Multiplate air passive sampler to measure deposition rate of airborne microorganisms over time

A novel Automated Multiplate Passive Air Sampler (AMPAS) is introduced to study the spatiotemporal deposition rate of airborne microbes and to autonomously achieve fine-tuned, timely and precise sampling over time with regards to other environmental factors. AMPAS consists of an Arduino kit (Elegoo mega 2560 microcontroller) that controls a stepper motor which in turn rotates allowing a specific plate to be exposed to air for a given period. This invention makes it possible to efficiently collect reliable data from a controlled (biological test chamber) and non-controlled (hospital and office) environment in a flexible and scalable fashion. It also ensures that all collected samples are taken under precisely the same conditions. Results show that AMPAS provides reliable data and makes it possible to perform large-scale passive sampling in various locations at the same time.