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Influence of storage on the fungal concentration determination of impinger and filter samples
1Graduate Institute of Environmental Health, College of Public Health, National Taiwan University, R1449, No. 1, Jen Ai Road, 1st Section, 10018, Taipei, Taiwan, R.O.C.
Abstract:
The effects of storage on concentrations of airborne fungal samples were evaluated in a laboratory test chamber. Spores of Penicillium citrinum and cells of Candida famata var. flareri were aerosolized by a Pitt-3 generator and a Collison nebulizer, respectively. The evaluated sampling methods were AGI-30 impingers, Nuclepore filters, and gelatin filters. The effect of storage time was determined as the ratio, C(t)/C(0), where C(t) and C(0) were the total counts or colony concentrations of the simultaneously collected samples stored for t and 0 hr, respectively. In addition, the effect of storage temperature was investigated by storing AGI-30 and filter samples at 25 and 4 degrees C. The results demonstrated that the culturability of Penicillium spores in the impinger samples decreased as storage time increased. In contrast, the Candida yeast cells could survive and reproduce more cells in the impinger fluid. Moreover, it was observed that refrigeration of the impinger samples could inhibit the growth rate of collected cells. Therefore, it was suggested that the impinger samples should be refrigerated and processed as soon as possible to avoid the loss of spore culturability or the increase of yeast cells. Regarding the filtration methods, the effect of storage time and temperature for Penicillium spores was demonstrated to be insignificant. However, Candida yeast recovery from filters was found to decrease as storage time increased.
Insights
Storage conditions significantly impact airborne fungal sample analysis. Impinger samples require refrigeration to preserve spore viability and control yeast growth, while filter methods show less sensitivity to storage time and temperature for fungal spores.
Area of Science:
- Environmental microbiology
- Air quality monitoring
- Fungal spore analysis
Background:
- Accurate quantification of airborne fungi is crucial for health and environmental assessments.
- Standardized methods for collecting and storing airborne fungal samples are essential for reliable results.
- Previous studies have highlighted variability in fungal spore recovery based on collection and storage.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the impact of storage time and temperature on airborne fungal sample concentrations.
- To compare the performance of different sampling methods (impingers and filters) under various storage conditions.
- To provide recommendations for optimal storage protocols for airborne fungal samples.
Main Methods:
- Laboratory chamber experiments aerosolizing Penicillium citrinum spores and Candida famata yeast cells.
- Collection using AGI-30 impingers, Nuclepore filters, and gelatin filters.
- Analysis of storage effects by varying time (0 to t hours) and temperature (4°C and 25°C).
Main Results:
- Penicillium spore culturability decreased in impinger samples over time; Candida yeast cells proliferated.
- Refrigeration (4°C) inhibited Candida yeast growth in impinger samples.
- Storage time and temperature had insignificant effects on Penicillium spores collected on filters, but Candida yeast recovery decreased over time on filters.
Conclusions:
- Impinger samples require prompt processing and refrigeration to maintain Penicillium spore viability and control Candida yeast proliferation.
- Filtration methods demonstrate greater stability for Penicillium spore quantification regarding storage.
- Optimal storage strategies are method-dependent and crucial for accurate airborne fungal monitoring.
