System and method for detecting airborne pathogens

A system for detecting airborne pathogens, the system comprising:

• a pathogen collector having a cylindrical body defining a longitudinal central axis and defining a curved surface area for engaging with the airborne pathogens so that at least a portion of the pathogens that engages with the pathogen collector accumulates on the curved surface area of the pathogen collector;
• a motor connected to the cylindrical body of the pathogen collector and configured to rotate the cylindrical body about the longitudinal axis;
• an electrochemical sensor configured and positioned to electrochemically detect the at least a portion of the pathogens accumulated on the curved surface area of the pathogen collector, the electrochemical sensor comprising an electrode and a reactive substance selected to electrochemically react with the at least a portion of the pathogens accumulated on the curved surface area of the cylindrical body of pathogen collector;
• a pump for generating an air flow;
• the cylindrical body of the pathogen collector rotates about the longitudinal central axis;
• the airborne pathogens engage with the curved surface area while the cylindrical body of the pathogen collector rotates so that the at least a portion of the pathogens automatically attach to the curved surface area thereby accumulating on the curved surface area of the cylindrical body of the pathogen collector;
• and
• the air flow is generated by the pump that moves the airborne pathogens towards and/or along the curved surface area of the rotating cylindrical body of the pathogen collector;
• and
• the reactive substance of the electrochemical sensor electrochemically reacts with the at least a portion of the pathogens accumulated on the curved surface area of the rotating cylindrical body of the pathogen collector;
• wherein in response to the electrochemical reaction, the electrode of the electrochemical sensor detects an electronic signal, the electronic signal being indicative of a presence of the at least a portion of the pathogens accumulated on the curved surface area of the rotating cylindrical body of the pathogen collector.