Multivariate data analysis of fluorescence signals from biological aerosols

Abstract

This paper describes the use of multivariate data analysis of multiwavelength fluorescence measurements of biological aerosols collected by an air to liquid cyclone sampler. The enriched aerosol suspension was analyzed in a flow cell by a commercial spectrofluorometer at eight different wavelength combinations. The data were obtained from the disseminations of biological simulants at the 6th Joint Field Trials at Defence Research Establishment Suffield, Ralston, Alberta, Canada. The measurement concept was to use intrinsic biological fluorescence to distinguish between the different simulants as well as to distinguish them from interfering particles such as smoke and dust. Fluorescence data were analyzed using principal component analysis.

Development of a fluorescence-based point detector for biological sensing

“…This method can give a close to real-time warning and, hopefully, a higher degree of classification of the particles, with a lower degree of false positive alarms as a result. We have previously demonstrated successful experiments using multivariate data analysis (principal component analysis, PCA) of spectral fluorescence data to be able to classify different BW-simulans in field trials [5]. Furthermore, LIF can also be used in stand-off detectors, e.g.…”

Tailored UV-laser source for fluorescence spectroscopy of biomolecules

“…However, the bacteria contain a large amount of other fluorescent biomolecules, which contributed to the emission spectrum and at this point their origin and characteristics are not known. On the other hand, this shift and most importantly the change in characteristics of the spectrum can help in the distinction between natural occurring bacteria and biological warfare agents (BWA) by using multivariate analysis [20,21]. Unfortunately, this of kind analysis is outside the scope of this investigation.…”

Detection of fluorescence spectra of individual bioaerosol particles

“…We have previously demonstrated the successful use of a novel UV laser at different wavelengths around 290 nm and 340 nm to excite molecular aggregates such as proteins and bacteria in solutions [12][13][14], as well as to obtain fluorescence spectra of individual bioaerosol spores [15]. Moreover, multivariate data analysis (principal component analysis (PCA)) of spectral fluorescence data has been used to classify different BWA simulants and distinguish them from background compounds in field trials [16].…”