Airborne microbes: sampling, detection, and inactivation

The human living environment serves as a habitat for microorganisms and the presence of ubiquitous airborne microbes significantly impacts the natural material cycle. Through ongoing experimentation with beneficial microorganisms, humans have greatly benefited from airborne microbes. However, airborne pathogens endanger human health and have the potential to induce fatal diseases. Tracking airborne microbes is a critical prerequisite for a better understanding of bioaerosols, harnessing their potential advantages, and mitigating associated risks. Although technological breakthroughs have enabled significant advancements in accurately monitoring airborne pathogens, many puzzles about these microbes remain unanswered due to their high variability and environmental diffusibility. Consequently, advanced techniques and strategies for special identification, early warning, and efficient eradication of microbial contamination are continuously being sought. This review presents a comprehensive overview of the research status of airborne microbes, concentrating on the recent advances and challenges in sampling, detection, and inactivation. Particularly, the fundamental design principles for the collection and timely detection of airborne pathogens are described in detail, as well as critical factors for eliminating microbial contamination and enhancing indoor air quality. In addition, future research directions and perspectives for controlling airborne microbes are also suggested to promote the translation of basic research into real products.