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Al Hallak M, Verdier T, Bertron A, Mercade M, Lepercq P, Roques C, Bailly JD. Efficiency of the Coriolis µ Air Sampling Device for Fungal Contamination Analysis of Indoor Air: A Case Study. Pathogens 2025; 14:345. [PMID: 40333156 PMCID: PMC12030049 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens14040345] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2025] [Revised: 04/01/2025] [Accepted: 04/01/2025] [Indexed: 05/09/2025] Open
Abstract
Molds are frequent indoor contaminants, where they can colonize many materials. The subsequent aerosolization of fungal spores from moldy surfaces can strongly impact indoor air quality and the health of occupants. The investigation of fungal contamination of habitations is a key point in evaluating sanitary risks and understanding the relationship that may exist between the fungal presence on surfaces and air contamination. However, to date there is no "gold standard" of sampling indoor air for such investigations. Among various air sampling methods, impingement can be used for capturing fungal spores, as it enables real-time sampling and preserves analytical follow-up. Its efficiency varies depending on several factors, such as spore hydrophobicity, sampling conditions, etc. Sampling devices may also impact the results, with recovery rates sometimes lower than filtration-based methods. The Coriolis µ air sampler, an impingement-based device, utilizes centrifugal force to concentrate airborne particles into a liquid medium, offering flexibility for molecular analysis. Several studies have used this device for air sampling, demonstrating its application in detecting pollen, fungal spores, bacteria, and viruses, but it is most often used in laboratory conditions. The present case study, conducted in a moldy house, aims to investigate the efficiency of this device in sampling fungal spores for DNA analysis in indoor environments. The results obtained suggest that the use of this device requires an optimized methodology to enhance its efficiency and reliability in bioaerosol research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohamad Al Hallak
- College of Engineering and Technology, American University of the Middle East, Egaila 54200, Kuwait;
| | - Thomas Verdier
- Laboratory of Materials and Durability of Construction, University of Toulouse, UPS, INSA, 31077 Toulouse, France; (T.V.); (A.B.)
| | - Alexandra Bertron
- Laboratory of Materials and Durability of Construction, University of Toulouse, UPS, INSA, 31077 Toulouse, France; (T.V.); (A.B.)
| | - Myriam Mercade
- Toulouse Biotechnology Institute, University of Toulouse, CNRS, INRAE, INSA, 31077 Toulouse, France; (M.M.); (P.L.)
| | - Pascale Lepercq
- Toulouse Biotechnology Institute, University of Toulouse, CNRS, INRAE, INSA, 31077 Toulouse, France; (M.M.); (P.L.)
| | - Christine Roques
- Chemical Engineering Laboratory, University of Toulouse, CNRS, INPT, 31062 Toulouse, France;
| | - Jean-Denis Bailly
- Laboratory of Agro-Industrial Chemistry, University of Toulouse, INRAE, INPT, 31030 Toulouse, France
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Wang X, Ma T, Chen Z, Liu Y, Wang K, Liu G, Li K, Chen T, Zhang G, Zhang W, Zhang B. Review of Methods for Studying Viruses in the Environment and Organisms. Viruses 2025; 17:86. [PMID: 39861875 PMCID: PMC11769461 DOI: 10.3390/v17010086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2024] [Accepted: 01/09/2025] [Indexed: 01/27/2025] Open
Abstract
Recent decades have seen growing attention on viruses in the environment and their potential impacts as a result of global epidemics. Due to the diversity of viral species along with the complexity of environmental and host factors, virus extraction and detection methods have become key for the study of virus ecology. This review systematically summarises the methods for extracting and detecting pathogens from different environmental samples (e.g., soil, water, faeces, air) and biological samples (e.g., plants, animals) in existing studies, comparing their similarities and differences, applicability, as well as the advantages and disadvantages of each method. Additionally, this review discusses future directions for research in this field. The aim is to provide a theoretical foundation and technical reference for virus ecology research, facilitating further exploration and applications in this field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinyue Wang
- Key Laboratory of Ecological Safety and Sustainable Development in Arid Lands, Northwest Institute of Eco-Environment and Resources, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Lanzhou 730000, China; (X.W.); (Z.C.); (G.L.); (G.Z.); (W.Z.)
- Key Laboratory of Extreme Environmental Microbial Resources and Engineering, Lanzhou 730000, China; (T.M.); (Y.L.); (K.W.); (T.C.)
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, No. 19A Yuquan Road, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Tong Ma
- Key Laboratory of Extreme Environmental Microbial Resources and Engineering, Lanzhou 730000, China; (T.M.); (Y.L.); (K.W.); (T.C.)
- School of Petrochemical Technology, Lanzhou University of Technology, Lanzhou 730050, China
| | - Zhiyuan Chen
- Key Laboratory of Ecological Safety and Sustainable Development in Arid Lands, Northwest Institute of Eco-Environment and Resources, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Lanzhou 730000, China; (X.W.); (Z.C.); (G.L.); (G.Z.); (W.Z.)
- Key Laboratory of Extreme Environmental Microbial Resources and Engineering, Lanzhou 730000, China; (T.M.); (Y.L.); (K.W.); (T.C.)
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, No. 19A Yuquan Road, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Yang Liu
- Key Laboratory of Extreme Environmental Microbial Resources and Engineering, Lanzhou 730000, China; (T.M.); (Y.L.); (K.W.); (T.C.)
- State Key Laboratory of Cryospheric Science and Frozen Soil Engineering, Northwest Institute of Eco-Environment and Resources, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Lanzhou 730000, China
| | - Kexin Wang
- Key Laboratory of Extreme Environmental Microbial Resources and Engineering, Lanzhou 730000, China; (T.M.); (Y.L.); (K.W.); (T.C.)
- School of Petrochemical Technology, Lanzhou University of Technology, Lanzhou 730050, China
| | - Guangxiu Liu
- Key Laboratory of Ecological Safety and Sustainable Development in Arid Lands, Northwest Institute of Eco-Environment and Resources, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Lanzhou 730000, China; (X.W.); (Z.C.); (G.L.); (G.Z.); (W.Z.)
- Key Laboratory of Extreme Environmental Microbial Resources and Engineering, Lanzhou 730000, China; (T.M.); (Y.L.); (K.W.); (T.C.)
| | - Kesheng Li
- Lanzhou Yahua Biotechnology Company, Lanzhou 730050, China;
| | - Tuo Chen
- Key Laboratory of Extreme Environmental Microbial Resources and Engineering, Lanzhou 730000, China; (T.M.); (Y.L.); (K.W.); (T.C.)
- State Key Laboratory of Cryospheric Science and Frozen Soil Engineering, Northwest Institute of Eco-Environment and Resources, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Lanzhou 730000, China
| | - Gaosen Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Ecological Safety and Sustainable Development in Arid Lands, Northwest Institute of Eco-Environment and Resources, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Lanzhou 730000, China; (X.W.); (Z.C.); (G.L.); (G.Z.); (W.Z.)
- Key Laboratory of Extreme Environmental Microbial Resources and Engineering, Lanzhou 730000, China; (T.M.); (Y.L.); (K.W.); (T.C.)
| | - Wei Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Ecological Safety and Sustainable Development in Arid Lands, Northwest Institute of Eco-Environment and Resources, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Lanzhou 730000, China; (X.W.); (Z.C.); (G.L.); (G.Z.); (W.Z.)
- Key Laboratory of Extreme Environmental Microbial Resources and Engineering, Lanzhou 730000, China; (T.M.); (Y.L.); (K.W.); (T.C.)
| | - Binglin Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Extreme Environmental Microbial Resources and Engineering, Lanzhou 730000, China; (T.M.); (Y.L.); (K.W.); (T.C.)
- State Key Laboratory of Cryospheric Science and Frozen Soil Engineering, Northwest Institute of Eco-Environment and Resources, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Lanzhou 730000, China
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Shankar SN, Vass WB, Lednicky JA, Logan T, Messcher RL, Eiguren-Fernandez A, Amanatidis S, Sabo-Attwood T, Wu CY. The BioCascade-VIVAS system for collection and delivery of virus-laden size-fractionated airborne particles. JOURNAL OF AEROSOL SCIENCE 2024; 175:106263. [PMID: 38680161 PMCID: PMC11044810 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaerosci.2023.106263] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/01/2024]
Abstract
The size of virus-laden particles determines whether aerosol or droplet transmission is dominant in the airborne transmission of pathogens. Determining dominant transmission pathways is critical to implementing effective exposure risk mitigation strategies. The aerobiology discipline greatly needs an air sampling system that can collect virus-laden airborne particles, separate them by particle diameter, and deliver them directly onto host cells without inactivating virus or killing cells. We report the use of a testing system that combines a BioAerosol Nebulizing Generator (BANG) to aerosolize Human coronavirus (HCoV)-OC43 (OC43) and an integrated air sampling system comprised of a BioCascade impactor (BC) and Viable Virus Aerosol Sampler (VIVAS), together referred to as BC-VIVAS, to deliver the aerosolized virus directly onto Vero E6 cells. Particles were collected into four stages according to their aerodynamic diameter (Stage 1: >9.43 μm, Stage 2: 3.81-9.43 μm, Stage 3: 1.41-3.81 μm and Stage 4: <1.41 μm). OC43 was detected by reverse-transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) analyses of samples from all BC-VIVAS stages. The calculated OC43 genome equivalent counts per cm3 of air ranged from 0.34±0.09 to 70.28±12.56, with the highest concentrations in stage 3 (1.41-3.81 μm) and stage 4 (<1.41 μm). Virus-induced cytopathic effects appeared only in cells exposed to particles collected in stages 3 and 4, demonstrating the presence of viable OC43 in particles <3.81 μm. This study demonstrates the dual utility of the BC-VIVAS as particle size-fractionating air sampler and a direct exposure system for aerosolized viruses. Such utility may help minimize conventional post-collection sample processing time required to assess the viability of airborne viruses and increase the understanding about transmission pathways for airborne pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sripriya Nannu Shankar
- Department of Environmental Engineering Sciences, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA
| | - William B. Vass
- Department of Environmental Engineering Sciences, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA
| | - John A. Lednicky
- Department of Environmental and Global Health, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
- Emerging Pathogens Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
| | - Tracey Logan
- Department of Environmental and Global Health, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
- Emerging Pathogens Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
| | - Rebeccah L. Messcher
- Department of Environmental and Global Health, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
- Emerging Pathogens Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
| | | | | | - Tara Sabo-Attwood
- Department of Environmental and Global Health, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
- Emerging Pathogens Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
| | - Chang-Yu Wu
- Department of Environmental Engineering Sciences, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA
- Department of Chemical, Environmental, and Materials Engineering, University of Miami, Coral Gables, FL 33146, USA
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El Jaddaoui I, Ghazal H, Bennett JW. Mold in Paradise: A Review of Fungi Found in Libraries. J Fungi (Basel) 2023; 9:1061. [PMID: 37998867 PMCID: PMC10672585 DOI: 10.3390/jof9111061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2023] [Revised: 10/23/2023] [Accepted: 10/23/2023] [Indexed: 11/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Libraries contain a large amount of organic material, frequently stored with inadequate climate control; thus, mold growth represents a considerable threat to library buildings and their contents. In this essay, we review published papers that have isolated microscopic fungi from library books, shelving, walls, and other surfaces, as well as from air samples within library buildings. Our literature search found 54 published studies about mold in libraries, 53 of which identified fungi to genus and/or species. In 28 of the 53 studies, Aspergillus was the single most common genus isolated from libraries. Most of these studies used traditional culture and microscopic methods for identifying the fungi. Mold damage to books and archival holdings causes biodeterioration of valuable educational and cultural resources. Exposure to molds may also be correlated with negative health effects in both patrons and librarians, so there are legitimate concerns about the dangers of contact with high levels of fungal contamination. Microbiologists are frequently called upon to help librarians after flooding and other events that bring water into library settings. This review can help guide microbiologists to choose appropriate protocols for the isolation and identification of mold in libraries and be a resource for librarians who are not usually trained in building science to manage the threat molds can pose to library holdings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Islam El Jaddaoui
- Laboratory of Human Pathologies Biology, Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University Mohammed V, Rabat 10000, Morocco
- Genomic Center of Human Pathologies, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, University Mohammed V, Rabat 10000, Morocco
- Department of Plant Biology, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ 08901, USA;
| | - Hassan Ghazal
- Laboratory of Genomics and Bioinformatics, School of Pharmacy, Mohammed VI University of Health Sciences, Casablanca 82403, Morocco;
- Royal Institute of Sports, Royal Institute for Managerial Training in Youth and Sport, Department of Sports Sciences, Laboratory of Sports Sciences and Performance Optimization, Salé 10102, Morocco
| | - Joan W. Bennett
- Department of Plant Biology, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ 08901, USA;
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Harnpicharnchai P, Pumkaeo P, Siriarchawatana P, Likhitrattanapisal S, Mayteeworakoon S, Ingsrisawang L, Boonsin W, Eurwilaichitr L, Ingsriswang S. AirDNA sampler: An efficient and simple device enabling high-yield, high-quality airborne environment DNA for metagenomic applications. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0287567. [PMID: 37384659 PMCID: PMC10309600 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0287567] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2022] [Accepted: 05/29/2023] [Indexed: 07/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Analyzing temporal and spatial distributions of airborne particles of biological origins is vital for the assessment and monitoring of air quality, especially with regard to public health, environmental ecology, and atmospheric chemistry. However, the analysis is frequently impeded by the low levels of biomass in the air, especially with metagenomic DNA analysis to explore diversity and composition of living organisms and their components in the air. To obtain sufficient amounts of metagenomic DNA from bioaerosols, researchers usually need a long sampling time with an expensive high-volume air sampler. This work shows the utilization of an air sampling device containing an economical, high-volume portable ventilation fan in combination with customized multi-sheet filter holders to effectively obtain high yields of genomic DNA in a relatively short time. The device, named 'AirDNA' sampler, performed better than other commercial air samplers, including MD8 Airport and Coriolis compact air samplers. Using the AirDNA sampler, an average DNA yield of 40.49 ng (12.47-23.24 ng at 95% CI) was obtained in only 1 hour of air sampling with a 0.85 probability of obtaining ≥10 ng of genomic DNA. The genomic DNA obtained by the AirDNA system is of suitable quantity and quality to be further used for amplicon metabarcoding sequencing of 16S, 18S, and cytochrome c oxidase I (COI) regions, indicating that it can be used to detect various prokaryotes and eukaryotes. Our results showed the effectiveness of our AirDNA sampling apparatus with a simple setup and affordable devices to obtain metagenomic DNA for short-term or long-term spatiotemporal analysis. The technique is well suited for monitoring air in built environments, especially monitoring bioaerosols for health purposes and for fine-scale spatiotemporal environmental studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Piyanun Harnpicharnchai
- National Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, National Science and Technology Development Agency, Khlong Luang, Pathum Thani, Thailand
| | - Panyapon Pumkaeo
- National Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, National Science and Technology Development Agency, Khlong Luang, Pathum Thani, Thailand
| | - Paopit Siriarchawatana
- National Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, National Science and Technology Development Agency, Khlong Luang, Pathum Thani, Thailand
| | - Somsak Likhitrattanapisal
- National Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, National Science and Technology Development Agency, Khlong Luang, Pathum Thani, Thailand
| | - Sermsiri Mayteeworakoon
- National Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, National Science and Technology Development Agency, Khlong Luang, Pathum Thani, Thailand
| | - Lily Ingsrisawang
- Department of Statistics, Faculty of Science, Kasetsart University, Chatuchak, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Worawongsin Boonsin
- National Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, National Science and Technology Development Agency, Khlong Luang, Pathum Thani, Thailand
| | - Lily Eurwilaichitr
- National Energy Technology Center, National Science and Technology Development Agency, Khlong Luang, Pathum Thani, Thailand
| | - Supawadee Ingsriswang
- National Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, National Science and Technology Development Agency, Khlong Luang, Pathum Thani, Thailand
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Guo J, Zheng X, Qin T, Lv M, Zhang W, Song X, Qiu H, Hu L, Zhang L, Zhou D, Sun Y, Yang W. An experimental method for efficiently evaluating the size-resolved sampling efficiency of liquid-absorption aerosol samplers. Sci Rep 2022; 12:4745. [PMID: 35304534 PMCID: PMC8932469 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-08718-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2021] [Accepted: 03/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Aerosol samplers are critical tools for studying indoor and outdoor aerosols. Development and evaluation of samplers is often labor-intensive and time-consuming due to the need to use monodisperse aerosols spanning a range of sizes. This study develops a rapid experimental methodology using polydisperse solid aerosols to evaluate size-resolved aerosol-to-aerosol (AtoA) and aerosol-to-hydrosol (AtoH) sampling efficiencies. Arizona Test Dust (diameter 0.5-20 µm) was generated and dispersed into an aerosol test chamber and two candidate samplers were tested. For the AtoA test, aerosols upstream and downstream of a sampler were measured using an online aerodynamic particle sizer. For the AtoH test, aerosols collected in sampling medium were mixed with a reference sample and then measured by the laser diffraction method. The experimental methodology were validated as an impressive time-saving procedure, with reasonable spatial uniformity and time stability of aerosols in the test chamber and an acceptable accuracy of absolute mass quantification of collected particles. Evaluation results showed that the AGI-30 and the BioSampler sampler had similar size-resolved sampling efficiencies and that efficiencies decreased with decreasing sampling flow rate. The combined evaluation of AtoA and AtoH efficiency provided more comprehensive performance indicators than either test alone. The experimental methodology presented here can facilitate the design and choice of aerosol sampler.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianshu Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Beijing, 100071, China
| | - Xinying Zheng
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Beijing, 100071, China
| | - Tongtong Qin
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Beijing, 100071, China
- Laboratory Animal Center, Academy of Military Medical Science, Beijing, China
| | - Meng Lv
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Beijing, 100071, China
| | - Wei Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Beijing, 100071, China
| | - Xiaolin Song
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Beijing, 100071, China
| | - Hongying Qiu
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Beijing, 100071, China
| | - Lingfei Hu
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Beijing, 100071, China
| | - Lili Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Beijing, 100071, China
| | - Dongsheng Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Beijing, 100071, China
| | - Yansong Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Beijing, 100071, China.
| | - Wenhui Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Beijing, 100071, China.
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