Silica-encapsulated DNA tracers for measuring aerosol distribution dynamics in real-world settings
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Date
2022-01
Publication Type
Journal Article
ETH Bibliography
yes
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Abstract
Aerosolized particles play a significant role in human health and environmental risk management. The global importance of aerosol-related hazards, such as the circulation of pathogens and high levels of air pollutants, have led to a surging demand for suitable surrogate tracers to investigate the complex dynamics of airborne particles in real-world scenarios. In this study, we propose a novel approach using silica particles with encapsulated DNA (SPED) as a tracing agent for measuring aerosol distribution indoors. In a series of experiments with a portable setup, SPED were successfully aerosolized, recaptured, and quantified using quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). Position dependency and ventilation effects within a confined space could be shown in a quantitative fashion achieving detection limits below 0.1 ng particles per m(3) of sampled air. In conclusion, SPED show promise for a flexible, cost-effective, and low-impact characterization of aerosol dynamics in a wide range of settings.
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published
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Journal / series
Volume
32 (1)
Pages / Article No.
Publisher
Wiley
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Date collected
Date created
Subject
aerosol; DNA; nanoparticles; silica; tracing; ventilation
Organisational unit
03673 - Stark, Wendelin J. / Stark, Wendelin J.
08826 - Grass, Robert (Tit.-Prof.)