A New Method for Sample Preparation Directly in Aerosols

Rapid detection of pathogens in air and/or liquid samples is of paramount importance to minimize a potential threat of biological warfare agent attack as well appearance of emerging infectious diseases. Current methods, particularly those that target aerosols are determined by the efficiency and speed of sample preparation which comprises collection of air sample its conversion into a liquid sample and specific detection of pathogens using immuno-based method or those that rely on detection of nucleic acids characteristic for each pathogen. This project concerns a development of an innovative approach to separation of microorganisms in (bio)aerosols where the identification is performed directly in the gas-phase. The methodology is based on the ability to control and monitor the occurrence of biochemical reactions directly in air which enables recognition of pathogens through their specific surface markers or even using their characteristic gene sequences. The Phase I project will demonstrate feasibility of specific binding and separation of simulant microorganisms in air. The proposed sample preparation technology has a potential to be implemented in many different assay schemes which could include both air and liquid samples. Competitive advantages of this technology include: (i) direct and pathogen specific detection in air; (ii) detection time approaching near-real time monitoring; (iii) high sensitivity; and, (iv) low false positives.