Viral Preservation with Protein-Supplemented Nebulizing Media in Aerosols

Abstract

We have identified common and inexpensive lab reagents that confer increased aerosol survivability on phi6 and other phages. Our results suggest that soluble protein is a key protective component in nebulizing medium.

Dynamics and Viability of Airborne Respiratory Syncytial Virus under Various Indoor Air Conditions

“…We posit that the lower airborne RSV viability in all of the tested scenarios may be attributed to the reduced protein concentration. Interestingly, Humphrey et al demonstrated that the addition of bovine serum albumin (BSA) to the suspension medium significantly improved the retrieval of airborne bacteriophages . This finding suggests that proteins might indeed play a vital role in the survival rates of airborne viruses, potentially contributing to the observed U-shaped RH dependence curve.…”

“…Interestingly, Humphrey et al demonstrated that the addition of bovine serum albumin (BSA) to the suspension medium significantly improved the retrieval of airborne bacteriophages. 51 This finding suggests that proteins might indeed play a vital role in the survival rates of airborne viruses, potentially contributing to the observed U-shaped RH dependence curve. However, further investigations are needed to address this knowledge gap for actual respiratory viruses.…”

Toward Standardized Aerovirology: A Critical Review of Existing Results and Methodologies

“…Aerosol phase virus viability studies were identified in the body of literature − as described in detail in the Supporting Information (section S1). The selection of studies was refined by excluding publications that investigated viruses that are structurally dissimilar to model respiratory viruses (influenza A virus and human rhinovirus).…”

“…Humphrey et al demonstrated that the effects of the composition of the spraying medium alone were sufficient to modify bacteriophage V 10 from the low-viability to the highviability regime, indicating that particle composition can have an important effect on aerostability on short time scales. 54 A further experimental consideration is the precise RH experienced by the particles during the measurement. NaCl, which is present in nearly every spray suspension, experiences state-dependent hysteresis through changing RH.…”

“…47,50 Second, the effect of deliberate modification of spraying medium composition could greatly affect viability, depending on the degree of modification. 52,54 Temperature has not been adequately explored as a source of aerosol phase virus inactivation, especially for nonenveloped viruses, but has been shown to be important for virus viability. 24,34 In the aerosol phase, temperature has an additional effect through changing the reaction rate between solutes and viral surface proteins, which may further affect viability.…”