Development of an aerosol surface inoculation method for bacillus spores
Sang Don Lee1, Shawn P Ryan, Emily Gibb Snyder
1U.S. EPA, 109 TW Alexander Dr., MD E343-06, Research Triangle Park, NC 27711, USA. lee.sangdon@epa.gov
Applied and Environmental Microbiology
|January 4, 2011
Summary
A new aerosolization method effectively deposits Bacillus subtilis spores onto diverse surfaces for decontamination and detection research. This technique ensures reproducible spore concentrations, aiding in biological agent studies.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Biosecurity
- Analytical Chemistry
Background:
- Accurate simulation of biological agent contamination is crucial for developing effective decontamination and detection strategies.
- Existing methods for spore deposition may lack reproducibility and efficiency.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and validate a novel aerosolization method for depositing Bacillus subtilis spores onto various surfaces.
- To assess the reproducibility and efficiency of the developed spore deposition technique.
Main Methods:
- An apparatus coupled with a metered dose inhaler was utilized to aerosolize Bacillus subtilis spores.
- Spores were deposited onto five different material surfaces: aluminum, galvanized steel, wood, carpet, and painted wallboard.
- Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was employed to analyze spore deposition patterns.
Main Results:
- The aerosolization method reproducibly deposited over 10(7) Colony Forming Units (CFU) per coupon with less than a 50% coefficient of variation.
- Distinct spore deposition patterns were observed between aerosol impaction and liquid inoculation methods via SEM.
- The method demonstrated suitability for preparing spore coupons on diverse materials.
Conclusions:
- The developed aerosolization method provides a fast and reproducible means for preparing spore coupons for decontamination and detection studies.
- This technique enhances the reliability of bench-top studies involving biological agent surrogates.
- Understanding deposition patterns is key for optimizing detection and decontamination efficacy.
