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Tracing the propagation of aerosol with Biotagging

Reply’s experiment based on Advanced Traceability simulates the spread dynamics of COVID-19’s main transmission vehicle in enclosed spaces

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Biotagging: a game-changer in airflow tracing

Follow the practical application of this technology

Biotagging is the use of DNA-based marker (and other chemicals) that can be applied to substances to enable their traceability. With no genetic alterations involved, the Biotag carries complex data capable of ensuring its uniqueness.

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The use of Biotagging technologies to detect and simulate the dynamics of aerosol (tiny breath droplets that can carry pathogens in the air) is a game-changer in the fight against COVID-19. That’s because it allows us to understand how these particles move within a shared indoor space such as an office, a school, a production plant or a hospital.

By diluting a Biotag in a special liquid and spraying it in a closed space, the traceable marker will mimic the movement of the droplets capable of transmitting the virus. Thanks to this technology, it is thus possible to help risk managers to reassess the configuration of systems, spaces and procedures, to reduce the possibility of contagion.

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It is possible to simulate and analyse the movement of aerosol across an office plan like this.

First, aerosol emitters are fixed in critical positions across the office. The emitters can replicate the emission of droplets by infected individuals while spreading aerosol in the air.

Then sampling pumps are installed where healthy people would regularly work. The pumps will reproduce the inhale characteristics of a person on a normal daily routine while collecting droplet samples suspended in the air.

The substance sprayed from each individual emitter contains a unique Biotag marker. That will allow establishing accurately the origin point of the collected samples.

And retrace the path of samples collected on every sampling pump. By analysing the quantity of Biotags collected, it will be possible to estimate the exposition risk.

Because every Biotag has singular characteristics, we can isolate data from a particular emitter and identify flaws in the system that could put people at risk.

In the simulation example, it was possible to locate a HVAC fault redirecting the airflow across diferent rooms. It means that people further away from the emitter point would have been unnecessarily exposed to contagion.

This kind of information proves to be crucial to technicians. Knowing the exact behaviour of internal airflow, they can take action like close undesired vents, shut normally open doors, or edit and improve the HVAC system settings.

The efficacy of the adjustments is proved by running the simulation again. From this point, building managers will be able to ensure that individuals can return to an airflow optimised and overall safer workplace.

It is possible to simulate and analyse the movement of aerosol across an office plan like this.

BIOTAG EMITTERS

First, aerosol emitters are fixed in critical positions across the office. The emitters can replicate the emission of droplets by infected individuals while spreading aerosol in the air.

SAMPLING PUMPS

Then sampling pumps are installed where healthy people would regularly work. The pumps will reproduce the inhale characteristics of a person on a normal daily routine while collecting droplet samples suspended in the air.

The substance sprayed from each individual emitter contains a unique Biotag marker. That will allow establishing accurately the origin point of the collected samples.

And retrace the path of samples collected on every sampling pump. By analysing the quantity of Biotags collected, it will be possible to estimate the exposition risk.

Because every Biotag has singular characteristics, we can isolate data from a particular emitter and identify flaws in the system that could put people at risk.

In the simulation example, it was possible to locate a HVAC fault redirecting the airflow across diferent rooms. It means that people further away from the emitter point would have been unnecessarily exposed to contagion.

This kind of information proves to be crucial to technicians. Knowing the exact behaviour of internal airflow, they can take action like close undesired vents, shut normally open doors, or edit and improve the HVAC system settings.

The efficacy of the adjustments is proved by running the simulation again. From this point, building managers will be able to ensure that individuals can return to an airflow optimised and overall safer workplace.

Tracing aerosol with Biotagging - Use cases

OFFICES

Understand the internal airflow within diverse HVAC scenarios.

SCHOOLS

Optimise procedures and the occupancy of classrooms.

HOSPITALS

Isolate internal sectors according to risk and vulnerability.

FACTORIES

Improve worker's safety across every stage of the production.

Want to know if this technology can be applied to your case?

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aerosol with Biotagging?

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