Development of a Novel Electrostatic-Based Bioaerosol Sampler

Abstract

On-site bioaerosol monitoring is essential for estimating microbial biomass and mitigating the risk of infection induced by aerosol transmission. This study introduces a novel electrostatic bioaerosol sampler, which is fabricated by the use of 3D printing, for rapid bioaerosol collection. Aerosol particles were charged and enriched in the sampler. Relationships between particle sizes and collection efficiencies under varying charging voltages were established using a charging model. The design of the sampler was optimized using commercial software, incorporating electrostatic field analysis, computational fluid dynamics (CFD), and particle trajectory simulations. To validate the sampler’s collection efficiency, polystyrene (PS) spheres in an aerosol dispenser were atomized into an aerosol. The sampler collection efficiency exceeded 90% for particles larger than 1.2 μm under an applied voltage of 4.7 kV and an airflow rate of 2 L/min. The enrichment capacity was greater than 153,000 for particles larger than 1.2 μm under an applied voltage of 4.7 kV and an airflow rate of 8 L/min. With the merits of low cost, miniaturization, and high collection efficiency, the sampler can be used to collect samples on-site and in remote areas to verify the pathogens and reduce the risk of infection through aerosol transmission.