aerobiological equipment designed for: immunohistochemical...

DS Scientific Aerobiological equipment designed for:

•Immunohistochemical Techniques•Scanning Electron Microscopy•qPCR

1www.IonicSporeTrap.com

www.IonicSporeTrap.com

Origin of the Technology page 1

Ionic Spore Trap Operation page 2

Comparison to Other Spore Traps page 3

Ionic Spore Trap Models page 4

Comparison Chart of Models page 7

Accessories page 8

FAQ page 9

Terms and Conditions page 10

Contact Us page 11

Fungal spore (10,000x) captured with Ionic Spore Trap


Table of Contents

www.DSScientific.com

Origin of the Technology

The Ionic Spore Trap was born out of the need to assess airborne populations of Phakopsora pachyrhizi, the soybean rust pathogen, for disease forecasting and early warnings. This information was vital for the development of simulation models and for issuing spray advisories. We found that existing technology was simply not satisfactory for several reasons. Devices that depend upon collection of particulate matter on adhesive tape did not provide adequate microscopic resolution to identify fungal

EDS analysis of captured particulate matter can be

used for elemental analyses.

Collection StubImmunoflourescence

Scanning Electron Microscopyof Fungal Spores

Spore Viability

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species. After several years of experimentation and field testing, we developed and patented the Ionic Spore Trap.

This device captures airborne particulate matter after first charging (ionizing) particles in a high voltage electric field (corona) and then capturing them on a small stub or mount that is of the opposite charge. In this way, spores, bacterial cells, pollen and other abiotic particulates are forcibly attracted to the capture medium, and this allows the device to process air at flow rates exceeding 660 liters per minute at a very high capture efficiency. Samples can be viewed with a scanning electron microscope, a standard compound microscope, a fluorescence microscope, or they can be processed for qPCR.


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The Ionic Spore Trap (IST) directs particulates past a high voltage electrode which imparts an electrostatic charge to the particulates by stripping away electrons from molecules within each particle. These charged particles are then attracted to the grounded collection stub, which is easily removed for analysis. This patent-pending electrostatic deposition process is what makes the Ionic Spore Trap so highly efficient and allows it to process large volumes of air. In addition, this capture mechanism allows the IST to capture submicron (nanometer) sized particles (so-called nanoparticles).

Ionic Spore Trap Operation

Airborne Particles

Electrostatic Deposition


AIR

FLOW

Index

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Comparison to Other Spore Traps


Examples

Volumetric throughput

(L/min)

Quantify bacterial aerosols?

Affected by wind

direction?Analytical protocols

Electrostatic>Deposition >

Ionic Spore Trap >600 Yes Nob

Scanningelectron

microscopy, light microscopy,

immunofluorescence microscopy,

qPCR, EDS

Impact Traps

>

Burkard 7 – Day Sampler

Kramer – CollinsRoto – Rod

Passive

10Ca. 23

Variablea

Variablea

No, cell size is below capture

range.

Yesb

Light microscopy

Cyclone>Sampler>

Burkard CycloseSampler 16.5 Unknown Yesb PCR and culture

Impact Agar>Plate >

AndersonSampler 10 Unknown Depends

upon shelter

must be culturable,

readily identifiable, and selective media must be used.

aRoto-Rod samplers operate by rotating adhesive rods through the air, but air flow through the orbit is affected by wind speed.

Passive traps operate by exposing adhesive-coated slides to air, but volume of sampled air depends entirely upon wind speed.

bThe Ionic Spore Trap is omnidirectional. In other words, air enters the device from all directions, and it does not have to rotate

into the wind.


Nano-Detective TM ready for action

Sentinel Investigator SoloInvestigator

Multi-SamplerStand > Yes Yes Yes

Integral Battery Option > Yes No NoVacuum/flow-meter >

attachment >Yes Yes Yes

Programmable > No Yes YesElectrostatic Precipitation & >

Impaction >Yes Yes Yes

Auto sample change > No No Yes

Stub Size(mm) > 12.5 12.5 and 25 12.5Maximum Air Flow (LPM) 222 660 440

Capacity (Specimens) > 1 1 7Voltage (VDC) > 12 12 12

Amperage (mA) > 340 1400 660

Warranty(yrs) > 1 1 1

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Comparison Chart of Models


Sentinel TM

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The Sentinel Ionic Spore Trap is our smallest model that utilizes the same electrostatic capture principle as our other models. It generates the same capture efficiency as the larger models; however, it does not require programming. The housing is constructed of stainless steel, and its components are designed for outdoor use. It can be mounted on a tripod, or it can be suspended by its ring attachment . It may be used with an optional rechargeable NiCad battery that will power it for several hours, and it can be operated continuously from an external 12 volt battery or from a 120 volt source with its included power supply.

The Sentinel accepts 12.5 mm (0.5 inch) sample stubs, which can then be topped with any of the capture media. All of the analytical procedures can be employed with these capture media, including light and fluorescence microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and qPCR.

Weight : 2.4 kg +/- 30gVoltage : 12 volts DC (battery option) or 120 volt mainsAmperage: 340 mA +/- 20Housing : Stainless steelSpecimen mount: 12.5 mm stubAir flow: 163 L/minFeatures: Manual operation/ does not require programming

Applications:The Sentinel is designed for commercial applications in which spray advisories may be based

upon initial spore capture information. Of course, this model also may be used for research purposes, and this is the preliminary platform for experimentation. DS Scientific offers analytical services for all models, however commercial or public laboratories may be employed to analyze the samples, or the operator may use a light microscope if the spore is readily identifiable.

Sentinel ™

Please Note: If you have applications that require sampling from an airborne platform, e.g. piloted or remote controlled aircraft, please ask about our newest model, the Sentinel Lite.


Weight: 7.2 kg +/- 30gVoltage: 12 volts DC or 120 volt mainsAmperage: 1.4 Amps at 100% fan powerHousing: 304 Stainless steelSpecimen mount: 12.5 mm or 25 mm stubAir flow: Variable 0 to 660 L/minAdvanced features: Programmable, Integral data logger

for temperature and humidity


Investigator SoloTM

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The Investigator Solo™ Ionic Spore Trap is a rugged device that utilizes electrostatic capture and impaction to sample particulates from the air. This unique capture mode allows this device to monitor nanometer sized bacterial aerosols in addition to larger particulates including spores, pollen and abioticmaterials. The housing is constructed of stainless steel, and its components are designed for outdoor use. It is designed to be mounted on a tripod (pictured at right), which is readily adjustable with regard to height and level. It also may be suspended with its built-in ring.

The Investigator Solo™ accepts 12.5 mm (0.5 inch) and 25 mm (1 inch) sample stubs, which can then be topped with any of the capture media. The following analytical procedures can be employed with these capture media: light and fluorescence microscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and qPCR. In addition, particulates can be analyzed for elemental composition with Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy (EDS) within a SEM. This latter analytical procedure is useful if one is interested in airborne particulate pollution such as heavy metal nanoparticles, asbestos, smokestack emissions, etc.

The most important advantage of the Investigator Solo™ is its programmability. A Windows-based program allows the user to specify hour of the day and days of the week when it will operate. In addition, fan speed (throughput) for each hourly increment can be set. It also records temperature, relative humidity and line voltage, and these values can downloaded as an Excel® file to a computer.

Applications:The Investigator Solo™ is designed as a research instrument in that its functions are completely

programmable. It has also proved useful in commercial application such as food production facilities, electronics manufacturing, and in health and hospitals. Please note it also accepts our Subsampler™, which allows the user to perform three independent analytical procedures on a single sampling event. This is the only model that accepts this accessory, the Subsampler ™.

Investigator Solo™


Subsampler™

Weight: 7.2 kg +/- 30gVoltage: 12 volts DC or 120 volt mainsCurrent: 0.66 Amps at 100% fan powerHousing: 304 Stainless steelSpecimen Mount: Holds seven 12.5 mm sample stubsAir flow: Programmable with a maximum

of 440 L/minAdvanced Features: Programmable automatic specimen carousel, integral

logging capability for temperature and humidity


Investigator Multi Sampler TM

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The Investigator Multi Sampler™ Ionic Spore Trap is a rugged device that utilizes electrostatic capture and impaction to sample particulates from the air. This unique capture mode allows this device to monitor nanometer sized bacterial aerosols in addition to larger particulates including spores, pollen and abiotic materials. The housing is constructed of stainless steel, and its components are designed for outdoor use. It is designed to be mounted on a tripod (pictured at right), which is readily adjustable with regard to height and level. It too may be suspended with its built-in ring.

The Investigator Multi Sampler™ accepts 12.5 mm (0.5 inch) sample stubs, which can then be topped with any of the capture media. The following analytical procedures can be employed with these capture media: light and fluorescence microscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and qPCR. In addition, particulates can be analyzed for elemental composition with Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy (EDS) within a SEM. This latter analytical procedure is useful if one is interested in airborne pollution such as heavy metal nanoparticles, smokestack emissions, an other airborne particulates.

The Investigator Multi Sampler™ has two unique and valuable features:1. A Programmable Carousel holds Seven 12.5 mm sampling stubs. Each stub is completely independent of the others. This permits the device to run unattended during which time it will rotate new stubs into position on an hourly or daily schedule.2. A Windows-based program allows the user to specify hour of the day and days of the week when it will operate. In addition, fan speed (throughput) for each hourly increment can be set. It also records temperature, relative humidity and line voltage, and these values can downloaded as an Excel® file to a computer.

Applications:The Investigator Multi Sampler™ is designed as a research instrument in that its functions are

programmable. The Carousel feature allows it to be autonomously deployed in remote areas for extended sampling periods, or it can be used to sample on an hourly basis for establishing diurnal spore release characteristics and many other applications.

Investigator Multi Sampler™


Specimen Carousel


Accessories

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Subsampler™•Allows the user to perform three independent analytical procedures on a single sampling event•Any of the analytical techniques can be used with this accessory•Only compatible with the Investigator Solo Model

Rain sensor•Allows user to automatically turn on the unit during a rain event•Adjustable activation point from ⅛” to ¼” of rainfall•Adjustable duration once triggered•Works with all Ionic Spore Traps

Solar packages•Custom sized for specific needs and location•Completely autonomous operation•Batteries included•Works with all Ionic Spore Traps

Sampling supplies•All necessary supplies to begin sampling•Specimen mounts•Specimen storage and handling•Special Adhesives


Ionic Spore Trap (IST) FAQs

9

How do you analyze the captured particulates on the stub?The choice of analyses depends upon several factors. If primers and probes are available for the organism of interest, then qPCR protocols may be used. We have recovered single spores of Phakopsora pachyrhizi with this protocol, and it is highly quantitative. In addition, if the investigator has an antiserum to his/her organism of interest, then a very simple and inexpensive protocol can be employed to quickly and quantitatively assess airborne populations of the organism by immunofluorescent microscopy. Antisera can be produced commercially; there is no longer a need for an investigator to inject rabbits and then purify a polyclonal antiserum. Details will be provided upon request. Standard light microscopy also may be used. In addition, the collection stubs can be easily processed for scanning electron microscopy (SEM).

Can you develop a diurnal spore release curve with the Ionic Spore Trap?The Investigator Multi-Sampler has seven independently programmable collection stubs. Each stub can be programmed to collect for specified hours of the day, and this would allow the investigator to construct a spore release curve. The Investigator Solo Sampler could be sampled every 3 hours for a few days, and this would provide sufficient samples to construct a spore release curve. However, there is a large body of literature regarding diurnal spore release patterns for a wide variety of fungi, so it probably is not necessary in most cases to repeat this work. In addition, once this information is available, spore trapping is generally employed as an early warning alert for issuing spray advisories or to report the presence of certain allergenic mold spores in the air. The Ionic Spore Trap was designed for this purpose.

How do you program the Investigator Solo and Multi-Sampler?Programming the IST sampler is easily accomplished on a laptop or desktop computer with an intuitive graphical user interface. No programming skills are required. The program is then downloaded to the IST. The program is retained in the device even when it is turned off and disconnected from the power source. Programming and data logging functions have been thoroughly tested, and the integral microprocessor, which includes a 10-year battery, has been subjected to rigorous testing. New versions of the program will be provided to customers at no additional charge.

How long will the IST run on a 12 volt battery?There are many variables to be considered in answering this question. First, we recommend a deep cycle marine battery. These batteries can be purchased with relatively high amp-hour capacities, and they can be discharged many times as compared to a standard automobile starting battery. Secondly, it depends upon the duty cycle programmed by the user. If the program calls for 100% power 24 hours per day, the battery would have to be recharged more often than a unit that operates at 20% power for a few hours per day. We recommend operation at 50% power on alternating hours until the user gains some experience with the IST. Also, a solar charger is recommended for longer unattended service. In addition, all models of the Ionic Spore Trap can operate indefinitely from a 120 volt source with the included power supply.


Terms and Conditions

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Restocking chargePermission to return unused instruments must be obtained prior to return. If anyItem is authorized to be returned for credit as a result of an incorrect purchasewithout a reorder, a 10% restocking charge of the price paid for the product will be assessed. If a re-order is submitted, a restocking fee of 5% will be assessed.Restocking arrangement must be made prior to the re-order being placed. Thesecharges are necessary because each unit is fabricated and subjected to extensive testing after the order is received.

ShipmentsUnless specified on the purchase order, DS Scientific will determine the most expedient andefficient means of shipment. Appropriate charges (such as freight, taxes, insurance, handling fees, and international duties) will be added to the invoice.

Short ShipmentsDS Scientific must be notified within 30 days of receipt of invoice of any item or billing discrepancies. All substantiated claims or short shipments will be remedied by a credit memo and a new order placed for short shipment. Any shipment discrepancy claimed after 30 days of the invoice date will not be honored and credit will not be issued by DS Scientific.

Return Merchandise Authorization (RMA)Permission to return merchandise purchased from DS Scientific must be obtained prior to return. See product warranty Information to determine if your product will fall within warrantable periods.

Force MajeureDS Scientific will not be liable for failure to perform or for delay in performance due to fire, flood, strike, or other labor difficulty, act of God, act of government authority or of the purchaser, riot, embargo, fuel or energy shortage, wrecks or delays in transportation, inability to obtain necessary labor, materials, or manufacturing facilities from usual sources, or due to any cause beyond its reasonable control. In the event of a delay in performance due to such cause, the date of delivery or time of completion of performance will be extended by a period of time reasonable to overcome the effect of such delay.


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DS SCIENTIFIC

8000 GSRI, Building 3000 Baton Rouge, Louisiana, USA 70820-7403

Sales (504) 615-9599Technical Support (504) 577-4124Applications (225) 803-6703

Email: [email protected]

Website: www.IonicSporeTrap.com


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