To date, no method has been developed to assess the distribution of mycotoxins on the surface of grains, or other plant material, and the depth of their penetration into the interior. The Infrared ...(IR) Laser Ablation-Remote-Electrospray Ionization (LARESI) platform coupled to a tandem mass spectrometer (MS/MS), measuring in selected reaction monitoring (SRM) mode, was employed for the targeted imaging of selected metabolites of
, including mycotoxins in biological objects for the first time. This methodology allowed for the localisation of grain metabolites and fungal metabolites of grain infected by this mould. The distribution of metabolites in spelt grain was differentiated: fumigaclavine C, fumitremorgin C, and fumiquinazoline D were located mainly in the embryo, brevianamide F in the seed coat, and fumagillin in the endosperm. The LARESI mass spectrometry imaging method can be used in the future for the metabolomic analysis of mould metabolites in various plants and agricultural products.
This study aimed to detect and quantify mycotoxins on building materials using innovative laser mass spectroscopy methods-silver-109/silver/gold nanoparticle-enhanced target surface-assisted laser ...desorption/ionisation mass spectrometry (
AgNPs, AgNPs and AuNPs SALDI). Results from SALDI-type methods were also compared with commonly used matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization (MALDI) mass spectrometry. Standards of seven moulds mycotoxin in a final concentration of 100 µg/mL for patulin, citrinin, 3-nitropropionic acid, alternariol and 20 µg/mL for sterigmatocystin, cyclopiazonic acid, roquefortine C in the mixture were tested in pure solutions and after extraction from the plasterboards. Among the studied SALDI-type method, the lowest detection limits and the highest signal intensity of the mycotoxins tested were obtained with the use of
AgNPs SALDI MS. The
AgNPs method may be considered as an alternative to the currently most frequently used method MALDI MS and also liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry LC-MS/MS for mycotoxin determination. Future studies should attempt to use these methods for mass spectrometry imaging (MSI) to evaluate spatial distribution and depth of mycotoxin penetration into building materials.
This study aimed to assess the markers of chemical and microbiological contamination of the air at sport centers (e.g., the fitness center in Poland) including the determination of particulate ...matter, CO
, formaldehyde (DustTrak™ DRX Aerosol Monitor; Multi-functional Air Quality Detector), volatile organic compound (VOC) concentration (headspace solid-phase microextraction coupled with gas chromatography-mass spectrometry), the number of microorganisms in the air (culture methods), and microbial biodiversity (high-throughput sequencing on the Illumina platform). Additionally the number of microorganisms and the presence of SARS-CoV-2 (PCR) on the surfaces was determined. Total particle concentration varied between 0.0445 mg m
and 0.0841 mg m
with the dominance (99.65-99.99%) of the PM
fraction. The CO
concentration ranged from 800 ppm to 2198 ppm, while the formaldehyde concentration was from 0.005 mg/m
to 0.049 mg m
. A total of 84 VOCs were identified in the air collected from the gym. Phenol, D-limonene, toluene, and 2-ethyl-1-hexanol dominated in the air at the tested facilities. The average daily number of bacteria was 7.17 × 10
CFU m
-1.68 × 10
CFU m
, while the number of fungi was 3.03 × 10
CFU m
-7.34 × 10
CFU m
. In total, 422 genera of bacteria and 408 genera of fungi representing 21 and 11 phyla, respectively, were detected in the gym. The most abundant bacteria and fungi (>1%) that belonged to the second and third groups of health hazards were:
,
,
,
,
,
, and
. In addition, other species that may be allergenic (
) or infectious (
,
,
) were present in the air. Moreover, the SARS-CoV-2 virus was detected on surfaces in the gym. The monitoring proposal for the assessment of the air quality at a sport center includes the following markers: total particle concentration with the PM
fraction, CO
concentration, VOCs (phenol, toluene, and 2-ethyl-1-hexanol), and the number of bacteria and fungi.
The aim of this case study was the evaluation of the selected metals' concentration, potential toxic compound identification, cytotoxicity analysis, estimation of the airborne dust concentration, ...biodiversity, and number of microorganisms in the environment (leachate, soil, air) of the biggest uncontrolled post-industrial landfills in Poland. Based on the results obtained, preliminary solutions for the future management of post-industrial objects that have become an uncontrolled landfill were indicated. In the air, the PM
fraction dominated, constituting 78.1-98.2% of the particulate matter. Bacterial counts were in the ranges of 9.33 × 10
-3.21 × 10
CFU m
(air), 1.87 × 10
-2.30 × 10
CFU mL
(leachates), and 8.33 × 10
-2.69 × 10
CFU g
(soil). In the air, the predominant bacteria were
and
. The predominant fungi were
,
, and
. The main bacteria in the leachates and soils were
,
,
,
, and
. The main fungi in the leachates and soils were
. Elevated concentrations of Pb, Zn, and Hg were detected. The soil showed the most pronounced cytotoxic potential, with rates of 36.55%, 63.08%, and 100% for the A-549, Caco-2, and A-549 cell lines. Nine compounds were identified which may be responsible for this cytotoxic effect, including 2,4,8-trimethylquinoline, benzo(f)quinoline, and 1-(m-tolyl)isoquinoline. The microbiome included bacteria and fungi potentially metabolizing toxic compounds and pathogenic species.
The study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of filtering facepiece respirators (FFRs) in reducing odour nuisances in agricultural work environment. Additionally, an assessment was conducted on the ...microbiological contamination of FFRs and the functionality of Time4Mask application in enhancing workplace safety.
Two types of FFRs were used for the study: with absorbing properties and reference ones. The research was carried out in 6 livestock rooms during a 1-week period in early spring (February-March 2021) on a farm in central Poland. The microclimate conditions (thermoanemometer), and particulate matter concentrations (laser photometer) were assessed. Additionally, the odour content in the studied rooms and the breathing zone of FFR users (gas chromatography with mass spectrometry) were evaluated. The number of microorganisms on the respirators was determined (cultivation method), followed by their identification (biochemical tests, taxonomic keys). Breakthrough curves were determined for both FFR types to assess absorption capabilities.
The average temperature in the livestock rooms was about 13°C, relative humidity - 53%, air flow velocity - 0.21 m/s, and particulate matter concentration - 0.216 mg/m
. A significant variety of odorants was found in the environment and the breathing zone under the FFRs. Bacterial counts ranged between 2.4 × 10
and 2.6 × 10
CFU/cm
, fungi between 3.2 × 10
and 5.4 × 10
CFU/cm
, xerophilic fungi from 4.4 × 10
to 4.0 × 10
CFU/cm
, mannitol-positive staphylococci between 1.6 × 10
and 1.0 × 10
CFU/cm
, and haemolytic staphylococci from 2.2 × 10
to 4.5 × 10
CFU/cm
, depending on the respirator type. Respirators were colonized by bacteria from the genera:
,
, actinobacteria
sp., and fungi:
,
,
,
, and
. Respirators with absorbing properties had over 8-times longer breakthrough time than reference ones.
Respirators with activated carbon effectively improved work comfort when exposed to odours. Due to growth of microorganisms in the respirator materials, periodic replacement is necessary. It is crucial to provide workers with information about the safe-use time of respirators, considering environmental conditions. This is achievable using modern IT tools like Time4Mask application. Med Pr Work Health Saf. 2023;76(5):363-75.
Studies on the functionalization of materials used for the construction of filtering facepiece respirators (FFRs) relate to endowing fibers with biocidal properties. There is also a real need for ...reducing moisture content accumulating in such materials during FFR use, as it would lead to decreased microorganism survival. Thus, in our study, we propose the use of superabsorbent polymers (SAPs), together with a biocidal agent (biohalloysite), as additives in the manufacturing of polypropylene/polyester (PP/PET) multifunctional filtering material (MFM). The aim of this study was to evaluate the MFM for stability of the modifier's attachment to the polymer matrix, the degree of survival of microorganisms on the nonwoven, and its microorganism filtration efficiency. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy were used to test the stability of the modifier's attachment. The filtration efficiency was determined under conditions of dynamic aerosol flow of
bacteria. The survival rates (N%) of the following microorganisms were assessed:
and
bacteria,
yeast, and
mold using the AATCC 100-2004 method. FTIR spectrum analysis confirmed the pre-established composition of MFM. The loss of the active substance from MFM in simulated conditions of use did not exceed 0.02%, which validated the stability of the modifier's attachment to the PP/PET fiber structure. SEM image analysis verified the uniformity of the MFM structure. Lower microorganism survival rates were detected for
,
, and
on the MFM nonwoven compared to control samples that did not contain the modifiers. However, the MFM did not inhibit
growth. The MFM also showed high filtration efficiency (99.86%) against
bacteria.
Previous studies on nonwovens used for respiratory protective devices (RPDs) were related to equipment intended for short-term use. There is only limited research on the development of biocidal ...nonwoven fabrics for reusable RPDs that could be used safely in an industrial work environment where there is a risk of microbial growth. Moreover, a new group of biocides with high antimicrobial activity-gemini surfactants, has never been explored for textile's application in previous studies. The aim of this study was to develop high-efficiency melt-blown nonwovens containing gemini surfactants with time-dependent biocidal activity, and to validate their antimicrobial properties under conditions simulating their use at a plant biomass-processing unit. A set of porous biocidal structures (SPBS) was prepared and applied to the melt-blown polypropylene (PP) nonwovens. The biocidal properties of the structures were triggered by humidity and had different activation rates. Scanning electron microscopy was used to undertake structural studies of the modified PP/SPBS nonwovens. In addition, simulation of plant biomass dust deposition on the nonwovens was performed. The biocidal activity of PP/SPBS nonwovens was evaluated following incubation with
and
from the American Type Culture Collection, and with
and
isolated from the biomass. PP/SPBS nonwovens exhibited antimicrobial activity to varying levels. Higher antimicrobial activity was noted for bacteria (R = 87.85-97.46%) and lower for moulds (R = 80.11-94.53%).
Despite the awareness that work in the sewage treatment plant is associated with biological hazards, they have not been fully recognised so far. The research aims to comprehensively evaluate ...microbiological and toxicological hazards in the air and settled dust in workstations in a sewage treatment plant. The number of microorganisms in the air and settled dust was determined using the culture method and the diversity was evaluated using high-throughput sequencing. Endotoxin concentration was assessed with GC-MS (gas chromatography-mass spectrometry) while secondary metabolites with LC-MS/MS (liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry). Moreover, cytotoxicity of settled dust against a human lung epithelial lung cell line was determined with the MTT (3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide) assay and UHPLC-Q-ToF-UHRMS (ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole time-of-flight ultrahigh-resolution mass spectrometry) analysis was performed to determine the source of cytotoxicity. The total dust concentration in the sewage treatment plant was low and ranged from 0.030 mg m
to 0.044 mg m
. The highest microbiological contamination was observed in sludge thickening building and screenings storage. Three secondary metabolites were detected in the air and sixteen in the settled dust. They were dominated by compounds typical of lichen and plants and
,
and
genera mould. The settled dust from the sludge thickening building revealed high cytotoxicity to human lung epithelial cells A-549 (IC
= 6.98 after 72 h). This effect can be attributed to a biocidal compound-didecyldimethylammonium chloride (DDAC-C10) and seven toxic compounds: 4-hydroxynonenal, carbofuran, cerulenin, diethylphosphate, fenpropimorph, naphthalene and onchidal. The presence of DDAC-C10 and other biocidal substances in the sewage treatment plant environment may bring negative results for biological sewage treatment and the natural environment in the future and contribute to microorganisms' increasing antibiotics resistance. Therefore, the concentration of antibiotics, pesticides and disinfectants in sewage treatment plant workstations should be monitored.
In this work, beeswax was used for the first time for finishing polyester/Cotton/Viscose blend fabric and polyester fabric. The aims of the study were: (1) to characterize the composition of beeswax ...(using Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrometry, GC-MS and
AgNPET laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry (LDI MS); (2) to develop a laboratory method for applying beeswax; (3) to assess the antimicrobial activity of beeswax fabrics against bacteria and fungi (AATCC 100-2004 test); and (4) to assess the properties of textiles modified by beeswax. Beeswax was composed of fatty acids, monoacyl esters, glyceride esters and more complex lipids. The bioactivity of modified fabrics was from -0.09 to 1.55. The highest biocidal activity (>1) was obtained for both fabrics against
mold. The beeswax modification process neither affected the morphological structure of the fibers (the wax evenly covered the surface of the fibers) nor their color. The only statistically significant changes observed were in the mechanical properties of the fabrics. The results obtained indicate that modification of fabrics with beeswax may endow them with biocidal properties against molds, which has practical applications, for example, for the prevention of skin mycoses in health and social care facilities.
The aim of this study was to develop a method for assessing the growth of photoautotrophs on plaster coatings, which will be used to reliably assess the resistance of these materials to ...photoautotrophic growth in the simulation of long-term exposure. In the course of the study, mineral and silicone plaster substrates were inoculated with a mixture of Stichococcus bacillaris, Nostoc commune, Pseudochlorella signiensis, and Coenochloris signiensis, and incubated for 28 days in model conditions. At 14 and 28 days after inoculation, the degree of photoautotrophic growth was determined using hemocytometer cell counting, a HY-LiTE 2 ATP measuring system, chlorophyll a concentration quantification, CIE L*a*b spectrophotometric color change evaluation, and visual assessment. The acquired results allowed us to select visual assessment and spectrophotometric color change evaluation as quick-to-perform and reliable techniques for further laboratory studies. The impact of minor changes introduced in the inoculation and incubation procedures on the rate of biofilm formation and severity of microbial fouling was studied. Differences in inoculation and incubation procedures strongly affected the results of the performed tests. Both methods have shown high potential and should be further expanded upon in environmental studies.
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