Related Experiment Video
Updated: Oct 2, 2026
Isolation of Mouse Respiratory Epithelial Cells and Exposure to Experimental Cigarette Smoke at Air Liquid Interface
Published on: February 21, 2011
Isolation, Characterization, and Antimicrobial Activity of Bacterial and Fungal Representatives Associated With
Dong Yan1,2, Tao Zhang1, Jing-Lin Bai1
1China Pharmaceutical Culture Collection, Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China.
Abstract:
Particulate matter (PM) has been a threat to the environment and public health in the metropolises of developing industrial countries such as Beijing. The microorganisms associated with PM have an impact on human health if they are exposed to the respiratory tract persistently. There are few reports on the microbial resources collected from PM and their antimicrobial activities. In this study, we greatly expanded the diversity of available commensal organisms by collecting 1,258 bacterial and 456 fungal isolates from 63 PM samples. A total of 77 bacterial genera and 35 fungal genera were included in our pure cultures, with Bacillus as the most prevalent cultured bacterial genus, Aspergillus, and Penicillium as the most prevalent fungal ones. During heavy-haze days, the numbers of colony-forming units (CFUs) and isolates of bacteria and fungi were decreased. Bacillus, Paenibacillus, and Chaetomium were found to be enriched during haze days, while Kocuria, Microbacterium, and Penicillium were found to be enriched during non-haze days. Antimicrobial activity against common pathogens have been found in 40 bacterial representatives and 1 fungal representative. The collection of airborne strains will provide a basis to greatly increase our understanding of the relationship between bacteria and fungi associated with PM and human health.
Insights
Researchers collected over 1,700 microbial isolates from Beijing
Area of Science:
- Environmental microbiology
- Public health
- Air pollution research
Background:
- Particulate matter (PM) poses environmental and health risks in industrializing cities.
- Microorganisms on PM can affect respiratory health.
- Limited data exists on PM-associated microbes and their activities.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize microbial communities in PM.
- To investigate microbial changes during haze events.
- To assess the antimicrobial potential of airborne microbes.
Main Methods:
- Collected 63 PM samples from Beijing.
- Isolated and cultured 1,258 bacterial and 456 fungal strains.
- Identified genera and analyzed microbial abundance during haze vs. non-haze days.
Main Results:
- Identified 77 bacterial and 35 fungal genera, with Bacillus, Aspergillus, and Penicillium being most common.
- Fewer microbes were found during heavy-haze days.
- Specific genera (Bacillus, Paenibacillus, Chaetomium) enriched during haze; others (Kocuria, Microbacterium, Penicillium) during non-haze.
- 40 bacterial and 1 fungal isolate showed antimicrobial activity.
Conclusions:
- Significant bacterial and fungal diversity associated with PM in Beijing.
- Microbial composition varies with air quality (haze vs. non-haze).
- Airborne microbes possess antimicrobial properties, offering potential for new applications.
