Evaluation of a new device against bacterial penetration

Abstract

Objective: This study analyzed how effectively bacteria penetrate through a new filtering device (Muski™) aimed at providing temporary protection against hazardous air contaminants. Materials and methods: A 1.5–7×108 cfu/ml bacterial or spore suspension was aerosolized. Fragments of the Muski filter, previously sterilized by gamma rays, were placed in a sterile stainless steel Seitz filter holder, plugged into an Erlenmeyer vacuum flask connected to a vacuum pump to force the bacteria aerosol through the Muski filter. As a control the same apparatus was used without the Muski filter. To evaluate the bacteria passing through the apparatus, diluent solution was introduced in the Erlenmeyer flask, which was then subjected to mechanical shaking. Both the contents of Erlenmeyer flask and the diluent solution, used to rinse out the Erlenmeyer flask, were filtered through a membrane filtration apparatus. The filtration membrane was transferred to the surface of a Petri dish containing a suitable culture medium f...