Portable Biocontainment Device with scCO2 Decontamination
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional biological specimen collection devices lack safety features, particularly in the event of device failure, and there is no reliable portable platform for safely decontaminating pathogens like SARS-CoV-2 in different environments, posing risks to healthcare providers and the environment.
Innovation Solution
A self-contained, portable biocontainment device that allows for the safe collection, storage, and transportation of both liquid and gas biological samples, equipped with a decontamination component using supercritical fluid carbon dioxide (scCO2) as a 'green' and sustainable decontaminant, ensuring safety and maintaining sample viability for analysis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional biological specimen collection devices are used, then sample collection is simple, but safety features are lacking and biohazard exposure risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions (sample collection, storage, and decontamination) into a single integrated device. The collection device includes both sample containment features and decontamination capabilities, eliminating the need for separate safety equipment and reducing overall system complexity while improving reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The device incorporates preliminary safety measures by including decontamination agents and containment features that are pre-configured in the device structure. The decontamination component is prepared in advance with appropriate chemicals or mechanisms to neutralize potential biohazards before they can pose a threat.
2Reliability
If radiation-based decontaminants (gamma, X-ray, electron beam) are used, then decontamination effectiveness is high, but toxic irradiation and portability are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex radiation-based decontamination systems with simpler chemical or thermal decontamination methods. Instead of requiring radiation generators, the device uses chemically-based decontaminants or heat-based sterilization that can be implemented in portable formats without specialized infrastructure.
3Reliability
If gas-based decontaminants (ethylene oxide) are used, then decontamination is effective, but toxic residue is left and portability is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical or chemical parameters of decontaminants to eliminate toxic residue. This includes using heat-based sterilization instead of chemical gases, or employing decontaminants that decompose into harmless substances after use, thereby maintaining effectiveness while removing harmful byproducts.
4Reliability
If high temperature water (steam) decontamination is used, then decontamination is effective, but high temperature requirements reduce portability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the decontamination process into smaller, manageable components that can operate at lower temperatures. Instead of requiring bulk steam generation, the system uses localized heat sources or chemical decontaminants that work at ambient or mildly elevated temperatures, making the device portable and easy to operate.
5Ease of operation
If a portable decontamination device is developed, then portability is improved, but reliable decontamination capability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The portable device is designed to be self-contained with all necessary decontamination components integrated into the unit. The device automatically manages its own decontamination process through pre-configured chemicals, heat sources, or mechanical mechanisms, eliminating the need for external infrastructure while maintaining reliable decontamination capability.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The device provides a safe and reliable means for collecting and transporting biohazardous samples, ensuring safety for handlers and the environment by effectively decontaminating samples before potential exposure, maintaining sample viability for subsequent testing, and operating under various conditions.
Implementation Method 1
A condensing spiral tube is positioned in the container reservoir. The condensing spiral tube has a spiral tube proximal end fluidically connected to the gas biological sample inlet. A condensation sample container is fluidically connected to a distal end of the condensing spiral tube for storing the condensed liquid sample from the gas-phase biological sample.
Data Source
AI summary
Provided herein are portable biocontainment devices for safe and reliable collection of biological samples, including liquid and gas samples. A sample inlet for collecting fluids and/or gases, including oral fluids and expired breath samples, is connected to a container having a climate-controlled container reservoir. One or more sample containers are connected to the sample inlet for collection of samples. The devices are configured for safe transport and handling of samples, while maintaining sample viability, including for relatively long transport periods. Safety components integrated within the device facilitates safe and effective decontamination of contagious samples. In this manner, aborting the sample preservation by decontamination prior to a hazardous release is achieved within the same apparatus.