Detection and quantification of viable airborne bacteria and fungi using solid-phase cytometry

Area of Science:

• Environmental microbiology
• Analytical chemistry
• Biotechnology

Background:

• Conventional methods for airborne microorganism enumeration can be time-consuming and lack real-time accuracy.
• Accurate quantification of airborne bacteria and fungi is crucial for public health and environmental monitoring.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe a novel protocol for the real-time enumeration of airborne bacteria and fungi using solid-phase cytometry.
• To offer an accurate and efficient alternative to conventional microbiological air sampling techniques.

Main Methods:

• Air samples are collected via impaction onto a water-soluble polymer, which is then dissolved.
• Samples are filtered, stained with a viability substrate, and analyzed using solid-phase cytometry.
• Microscopic validation with epifluorescence microscopy differentiates microorganisms from fluorescent particles.

Main Results:

• Solid-phase cytometry allows for accurate, real-time quantification of airborne bacteria and fungi.
• The protocol is effective for air samples with both low and high microbial loads.
• The entire procedure is completed within 5 hours.

Conclusions:

• Solid-phase cytometry offers a rapid and accurate method for enumerating airborne bacteria and fungi.
• This technique enhances the efficiency of microbial air quality assessment.
• The protocol is suitable for diverse environmental monitoring applications.