Breath Sampling Filter for Pathogen Concentration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for sampling respiratory pathogens, such as nasopharyngeal swabs and saliva samples, indirectly sample viral loading in the respiratory tract and are hindered by complex matrices that dilute the analyte, making it difficult to detect pathogens effectively.
Innovation Solution
A breath sample collection device with a filter that captures pulmonary aerosols, allowing for the creation of a low-volume, concentrated sample liquid for direct analysis, using a filter with specific porosity and hydrophobic properties to trap pathogens, and an assay system for detecting pathogens like SARS-CoV-2 in exhaled breath.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If nasopharyngeal swabs or saliva samples are used to sample respiratory pathogens, then sampling can be performed, but the complex matrices dilute the analyte making pathogen detection difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the pathogen analyte from the complex respiratory matrix by filtering exhaled breath through a specialized filter that captures pulmonary aerosols containing the pathogen. This extraction process separates the analyte from the complex matrix, eliminating dilution effects and enabling sensitive detection without the interference of matrix components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a porous filter with specific pore size and hydrophobic properties to capture pathogen-containing aerosols from exhaled breath. The porous structure allows selective retention of aerosol particles while permitting passage of other breath components, effectively concentrating the analyte from a gas phase sample.
2Measurement precision
If conventional sampling methods are used, then sampling can be performed, but the sample volume required is large and detection sensitivity is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The method extracts pathogen-containing aerosols from a large volume of exhaled breath and concentrates them into a small volume suitable for assay. This extraction and concentration process reduces the required sample volume for testing while increasing the analyte concentration, thereby improving detection sensitivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical state and concentration parameters of the sample by filtering breath through a specialized filter that concentrates aerosols. This parameter change transforms a dilute gas phase sample into a concentrated liquid or semi-liquid extract suitable for sensitive detection with minimal volume.
3Ease of operation
If exhaled breath is used as sample, then direct pathogen sampling is achieved, but the aerosol capture requires specific filter properties
Solution Approach 1:
The patent specifies particular porous filter materials with defined pore sizes and hydrophobic properties to effectively capture pulmonary aerosols from exhaled breath. These specialized porous materials enable simple breath-based sampling while maintaining the technical requirements for effective pathogen capture.
Solution Approach 2:
The filter employs composite material properties combining specific pore structure with hydrophobic characteristics to achieve effective aerosol capture. This composite approach allows the filter to selectively retain pathogen-containing aerosols while maintaining ease of operation through simple breath exhalation.
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
This approach directly samples respiratory pathogens from exhaled breath, providing a more concentrated and simpler sample for analysis, enhancing detection sensitivity and reducing the volume of sample needed, allowing for rapid and effective detection of pathogens like SARS-CoV-2.
Implementation Method 1
A breath sample collection device with a filter that captures pulmonary aerosols, allowing for the creation of a low-volume, concentrated sample liquid for direct analysis, using a filter with specific porosity and hydrophobic properties to trap pathogens
Implementation Method 2
using a filter with specific porosity and hydrophobic properties to trap pathogens
Data Source
AI summary
Devices and materials are disclosed for collecting breath samples and for testing such samples for the presence of a pathogen, for example the pathogen(s) associated with Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19). In some embodiments, a collection device can include a tube into which a subject can exhale or cough, and that provides for use of a filter to capture expired sample material. In some embodiments, a sample liquid can be created from the breath sample by addition of an indicator to render a pathogen in the sample readily detectable. In some embodiments, materials are provided for an assay to detect a pathogen in the sample liquid.