"Dramatic Growth" of Microbial Aerosols for Visualization and Accurate Counting of Bioaerosols

Anal Chem. 2023 Sep 12;95(36):13537-13545. doi: 10.1021/acs.analchem.3c02042. Epub 2023 Aug 31.

Abstract

While the global COVID-19 pandemic has subsided, microbial aerosol detection has become of high concern. Timely, accurate, and highly sensitive monitoring of microbial aerosols in indoor air is the basis for effective prevention and control of infectious diseases. At present, no commercial equipment or reliable technology can simultaneously control the detection time and limit at 6 h and 102 CFU/mL, respectively. Based on the "safety size range" of particulate matter in the air, we propose a new method of microbial dilation detection, which enables the pathogen to grow rapidly and dramatically into a polymeric microsphere, larger in size than the coexisting aerosol particles. "Like a crane standing among chickens", the microorganism can be easily visualized and counted. Different from routine chemical and biological sensing technologies, this method can achieve absolute counting of microbial particles, and the simple principles can be developed into devices for different life scenarios.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • COVID-19* / diagnosis
  • Chickens
  • Humans
  • Pandemics
  • Particulate Matter
  • Respiratory Aerosols and Droplets

Substances

  • Particulate Matter