An Advanced Tape-Stripping Approach for High-Efficiency Sampling on Non-Absorbent Surfaces

Area of Science:

• Analytical Chemistry
• Materials Science
• Microbiology

Background:

• Surface sampling is crucial in laboratory and field studies.
• Existing methods often lack efficiency in collecting target substances.
• Non-absorbent surfaces present unique challenges for sample collection.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop an advanced tape-stripping method for efficient surface sampling.
• To evaluate the efficiency of the new method for collecting microspheres and DNA.
• To assess the impact of the method on the viability of *S. aureus*.

Main Methods:

• A film-forming solution of polyvinyl alcohol was applied to surfaces.
• The solution solidified into an elastic membrane, engulfing surface deposits.
• Deposits were collected by stripping the membrane and re-dissolving it in water.
• Ethanol concentration in the solution was optimized for microbial sampling.

Main Results:

• The new approach achieved 100% efficiency for microsphere collection from glass.
• Efficiencies exceeding 96.6% were obtained for DNA detection on glass and stainless steel.
• The swab-rinse method showed only 72.6% efficiency under similar conditions.
• Optimal ethanol concentration (17.6%) balanced microbial viability during sampling.

Conclusions:

• The proposed tape-stripping method offers high efficiency for collecting diverse materials from non-absorbent surfaces.
• This technique complements existing surface sampling methodologies.
• The method is effective for both abiotic particles and viable microorganisms like *S. aureus*.