Characterization of the monthly variation in (1 -> 3)-beta-D-glucan concentrations in university laboratories

Abstract

We characterize the monthly variation in (1 -> 3)-beta-d-glucan concentration measured over the course of 1 year, and we evaluate the characteristics of size selection using a two-stage cyclone sampler. The (1 -> 3)-beta-d-glucan concentrations were measured in four bio-related laboratories. A total of 156 samples were collected using a new two-stage cyclone sampler. Analysis of (1 -> 3)-beta-d-glucan was performed using the kinetic Limulus amebocyte lysate assay. The study showed that airborne (1 -> 3)-beta-d-glucan concentrations were significantly higher in laboratory D (mean +/- SD 1,105 +/- 1,893 pg/m(3)) and in the spring (5,458 pg/m(3)). The highest concentration of (1 -> 3)-beta-d-glucan occurred in the spring, particularly in May.