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Updated: Jun 19, 2026

09:16
Air-sampled Filter Analysis for Endotoxins and DNA Content
Published on: March 7, 2016
AIE Gemini Surfactant-Enabled Janus Membrane for All-In-One "Sampling-Detection-Elimination" of Airborne Pathogens
Saisai Yan1,2, Zishu Wen1,2, Xuanzhe Wang1,2
1The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao University, Qingdao 266071, China.
Environmental Science & Technology
|March 3, 2026
Summary
This study introduces a novel Janus air filter membrane for environmental health monitoring. This biobased membrane integrates bioaerosol sampling, pathogen detection, and inactivation, offering a comprehensive solution for airborne threats.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Environmental Science
- Biotechnology
Background:
- Intelligent environmental health monitoring requires integrated systems for bioaerosol management.
- Current technologies lack a single-platform solution for sampling, detection, and inactivation of airborne pathogens.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a novel Janus air filter membrane (AIE-LGFM) for simultaneous bioaerosol sampling, pathogen detection, and inactivation.
- To create an eco-friendly, single-material system for comprehensive airborne biological threat management.
Main Methods:
- Fabrication of a Janus air filter membrane using biobased lignin-gelatin via a green phase-separation process.
- Synthesis of a gemini-type aggregation-induced emission (AIE) surfactant (G-MeOTTVP) for bacterial targeting and photodynamic inactivation.
- Asymmetric coating of the AIE surfactant onto the membrane to create distinct functional surfaces.
Main Results:
- The AIE-LGFM membrane exhibits high interception efficiency (99.4%) and low pressure drop (40 mbar).
- The functionalized membrane demonstrates efficient light-activated bactericidal activity and high-fidelity microbial capture.
- Successful field performance in accurately monitoring airborne microbes and enabling on-site photodynamic elimination.
Conclusions:
- The developed AIE-LGFM membrane provides an innovative, eco-friendly platform for an all-in-one "sampling-detection-elimination" workflow.
- This technology opens new avenues for intelligent management of airborne biological threats.
- The Janus membrane architecture offers spatially separated functions for enhanced performance.
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