Estimation of Airborne Subtilisins concentrations using a Real-Time Grimm Portable Aerosol Monitoring Instrument

Methods: A comparative study was conducted relating the concentration of subtilisin enzymes in detergent as measured by SKC Button Inhalable Aerosol Samplers when compared to Grimm 1.109 Aerosol Spectrometer particulate concentrations. Enzyme concentration from the Button Sampler was determined using a Thermo Scientific Konelab Arena 20 photometric analyzer. Linear regression and Pearson’s correlation comparing the concentration of enzyme collected from the Button Sampler filter to total particulate concentrations measured by the Grimm were performed for sampling events conducted in the enclosure. A 2% enzyme and detergent mixture of <25 μm particle diameter was routinely introduced into the enclosure for sampling. Additionally, linear regression and Pearson’s correlation comparing the concentration of total aerosol, as determined by gravimetric analysis, collected by the Button Samplers to total particulate concentrations measured by the Grimm was performed for all sampling events.