Diagnosis of respiratory diseases by capturing aerosolized biomaterial particles using packed bed systems and methods

An exhaled breath collection system for monitoring a patient infected with a respiratory disease and breathing through an exhaled air tubing of a ventilator, the system comprising:

• one or more sample capture elements configured to selectively capture aerosol particles in exhaled air produced by the patient, the one or more sample capture elements comprising:
• an inlet end removably connected directly to a capnography port disposed on a first end of the exhaled air tubing of the ventilator to minimize aerosol particle loss;
• and
• a packed bed column in each of the one or more sample capture elements, wherein the packed bed column is kept in a wet state prior to use by washing with one or more organic solvents and water, and wherein a second end of the exhaled air tubing is configured to be inserted through the patient's mouth or nose directly into the trachea;
• and
• a subsystem disposed in fluid communication with an outlet end of the one or more sample capture elements, the subsystem comprising:
• a pump disposed downstream of the outlet end of the one or more sample capture elements and configured to draw exhaled air including aerosol particles into the one or more sample capture elements;
• a power supply;
• and
• and a controller, wherein the subsystem is configured to control the operation of the one or more sample capture elements, and wherein a sub-micron particle capture efficiency associated with the exhaled breath collection system is at least 99%.