target biochemical analyte of the sample and the agent in the PMPS-coated gel compound.

[0255] The present disclosure further requires, for example, the composition, preparation, and use of compounds exemplified by the following structures for use in the detection of mealworms. In particular, these compounds showed reactivity in solution with the chemical trans -2 - hexenal generated by mealworms. The following compounds were synthesized and tested for reactivity in solution with trans -2 - hexenal (T2H) by mixing phosphorodithioate and T2H in a 1:1 ratio. All compounds reacted completely with T2H over time.

[0256]

Chemical formula

[0257]

Chemical formula

[0258]

Chemical formula

[0259] [Chemical formula] Step 2: Synthesis of 2-mercapto-5,5-dipropyl-1,3,2-dioxaphosphinan 2-sulfide A 50 mL round-bottom flask equipped with a magnetic stirrer was charged with 2,2-dipropylpropane-1,3-diol (1.1 g, 6.87 mmol), followed by the addition of P2S5 (0.61 g, 2.75 mmol) in toluene (5 mL). Then the reaction mixture was heated at 100 °C for 16 hours, and toluene was distilled off at 100 °C under vacuum. The resulting residue was diluted in DCM and purified by column (0 - 100% DCM in hexane, isocratic gradient) to give 0.6 g of the title compound as a greenish oil. 1 1H NMR (CDCl3, GLC = 19044): δ 4.13 (d, 4H), 2.62 (s, 1H), 1.32 (m, 8H), 0.95 (m, 6H). Synthesis of 5,5 - Diisobutyl - 2 - mercapto - 1,3,2 - dioxaphosphinan 2 - sulfide

[0260] [Chemical formula] A 250 mL round - bottom flask equipped with a magnetic stirrer was charged with 2,2 - diisobutyl - 1,3 - propanol (2.0 g, 10.6 mmol), followed by the addition of P2S5 (0.94 g, 4.23 mmol) and toluene (7 mL). Then, the reaction mixture was heated to 80 °C for 3 hours under nitrogen. The mixture was cooled and concentrated under reduced pressure, and purified by silica column (0 - 10% MeOH in DCM) to obtain 0.9 g of the title compound. 1 H NMR (CDCl3, GLC = 18768): δ 0.81 - 1.06 (m, 12H), 1.42 (d, J = 5.5 Hz, 4H), 1.73 (m, 2H), 2.93 (s, 1H), 4.17 (d, J = 15.7 Hz, 4H). Synthesis of 0,0 - bis(2 - methoxyethyl) S - hydrogen phosphorodithioate

[0261] [Chemical formula] A 50 mL round - bottom flask equipped with a magnetic stirrer was charged with 2 - methoxyethanol (4.2 mL, 52.0 mmol), followed by the addition of P2S5 (2.8 g, 12.6 mmol) and toluene (50 mL). Then, the reaction mixture was heated to 80 °C for 4 hours and concentrated under reduced pressure. The resulting residue was diluted with the minimum amount of DCM and purified by column (40 - 80% ethyl acetate in hexane) to obtain 1.2 g of the title compound as a greenish oil. 1 H NMR (CDCl3, GLC = 19229): δ 4.30 (m, 4H), 3.66 (m, 4H), 3.4 (s, 6H). Synthesis of 0,0 - bis(4 - methylpentan - 2 - yl) S - hydrogen phosphorodithioate

[0262] [Chemical formula] A 250 mL round-bottom flask equipped with a magnetic stirrer was charged with alcohol (6.0 mL, 47.0 mmol), followed by the addition of P2S5 (3.0 g, 13.5 mmol) and toluene (31 mL). Subsequently, the reaction mixture was heated to 100 °C for 12 hours under nitrogen. The mixture was cooled and concentrated under reduced pressure, and 3.0 g of the mixture was further dried under high vacuum to obtain 1.1 g of the title compound. 1 H NMR (CDCl3, GLC = 18843): δ 0.91 (m, 12H), 1.37 (m, 8H), 1.68 (m, 4H), 4.8 (m, 2H). Synthesis of 0,0-Dipentyl S-Hydrogen Phosphorodithioate

[0263] [Chemical formula] A 50 mL round-bottom flask equipped with a magnetic stirrer was charged with 1-pentanol (1.1 mL, 10.1 mmol), followed by the addition of P2S5 (0.56 g, 2.5 mmol) and toluene (12.5 mL). Subsequently, the reaction mixture was heated to 100 °C for 3 hours under nitrogen. The resulting residue was cooled to room temperature, and 50% w / v KOH solution was added. The mixture was concentrated under reduced pressure, the semi-solid was crystallized, and washed with hexane to obtain 0.5 g of the title compound. 1 H NMR (CDCl3, GLC = 19169): δ 0.91(m, 6H), 1.37 (m, 8H), 1.71 (m, 4H), 4.15 (m, 4H).

[0264] Although the present disclosure has been illustrated and described in the drawings and the foregoing specification, such illustration and description are to be considered as exemplary and not restrictive in nature, showing and describing only exemplary embodiments, and it is to be understood that all changes and modifications within the scope of the spirit of the present disclosure are desired to be protected.

[0265] A plurality of advantages of the present disclosure arise from various features of the methods, apparatuses, and systems described herein. It should be noted that alternative embodiments of the methods, apparatuses, and systems of the present disclosure may not include all of the features described, but may still benefit from at least some of the advantages of those features. Those skilled in the art will readily devise unique implementations of methods, apparatuses, and systems in which one or more features of the invention are incorporated and which are included within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure as defined by the claims. Examples of embodiments of the present disclosure are listed in the following items [1] to

[0119] . [1] A sensor including a sensor cell, wherein a surface of the sensor cell is coated with an agent that reacts with a target biochemical analyte secreted by a pest, said sensor, A controller connected to said sensor, Receiving sensor data from the sensor cell indicating a rate of change of sensor mass detected on the surface of the sensor cell that correlates with an increase in the concentration of the target biochemical analyte, Determining whether the rate of change of the sensor mass based on the received sensor data exceeds a predetermined threshold rate, Sending a pest detection warning notification to a server in response to a determination that the rate of change exceeds the predetermined threshold rate Said controller configured to, A pest control device including. [2] The pest control device according to item 1, further comprising a handle that gives a grip to a human operator to move the pest control device to identify a local area of the target biochemical analyte. [3] Said controller, Activating a timer when the rate of change exceeds a predetermined threshold rate, Deactivating the timer when the rate of change returns to a value lower than the predetermined threshold rate, Determining an amount of time during which the rate of change of the sensor mass exceeded the predetermined threshold rate, Determining whether the amount of time is longer than a predetermined period Further configured to, Sending the pest detection warning notification includes sending a pest detection warning notification in response to a determination that the amount of time is longer than the predetermined period, the pest control device according to item 1. [4] The pest control device according to item 1, wherein the predetermined threshold rate is a reference mass change rate in the presence of rice weevils. [5] The pest control device according to item 1, wherein the target biochemical analyte includes an analyte contained in the secretion of rice weevils. [6] The pest control device according to item 1, wherein the target biochemical analyte includes trans-2-hexenal (T2H). [7] The pest control device according to item 1, wherein the target biochemical analyte includes trans-2-octenal (T2O). [8] The pest control device according to item 1, wherein the target biochemical analyte includes 4-oxo-(E)-2-hexenal. [9] The pest control device according to item 1, wherein the target biochemical analyte contains 4-oxo-(E)-2-octenal.

[10] The pest control device according to item 1, wherein the agent contains a dioctyl cyclic thiol intermediate (dioctyl-CTI).

[11] The pest control device according to item 1, wherein the agent contains a cyclic thiol intermediate (CTI).

[12] The pest control device according to item 1, wherein the sensor is a quartz crystal microbalance.

[13] The pest control device according to item 1, wherein the sensor cell is a quartz resonator.

[14] The pest control device according to item 1, wherein the surface of the sensor cell is coated with a coating gel compound containing a polymer gel and the agent.

[15] The pest control device according to item 14, wherein the polymer gel has high viscosity and high thermal and chemical stability in order to form a stability coating on the surface of the sensor cell.

[16] The pest control device according to item 14, wherein the polymer gel has a low molecular weight.

[17] The pest control device according to item 14, wherein the polymer gel is polymethylphenylsiloxane (PMPS).

[18] The pest control device according to item 14, wherein the polymer gel is polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS).

[19] The pest control device according to item 14, wherein the polymer gel is fluoroalcohol polycarbosilane.

[20] The pest control device according to item 14, wherein the polymer gel is fluoroalcohol polysiloxane.

[21] The pest control device according to item 14, wherein the polymer gel is bisphenol-containing polymer (BSP3).

[22] The pest control device according to item 14, wherein the polymer gel is poly-2-dimethylamine-ethyl-methacrylate (PDMAEMC).

[23] The pest control device according to item 14, wherein the polymer gel is a polymer having silicon (Si) and iron (Fe).

[24] The pest control device according to item 14, wherein the polymer gel is at least one of polymethylphenylsiloxane (PMPS), polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS), fluoroalcohol polycarbosilane, fluoroalcohol polysiloxane, bisphenol-containing polymer (BSP3), poly-2-dimethylamine-ethyl-methacrylate (PDMAEMC), and a polymer having silicon (Si) and iron (Fe).

[25] A method for detecting the presence of pests, comprising: Receiving data indicating the sensor mass change rate from the sensor. Determining whether the sensor mass change rate exceeds a predetermined threshold rate; Responding to the determination that the change rate exceeds the predetermined threshold rate by transmitting a pest detection warning notification to a server; and comprising; The method, wherein the sensor comprises a coating that reacts with a target biochemical analyte secreted by a pest, and the sensor mass change rate correlates with an increase in the concentration of the target biochemical analyte.

[26] Activating a timer when the change rate exceeds a predetermined threshold rate; Deactivating the timer when the change rate returns to a value lower than the predetermined threshold rate; Determining the amount of time that the change rate of the sensor mass exceeded the predetermined threshold rate; Determining whether the amount of time is longer than a predetermined period; and further comprising; The method according to item 25, wherein the step of transmitting the pest detection warning notification comprises transmitting a pest detection warning notification in response to the determination that the amount of time is longer than the predetermined period.

[27] The method according to item 25, wherein the predetermined threshold rate is a reference mass change rate in the presence of flour beetles.

[28] The method according to item 25, wherein the target biochemical analyte comprises trans-2-hexenal (T2H).

[29] The method according to item 25, wherein the target biochemical analyte comprises trans-2-octenal (T2O).

[30] The method according to item 25, wherein the target biochemical analyte comprises 4-oxo-(E)-2-hexenal.

[31] The method according to item 25, wherein the target biochemical analyte comprises 4-oxo-(E)-2-octenal.

[32] The method according to item 25, wherein the coating comprises a dioctyl cyclic thiol intermediate (dioctyl-CTI).

[33] The method according to item 25, wherein the coating comprises a cyclic thiol intermediate (CTI).

[34] The method according to item 25, wherein the sensor is a quartz crystal microbalance.

[35] The method according to item 25, wherein the coating is a coating gel compound comprising a polymer gel and the agent.

[36] The method according to item 35, wherein the polymer gel has high viscosity and high thermal and chemical stability to form a stability coating on the surface of the sensor cell.

[37] The method according to item 35, wherein the polymer gel has a low molecular weight.

[38] The method according to item 35, wherein the polymer gel is polymethylphenylsiloxane (PMPS).

[39] The method according to item 35, wherein the polymer gel is polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS).

[40] The method according to item 35, wherein the polymer gel is a fluoroalcohol polycarbosilane.

[41] The method according to item 35, wherein the polymer gel is a fluoroalcohol polysiloxane.

[42] The method according to item 35, wherein the polymer gel is a bisphenol-containing polymer (BSP3).

[43] The method according to item 35, wherein the polymer gel is poly-2-dimethylamino-ethyl-methacrylate (PDMAEMC).

[44] The method according to item 35, wherein the polymer gel is a polymer having silicon (Si) and iron (Fe).

[45] The method according to item 35, wherein the polymer gel is at least one of polymethylphenylsiloxane (PMPS), polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS), fluoroalcohol polycarbosilane, fluoroalcohol polysiloxane, bisphenol-containing polymer (BSP3), poly-2-dimethylamino-ethyl-methacrylate (PDMAEMC), and a polymer having silicon (Si) and iron (Fe).

[46] A method for detecting the presence of pests, Receiving first sensor data from a sensor; Receiving second sensor data from the sensor; Determining a first gradient of signal change based on the first and second sensor data; Receiving third sensor data from the sensor; Determining a second gradient of signal change based on the second and third sensor data; Determining whether the second gradient is different from the first gradient; Transmitting a pest detection warning notification to a server in response to the determination that the second gradient is different from the first gradient; comprising, wherein the sensor includes a coating that reacts with a target biochemical analyte secreted by pests, and the signal change correlates with an increase in the concentration of the target biochemical analyte, the method.

[47] Activating a timer when the second gradient is different from the first gradient; Receiving sensor data from the sensor and determining a gradient of signal change based on the sensor data while the timer is active; Deactivating the timer when no change in gradient is detected; Determining a time interval measured by the timer; Determining whether the time interval is longer than a predetermined period; further comprising. The method according to item 46, wherein the step of sending the pest detection warning notification includes sending a pest detection warning notification in response to a determination that the time interval is longer than the predetermined period.

[48] The method according to item 46, wherein the predetermined threshold rate is a reference mass change rate in the presence of flour beetles.

[49] The method according to item 46, wherein the target biochemical analyte includes trans-2-hexenal (T2H).

[50] The method according to item 46, wherein the target biochemical analyte includes trans-2-octenal (T2O).

[51] The method according to item 46, wherein the target biochemical analyte includes 4-oxo-(E)-2-hexenal.

[52] The method according to item 46, wherein the target biochemical analyte includes 4-oxo-(E)-2-octenal.

[53] The method according to item 46, wherein the coating includes dioctyl cyclic thiol intermediate (dioctyl-CTI).

[54] The method according to item 46, wherein the coating includes cyclic thiol intermediate (CTI).

[55] The method according to item 46, wherein the sensor is a quartz crystal microbalance.

[56] Determining the amount of an agent available on a pest detection sensor for reacting with a target biochemical analyte secreted by a pest; Determining whether the amount of the agent is lower than a threshold level; Sending a notification to a server indicating that the sensor requires maintenance in response to a determination that the amount of the agent is lower than the threshold level; A method comprising: The method, wherein the amount of the agent coated on the pest detection sensor decreases when the agent reacts with the target biochemical analyte.

[57] The method according to item 56, wherein the agent includes dioctyl cyclic thiol intermediate (dioctyl-CTI).

[58] The method according to item 56, wherein the agent includes cyclic thiol intermediate (CTI).

[59] The method according to item 56, wherein the target biochemical analyte includes an analyte contained in the secretion of flour beetles.

[60] The method according to item 56, wherein the target biochemical analyte includes trans-2-hexenal (T2H).

[61] The method according to item 56, wherein the target biochemical analyte includes trans-2-octenal (T2O).

[62] The method according to item 56, wherein the target biochemical analyte includes 4-oxo-(E)-2-hexenal.

[63] The method according to item 56, wherein the target biochemical analyte includes 4-oxo-(E)-2-octenal.

[64] The method according to item 56, wherein the threshold level is determined based on the minimum amount of the agent required to react with the target biochemical analyte.

[65] Cyclic thiol of formula I

Chem.

[66] The cyclic thiol according to item 65, wherein X is S.

[67] Z 1 The cyclic thiol according to item 65, wherein

[68] Z 1 is O. 2 The cyclic thiol according to item 65, wherein

[69] X is S and 1 and Z 2 are each O.

[70] R 1 The cyclic thiol according to item 65, wherein 2 and R 4 ~C 10 are each C

[71] R 1 alkyl and are the same. 2 The cyclic thiol according to item 65, wherein

[72] R 1 and R 2 are each octyl.

[73] R 1 The cyclic thiol according to item 65, wherein at least one of 2 and R is linked to the polymeric linking group. The cyclic thiol according to item 72, wherein at least one of and R is hydrogen.

[74] The cyclic thiol according to item 72, wherein the polymeric blocking group is selected from the group consisting of silicone, polyolefin, polyamide, polyester, polycarbonate, polyaramid, polyurethane, polystyrene, epoxy, rubber, starch, protein, cellulose, acrylate, ABS polymer, PEEK polymer, polyol, polyether, polyether polyol, and copolymers of two or more of the foregoing.

[75] The cyclic thiol according to item 74, wherein the polymeric blocking group is silsesquioxane.

[76] The cyclic thiol according to item 74, wherein the polymeric blocking group is crosslinked.

[77] R 1 is of the formula -CH 2 O(CH 2 ) 3 S(CH 2 ) 3 R 5 The cyclic thiol according to item 72, which has

[78] The cyclic thiol according to item 65, wherein the cyclic thiol has a weight of about 350 Da to about 5000 Da.

[79] The cyclic thiol according to item 65, wherein a is 1.

[80] R 3 、R 3’ 、R 4 , and R 4’ The cyclic thiol according to item 65, wherein each of them is hydrogen.

[81] The following formula

Chem.

[82] R 1 and R 2 The cyclic thiol according to item 81, wherein each of them is octyl.

[83] The cyclic thiol according to item 65, wherein the thiol group has a pKa of about 1 to about 4.

[84] The cyclic adduct of formula II

Chem.

[85] R 6 The cyclic adduct according to item 84, wherein

[86] R 6 is pentyl, is the cyclic adduct according to item 84.

[87] The thiol of formula III

Chem.

[88] The adduct of formula IV

Chem.

[89] (i) an inner chamber, (ii) a plurality of inlets to the inner chamber, and (iii) a housing including a plurality of inner walls dividing the inner chamber into a plurality of channels sized such that each channel receives one or more pests, any sensor illustrated and / or described in this application attached to the housing, any controller illustrated and / or described in this application, A pest control device comprising.

[90] The pest control device according to item 89, further comprising an air flow device configured to create an air flow to draw air from the inner chamber to the sensor along the plurality of channels.

[91] The pest control device according to item 89 or 90, wherein the housing includes a first panel movable relative to a second panel that enables access to the inner chamber.

[92] The pest control device according to item 89, wherein the first panel is pivotally connected to the second panel.

[93] The pest control device according to item 92, wherein the housing includes an impermeable liner between an outer frame of the first panel and an outer frame of the second panel to minimize loss of a target biochemical analyte through a gap between the outer frames.

[94] The pest control device according to item 93, wherein the impermeable liner is a film coated with aluminum plating.

[95] The pest control device according to any one of items 91 to 94, wherein the first panel includes a base surface and the plurality of inner walls extending from the base surface.

[96] The pest control device according to any one of items 91 to 95, wherein the first panel includes an inclined surface located outside each inlet for guiding pests to the corresponding inlet.

[97] The plurality of inner walls are A pair of guide walls, each extending in a first direction and located on each side of the inlet, defining a first channel among the plurality of channels; A blocking wall spaced from the end of the guide wall and extending in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction; The pest control device according to any one of items 89 to 96, including the above.

[98] The blocking wall is A first wall portion extending in the second direction perpendicular to the first direction; A second wall portion extending from the end of the first wall portion, extending parallel to the guide wall, and jointly defining a second channel among the plurality of channels; A third wall portion extending from the opposite end of the first wall portion, extending parallel to the guide wall, and jointly defining a third channel among the plurality of channels; The pest control device according to item 97, including the above.

[99] The first channel is configured to guide the airflow in the first direction, and the second and third channels are configured to guide the airflow in a third direction opposite to the first direction. The pest control device according to item 98.

[0100] The blocking wall is a first blocking wall. The plurality of inner walls include a second blocking wall spaced from the end of the first blocking wall. The first blocking wall and the second blocking wall jointly define a fourth channel configured to guide the airflow in the first direction. The pest control device according to item 97 or 98.

[0101] The fourth channel is offset from the inlet of the housing. The pest control device according to item 100.

[0102] The sensor is located in the inner chamber of the housing. The pest control device according to any one of items 89 to 101.

[0103] The airflow device is located in the inner chamber. The pest control device according to any one of items 90 to 101.

[0104] The pest control device according to any one of items 89 to 103, further including an external preconcentrator.

[0105] The preconcentrator includes a heating element for raising the temperature in the inner chamber. The pest control device according to item 104.

[0106] The preconcentrator includes a sheet for sorbing a target biochemical analyte. The pest control device according to item 104.

[0107] The sheet is made of a woven or non-woven fibrous material and includes a sorbent powder between the fibers of the fibrous material sheet. The pest control device according to item 104.

[0108] The pest control device according to item 104, wherein the preconcentrator includes a plurality of sheets made of a woven or non-woven fibrous material that sorbs a target biochemical analyte, and a sorbent powder is included between two sheets of the fibrous material.

[0109] The pest control device according to item 104, wherein the preconcentrator includes a tube that extends from one of the plurality of inlets to the sensor and sorbs a target biochemical analyte.

[0110] The pest control device according to item 104, wherein the preconcentrator includes a test chamber sized to receive an amount of a target biochemical analyte.

[0111] The pest control device according to any one of items 105 to 110, wherein the preconcentrator includes a surface configured to sorb a target biochemical analyte at a first temperature and release the target biochemical analyte at a second temperature.

[0112] The pest control device according to any one of items 89 to 111, further including a heating element capable of selectively adjusting the temperature in the inner chamber.

[0113] The pest control device according to item 112, wherein the heating element is capable of raising the temperature to eradicate pests in the inner chamber.

[0114] The pest control device according to any one of items 89 to 113, wherein the housing is configured to be fixed to a bed.

[0115] The pest control device according to any one of items 89 to 114, further including a headboard of a bed, and the housing is configured to be fixed to the headboard of the bed.

[0116] Thiol of formula V

Chem.

[0117] R 7 alkylene - O - (C 8 alkylene) 1 ~C 4 The thiol according to item 116. 1 ~C 4 and R q R 9 are each, C

[0118] R 7 alkylene - O - (C 8 alkylene) 1 ~C 4 and q is 0, the thiol according to item 116. 1 ~C 4 and R q R 9 are each, C

[0119] R 7 alkylene - O - (C 8 alkylene) 1 ~C 4 and q is 0, and R 1 ~C 4 is C q R 9 alkyl, the thiol according to item 116. 9 ​ 1 ~C 8 ​

Explanation of Symbols

[0266] 100 Pest Control System 102 Group of Pest Control Devices 104 Central Pest Data Management Server 106 Network 108 Client Computing Device 110 Network 120 Pest Control Device 122 Gateway 140 Application Software 142 Database 202 Housing 204 Outer Wall 206 Cover 208 Inner Chamber 210 Sensor 212 Controller 214 Power Supply 216 Wireless Communication Circuit 218 Local Indicator 220 Blower 222 Condit 224 Inlet 226 Outlet 230 Crystal Resonator 302 Crystal Oscillator 304 Electrode 306 Sensor Coating 402 Controller 404 Memory 406 Wireless Network Interface 408 Antenna 410 Modem 414 Antenna 900 Hiding Place Mechanism 1000 Sensor 1002 Sensor Cell 1004 Sensor Coating 1006 Target Biochemical Analyte

Claims

1. An adduct of a thiol of formula V and a target biochemical analyte present in the secretions of bed bugs, wherein the thiol of formula V has the following structure: 【Chemical Formula 1】 (wherein, X is S or O, Z ３ and Z ４ are each independently O or S, R ７ and R ８ are each independently C １ to C ４ alkylene - O-(C １ to C ４ alkylene) ｑ R ９ and C １ to C ４ alkylene - S-(C １ to C ４ alkylene) ｚ R １０ selected from the group consisting of R ９ and R １０ are each independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, C １ to C ８ alkyl, C ２ to C ８ alkenyl, C ６ to C １０ aryl, and a polymeric backbone group, said polymeric backbone group being selected from the group consisting of silicone, polyolefin, polyamide, polyester, polycarbonate, polyaramide, polyurethane, polystyrene, epoxy, rubber, starch, protein, cellulose, acrylate, ABS polymer, PEEK polymer, polyol, polyether, polyether polyol, and copolymers of two or more of the foregoing, and q and z are each independently an integer from 0 to 10), or includes a tautomer thereof, the target biochemical analyte is an unsaturated aldehyde compound added to the thiol group of formula V, and the unsaturated aldehyde compound is trans-2-hexenal, trans-2-octenal, 4-oxo-(E)-2-hexenal, or 4-oxo-(E)-2-octenal), the adduct.

2. R ７ and R ８ are each C １ -C ４ alkylene - O - (C １ -C ４ alkylene) ｑ R ９ The adduct according to claim 1, wherein

3. R ７ and R ８ are each C １ -C ４ alkylene - O - (C １ -C ４ alkylene), ｑ R ９ and q is 0. The adduct according to claim 1.

4. R ７ and R ８ are each C １ -C ４ alkylene - O - (C １ -C ４ alkylene), ｑ R ９ where q is 0 and R ９ is C １ -C ８ alkyl, the adduct according to claim 1.

5. The adduct according to claim 1, wherein the thiol of formula V is O,O-bis(2-methoxyethyl) S-hydrogen phosphorodithioate.

6. The adduct according to claim 1, wherein the target biochemical analyte is trans-2-hexenal or trans-2-octenal (T2O).

7. The adduct according to claim 1, wherein the target biochemical analyte is 4-oxo-(E)-2-hexenal or 4-oxo-(E)-2-octenal.

8. A composition for detecting bed bugs, comprising a polymer gel and a thiol of formula V, wherein the thiol of formula V has the following structure: [Chemical Formula 2] (wherein, X is S or O, Z ３ and Z ４ are each independently O or S, R ７ and R ８ are each independently C １ to C ４ alkylene - O-(C １ to C ４ alkylene) ｑ R ９ and C １ to C ４ alkylene - S-(C １ to C ４ alkylene) ｚ R １０ selected from the group consisting of R ９ and R １０ are each independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, C １ -C ８ alkyl, C ２ -C ８ alkenyl, C ６ -C １０ aryl, and a polymeric blocking group, and the polymeric blocking group is silicone, polyolefin, polyamide, polyester, polycarbonate, polyaramide, polyurethane, polystyrene, epoxy, rubber, starch, protein, cellulose, acrylate, ABS polymer, PEEK polymer, polyol, polyether, polyether polyol, or a copolymer of two or more of the foregoing, q and z are each independently an integer from 0 to 10), or a tautomer thereof), the composition.

9. R ７ and R ８ are each C １ -C ４ alkylene-O-(C １ -C ４ alkylene), ｑ R ９ The composition according to claim 8

10. R ７ and R ８ are each C １ to C ４ alkylene - O-(C １ to C ４ alkylene), ｑ R ９ and q is 0, the composition according to claim 8.

11. R ７ and R ８ are each C １ -C ４ alkylene - O-(C １ -C ４ alkylene), ｑ R ９ where q is 0 and R ９ is C １ -C ８ alkyl, the composition according to claim 8.

12. The composition according to claim 8, wherein the thiol of formula V is O,O-bis(2-methoxyethyl) S-hydrogen phosphorodithioate.

13. The composition according to any one of claims 8 to 12, wherein the polymer gel comprises polymethylphenylsiloxane (PMPS), polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS), fluoroalcohol polycarbosilane, fluoroalcohol polysiloxane, bisphenol-containing polymer (BSP3), poly-2-dimethylamino-ethyl-methacrylate (PDMAEMC), or a polymer having silicon (Si) and iron (Fe), or a combination thereof.

14. A composition comprising a polymer gel and the adduct according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

Images