Cat and House Dust Mite Allergen Content Is Stable in Frozen Dust over Time

Abstract

Background: Dust from indoor environments consists of animal allergens, pollen, endotoxins

International consensus (ICON) on: clinical consequences of mite hypersensitivity, a global problem

“…However, treatment at 40 °C under dry and wet conditions allowed approximately 80% of all mite eggs to survive. Under dry heat at 50 °C, the thermal death point of dust mite eggs occurred at 5 h and at 60 °C death occurred almost instantaneously [239]. Presumably the eggs survive heat better than the mites themselves.…”

“…But, dust mite eggs have been shown to resist freezing at temperatures above −70° Celsius [222]. And, freezing is not effective in removing dust mite allergen from reservoirs because dust mite allergen is stable at low temperatures for extended periods of time [239]. …”

Repetitive Immunoassay with a Surface Acoustic Wave Device and a Highly Stable Protein Monolayer for On-Site Monitoring of Airborne Dust Mite Allergens

“…To prevent development of allergy diseases, it is desirable to know the exposure level of airborne HDM allergens and to avoid contact with them because inhalation and skin contact are the main routes of uptake. ,, The concentration distribution of the airborne allergens in a living environment, however, changes over time, influenced by human activity, temperature, or humidity change. , Therefore, there is a need to develop a system combining two functions: collecting airborne allergens and continuously measuring the collected allergens. − Along with development of an airborne allergen collecting device, it is important to develop a sensor measuring them sensitively and selectively with a short measurement time. In general, allergens are quantified by using immunoassay with, e.g., enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). − Although it provides high throughput, sensitivity, and selectivity, this has several disadvantages: the test requires long preparation times; it can only be carried out in suitably equipped laboratory; and it cannot be incorporated into on-site monitoring systems. For practical airborne allergen monitoring applications, a single sensor chip needs to be reused multiple times for long periods of time to prevent frequent exchange of the chip.…”