Macroparticles monitoring for biocontamination prevention

• Published in: Particulate science and technology Vol. 36; no. 7; pp. 908 - 912
• Main Authors: Tovena Pecault, I., Thibaudon, M., Clertant, J., Godefroy, P.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Philadelphia Taylor & Francis Ltd 03-10-2018
• Subjects: Bioaerosols; Correlation analysis; Macroparticles; Molds; Monitoring; On-line systems; Sampling
• ISSN: 0272-6351; 1548-0046
• DOI: 10.1080/02726351.2017.1346021

This study investigated a potential correlation between deposited macroparticles >5µm and bioaerosols. Bioaerosols were detected using both passive (culture plates) and dynamic sampling (biocollectors). Bioaerosols were then revealed visually on culture plates after incubation and counted in colony forming unit (CFU)/cm2. Macroparticles were counted on line by CLEAPART-100 (patent CEA - Aix Marseille University - Winlight System). It enables continuous monitoring of the deposit of macroparticles on surfaces. We have shown that those macroparticles could be strongly correlated to viable particle measurements (bacteria and mould) after dynamic sampling by biocollectors. As viable particle measurements require an incubation period of at least 48 hours, it is easy to understand the advantage in continuous macroparticle done by CLEAPART-100. CLEAPART-100 is therefore an instrument which enables the alert to be raised in relation to any contamination or biocontamination events.