WO2022132742A1

WO2022132742A1 - Article and method for capturing aerosol-borne pathogens

Info

Publication number: WO2022132742A1
Application number: PCT/US2021/063270
Authority: WO
Inventors: Duncan W. CLARKSON; Mario A. Perez; Ramasubramani KUDUVA RAMAN THANUMOORTHY; Audrey A. Sherman; Brett J. SITTER
Original assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Co
Current assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Co
Priority date: 2020-12-15
Filing date: 2021-12-14
Publication date: 2022-06-23
Anticipated expiration: 2023-06-15

Abstract

An article for holding a material capable of capturing aerosol-borne pathogen includes a housing having a first component and a second component that can be connected to the first component, the first component having a plurality of openings extending therethrough, wherein the housing is configured to removably hold a material capable of capturing aerosol-borne pathogens, wherein a first major surface of the first component has a total surface area and a collective surface area of the plurality of openings, and wherein a ratio of the collective surface area of the plurality of openings to the total surface area is in a range from 1% to 99%. The article can be included on face coverings and air filters, among other surfaces.

Description

ARTICLE AND METHOD FOR CAPTURING AEROSOL-BORNE PATHOGENS

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to devices for collection of airborne pathogens and methods to capture airborne pathogens. The present invention has particular applicability to expiratory droplet collection devices and functions that may be incorporated with or into face masks to detect and control outbreaks of aerosol transmission of pathogens.

Background

[0002] Aerosol transmissible diseases can spread very rapidly, which in turn makes it challenging to manage and could be disruptive to existing health care settings. While there have been many advances in therapeutic options for treating affected individuals, a need still exists for rapid, efficient and reliable devices and cost-effective methods for rapidly and effectively identifying aerosol-borne pathogens to help control the spread of diseases.

Summary

[0003] The present invention comprises an article that can hold a material capable of capturing aerosol- transmissible pathogens. The detection of airborne pathogens is useful in managing diseases, for example, influenza, and COVID-19 pandemic.

[0004] In an embodiment, the present disclosure includes an article for holding a material capable of capturing aerosol-borne pathogens. The housing includes a first component and a second component that can be connected to the first component. The housing is configured to removably hold a material capable of capturing aerosol-borne pathogens. The first component has a plurality of openings extending therethrough. A first major surface of the first component has a total surface area and a collective surface area of the plurality of openings, and a ratio of the collective surface area of the plurality of openings to the total surface area is in a range from 1% to 99%.

[0005] In some embodiments, the first component and the second component are removably connected to form the housing. In some embodiments, the first and second components are connected by a hinge.

[0006] In some embodiments, the second component is a solid piece of material.

[0007] In some embodiments, the second component has a plurality of openings extending therethrough. A first major surface of the second component has a total surface area and a collective surface area of the plurality of openings, and a ratio of the collective surface area of the plurality of openings to the total surface area is in a range from 1% to 99%.

[0008] In some embodiments, the first major component has a second major surface opposite the first major surface, and further has a post extending from the second major surface. In some embodiments, the second component is a fastener releasably attached to the post. In some embodiments, the post has a hollow channel extending from a proximal portion of the post to a distal portion of the post, with the proximal portion of the post is nearest to the first component.

[0009] In another embodiment, the present disclosure includes a face covering having an exterior surface and an interior surface, further including embodiments of the article for holding a material capable of capturing aerosol-borne pathogens attached to the face covering.

[0010] In some embodiments, the face covering is a respiratory mask. In some embodiments, the face covering is a face shield. In some embodiments, the face covering is a hood.

[0011] In some embodiments, a post protruding from the first component penetrates the face covering.

[0012] In some embodiments, the housing attached to the face covering removably holds material capable of capturing aerosol-borne pathogens.

[0013] In another embodiment, the present disclosure provides a method of capturing an aerosol pathogen, including a user exhaling into the face covering of the present disclosure.

[0014] In another embodiment, a method including removably attaching to a face covering the article according to the present disclosure for holding a material capable of capturing aerosol-borne pathogens.

[0015] In another embodiment, the present disclosure includes an air ventilation fdter, where the article according to the present disclosure for holding a material capable of capturing aerosol-borne pathogens is attached to the air ventilation filter. The air ventilation filter can be used in, for example, heating systems, ventilation systems, air conditioning systems, and stand-alone room air filter.

Brief Description of Drawings

[0016] FIG. 1 A is an exploded view of a housing according to the present disclosure.

[0017] FIG. IB is a sectional perspective view of a housing according to the present disclosure.

[0018] FIG. 2A is an exploded view showing a respiratory mask having an attached housing according to the present disclosure.

[0019] FIGS. 2B and 2C are front and rear views of a respiratory mask having an attached housing according to the present disclosure.

[0020] FIGS. 3A-3D are front views of several embodiments of a first component of a housing according to the present disclosure.

[0021] FIGS. 4A and 4B are front and rear perspective views of a housing according to the present disclosure.

[0022] FIGS. 5 A and 5B are rear perspective views of two first components of a housing according to the present disclosure.

[0023] FIG. 6A is a rear perspective view of a first component of a housing according to the present disclosure, the first component including a post having a hollow channel.

[0024] FIG. 6B is a sectional side view of a first component of a housing according to the present disclosure. [0025] FIG. 6C is a rear perspective view of a first component of a housing according to the present disclosure, the first component including a post having a hollow channel and a plurality of openings proximal to a post location.

[0026] FIG. 7 is a side view a user wearing a face shield with an attached housing according to the present disclosure.

[0027] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a housing according to the present disclosure, having a flexible hinge.

[0028] FIG. 9 is a rear view of a filtering face mask having an attached housing according to the present disclosure.

Detailed Description

[0029] Reference will now be made in detail to the presently preferred embodiments of the invention, one or more examples of which are illustrated in the drawings. Each example is provided by way of explanation of the invention and is not meant as a limitation of the invention. For example, features illustrated and described as part of one embodiment or figure can be used on another embodiment or figure to yield yet another embodiment. It is intended that the present invention include such modifications and variations.

[0030] Definitions

[0031] For the present disclosure, the following terms are defined as set forth below.

[0032] As used herein, “aerosol-borne” and “airborne” refer interchangeably to infectious agents that may be transmitted from persons or animals or environments by either the transmission of infectious droplets, or by “airborne transmission” via the transmission of infectious “airborne droplet nuclei”.

[0033] As used herein, the phrase “airborne droplet nuclei” refers to small-particle residue (5 micrometer or smaller in size) of evaporated droplets that may remain suspended in the air for long periods of time. Examples of serious illnesses which are transmitted by airborne droplet nuclei include, but are not limited to, CO VID-19, SARS, and avian influenzas including influenza A (H5N1) and H5N9.

[0034] As used herein, the phrase “airborne transmission” refers to the dissemination of either airborne droplet nuclei or dust particles containing an infectious agent. Infectious microorganisms from an infected person or animal may be carried in this manner and widely dispersed by air currents within a room or over a long distance, and they may thereby become inhaled by or deposited on a susceptible host.

[0035] As used herein, the term “aerosol” refers to a gaseous suspension of solid and/or liquid particles.

[0036] As used herein, the term “animal” refers to any living organism that possesses a respiratory system with a respiratory tract that includes a trachea and lungs, such as, mammals, birds, and reptiles.

[0037] As used herein, the term “capture material” refers to a material capable of capturing aerosol-borne pathogens. [0038] As used herein, the phrase “droplets” refers to pathogenic microorganisms suspended in large- particle droplets (larger than 5 micrometers in size) of fluid containing pathogenic microorganisms. Droplets may be generated when a subject who is infected with a clinical disease or is a carrier of a disease is exhaling, coughing, sneezing, singing, or talking. The droplets may then be transmitted by contact with the conjunctivae or mucous membranes of the nose or mouth of a susceptible host. The microorganisms within the droplets may thereby be inhaled by the host and cause infection. Droplets may become aerosolized and are then referred to as “airborne droplet nuclei”.

[0039] As used herein, “face covering” refers to any of face masks, face shields, hoods, head-tops, and the like. Face coverings can be breathable, solid, porous, non-porous, and combinations of these.

[0040] As used herein, the phrase “face mask” refers to any personal protective device that is worn on the face, including a respiratory mask, and is used to reduce the wearer's risk of inhaling hazardous airborne particles (including dust particles and infectious agents), gases, or vapors. The many types of face masks available include (1) particulate respirators, which fdter out airborne particles; (2) “gas masks,” which fdter out chemicals and gases; (3) airline respirators, which use compressed air from a remote source; (4) self- contained breathing apparatus, which include their own air supply; (5) fold-flat surgical masks; (6) molded, cup-shaped respiratory masks; and (7) bandanas and other cloth masks. The term “respiratory mask” can refer to “N-95 respirator”, one of several types of disposable particulate respirators.

[0041] As used herein, “filtering” can refer to a type of face mask which includes either a fdtering device to protect the wearer of the mask from exposure to external communicable pathogens, a fdtering device to protect other persons from exposure to communicable pathogens potentially expired by the wearer, or both. [0042] As used herein, the term “fluid” refers to any gas, liquid, or mixture of gas and liquid; various types of aerosols and particulate matter may be entrained with such fluids.

[0043] As used herein, the term “pathogen” refers to an agent that causes diseases, including, but not limited to a living microorganism, such as, a bacterium, a fungus, a virus, a viroid, prions/proteins, and so forth.

[0044] As used herein, the term “surgical mask” refers to a disposable mask that will provide barrier protection against aerosols.

[0045] These terms may be defined with additional language in the remaining portions of the specification.

[0046] Housing

[0047] Referring to FIG. 1 A, an embodiment of housing 100 includes a first component 110 and a second component 120. First component 110 includes a first major surface 112 (“front”) and a second major surface 114 (“rear”) opposite first major surface 112. First component 110 has a plurality of openings 115, 116, and 117 that extend from first major surface 112 through first component 110 to second major surface 114. In the embodiment shown, a post 150 extends from first component 110 to second component 120 along an axis 101 and through an opening 125 in second component 120. Housing 100 is configured to removably hold a material 190, which is capable of capturing aerosol-borne pathogens (referred to herein as a “capture material”). Post 150 penetrates capture material 190, with a result that housing 100 removably holds capture material 190 between first component 110 and second component 120.

[0048] FIG. IB is a sectional perspective view of housing 100, including first component 110 and second component 120. First component 110 includes openings 115, 116, and 117 extending therethrough. Post 150 extends to second component 120 from second surface 114 of first component 110. In the embodiment shown, second component 120 is a clip removably connected to first component 110 via post 150. A capture material 190 is disposed between first component 110 and second component 120. Second component 120 can be removed from post 150 to allow capture material 190 to be removed from housing 100.

[0049] FIGS. 2A-2C are several views of an embodiment of a respiratory mask 200 according to the present disclosure, having an exterior surface 240 and an interior surface 242. FIG. 2A is an exploded rear perspective view of respiratory mask 200 having an exterior surface 240 and an interior surface 242. First component 210 and second component 220 are shown aligned along axis 201. First component 210 includes a post 250 that extends from the second major surface of first component 210. When first component 210 and second component 220 are removably connected via post 250, they form a housing. A capture material 290 is disposed towards the interior surface 242 of respiratory mask 200 and lies between first component 210 and second component 220, along axis 201.

[0050] FIG. 2B is a front perspective view of respiratory mask 200 showing second component 220 disposed on exterior surface 240 and attached to post 250. FIG. 2C is a rear view of respiratory mask 200 showing first component 210 disposed on interior surface 242. In FIG. 2C, capture material 290 is disposed between first component 210 and interior surface 242. First component 210 and second component 220 are disposed on opposite surfaces of the respiratory mask, forming a removable connection via post 250. [0051] FIGS. 3A to 3C are front views of several embodiments of first components of housings according to the present disclosure, showing several non-limiting configurations. FIG. 3A shows a first component 310 having first major surface 312 and a plurality of openings including opening 315, 316, and 317 extending therethrough to a second major surface opposite the first major surface (the second major surface is not visible in FIG. 3A). FIG. 3B shows a first component 360 having first major surface 362 and a plurality of openings including openings 365, 366, and 367 extending therethrough to a second major surface 364 opposite the first major surface (the second major surface 364 is not visible in FIG. 3B). Similarly, FIG. 3C shows a first component 370 having first major surface 372 and a plurality of openings including openings 375, 376, and 377 extending therethrough to a second major surface 374 opposite the first major surface (the second major surface 374 is not visible in FIG. 3B). In each of the first components, the openings can be situated at various locations on the first major surface.

[0052] FIG. 3D is a perspective view of a first component of a housing according to the present disclosure. FIG. 3D shows a first component 380 having first major surface 382 and a plurality of openings including opening 385, 386, and 387 extending therethrough to a second major surface 384 opposite the first major surface (the second major surface 384 is not visible in FIG. 3D). Notably, first component 380 has a squarish appearance when viewed from the front or back, and the first major surface 382 is curved in a convex manner, illustrating the variety of shapes available for embodiments of first components according to the disclosure.

[0053] FIGS. 4A and 4B are perspective views of an embodiment of a housing 400 according to the present disclosure. FIG. 4A is a front perspective view of housing 400, including first component 410 and second component 420. First component 410 has first major surface 412 and a second major surface (not visible in FIG. 4A) opposite first major surface 412, and a plurality of openings including openings 415, 416, and 417 extending therethrough. FIG. 4B is a rear perspective view of housing 400. In this embodiment, second component 420 is a solid piece of material, having first major surface 422 and a second major surface 424 (visible through opening 417 in FIG. 4A) opposite first major surface 422. In this embodiment, the second major surfaces of first component 410 and second component 420 are oriented such that the two second major surfaces face each other to form housing 400.

[0054] In some embodiments, the second component of the housing can include features of the first component. In some embodiments, the second component has a plurality of openings extending therethrough, where a first major surface of the second component has a total surface area and a collective surface area of the plurality of openings. In some embodiments, some, or even all of the features of the second component are identical with features of the first component.

[0055] A comparison of housings 100 and 400 shown in FIGS. 1A-1B and 4A-4B shows that second components 120 and 420 have substantially different shapes, and different modes of connection.

[0056] FIGS. 5A and 5B are perspective drawings of embodiments of a housing first component according to the present disclosure. FIG. 5A is a rear perspective view of first component 510 having first major surface 512 and second major surface 514 opposite first major surface 512. First component 510 has a plurality of openings including openings 515, 516, and 517 extending therethrough. In FIG. 5B, first component 511 includes the same parts as first component 510 in FIG. 5 A, with an additional feature of a post 550 extending from post base 551 on second major surface 514 outwards to post tip 553 at post location 551. In some embodiments, post 550 is of the same material as the rest of first component 510. In some other embodiments, post 550 is of a different material than the rest of first component 510. In some embodiments, post 550 can extend from both second major surface 514 and first major surface 512.

[0057] FIGS. 6A is a perspective view of an embodiment of a first component according to the present disclosure. First component 610 has first major surface 612 and second major surface 614 opposite first major surface 612 (referring to FIG. 6B, the second major surface of first component 610 is labeled 613 and 614, to better illustrate regions of the second major surface). First component 610 has a plurality of openings including openings 615, 616, and 617 extending therethrough. A post 650 extends from second major surface 614 at post location 651. Post 650 has a proximal portion 652 and a distal portion 653, relative to post location 651. Post 650 has an interior wall defining a hollow channel 658, with a proximal opening 656 and a distal opening 657. An airflow path 603 travels from the first surface 612 through the plurality of openings (including openings 615, 616, 617) and into proximal opening 656 of post 650. Airflow path 603 continues through channel 658, exiting via distal opening 657, and moves onward, away from second major surface 614.

[0058] FIG. 6B is a cutaway side view of first component 610, showing again the components listed in FIG. 6 A. Also shown in FIG. 6B is capture material 690, surrounding proximal opening 656. In this case, airflow path 603 must encounter capture material 690 prior to entering proximal opening 656. In the use of first component 610, capture material 690 can completely cover proximal opening 656, thereby enhancing a capture of aerosol droplets and aerosol-borne pathogens by capture material 690. In some embodiments, distal portion 653 of post 650 can penetrate, for example, a face mask, such that distal opening 657 is external to the face mask.

[0059] FIG. 6C is a perspective view of an embodiment of a first component of a housing according to the present disclosure. First component 660 has first major surface 662 and second major surface 664 opposite first major surface 662. First component 660 has a plurality of openings including openings 675, 676, and 677 extending therethrough. A post 680 extends from second major surface 664 at post location 681. Post 680 has a plurality of openings 686 that are proximal to post location 681, and a distal opening 687, with a hollow channel extending therebetween (not shown). An airflow path can travel from the first surface 662 through the plurality of openings (including openings 675, 676, 677) and into plurality of openings 686 of post 680. The airflow path continues through the hollow channel, exiting via distal opening 687, and moves onward, away from second major surface 664. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 6C (and similar to the configuration shown in FIG. 6B), the plurality of openings 686 can be embedded in a capture material, and in the use of first component 660, the capture material can completely cover plurality of openings 686, thereby enhancing a capture of aerosol droplets and aerosol-borne pathogens by the capture material. In some embodiments, distal portion 683 of post 680 can penetrate, for example, a face mask, such that distal opening 687 is external to the face mask.

[0060] FIG. 7 is a side view of an embodiment of a face covering according to the present disclosure. Face covering 700 is a face shield including interior surface 742 and exterior surface 744. A housing 701 according to the present disclosure is mounted on interior surface 742. Housing 701 includes first component 710 and second component 720, the housing configured to removably hold a material capable of capturing aerosol-borne pathogens. Face shield 700 is shown as worn by a user 706 and is held in place with a strap 705. Housing 701 is located approximately in front of the user’s mouth, such that expiratory aerosol droplets can collect on the capture material. After a period of use, the housing and/or the capture material can be removed from the face shield and subjected to analysis.

[0061] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a housing of the present disclosure. Housing 800 includes first component 810 having first major surface 812 and plurality of openings including openings 815, 816, and 817. First component 810 has a second major surface (not shown in FIG. 8) opposite first major surface 812. Housing 800 also includes second component 820 having first major surface 822. Second component 820 has a second major surface (not shown in FIG. 8) opposite first major surface 822. First component 810 and second component 820 are connected by a flexible “living hinge” 801. Living hinge 801 permits flexible opening and closure of housing 800, to enable removably holding a capture material therebetween. Second component 820 is provided with an opening 802 to enable releasable closure, for example, onto a tab (not shown) on the second major surface of first component 810. First component 810 can be configured to have a recessed area on the second major surface, allowing space for holding a capture material.

[0062] FIG. 9 is a rear view of an embodiment of a respiratory mask including an attached housing according to the present disclosure. Respiratory mask 901 is an example of a pleated surgical mask, having interior surface 914 and pleats 903. Straps 902 facilitate wearability of the mask. A housing 910 according to the present disclosure is attached to interior surface 914. In normal use, housing 210 would removably hold a capture material, and be located approximately in front of the user’s mouth, to permit capture of expiratory aerosol droplets. Mask 901 is typically stored flat, and before use is “puffed out” by the user, in order to keep interior surface 914 (and housing 910) from coming into direct contact with a user’s mouth.

[0063] Surface Area Ratios

[0064] In embodiments of a housing according to the present disclosure, the first component has a first major surface that includes a plurality of openings, as can be seen, for example, in first components 110, 210, 310, 360, 370, 410, 510, 511, 610, 700, and 800. The first major surface of the first components has a total surface area, as well as a cumulative surface area of the plurality of openings. In some embodiments, a ratio of the cumulative surface area of the plurality of openings to the total surface area is at least 1%, at least 5%, at least 10%, at least 15%, at least 20%, at least 30%, at least 40%, at least 45%, at least 50%, at least 55%, at least 60%, at least 70%, at least 80%, at least 90%, at least 95%, or even at least 99%. In some embodiments, a ratio of the cumulative surface area of the plurality of openings to the total surface area is at most 1%, at most 5%, at most 10%, at most 15%, at most 20%, at most 30%, at most 40%, at most 45%, at most 50%, at most 55%, at most 60%, at most 70%, at most 80%, at most 90%, at most 95%, or even at most 99%. In some embodiments, a ratio of the cumulative surface area of the plurality of openings to the total surface area is in a range from 1% to 99%, from 5% to 95%, from 10% to 90%, from 15% to 85%, from 20% to 80%, from 30% to 70%, from 40% to 60%, from 45% to 55%, from 55% to 45%, from 60% to 40%, from 70% to 30%, from 80% to 20%, from 85% to 15%, from 90% to 10%, from 95% to 5%, or even from 99% to 1%.

[0065] In some embodiments, the first major surface of the second components has a total surface area, as well as a cumulative surface area of the plurality of openings. In some embodiments, a ratio of the cumulative surface area of the plurality of openings to the total surface area is at least 1%, at least 5%, at least 10%, at least 15%, at least 20%, at least 30%, at least 40%, at least 45%, at least 50%, at least 55%, at least 60%, at least 70%, at least 80%, at least 90%, at least 95%, or even at least 99%. In some embodiments, a ratio of the cumulative surface area of the plurality of openings to the total surface area is at most 1%, at most 5%, at most 10%, at most 15%, at most 20%, at most 30%, at most 40%, at most 45%, at most 50%, at most 55%, at most 60%, at most 70%, at most 80%, at most 90%, at most 95%, or even at most 99%. In some embodiments, a ratio of the cumulative surface area of the plurality of openings to the total surface area is in a range from 1% to 99%, from 5% to 95%, from 10% to 90%, from 15% to 85%, from 20% to 80%, from 30% to 70%, from 40% to 60%, from 45% to 55%, from 55% to 45%, from 60% to 40%, from 70% to 30%, from 80% to 20%, from 85% to 15%, from 90% to 10%, from 95% to 5%, or even from 99% to 1%.

[0066] Shapes and Sizes of the Housing and Components

[0067] The first component in a housing according to the present disclosure can be any suitable size and shape. Regarding size, the embodiments of first components shown in the figures are generally sized to fit inside a face covering, as shown, for example, in FIGS. 2C and 9. However, the size of the first component is not particularly limited and can be scaled, for example, to cover a larger area on an air ventilation filter. [0068] Regarding shape, the first component is not particularly limited to circular or square shape (from a front view), and can be a rectangle, or any polygon, or an oval, or even a donut shape, as long as the shape does not interfere with the capture of aerosol-borne pathogens.

[0069] Further regarding shape, a side view of the first component can show a first major surface that is flat, concave, convex, trapezoidal, or any combination of these shapes, and the same can be said for the second major surface of the first component. In other words, the shape of the first component is not particularly limited, so long as the shape does not interfere with the capture of aerosol-borne pathogens, nor with the removal of capture material from the housing.

[0070] Regarding the second component of the housing according to the present disclosure, the size and shape are generally selected to match the first component, and in some embodiments the second component can closely resemble the first component, or even have an identical shape and size as the first component. Alternatively, in some embodiments the second component can be a clip, as shown in FIG. 1A. In other embodiments, the second component can even be a layer of adhesive around a perimeter of the first component, provided that the adhesive is part of the configuration that enables a capture material to be reversibly held in the housing.

[0071] Housing Component Materials

[0072] In some embodiments, a housing of the present disclosure is composed of any suitable materials that can include, for example, plastics, metals, glass, paper products, and any other suitable materials or combinations of materials. The material should be compatible with reversibly holding the capture material.

[0073] Connection of Housing Components

[0074] In embodiments of a housing according to the present disclosure, the first component is connected to the second component, and the housing is configured to removably hold a material capable of capturing aerosol-borne pathogens. [0075] Modes of connecting the first component with the second component are not particularly limited, and can include, for example, a living hinge, threading, clips, tabs, magnets, adhesive, tape, and spring tension, among others. The connection of the first component to the second component should allow for removably holding a capture material.

[0076] Attachment of Housing

[0077] The article according to the present disclosure for removably holding a material capable of capturing aerosol-borne pathogens can be attached to a wide variety of surfaces, especially where aerosol- borne pathogens might be found, including for example shelves, tables, ceilings, floors, windows, doors, desks, articles of clothing or jewelry, badges, and, inside packages, among other surfaces. Modes of attachment can include a wide range of options, for example, use of adhesive, magnets, clips, clasps, threading, hook-and-loop materials, and tape. In one embodiment, for example, a hook-and-loop material affixed to the housing of FIG. 4B, on first major surface 422, could mate with hook-and-loop material on an object such as a face covering. The mode of attachment is not particularly limited, except that it should not interfere with the ability to capture aerosol-borne pathogens on the capture material.

[0078] In some embodiments, the housing (“housing article”) can be held in place via magnetic force. In a non-limiting example of a face covering, the housing article may include a material capable of being attracted to a magnet (for example, a ferromagnetic material) affixed to first major surface 422 of housing 400 in FIG. 4B, and then positioned near enough to magnet to be held in place by magnetic force. In some embodiments, the magnet can be disposed on an interior surface of the face covering. In some other embodiments, the magnet can be disposed on the exterior surface of the face covering, with the housing article disposed on the interior surface of the face shield. One advantage of having a magnet disposed on an exterior surface of the face covering and the housing article disposed on the interior surface is that no hole is needed through the face shield to effect holding the housing article in place. The magnet can be attached to either the interior surface or exterior surface of the face covering by, for example, an adhesive, or any other suitable means. In some embodiments, a magnet could be disposed on the housing article, and a ferromagnetic material disposed on the interior or exterior surface of the face shield.

[0079] In some embodiments, the foregoing use of magnetic force can be used to hold the housing article to other surfaces, for example, air filters.

[0080] Capture Material

[0081] A material capable of capturing aerosol-borne pathogens (i.e., “capture material”) can include any of a wide variety of material suitable for the collection of respired airborne pathogens. Examples include, but are not limited to, materials traditionally utilized in nasal or throat swabs, including polyester, DACRON, and cotton, as well as other fibrous materials including paper, and plastics. For example, polyester is currently recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO) for use in nasal and throat swabs for the collection of, for example, SARS-CoV-2 (considered the causative agent in COVID-19). Filtering paper and other breathable materials traditionally utilized in the production of protective respiratory face masks may also be suitable for collection and testing of used, discarded face masks, such face masks that may be collected upon exit of a hospital setting by a healthcare worker, patient or visitor. Capture materials may also be impregnated with substances useful for the storage and transport of acquired samples, including, but not limited to, antibiotics and antifungals such as gentamicin sulfate and amphotericin B, as well as dried veal infusion broth, dried albumin fraction V, Stuart's media or other preservatives and commonly used virus transport mediums. Ideally, any such additives should be incorporated in a fashion that avoids contact with the wearer.

[0082] In some embodiments, the capture material is electrostatically charged. The electrostatically charged capture material can have an enhanced ability to capture aerosol-borne pathogens.

[0083] In some embodiments, the capture material is a woven or non-woven material. In some embodiments, the capture material is an engineered nonwoven or woven material. In some embodiments, the woven or non-woven material is electrostatically charge as described above. In some embodiments, the capture material has a surface area equal or above 0.5 square meters per gram as obtained by nitrogen adsorption.

[0084] It is desirable that the capture material permits removal of pathogens by, for example, washing or eluting with a liquid compatible with detection of the pathogen.

[0085] Methods

[0086] In an embodiment, a method is provided for making a face covering by attaching a housing according to the present disclosure to a typical face covering. It may be desirable to use a housing that can be readily removed from the face covering, to facilitate replacement of a used capture material and/or the housing itself.

[0087] In another aspect, a method is provided for capturing an aerosol-borne pathogen from the exhalation of a user. The method includes a user exhaling into a face covering that has an attached housing according to the present disclosure, where the housing removably holds a capture material.

[0088] Additional embodiments

[0089] Articles according to the present disclosure can include additional embodiments. These additional embodiments are not meant as limitations of the articles or methods of the present disclosure.

[0090] Embodiments according to the present disclosure include an air ventilation fdter that further includes a housing article (or articles) for removably holding a material capable of capturing aerosol-borne pathogens. The air ventilation filters can include, for example, furnace filters, air conditioner filters, standalone air fdters (such as for living and office spaces), and vehicle air filters. The article for removably holding the capture material can be sized according to the application, for example, sized larger for an air ventilation fdter than a smaller size suitable for a face covering. [0091] The air ventilation system may be used in any desired space including, for example, environments such as homes, rooms, office spaces, offices, classrooms, airplanes, trains, cars or vehicles, arenas, stadiums, convention halls, or other indoor environments

[0092] Articles of the present disclosure can be supplied as kits, including for example a face mask (or set of facemasks) along with a supply of the housings configured to reversibly hold capture material. A set of the housings can be supplied in a suitable package. Collection material(s) can be supplied already held inside the housing(s), or separately. Similar kits can be supplied for air ventilation filters. Packages typically keep the capture material free from contamination by aerosol-borne pathogens.

[0093] Housings according to the present disclosure can have a tamper indicating device attached thereto, for example those tamper indicating devices in U.S. Pat. No. 6,416,857, the complete disclosure of which is herein incorporated by reference.

[0094] In some embodiments, and since the capture materials are removably held, capture material in the housing can be replaced, allowing for a re-use of the article.

[0095] Various modifications and alterations to this disclosure will become apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of this disclosure. It should be understood that this disclosure is not intended to be unduly limited by the illustrative embodiments and examples set forth herein and that such examples and embodiments are presented by way of example only with the scope of the disclosure intended to be limited only by the claims set forth herein as follows.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. An article for holding a material capable of capturing aerosol-borne pathogens, the article comprising: a housing having a first component and a second component that can be connected to the first component, the first component having a plurality of openings extending therethrough, wherein the housing is configured to removably hold a material capable of capturing aerosol-borne pathogens; wherein a first major surface of the first component has a total surface area and a collective surface area of the plurality of openings, and wherein a ratio of the collective surface area of the plurality of openings to the total surface area is in a range from 1% to 99%.

2. The article of claim 1 , where in the first component and the second component are removably connected to form the housing.

3. The article of claim 1 , wherein the first component and the second component are connected by a hinge .

4. The article of claim 1, wherein the wherein the second component is a solid piece of material.

5. The article of claim 1, wherein the second component has a plurality of openings extending therethrough; wherein a first major surface of the second component has a total surface area and a collective surface area of the plurality of openings; and wherein a ratio of the collective surface area of the plurality of openings to the total surface area of the second component is in a range from 1% to 99%.

6. The article of claim 1 , comprising a second major surface of the first component opposite the first major surface, and further comprising a post extending from the second major surface.

7. The article of claim 6, wherein the second component is attached to the post.

8. The article of claim 6, wherein the post comprises a hollow channel extending from at least one opening at a proximal portion of the post to at least one opening at a distal portion of the post, wherein the proximal portion of the post is nearest to the first component.

9. A face covering having an exterior surface and an interior surface, further comprising the article of any of claims 1 to 8 disposed on the face covering. The face covering of claim 9, wherein the face covering is a respiratory mask. The face covering of claim 9, wherein the face covering is a face shield. The face covering of claim 9, wherein the face covering is a hood. The face covering of any of claims 9 to 12, wherein the housing is held in place via magnetic force. The face covering of any of claims 9 to 12, wherein the post in the article of any of claims 5 to 7 penetrates the face covering. The face covering of any of claims 9 to 14, further comprising the material for capturing aerosol-borne pathogens. A method of capturing an aerosol-borne pathogen, comprising a user exhaling into the face covering of claim 15. A method of making a face covering of any of claims 9 to 15, comprising removably attaching the article of any of claims 1 to 8 to the face covering. An air ventilation fdter, wherein the article of any of claims 1 to 8 is attached to the air ventilation filter.