Abstract
BackgroundCollection of exhaled breath samples for the analysis of inflammatory biomarkers is an important area of research aimed at improving our ability to diagnose, treat and understand the mechanisms of chronic pulmonary disease. Current collection methods based on condensation of water vapor from exhaled breath yield biomarker levels at or near the detection limits of immunoassays contributing to problems with reproducibility and validity of biomarker measurements. In this study, we compare the collection efficiency of two aerosol-to-liquid sampling devices to a filter-based collection method for recovery of dilute laboratory generated aerosols of human cytokines so as to identify potential alternatives to exhaled breath condensate collection.Methodology/Principal FindingsTwo aerosol-to-liquid sampling devices, the SKC® Biosampler and Omni 3000™, as well as Teflon® filters were used to collect aerosols of human cytokines generated using a HEART nebulizer and single-pass aerosol chamber setup in order to compare the collection efficiencies of these sampling methods. Additionally, methods for the use of Teflon® filters to collect and measure cytokines recovered from aerosols were developed and evaluated through use of a high-sensitivity multiplex immunoassay. Our results show successful collection of cytokines from pg/m3 aerosol concentrations using Teflon® filters and measurement of cytokine levels in the sub-picogram/mL concentration range using a multiplex immunoassay with sampling times less than 30 minutes. Significant degradation of cytokines was observed due to storage of cytokines in concentrated filter extract solutions as compared to storage of dry filters.ConclusionsUse of filter collection methods resulted in significantly higher efficiency of collection than the two aerosol-to-liquid samplers evaluated in our study. The results of this study provide the foundation for a potential new technique to evaluate biomarkers of inflammation in exhaled breath samples.
Highlights
Chronic respiratory diseases such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and lung cancer affect hundreds of millions of people worldwide and cause over four million deaths annually [1]
Use of filter collection methods resulted in significantly higher efficiency of collection than the two aerosol-toliquid samplers evaluated in our study
The results of this study provide the foundation for a potential new technique to evaluate biomarkers of inflammation in exhaled breath samples
Summary
Chronic respiratory diseases such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and lung cancer affect hundreds of millions of people worldwide and cause over four million deaths annually [1]. Many risk factors have been identified for both asthma and COPD, a complete understanding of the underlying disease mechanisms has not yet been achieved for either chronic disease. Non-invasive monitoring of lung inflammation through detection and measurement of cytokines in exhaled breath samples is a promising new approach aimed at addressing the need for improved understanding, treatment and management of chronic respiratory diseases such as asthma and COPD. Collection of exhaled breath samples for the analysis of inflammatory biomarkers is an important area of research aimed at improving our ability to diagnose, treat and understand the mechanisms of chronic pulmonary disease. Current collection methods based on condensation of water vapor from exhaled breath yield biomarker levels at or near the detection limits of immunoassays contributing to problems with reproducibility and validity of biomarker measurements. We compare the collection efficiency of two aerosol-to-liquid sampling devices to a filter-based collection method for recovery of dilute laboratory generated aerosols of human cytokines so as to identify potential alternatives to exhaled breath condensate collection
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