Viral Preservation with Protein-Supplemented Nebulizing Media in Aerosols
Brittany Humphrey, Matthew Tezak, Mia Lobitz, Anastasia Hendricks, Andres Sanchez, Jake Zenker, Steven Storch, Ryan D. Davis, Bryce Ricken, Jesse Cahill
Abstract
We have identified common and inexpensive lab reagents that confer increased aerosol survivability on phi6 and other phages. Our results suggest that soluble protein is a key protective component in nebulizing medium. Protein supplementation likely reduces exposure of the phage to the air-water interface by reducing the extent of particle evaporation. These findings will be useful for applications in which researchers wish to improve the survivability of these (and likely other) aerosolized viruses to better approximate highly transmissible airborne viruses like SARS-CoV-2.
Topics & Concepts
Computational biologyChemistryVirologyBiologyMicrobiologyInfection Control and VentilationInhalation and Respiratory Drug DeliveryParticle Dynamics in Fluid Flows