Gas-borne matter collection device

Abstract

A plate for use in a gas-borne matter collection device includes a substance provided on a surface of the plate for preserving viable matter in a living state without generally promoting growth of the viable matter.

1 . A plate for use in a gas-borne matter collection device comprising: 
 a substance provided on a surface of the plate for preserving viable matter in a living state without generally promoting growth of the viable matter.    
     
     
         2 . The plate of  claim 1 , wherein the substance comprises water and at least one hydrocolloid material.  
     
     
         3 . The plate of  claim 2 , wherein the substance comprises at least one nutrient, the amount of the nutrient configured to sustain the viable matter without promoting growth of the viable matter.  
     
     
         4 . The plate of  claim 2 , wherein the substance comprises at least one humectant.  
     
     
         5 . The plate of  claim 2 , wherein the substance comprises at least one anti-bacterial agent.  
     
     
         6 . The plate of  claim 2 , wherein the substance comprises a humectant and a nutrient.  
     
     
         7 . The plate of  claim 1 , wherein the plate comprises glass.  
     
     
         8 . The plate of  claim 1 , wherein the plate is generally rectangular.  
     
     
         9 . The plate of  claim 1 , wherein the substance is a gel or a semisolid material.  
     
     
         10 . The plate of  claim 1 , wherein the substance is substantially colorless.  
     
     
         11 . The plate of  claim 1 , wherein the substance is configured to maintain the viable matter in a living state for between approximately 1 and 14 days.  
     
     
         12 . A plate for use in a gas-borne matter collection device comprising: 
 a material provided on the plate for preserving viable matter in a living state without promoting growth of the viable matter, the material comprising water and at least one hydrocolloid material.    
     
     
         13 . The plate of  claim 12 , wherein the material comprises at least one nutrient.  
     
     
         14 . The plate of  claim 12 , wherein the material comprises at least one humectant.  
     
     
         15 . The plate of  claim 12 , wherein the material comprises at least one anti-bacterial agent.  
     
     
         16 . The plate of  claim 12 , wherein the material comprises a humectant and a nutrient.  
     
     
         17 . The plate of  claim 12 , wherein the material is a gel.  
     
     
         18 . A slide for use in collecting gas-borne matter comprising: 
 a substance provided on at least a portion of a surface of the slide, the substance configured to maintain viable matter in a living state without promoting growth of the viable matter for a period of between approximately 1 and 14 days, the substance comprising water, at least one hydrocolloid material, and at least one nutrient;    wherein the slide is configured to for use in a collection device having an inlet for directing gas toward the substance.    
     
     
         19 . The slide of  claim 18 , wherein the substance comprises at least one humectant.  
     
     
         20 . The slide of  claim 19 , wherein the substance comprises at least one anti-bacterial agent.  
     
     
         21 . The slide of  claim 18 , wherein the substance is a gel.  
     
     
         22 . The slide of  claim 18 , wherein the substance is substantially colorless.  
     
     
         23 . The plate of  claim 18 , wherein the slide comprises glass and has a generally rectangular shape.  
     
     
         24 . The plate of  claim 18 , wherein the substance may be stored without refrigeration between approximately 12 to 24 months.  
     
     
         25 . The device of  claim 18 , wherein the substance is configured to allow removal of the viable matter from the substance in a liquid.