The present disclosure relates to a mouthpiece for a vacuum device.

Background of invention

The detection or monitoring of airborne microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses, fungi or spores are important within many industries. As an example, it is important to monitor the presence of bacteria in food production. Many methods exist for monitoring the air quality; the present disclosure is particularly related to air sampling methods. Monitoring microorganisms in the air or dust can generally be divided in two distinct methods: passive monitoring and active air sampling. In passive monitoring, settle plates (e.g. agar plates such as Petri dishes) are often employed to capture and incubate bacterial colonies using an appropriate culture media. Active air sampling often utilizes a vacuum device for drawing a known volume of air onto or through the device.

Various types of vacuum devices / air samplers exist that use different sampling methods. In general, they can be divided in three types: air samplers that use a liquid medium for collecting the particles (impingers), air samplers that use a solid or an adhesive medium for collecting the sample (impactors), or air samplers that filters the air through a membrane filter using a pump or a vacuum device. Often, the membrane filter is a gelatin membrane filter.

Whether the air sampling employs a liquid medium or a gelatin membrane filter for collecting the airborne microorganisms, the two methods each have their advantages and disadvantages. For instance, for air monitoring using a filter, the filter surface can be positioned in the direction of the airflow in the test area. Furthermore, the flow rate through the filter can be matched to the velocity of air being sampled, which is an accepted method to ensure accurate sampling of both large and small particles. In addition, gelatin filters can oftentimes retain a large number of microorganisms.

However, gelatin membrane filters are often fragile, meaning they risk breaking e.g. during transfer of the filter to an agar plate or an enrichment broth. Air samplers including a liquid sampler generally allow for direct transfer of air or dust to a selective or non-selective enrichment broth. This can shorten the time of analysis, i.e.

microbiological results can be much more sensitive because of the probability of a higher number of target microorganisms achieved during enrichment. This is much faster compared to methods using filter samples, which typically require at least 24 hours before a useful result is obtained. Furthermore, air sampling based on broth enrichment is generally associated with a higher sensitivity compared to air sampling based on gelatin filters.

Air samplers using gelatin filters are commercially available, e.g. the Sartorius MD8 Airport Portable Air Sampler. Air samplers collecting a liquid sample are also known and commercially available, e.g. the Coriolis® MICRO or the Coriolis RECON air sampler. However, there is a need for a device that can combine the benefits from both the liquid, medium-based air samplers and the filtering air samplers. Even better, it would be beneficial to have a universal device, which would be compatible with commercially available vacuum devices / air samplers, wherein the device would provide a new functionality such as the ability to obtain a liquid sample concurrently with obtaining a sample on a membrane filter.

Summary of invention

The present disclosure addresses the above-mentioned desires by providing a mouthpiece that can be fitted to a vacuum device, such that the mouthpiece in combination with the vacuum device and a reservoir holding a liquid allows for enriching the liquid with airborne particles (e.g. microorganisms) in order to obtain a liquid sample for assessing the air quality. Preferably, the mouthpiece can be fitted to an air sampler, such as a handheld air sampler, in order to facilitate the collection of two samples concurrently, wherein one sample is a liquid sample and the other sample is a solid sample, e.g. a sample based on a membrane filter. In this way, the benefits from multiple sampling methods can be exploited.

The presently disclosed mouthpiece is preferably compatible with commercially available vacuum devices (e.g. air samplers for microbial air monitoring) such that it facilitates the acquisition of a liquid sample comprising microorganisms from the air being drawn through the mouthpiece. An example of a compatible vacuum device is an air sampler, wherein the air is drawn through a membrane filter, e.g. a gelatin membrane filter. Preferably, once fitted to the air sampler, the mouthpiece ensures that an airflow is forced through the mouthpiece before it reaches the membrane filter of the air sampler. This is preferably achieved by fitting the mouthpiece to the air sampler, such that the outlet of the mouthpiece is mounted to the inlet of the air sampler. The mouthpiece preferably further features a sample channel located between an inlet of the mouthpiece and the outlet of the mouthpiece. The mouthpiece is preferably configured such that a sample reservoir for collecting a liquid sample can be fitted to the mouthpiece. In case a reservoir holding a liquid is fitted to the mouthpiece, the sample channel should preferably extend into said reservoir such that an airflow may be led towards the liquid. There is preferably a small air gap between the liquid surface and the end of the sample channel, such that a part of the gas molecules travels above the liquid surface and a part of the gas molecules impinge with the liquid surface. The mouthpiece preferably features a screen or a baffle configured for deflecting an airflow from the inlet of the mouthpiece into the sample channel.

The method of operation according to one embodiment of the presently disclosed add on mouthpiece is briefly summarized in the following. The working principle of the mouthpiece is illustrated in a simplified sketch of the mouthpiece in Fig. 5. The mouthpiece is preferably used as an extension (add-on) device for a vacuum device. In case the vacuum device is an air sampler configured for obtaining a sample on a membrane filter, the mouthpiece allows the obtainment of two samples concurrently, wherein one of said samples is a liquid sample contained in a sample reservoir fitted to the mouthpiece. Fig. 6 shows the mouthpiece attached to vacuum device 8 (here a handheld air sampler) and with a sample reservoir 7 (here a centrifuge tube) attached to the mouthpiece. Once the vacuum device is started, air is drawn towards the inlet 1 of the mouthpiece. The airflow is preferably forced to enter the sample channel 2, ensured by a baffle deflecting the airflow from the inlet into the sample channel and towards the liquid reservoir. The liquid may for instance comprise a broth culture for growing the amounts of suspended bacteria in the liquid sample, or it may simply be water for retaining dust particles. Once the stream of air enters the reservoir, some of the gas molecules will travel above the liquid surface (i.e. in the air gap) and some of the gas molecules will impinge on the liquid surface, such that some of the particles in the air will become suspended in the liquid. The stream of air will re-enter the sample channel after entering the reservoir, and finally enter the inlet of the vacuum device. In case the vacuum device is an air sampler comprising a membrane filter 9, the air will be filtered through said membrane filter at the inlet of the air sampler (visible on Fig. 9). Thus, the mouthpiece facilitates the collection of two separate samples from the air, wherein one sample is a liquid sample and the other sample is collected using a membrane filter. Accordingly, the present disclosure relates to a mouthpiece configured for attachment to a vacuum device, the mouthpiece comprising an inlet configured for air intake into a main channel; an outlet configured for mechanically engaging with the vacuum device, such that the main channel is fluidly connected to the vacuum device; a sample channel located between the inlet and the outlet; and a baffle configured for deflecting an airflow from the main channel into the sample channel; wherein the inlet and the sample channel is in fluid connection, and wherein the sample channel and the outlet is in fluid connection, and wherein the mouthpiece is configured such that a sample reservoir for holding a liquid sample can be attached to the mouthpiece. The vacuum device may be an air sampler for detection of airborne microorganisms.

The presently disclosed mouthpiece has a wide range of applications within air sampling. Monitoring air quality is relevant to a large number of industries such as food production, incineration plants, wastewater treatment plants, the textile industry, and operating room/theatres. Air sampling is also important in relation to biological warfare.

Campylobacter is recognized as one of the main causes of bacterial foodborne disease in many developed countries. It is therefore of great importance to monitor or detect the presence of Campylobacter in the food production industry, e.g. in poultry houses. Air sampling is a non-invasive method with a short hands-on time. It is a cost-effective alternative to produce data for quantitative microbiological risk assessment. The presently disclosed mouthpiece can be used in combination with a vacuum device, and thus it may be used in all applications that vacuum devices are normally used for, however, it is intended for air sampling purposes.

The main advantage of the presently disclosed mouthpiece is that it constitutes a universal extension device for a vacuum device, wherein the mouthpiece facilitates that a liquid sample may be collected. In case the vacuum device is an air sampler that is configured for obtaining a microbial air sample, the mouthpiece in combination with the air sampler facilitates the obtainment of two samples concurrently. Another advantage of the mouthpiece is that it may be manufactured using low-cost manufacturing techniques and low-cost materials. For example, the mouthpiece may be produced in plastic material using a 3D print technique. Accordingly, the mouthpiece may come in a variety of shapes and sizes such that it can be fitted to a wide range of commercially available vacuum devices.. In addition, the mouthpiece is preferably fast and easy to mount/fit to the vacuum device. Preferably, the mouthpiece can be fitted to a vacuum device without the expert knowledge of a person skilled in the art of air sampling. A drawback of the air samples obtained using a gelatine filter is that they sometimes provide a false negative (e.g. when detecting Campylobacter). This is because the sample dries out, whereby the bacteria are not able to sufficiently reproduce. The applicant has realized that the presently disclosed mouthpiece provides a more sensitive detection, since the airflow is directed across a liquid surface before reaching the gelatine filter (when a sample reservoir holding a liquid is attached to the mouthpiece), thereby increasing the humidity of the sample. Additionally, the mouthpiece facilitates the obtainment of a liquid sample enriched with airborne substances/particles (e.g. bacteria such as Campylobacter), which the applicant has found provided a positive detection of Campylobacter in cases where the air sampling without the mouthpiece did not. Hence, the presently disclosed mouthpiece provides a more sensitive detection of microorganisms in the air.

The present disclosure further relates to a method of obtaining a liquid sample comprising microbiological media such as bacteria or virus, the method comprising the steps of: providing a vacuum device comprising an inlet through which air is drawn during operation; attaching the mouthpiece according to the present disclosure to the vacuum device, such that the outlet of the mouthpiece is attached to the inlet of the vacuum device; attaching a sample reservoir to the mouthpiece, the sample reservoir holding a liquid such as a culture broth; running the vacuum device to draw a volume of the surrounding air into the mouthpiece, whereby a part of the air volume is drawn through the liquid in the sample reservoir, thereby transferring some of the

microbiological media from the air to the liquid, thereby obtaining a liquid sample comprising microbiological media. The vacuum device may preferably be an air sampler for detecting airborne microorganisms.

The present disclosure further relates to a vacuum device comprising a mouthpiece, said mouthpiece comprising an inlet configured for air intake into a main channel; an outlet configured for mechanically engaging with the vacuum device such that the main channel is fluidly connected to the vacuum device; a sample channel located between the inlet and the outlet; and a baffle configured for deflecting an airflow from the main channel into the sample channel; wherein the inlet and the sample channel is in fluid connection, and wherein the sample channel and the outlet is in fluid connection, wherein the mouthpiece is configured such that a sample reservoir for holding a liquid sample can be attached to the mouthpiece, and wherein the outlet of the mouthpiece is attached to an inlet of the vacuum device, such that the main channel of the

mouthpiece is in fluid connection with the inlet of the vacuum device.

Description of drawings

Fig. 1 shows the mouthpiece according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

Fig. 2 shows a different view of the mouthpiece shown in Fig. 1. From this view, it is seen that the baffle 3 extends into the sample channel 2.

Fig. 3 shows a cross-section of the mouthpiece according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. The sample channel may be closed by attaching a reservoir for holding a liquid sample underneath the sample channel.

Fig. 4 shows the mouthpiece according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. In this embodiment, the means 5 for attaching the mouthpiece to a vacuum device comprises a bayonet socket.

Fig. 5 shows the working principle of the mouthpiece. The arrows indicate the airflow through the mouthpiece. Fig. 6 shows the mouthpiece when it is mounted on an air sampler. A sample reservoir, in this example a 50 ml_ centrifuge tube, is attached to the mouthpiece such that it is configured to obtain a liquid sample.

Fig. 7 shows the mouthpiece according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. This embodiment features a longer sample channel 2 compared to e.g. the mouthpiece shown in Fig. 6.

Fig. 8 shows two different embodiments of the presently disclosed mouthpiece. The two embodiments differ by the length of the sample channel (a short version and a long version). From this view, the baffle inside the mouthpiece is visible.

Fig. 9 shows an illustration of a commercially available air sampler 8. This particular air sampler is a Sartorius MD8 Airport Portable Air Sampler. Definitions

In the present context, a baffle should be understood as a device (such as a plate, wall, or screen) to deflect, check, or regulate flow or passage (as of a fluid, light, or sound). This definition is in accordance with the definition of a baffle in the Merriam-Webster dictionary at the date of filing.

A vacuum device should be understood as a device for creating a suction and thereby drawing a volume of air through the device, e.g. through a filter in the device. Examples include vacuum cleaners and air samplers for detecting airborne microorganisms.

Detailed description of the invention

The present disclosure relates to a mouthpiece for a vacuum device. The mouthpiece is a device that can be fitted to a vacuum device, preferably to the inlet of a vacuum device. The vacuum device may be any vacuum device for creating a suction and thereby drawing a volume of air through the device. In particular, air samplers drawing the air through a membrane filter are preferred. The mouthpiece preferably features an inlet 1 configured for air intake into a main channel. The inlet may comprise a circular cross-section. The diameter of the inlet is preferably approximately equal to the diameter of the outlet 4 of the mouthpiece. The outlet of the mouthpiece is preferably configured for connecting the mouthpiece to a vacuum device, preferably such that the outlet of the mouthpiece mechanically engages with the inlet of the vacuum device. Accordingly, the diameter of the outlet of the mouthpiece is typically approximately equal to the diameter of the inlet of the vacuum device. The mouthpiece preferably comprises means for connecting the mouthpiece to the inlet of a vacuum device, such that the mouthpiece constitutes an extension to the vacuum device or a mouthpiece for the vacuum device. In one embodiment, the means for attaching the mouthpiece to a vacuum device comprises a bayonet socket (see Fig. 4). The bayonet socket facilitates a fast and easy attachment of the mouthpiece to the vacuum device. Accordingly, the edge of the outlet may comprise a bayonet socket configured for attaching the mouthpiece to a vacuum device. Alternatively or additionally, the mouthpiece may comprise a gasket configured to secure the mouthpiece to a vacuum device.

Preferably, the gasket is made from a flexible material and extends along the circumference of the outlet of the mouthpiece. The gasket may be provided on the inside or the outside of the outlet. Preferably, the gasket is somewhat deformable, such that the mouthpiece may be fitted to a variety of vacuum devices. The gasket may preferably comprise an elastic material such as rubber. Preferably, the gasket is configured such that the mouthpiece can be removably attached to the vacuum device. The mouthpiece may further comprise a rim 10. The inlet and the main channel are preferably in fluid connection with a sample channel, such that an airflow may be led from the inlet to said sample channel.

The mouthpiece preferably features a sample channel 2. The sample channel may be oriented such that it protrudes substantially orthogonal from a section of the channel in close proximity to the inlet 1. The diameter of the sample channel is preferably smaller than the diameter of the inlet, since this implies that an airflow drawn into the inlet is accelerated into the sample channel, such that the airflow travels faster in the sample channel than in the first channel section immediately following the inlet. A fast airflow will typically cause more particles in the air to collide with the liquid surface in the reservoir. However, the speed of the fluid current also depends on the size of the air gap situated between the liquid surface and the end of the sample channel.

The sample channel may come in a variety of lengths, but it preferably extends into a sample reservoir, provided such a sample reservoir is attached to the mouthpiece. Thus, the mouthpiece preferably comprises means for attaching a sample reservoir for holding a liquid to the mouthpiece. The sample reservoir may be removably attached to the mouthpiece, e.g. via threaded engagement. In one embodiment of the presently disclosed mouthpiece, the mouthpiece features a collar 13 comprising an internal thread 6 configured for screwing a sample reservoir such as a laboratory tube or a centrifuge tube to the mouthpiece (see Fig. 6). Accordingly, the mouthpiece may comprise a collar configured for attaching a sample reservoir. The collar 13 preferably encloses a part of the sample channel, even more preferably it surrounds the entire circumference of the sample channel on a part of the length of the channel (see Fig. 2). Typically this part with be the proximal end of the sample channel, i.e. the end closest to the inlet. The sample channel is preferably in fluid connection with the outlet. The sample channel 2, the inlet 1 , and the outlet 4 preferably have a circular cross-section such that the channels (11 , 12, 2) are cylindrically shaped. However, the channels may feature other geometric shapes.

The mouthpiece preferably further comprises a baffle 3 for deflecting an airflow from a first part 11 of the main channel fluidly connected to the inlet and into a second channel 2, referred to as the sample channel. The baffle is preferably a rigid wall or screen that ensures that the airflow is deflected. It preferably comprises a thin wall; however, it should not be so thin that it becomes overly flexible. In other words, the baffle should preferably be able to withstand the suction or vacuum created by the vacuum device, when the vacuum device is running. The baffle preferably extends into the sample channel as seen on Fig. 3. It may extend along the inside of the sample channel all the way to the termination of the sample channel. Hence, the baffle may extend along the entire sample channel. Alternatively, the baffle may extend along a part of the sample channel, preferably a substantial part of the sample channel. In one embodiment, the baffle is located in the middle of the sample channel such that it divides said sample channel in two channels of approximately equal cross-section (see Fig. 2 and 3). The baffle is preferably fixed to a part of the inner walls of the mouthpiece, more preferably the rim of the baffle conforms to the inner surface of the main channel (11 , 12), such that the entirety of the airflow drawn into the first part 11 of the main channel is forced into the sample channel 2. The baffle may have a similar thickness to the walls of the main channel (11 , 12). It may also be made of a similar material to the main channel (11 , 12). The mouthpiece or any component of the mouthpiece may comprise a polymer, e.g. plastic. In one embodiment, the entirety of the mouthpiece is made of plastic. The mouthpiece may be manufactured using an additive manufacturing technique such as 3D printing.

A sample reservoir, e.g. a laboratory tube or a centrifuge tube, may be secured to the mouthpiece. The sample reservoir may preferably be secured to the mouthpiece via threaded engagement, e.g. between an outer thread on the sample reservoir and an inner thread 6 on a collar 13 on the mouthpiece. Alternatively, the collar may feature an outer thread and the sample reservoir an inner thread, wherein the collar and the sample reservoir are configured for threaded engagement. The sample reservoir may alternatively be secured to the mouthpiece via other suitable means, e.g. by one or more clamps, by tape, or simply by mechanical friction. Preferably, the sample reservoir is secured such that the sample channel extends into the reservoir as seen on Fig. 6. Attaching the sample reservoir in this way will ensure that the fluid path between the inlet 1 and the outlet 2 is closed. In other words, an airflow will be forced into the sample reservoir, preferably holding a liquid, and subsequently re-enter the sample channel 2, enter the second part 12 of the main channel, and finally exit through the outlet 4. This is illustrated in Fig. 5. After exiting the outlet, the air may be filtered through a membrane filter, e.g. a gelatin membrane filter, located at the inlet of an air sampler. The mouthpiece may alternatively comprise a sample reservoir, rather than facilitating the attachment of an external sample reservoir. Thus, the sample reservoir may form part of the mouthpiece.

The sample reservoir preferably holds a liquid, e.g. water, for collecting a liquid sample from the air. The liquid may also comprise a culture broth for cultivating or multiplying bacteria. In case the airflow contains bacteria, some of the bacteria are preferably transferred from the airflow to the liquid, such that the liquid comprises a liquid sample containing bacteria. Since dust may contain a large number of microorganisms, e.g. bacteria and/or viruses, it is of interest to attract as much dust to the mouthpiece as possible. Polystyrene foam such as Styrofoam is known to attract dust. Therefore, polystyrene foam beads may be added to the liquid or the culture broth for attracting dust to the liquid sample. The surface of the mouthpiece may also be electrically charged (preferably by static electricity), since a charged surface may attract dust molecules. In one embodiment, a part of the surface of the mouthpiece, preferably a substantial part of the surface of the mouthpiece, is stripped of electrons to create a positively charged surface. This will induce a charge in the dust particles, pulling the negatively charged particles closer to the mouthpiece. The effect is similar to rubbing a comb in the hair in order to create a positively charged plastic surface that attracts tiny pieces of paper. Thus, a positively charged surface of the mouthpiece may imply that the concentration of target microorganisms in the liquid sample reservoir is increased.

The present disclosure contains further initiatives for increasing the concentration of target microorganisms in a liquid sample. Insects such as flies are known to contain bacteria, e.g. Campylobacter or other faecal bacteria. It is therefore of interest to attract insects to the mouthpiece. In one embodiment, the mouthpiece is painted in a blue colour to attract insects, in particular flies. The mouthpiece may also be coated with ammonia (NH ₃ ), since the flies are attracted to the ammonia smell. In one embodiment, the material of the mouthpiece comprises ammonia. The ammonia may be present in the material already when manufacturing the mouthpiece, e.g. using 3D printing.

Alternatively, the mouthpiece may be coated with ammonia subsequent to production.

Detailed description of drawings

Fig. 1 shows the mouthpiece according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. The mouthpiece comprises an inlet 1 , a sample channel 2, a baffle 3, and an outlet 4. The baffle separates the channel comprising the inlet and the outlet such that an airflow is led into the sample channel 2. Fig. 2 shows a different view of the mouthpiece shown in Fig. 1. From this view, it is seen that the baffle 3 extends into the sample channel 2. In this embodiment, the baffle is situated in the middle of the sample channel 2 such that it separates the sample channel in two substantially equal compartments/channels. Furthermore, it extends all the way to the termination of the sample channel. At the proximal end of the sample channel (the end closest to the inlet), means 6 are provided for attaching a reservoir for holding a liquid sample. In this embodiment, there is an internal thread for securing a test tube comprising an outer thread (e.g. a centrifuge tube comprising an outer thread) to the mouthpiece.

Fig. 3 shows a cross-section of the mouthpiece according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. The mouthpiece comprises an inlet 1 , a baffle 3 extending into a sample channel 2 for directing an airflow 15 from said inlet and into said channel. The sample channel may be closed by attaching a reservoir for holding a liquid sample underneath the sample channel. The mouthpiece comprises a collar 6 for attaching a reservoir, preferably on the outside of the sample channel 2, such that the sample channel extends into the reservoir/tube. The outlet of the mouthpiece is preferably configured for engaging with the inlet of a vacuum device, such that the mouthpiece is secured to the vacuum device. In this embodiment, the mouthpiece is secured to the vacuum device via friction between the inlet of the vacuum device and the outlet of the mouthpiece.

Fig. 4 shows the mouthpiece according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. In this embodiment, the sample channel 2 is longer than then channel shown in figures 1-3. A longer sample channel facilitates that a longer tube may be secured to the mouthpiece. It may also imply that a smaller air gap above the liquid surface of a liquid contained in an attached reservoir is achieved. Also, the dynamics of airflow, e.g. the speed of the airflow, may depend on the length of the channel 2. In this embodiment, the means 5 for attaching the mouthpiece to a vacuum device comprises a bayonet socket.

Fig. 5 shows a sketch of the working principle of the mouthpiece according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. The mouthpiece is mounted on a vacuum device, preferably an air sampler for microbial air monitoring. Once the vacuum device is activated, air is drawn towards the mouthpiece and sucked into the inlet, thereby creating an airflow through the inlet and the main channel. From here, the air travels along the first channel until it is directed by a baffle/wall into a second channel, constituting the sample channel. The sample channel terminates with a liquid reservoir for obtaining a liquid sample from the airflow. An air gap is defined between the liquid surface and the end of the baffle/wall. A part of the air will travel above the liquid surface, and some of the airborne substances or particles will collide with the liquid such that a part of the air will mix with the liquid, thereby enriching the liquid with said airborne substances. In case the air comprises microorganisms, e.g. pathogens such as bacteria, some of the microorganisms will preferably be trapped in the liquid and others will continue with the flow of air towards the outlet and the vacuum device. At the outlet / air sampler interface, there is typically a gelatin membrane filter for collecting a sample. Thus, the presently disclosed mouthpiece is suitable for being used in combination with an air sampler and a liquid reservoir, such that both a liquid- dissolved air sample and a filter adsorbed air sample can be collected concurrently from an airflow.

Fig. 6 shows the mouthpiece according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. Here, the mouthpiece is pictured when it is mounted on a commercially available air sampler 8. A reservoir, in this example a 50 ml_ centrifuge tube, is also attached to the mouthpiece. It is seen that the sample channel 2 extends into the reservoir. A baffle is placed inside the mouthpiece (not visible from this view) such that an airflow is directed across the liquid surface. If carefully observed, the baffle is in fact visible through the surface of the mouthpiece. In this embodiment, the mouthpiece is made of plastic.

Fig. 7 shows the mouthpiece according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. This embodiment features a longer sample channel 2 compared to e.g. the mouthpiece shown on Fig. 6.

Fig. 8 shows two different embodiments of the presently disclosed mouthpiece. The two embodiments differ by the length of the sample channel (a short version and a long version). From this view, the baffle inside the mouthpiece is visible.

Fig. 9 shows an illustration of a commercially available vacuum device 8. This particular vacuum device is a Sartorius MD8 Airport Portable Air Sampler. The air sampler features a gelatin membrane filter 9 for collecting a sample of particles, e.g. pathogens. This method for collecting a sample from the air is thus known in the prior art. Note that there is no means for collecting a liquid sample concurrently with the sample on the gelatin membrane filter.

Examples

An example of an air sampler, which is compatible with the presently disclosed mouthpiece, is the AirPort MD8 air sampler from Sartorius Stedim Biotech. This air sampler can use disposable gelatin membrane filters (80 mm diameter; Sartorius, 17528-80ACD).

Examples of sample reservoirs that are compatible with the presently disclosed mouthpiece are centrifuge tubes, e.g. 50 ml_ centrifuge tubes comprising an outer thread at the top.

Further details of the invention

1. A mouthpiece for a vacuum device comprising:

- an inlet;

- an outlet configured for mechanical engagement with the vacuum

device;

- a sample channel located between the inlet and the outlet; and

- a baffle configured for deflecting an airflow from the inlet into the sample channel;

wherein the inlet and the sample channel is in fluid connection, and wherein the sample channel and the outlet is in fluid connection, and wherein the mouthpiece is configured such that a sample reservoir for collecting a liquid sample can be fitted to the mouthpiece. 2. The mouthpiece according to any of the preceding items, wherein a sample reservoir for collecting a liquid sample is attached to the mouthpiece.

3. The mouthpiece according to any of the preceding items, wherein the sample reservoir is a centrifuge tube.

4. The mouthpiece according to any of the preceding items, wherein the sample reservoir is a 50 ml_ plastic centrifuge tube. 5. The mouthpiece according to any of the preceding items, wherein at least a part of the sample channel extends into a sample reservoir fitted to the mouthpiece.

6. The mouthpiece according to any of the preceding items, wherein the sample channel and/or the inlet has a circular cross-section.

7. The mouthpiece according to any of the preceding items, wherein the sample channel has a smaller diameter than the diameter of the inlet.

8. The mouthpiece according to any of the preceding items, wherein the sample channel has a smaller diameter than the diameter of an attached sample reservoir for collecting the liquid sample.

9. The mouthpiece according to any of the preceding items, wherein the proximal end of the sample channel comprises means for attaching a sample reservoir such as a centrifuge tube.

10. The mouthpiece according to any of the preceding items, wherein the

mouthpiece comprises a collar configured for attaching a sample reservoir.

11. The mouthpiece according to any of the preceding items, wherein the sample reservoir may be secured to the mouthpiece via threaded engagement.

12. The mouthpiece according to any of the preceding items, wherein the baffle extends into the sample channel.

13. The mouthpiece according to any of the preceding items, wherein the baffle extends along a majority of the length of the sample channel, preferably along the entire sample channel.

14. The mouthpiece according to any of the preceding items, wherein the baffle ensures that an airflow entering the inlet is directed into the sample channel.

15. The mouthpiece according to any of the preceding items, wherein the baffle divides the sample channel in two substantially equal compartments. 16. The mouthpiece according to any of the preceding items, wherein a reservoir holding a liquid is attached to the mouthpiece, and wherein there is an air gap between the liquid surface and the sample channel extending into the reservoir.

17. The mouthpiece according to any of the preceding items, wherein a reservoir holding a liquid is attached to the mouthpiece, and wherein the liquid is a culture broth.

18. The mouthpiece according to any of the preceding items, wherein a reservoir holding a liquid is attached to the mouthpiece, and wherein the liquid is a culture broth, and wherein polystyrene foam beads are added to the culture broth.

19. The mouthpiece according to any of the preceding items, wherein the edge of the outlet comprises a bayonet socket configured for attaching the mouthpiece to a vacuum device.

20. The mouthpiece according to any of the preceding items, wherein the

mouthpiece is secured to a vacuum device via friction between the inlet of the vacuum device and the outlet of the mouthpiece.

21. The mouthpiece according to any of the preceding items, wherein the

mouthpiece is configured to be fitted to a Sartorius air sampler.

22. The mouthpiece according to any of the preceding items, wherein the

mouthpiece is configured to be fitted to an air sampler of the type Sartorius MD8 Airport Portable Air Sampler.

23. The mouthpiece according to any of the preceding items, wherein the

mouthpiece is manufactured using an additive manufacturing technique, such as 3D printing.

24. The mouthpiece according to any of the preceding items, wherein the

mouthpiece comprises a polymer. 25. The mouthpiece according to any of the preceding items, wherein the entirety of the mouthpiece is made of a polymer.

26. The mouthpiece according to any of the preceding items, wherein the

mouthpiece comprises a positively charged surface.

27. The mouthpiece according to any of the preceding items, wherein at least a part of the surface of the mouthpiece is coated with ammonia (NH ₃ ).

28. The mouthpiece according to any of the preceding items, wherein a substantial part of the inner and/or outer surface of the mouthpiece is painted blue for attracting insects such as flies.

29. The mouthpiece according to any of the preceding items, wherein the

mouthpiece comprises a gasket for securing the mouthpiece to the vacuum device.

30. The mouthpiece according to item 29, wherein the gasket extends around the outer circumference of the outlet.

31. A vacuum device comprising the mouthpiece according to any of the items 1- 28, wherein the outlet of the mouthpiece is attached to an inlet of the air sampler, such that the main channel of the mouthpiece is in fluid connection with the inlet of the air sampler.

32. The vacuum device according to item 31 , wherein the vacuum device is an air sampler for detecting airborne microorganisms.

Reference numerals

1. Inlet

2. Sample channel

3. Baffle

4. Outlet

5. Attachment means

6. Inner thread

7. Sample reservoir 8. Air sampler

9. Gelatin membrane filter

10. Rim

11. First part of main channel 12. Second part of main channel

13. Collar

14. Liquid

15. Airflow