Technologies for microbial aerosol sampling and identification:a review and current perspective

Abstract:

The bioaerosol harbors diverse microorganisms.The sampling of microbial aerosols and the identification of microorganisms in aerosols are the key to understanding the biological characteristics of microbial aerosols,which is essential for preventing bioaerosol-mediated pathogen transmission.This article briefly reviewed the biological characteristics and potential hazards of microbial aerosols and introduced the general methods for microbial aerosol sampling with respect to their performance,operating mechanisms,advantages,and limitations,in an aim to assist the design of best practices for bioaerosol sampling.Three major (culture-dependent,culture-independent,and single-cell) techniques for the identification of bacteria,fungi,and viruses in bioaerosols were expounded.Finally,the future techniques for microbial aerosol collection and microbial identification were prospected.The cross-disciplinary interaction will facilitate the development of novel methods for bioaerosol sampling and detection.With this review,we hope to provide a theoretical basis for the development of sampling methods and comprehensive characterization of bioaerosols.