Two complementary analyses of atmospheric biological particles from air sampled filters are described herein: the extraction and detection of endotoxin, and of DNA.
Method Article
Two complementary analyses of atmospheric biological particles from air sampled filters are described herein: the extraction and detection of endotoxin, and of DNA.
Outdoor aerosol research commonly uses particulate matter sampled on filters. This procedure enables various characterizations of the collected particles to be performed in parallel. The purpose of the method presented here is to obtain a highly accurate and reliable analysis of the endotoxin and DNA content of bio-aerosols extracted from filters. The extraction of high molecular weight organic molecules, such as lipopolysaccharides, from sampled filters involves shaking the sample in a pyrogen-free water-based medium. The subsequent analysis is based on an enzymatic reaction that can be detected using a turbidimetric measurement. As a result of the high organic content on the sampled filters, the extraction of DNA from the samples is performed using a commercial DNA extraction kit that was originally designed for soils and modified to improve the DNA yield. The detection and quantification of specific microbial species using quantitative polymerase chain reaction (q-PCR) analysis are described and compared with other available methods.
Air sampling on filters is a basic tool in atmospheric aerosols research.1 The sampled filters are the starting point for various chemical, physical, and biological characterizations of the collected ambient particles.2-11 The advantage of this approach is that various analyses can be performed off-line on the same sample. Compiling the data from all the different analyses enables the researcher to obtain a good understanding of the characteristics of the collected particles and aids in solving complex questions in the atmospheric sciences.12,13 For example, marine and inland air-samples taken during the same period can be compared with respect to the sampled particle toxicity and biological composition.14 For this study, lipopolysaccharides (LPS), components on gram-negative bacterial cell-walls, also known as endotoxins, were extracted from filters sampled on-shore and at an inland site, and were evaluated using the limulus amebocyte lysate (LAL) test. In parallel, a genomic evaluation of the bacterial content (total bacteria, gram negative, and cyanobacteria) was performed on the same sample using the quantitative polymerase chain reaction (q-PCR). The LAL test is based on measurements of turbidity formed following the addition of an aqueous extract of amebocytes from the horseshoe crab, Limulus polyphemus, to an aqueous solution containing the endotoxins. The higher the endotoxin concentration in the sample, the faster turbidity develops.15 The q-PCR analysis is based on a fluorescence signal emitted as a specific DNA fragment is amplified.16 By real time monitoring of the signal during the exponential phase of the PCR reaction and calibrating with a standard curve, the initial DNA amount can be quantified. The combination of these two analyses together with others, as detailed elsewhere,14 can provide a good estimation of the levels of endotoxin and the amount of the source bacteria in the samples.
The purpose of the method presented here is to obtain a highly accurate and reliable analysis of the endotoxin and DNA content of bio-aerosols extracted from filters. While methods for sampling the physical and inorganic chemical characteristics of aerosols are well known and, more recently, methods have been developed to investigate its organic matter component,17 there has been scant research on the biological component of aerosols.18 The rationale for the current method is to address this gap by presenting in detail a robust method for extracting, analyzing, and identifying the biological fraction of airborne aerosols.14
The method detailed here is expected to find wide-spread use in biological indoor and outdoor aerosol research projects involving filter analysis.20-24
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Note: A detailed list of all the materials and instruments used in this protocol is shown in the Materials section.
1. Air Sampling on Filters
2. Endotoxin Analysis
Note: Disinfect the work surface with 70% ethanol and work with pyrogen-free tubes, tips and reagents only. If glassware are used, pre-heating at 250 °C for 30 min, or 200 °C for 60 min is required.25 Prepare all reagents in a class II biosafety cabinet and work with gloves and a lab coat at all times.
| Tube | Final endotoxin concentration (EU ml-1) | Standard endotoxin volume (ml) | Pyrogen free water volume (ml) | total volume (ml) |
| Ed0 | 2,500 | stock solution* | 5 | |
| Ed1 | 1,000 | 80 (from Ed0) | 120 | 200 |
| Ed2 | 100 | 20 (from Ed1) | 180 | 200 |
| Ed3 | 50 | 10 (from Ed1) | 190 | 200 |
| Ed4 | 25 | 5 (from Ed1) | 195 | 200 |
| Ed5 | 12.5 | 2.5 (from Ed1) | 197.5 | 200 |
| Ed6 | 6.25 | 1.25 (from Ed1) | 198.75 | 200 |
| Ed7 | 3.125 | 6.25 (from Ed2) | 193.75 | 200 |
| Ed8 | 1.563 | 6.25 (from Ed3) | 193.75 | 200 |
| Ed9 | 0.781 | 6.25 (from Ed4) | 193.75 | 200 |
| Ed10 | 0.391 | 6.25 (from Ed5) | 193.75 | 200 |
| Ed11 | 0.195 | 6.25 (from Ed6) | 193.75 | 200 |
| Blank | 0 | 0 | 200 | 200 |
| * Prepare the stock solution as per the manufacturer's instructions. | ||||
Table 1: Endotoxin Standard Curve. Endotoxin concentration, volume of standard endotoxin and of pyrogen-free water to be added, and the total volume obtained are detailed for each dilution tube in the calibration curve.

Figure 1: Endotoxin array plate. An example of an endotoxin analysis array in a 96-well microplate.
3. Genomic Analysis
Note: For DNA extraction, disinfect the work surface with 70% ethanol and work with sterile tubes, tips and reagents only. For q-PCR analysis of DNA, disinfect the work surface with surface DNA-decontaminant. Prepare all reagents in a class II biosafety cabinet and work with gloves and a lab coat at all times.
| A- Preparation of Standard Cell Dilution Series | ||||
| Tube | Final cell concentration (cell ml-1) | Standard cell volume (ml) | Nuclease free water volume (ml) | Total volume (ml) |
| Od0 | determine with Hemocytometer counting chamber | |||
| Od1 | should be eluted to the range of 107 cells ml-1 | 20 | ||
| Od2 | 10-1 Od1 | 2 of Od1 | 18 | 20 |
| Od3 | 10-2 Od1 | 2 of Od2 | 18 | 20 |
| Od4 | 10-3 Od1 | 2 of Od3 | 18 | 20 |
| Od5 | 10-4 Od1 | 2 of Od4 | 18 | 20 |
| Od6 | 10-5 Od1 | 2 of Od5 | 18 | 20 |
| Od7 | 10-6 Od1 | 2 of Od6 | 18 | 20 |
| Od8 | 10-7 Od1 | 2 of Od7 | 18 | 20 |
| Blank | 0 | 0 | 20 | 20 |
| B- Preparation of DNA Standard Curve | ||||
| Tube | Final DNA concentration (mg ml-1) | Standard DNA volume (ml) | Nuclease free water volume (ml) | Total volume (ml) |
| Dd0 | determine with NanoDrop | |||
| Dd1 | should be eluted to the range of 101 mg ml-1 | 20 | ||
| Dd2 | 10-1 Dd1 | 2 of Dd1 | 18 | 20 |
| Dd3 | 10-2 Dd1 | 2 of Dd2 | 18 | 20 |
| Dd4 | 10-3 Dd1 | 2 of Dd3 | 18 | 20 |
| Dd5 | 10-4 Dd1 | 2 of Dd4 | 18 | 20 |
| Dd6 | 10-5 Dd1 | 2 of Dd5 | 18 | 20 |
| Dd7 | 10-6 Dd1 | 2 of Dd6 | 18 | 20 |
| Dd8 | 10-7 Dd1 | 2 of Dd7 | 18 | 20 |
| Blank | 0 | 0 | 20 | 20 |
Table 2: DNA Standard Curve. Standard microorganism cell dilution series (A) detailed for the standard cell volume, NFW volume, and the total volume in each dilution tube. DNA standard curve preparation (B), detailed for the standard DNA volume, NFW volume, and the total volume in each dilution tube.
| Parameter | Details | Comments |
| Detection method | Quantitative hydrolysis probe | |
| Thermal cycling conditions | ||
| Initial denaturation and enzyme activation | 95 °C for 10 min | |
| Denaturation | 95 °C for 15 sec | repeat 45 times |
| Annealing and extension | 60 °C for 60 sec | |
| Plate array | ||
| Standard curve | Dd1 - Dd8 | 3 repeats per dilution in 1-8 wells at the top 3 rows |
| Non-template control (NTC) | Nuclease free water (NFW) | 3 repeats in the 9th well at the top 3 rows. |
| Analyzed samples | DNA extracted from filters | 3 repeats per sample at the remaining wells. |
| Primer set | per each well | |
| sample volume | 10 ml |
Table 3: Details for q-PCR operating software. Details of the analysis parameters to be entered into the q-PCR program file.
| Reagent | Volume per reaction (ml) | Number of reactions | Allowance for error (5%) | Total volume mix (ml) |
| Taq polymerase mix | 5 | 50 | 52.5 | 262.5 |
| F primer (10 mM) | 0.5 | 50 | 52.5 | 26.25 |
| R primer (10 mM) | 0.5 | 50 | 52.5 | 26.25 |
| Nuclease free water | 3 | 50 | 52.5 | 157.5 |
| DNA - 1 ml will be added directly into the target wells in the 96 plate. | ||||
Table 4: Quantitative-PCR Reaction Mix Calculation. Volume per reaction, number of reactions, allowance for error, and the total calculated volume to be added into the reaction mix per reagent are detailed.
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It is common to study atmospheric aerosols using "off-line" analyses of sampled filters (see Figure 2).32 Chemical analyses of the sampled matter include organic (e.g. protein, hydrocarbon molecules, saccharides) and inorganic (e.g. metals, salts) content. Biological analyses include viable and non-viable microorganism content, species identification using a DNA approach or microscopy, as well as DNA-based quantification.
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This work describes extraction and detection methods for quantifying both endotoxins and DNA present in aerosol samples collected on filters. The methods require accurate routines and can be performed easily as long as the experimentalist adheres to a few essential and important points discussed here.
For the endotoxin detection step, note that the lysate solution is quite viscous and tends to produce bubbles upon pipetting. It is difficult to remove thee bubbles, and they lead to changes in t...
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The authors have nothing to disclose.
The authors thank Dr. Yoav Barak from the Chemistry Faculty, Weizmann Institute, for support and advice. This study was supported by the Israel Science Foundation (grant # 913/12), and by the Minerva Foundation with funding from the Federal German Ministry for Education and Research.
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| Name | Company | Catalog Number | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|
| Filter sampling | |||
| HiVol 3000 - High Volume Air Sampler | Ecotech | ||
| Quartz Microfiber Filters | Whatman | 1851-865 | 203 mm x 254 mm |
| ELF - Laboratory Chamber Furnaces | Carbolite | ELF 11series | |
| Aluminum foil | Opal | ||
| Name | Company | Catalog Number | Comments |
| Endotoxin | |||
| Ethanol | Sigma Aldrich | 16368 | Laboratory Reagent, 96% |
| Airstream Class II Biological Safety Cabinet AC-4E1 | ESCO | 10011712 | |
| Pyrotell -T | Associates of Cape Cod, Inc. | T0051 | |
| Control Standard Endotoxin | Associates of Cape Cod, Inc. | E0005-1 | Escherichia coli O113:H10, 0.5 µg/vial 1 Pack |
| LAL Reagent Water | Associates of Cape Cod, Inc. | W0051 | |
| 10 ml sterile syringe with Luer-Lok Tip | Becton-Dickinson & Co. | 309605 | |
| BD Precisionglide syringe needle | Becton-Dickinson & Co. | 305129 | Sterile |
| Parafilm-M sealing tape | Parafilm | P7543 | Sigma catalog number |
| Microtubes | Axigen | MCT-200-C | 2 ml, pyrogen free |
| 1.12 cm diameter Cork Borer | Boekel Scientific | 1601 BD Series - Steel | Part of a cork borer set containing borers with various diameters. |
| 50 mm Petri Dish | Miniplast Ein-Shemer | 72050-01 | Aseptic |
| Vortex Genie 2 | Scientific Industries, inc. | SI-0297 | |
| Microcentrifuge 5415 D | Eppendorf | 22621408 | |
| TC MicroWell 96 F SI w/lid | Nunc | 167008 | Flat bottom wells (with lid (individually wrapped)), sterile, pyrogen free |
| Synergy HT Multi-Detection Microplate Reader | Biotek | 7091000 | |
| Name | Company | Catalog Number | Comments |
| DNA | |||
| DNA away | Sigma Aldrich | 7010 | |
| Standard DNA of the microbial species of interest | ATCC or other culture collection | Either the appropriate microbial strain for DNA extraction or the extracted DNA | |
| Neubauer-improved | Marienfeld | 640030 | hemocytometer |
| TE buffer, Low EDTA | Life Technologies | 12090-015 | 10 mM Tris-HCl (pH 8.0) 0.1 mM EDTA |
| Nuclease-free PCR-grade water | Sigma Aldrich | 3315959001 | |
| PCR primers | Sigma Aldrich | Targets the microbial species of interest | |
| Dual-Labeled Probes | Sigma Aldrich | Targets the microbial species of interest | |
| Screw cap tubes | Axigen | ST-200-SS | 2 ml |
| PowerSoil DNA extraction kit | Mo Bio Laboratories | 12888-100 | |
| Glass beads, acid-washed 425-600 µm | Sigma Aldrich | G8772-100G | |
| Glass beads, acid-washed <106 µm | Sigma Aldrich | G4649-100G | |
| PowerSoil Solution C1 | Mo Bio Laboratories | 12888-100-1 | Cell lysis buffer , Power soil Kit |
| Magic Touch ice bucket | Bel-Art | 18848-4001 | |
| Mini-Beadbeater-16 | BioSpec | 607EUR | |
| StepOnePlus Real-Time PCR System | Applied Biosystems | 4376600 | |
| Fast SYBR Green Master Mix | Applied Biosystems | 4385612 | |
| TaqMan Gene Expression Master Mix | Applied Biosystems | 4370048 | |
| MicroAmp Fast Optical 96-Well Reaction Plate with Barcode, 0.1 ml | Applied Biosystems | 4346906 | |
| MicroAmp Splash-Free 96-Well Base | Applied Biosystems | 4312063 | |
| MicroAmp Optical Adhesive Film | Applied Biosystems | 4311971 | |
| Centrifuge 5810 R | Eppendorf | 5811 000.010 | Rotor A-4-62 with MTP buckets |
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