Functionalized Airborne Particle Collection Membrane
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing airborne particle collection systems are limited in their ability to detect a wide range of targets of interest, such as microorganisms, viruses, and chemical agents, beyond biomolecular amplification, and require complex setups for analysis.
Innovation Solution
A membrane with distinct zones, including a collection zone, a wetting zone, and a terminal zone functionalized with specific reagents, allowing for efficient particle collection and analysis without external intervention, capable of adapting to different targets and facilitating easy replacement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a hydrophilic membrane is used to collect particles, then liquid drainage is improved and liquid dispersion is avoided, but the membrane cannot detect various targets of interest such as microorganisms, viruses, and chemical agents
Solution Approach 1:
The membrane is divided into distinct zones with different properties: a collection zone for particle capture, a wetting zone for liquid introduction, and a terminal zone with functionalized areas for specific target detection. Each zone has optimized characteristics for its specific function, allowing the membrane to both drain liquid reliably and detect various targets through specific reagent interactions
Solution Approach 2:
The membrane integrates multiple functions into a single device: particle collection through electrostatic or impaction mechanisms, liquid drainage through capillary action in the hydrophilic material, and detection of various targets including microorganisms, viruses, and chemical agents through functionalized zones with specific reagents
2Adaptability or versatility
If complex analysis setups are used to detect various targets, then detection capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines particle collection, liquid drainage, and target detection functions into a single integrated membrane structure. The functionalized terminal zone contains reagents that directly interact with collected particles, eliminating the need for separate analysis equipment and reducing overall system complexity while maintaining versatile detection capability
Solution Approach 2:
The membrane performs detection functions autonomously through its functionalized zones. The specific reagents embedded in the terminal zone automatically interact with target particles when liquid flows through, enabling self-contained detection without requiring external analysis instruments or complex operational procedures
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
Enables simple, adaptable detection of various airborne targets with enhanced analysis capabilities, ensuring reliable collection and analysis of particles without liquid dispersion, and integrating the role of a collection electrode for electrostatic collection.
Implementation Method 1
Due to its hydrophilic nature, the membrane is capable of draining a liquid by capillarity and thus avoids the risk of dispersion of the liquid if the device is tilted or subjected to jolts during operation
Implementation Method 2
A known and particularly advantageous separation method is the electrostatic type. It is implemented in electrostatic collectors, also called electrostatic precipitators or electrostatic filters
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to an airborne particle collection membrane (M) made in the form of a strip of material comprising at least one layer of hydrophilic material, said strip of material being subdivided into several distinct adjacent zones with at least: - A particle collection zone (Z1) in which the particles are trapped during collection, - A wetting zone (Z2) through which a liquid can be introduced to elute the particles collected at the level of the collection zone, - A terminal zone (Z5) through which the liquid is drained to carry away the collected particles, - The terminal zone (Z5) comprising at least a first branch (B1) having a zone which is functionalized by the addition of at least one specific reagent of targets of interest possibly present in said particles to be collected.