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Advances in bioaerosol sampling and implications for atmospheric science and human health, Gediminas "Gedi" Mainelis, Rutgers Univ.
Date Time Location
May 14th, 2013 2:00pm-3:00pm 54-1827
The concentration and composition of airborne microorganisms are of interest in diverse areas of research such as atmospheric processes, residential and occupational indoor air quality as well as health effects. Traditional bioaerosol sampling methods relying on impaction, impingement and filtration are known to induce biological and structural changes to biological particles which affects the accuracy of measurements and interpretation of results. Mainelis’ lab has been actively engaged in applying electrostatic method to sample bioaerosols due to its potential to minimize damage to microbial particles. Our earlier studies investigated the effects of electrostatic field and charge on the viability of microorganisms. Encouraged by those results, we recently developed a novel electrostatic collector for bioaerosols, where biological particles are electrostatically deposited onto a narrow electrode covered by a superhydrophobic substance and then removed and collected by rolling water droplets (5 to 40 microliters) to achieve high sample concentration rate. Use of this particular design allows achieving an unprecedented sample concentration rate exceeding 1 million per minute. Since the sample is concentrated in a very small amount of liquid, the sampler will be compatible with various analysis techniques, including “laboratory-on-a-chip”. Its high concentration rate will allows detection of low microorganism concentrations in various air environments. It is hoped that the sampler will be pertinent to novel projects in atmospheric science and human health investigations. Other developments in the area of bioaerosol sampling, such as the use of robotic sampling platforms to investigate exposures of very young children to bioaerosols will also be discussed.

Dr. Gediminas "Gedi" Mainelis is Associate Professor, Department of Environmental Sciences, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, NJ, USA

Seminar announcement for printing or postering: http://carrlab.org/Mainelis.pdf
Hosted by: Christopher E. Carr, chrisc@mit.edu, +1-617-216-5012