Methods to Investigate the Global Atmospheric Microbiome

Area of Science:

• Aerobiology
• Atmospheric Science
• Microbiology
• -omics Biology

Background:

• Understanding the interplay between atmospheric conditions and microbial life requires multidisciplinary approaches.
• Current aerobiology research is limited by a lack of coordinated data collection at relevant scales.
• Characterizing global microbial biodiversity and its environmental context remains a challenge.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present a novel sampling strategy and analytical protocols for integrating microbiology, -omics, atmospheric chemistry, physics, and meteorology.
• To establish methods for characterizing airborne microbial biodiversity and function in remote, low-cell-density environments.
• To ensure control of chemical and microbial contamination throughout the sampling and analysis process.

Main Methods:

• High-volume air sampling was employed to capture sufficient aerosol and microbial cells.
• Integrated chemical and biological analyses were performed on the same quartz filters.
• Control filters (exposed and unexposed) were used to account for contamination.
• Optimized DNA extraction methods, including sterilization, vortexing, and heating, were developed.

Main Results:

• Developed protocols allow for simultaneous extraction of chemical and biological data from air samples.
• Recommended sterilization steps (laminar flow hoods, UV) reduce handling and transport contamination.
• Optimized DNA extraction increased DNA yield by tenfold, enabling downstream omics analyses.
• The proposed method is suitable for integration into long-term atmospheric monitoring protocols.

Conclusions:

• The developed multidisciplinary approach effectively characterizes atmospheric microbial life and its environmental context.
• Standardized protocols and quality control are crucial for reliable aerobiology data.
• The enhanced methods facilitate comprehensive omics analysis of airborne microbial communities.
• This strategy supports a deeper understanding of global microbial biodiversity patterns and their drivers.