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Control of airborne and liquid-borne fungal and pet allergens using microwave irradiation

Yan Wu1, Maosheng Yao

  • 1a State Key Joint Laboratory for Environmental Simulation and Pollution Control, College of Environmental Sciences and Engineering , Peking University , Beijing , China.

Journal of Occupational and Environmental Hygiene
|September 10, 2013
PubMed

Insights

Microwave irradiation has complex effects on airborne allergens. While some allergens like fungal Asp f 1 and Alt a 1 showed reduced allergenicity, others like dog Can f 1 increased, and cat Fel d 1 varied, necessitating caution in applications.

Area of Science:

  • Environmental Science
  • Allergen Analysis
  • Microwave Technology

Background:

  • Allergens such as dog (Can f 1), cat (Fel d 1), and fungal (Alt a 1, Asp f 1) are significant airborne irritants.
  • Microwave irradiation is explored for potential applications in air and water purification, but its effects on allergenicity are not fully understood.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the impact of microwave irradiation on the allergenicity of common airborne allergens.
  • To assess the potential of microwave technology for allergen reduction in environmental settings.

Main Methods:

  • Aerosolized dog, cat, and fungal allergens were exposed to microwave irradiation (2450 MHz) at varying power levels (up to 700 W) for 2 minutes.
  • Allergen bioaerosols were collected using a BioSampler and analyzed via enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).
  • Radioallergosorbent (RAST) tests were performed on human serum IgE interactions with microwave-treated Asp f 1.

Main Results:

  • Airborne fungal allergens Asp f 1 and Alt a 1 showed approximately 50% reduced allergenicity at 119-385 W, with no significant change at 700 W.
  • Airborne dog allergen Can f 1 showed a 70% increase in allergenicity at 385 W, with minimal changes at other powers.
  • Airborne cat allergen Fel d 1 was completely denatured at 700 W, retaining 40-80% allergenicity at lower powers. RAST tests showed no significant changes in IgE levels.

Conclusions:

  • Microwave irradiation exhibits variable and complex effects on the allergenicity of different airborne allergens.
  • While some reduction in allergenicity was observed for certain allergens under specific conditions, the overall impact is not uniformly beneficial.
  • Caution is advised when considering microwave irradiation for disinfecting food, water, or air due to its unpredictable effects on allergens.

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