A Novel Hydrogel-Based Biosampling Approach
Abstract
Available surface sampling approaches (e.g., swabs, biological sampling kits, and wipes), especially from porous surfaces, are generally ineffective. Hydrogel is a water-based gel, which is applied as a thick viscous material on contaminated surfaces and allowed to dry into a thin film within a few hours, depending on ambient conditions. The dried film is then peeled off the surface. During the drying process, the gel encapsulates the bioagent and other contaminants. In this study, biohydrogel was used to examine the sampling efficiency and preservation of materials taken from contaminated surfaces. The biohydrogel proved to be a superior sampling tool; recovery efficiency from 3D objects (e.g., screws) and pinewood coupons was 80 greater than that of existing sampling devices for the recovery of Bacillus anthracis (Sterne) spores. Biohydrogel proved to be as good a sampling tool for painted steel, polycarbonate, pinewood, and screws as available sampling techniques. Because the biohydrogel recovered <1 of Staphylococcus aureus cells from painted steel, polycarbonate, pinewood, and screws, some components of the biohydrogel were concluded to be bactericidal. Spores of B. anthracis Sterne strain were well preserved at 4 C for over5 weeks. Over 5 logs of such spores lost their viability within 2 weeks at 25 and 37 C, indicating non-optimal preservation at such temperatures.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Mar 01, 2016
- Accession Number
- AD1006005
Entities
People
- Kristina Parman
- Laura Burton
- Lisa S. Smith
- Pooja R. Rastogi
- Vipin K. Rastogi
Organizations
- Edgewood Chemical Biological Center