Enriched Aerosol-to-Hydrosol Transfer for Rapid and Continuous Monitoring of Bioaerosols

Abstract

Bioaerosols, including infectious diseases such as COVID-19, are a continuous threat to global public safety. Despite their importance, the development of a practical, real-time means of monitoring bioaerosols has remained elusive. Here, we present a novel, simple, and highly efficient means of obtaining enriched bioaerosol samples. Aerosols are collected into a thin and stable liquid film by the unique interaction of a superhydrophilic surface and a continuous twophase centrifugal flow. We demonstrate that this method can provide a concentration enhancement ratio of ∼2.4 × 10 6 with a collection efficiency of ∼99.9% and an aerosol-into-liquid transfer rate of ∼95.9% at 500 nm particle size (smaller than a single bacterium). This transfer is effective in both laboratory and external ambient environments. The system has a low limit of detection of <50 CFU/m 3 air using a straightforward bioluminescence-based technique and shows significant potential for air monitoring in occupational and publichealth applications.

Total Bioaerosol Detection by Split Aptamer-Based Electrochemical Nanosensor Chips

“…Using the standard culturing method, we calculate the total concentrations of microorganisms, including bacteria and fungi, to be 582, 957, and 666 CFU/m 3 in the lobby, garage, and toilet, respectively (Table ). These results indicate that the air quality meets the requirements of the World Health Organization (WHO, bacteria < 500 CFU/m 3 ), American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH, bacteria < 500 CFU/m 3 ), and China GB/T18883-2002 (total microorganisms < 2500 CFU/m 3 ) . Common bacterium, e.g., Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella enterica, and E.…”

“…These results indicate that the air quality meets the requirements of the World Health Organization (WHO, bacteria < 500 CFU/m 3 ), American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH, bacteria < 500 CFU/ m 3 ), and China GB/T18883-2002 (total microorganisms < 2500 CFU/m 3 ). 10 Common bacterium, e.g., Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella enterica, and E. coli, and fungi, e.g., Saccharomycetes, can be identified with different distributions in these samples (Figure S8). We then quantified the signal changes by measuring the current (μA) before and after introducing the sample to the chips.…”

“…To overcome these limitations, efforts have been focused on exploring biosensing methods for the rapid detection of bioaerosols. One promising method is adenosine triphosphate (ATP) analysis . ATP is the primary energy currency of many biological reactions and links catabolism to biosynthesis in microbial cells. , Quantification of ATP could reflect the total concentration of airborne particles in bioaerosols and achieve a preliminary warning that ignores microbial diversities.…”

An Electrochemical Aptasensor Integrating Zeolitic Imidazolate Framework for Highly Selective Detection of Bioaerosols

“…Sensors are a useful alternative to overcome the above limitations of culturing- and non-culturing-based methods. ATP, as the primary energy currency in cellular metabolism and cellular energy state, has been used as a biomarker for detecting total bioaerosols [ 9 , 10 , 11 ]. Although various ATP sensing methods such as fluorescence, chemiluminescence, and colorimetry have been developed, the low stability and high background signals of these methods cannot satisfy the demand for an ultrasensitive ATP determination [ 12 , 13 , 14 , 15 ].…”

“Dramatic Growth” of Microbial Aerosols for Visualization and Accurate Counting of Bioaerosols

“…2 Consequently, there is a pressing need to identify a rapid, precise, and highly sensitive detection strategy for microbial aerosols to prevent, control, and impede infections caused by airborne pathogens and therefore preserve public biosafety. 3 At present, however, commercial detection of microbial aerosols is primarily focused on the collection process, 4 with quantitative analysis still relying on plate counting and nucleic acid assays, which are limited by complicated procedures, time-consuming culture, and the need for specialized personnel. 5,6 Thus, the development of rapid, accurate, and applicable technology for detecting microbial aerosols as well as other biological particulate matter remains urgent.…”