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Mini Review Volume 11 Issue 5
Selecting methods for airborne microbial detection: from isolated signals to interpretable evidence
Paula Montserrat Crespo-Barrera, Amado Enrique Navarro-Frómeta, Guillermo Manuel Horta-Valerdi
Received: August 28, 2026 | Published: September 21, 2026
Citation: Crespo-Barrera PM, Navarro-Frómeta AE, Horta-Valerdi GM. Selecting methods for airborne microbial detection: from isolated signals to interpretable evidence. MOJ Eco Environ Sci. 2026;11(4):146-148. DOI: 10.15406/mojes.2026.11.00395
Abstract
Airborne microorganisms occur within a complex particulate matrix and are commonly present at low and variable concentrations. Consequently, no analytical technique can independently resolve abundance, identity, viability, and biological relevance. This mini review discusses method selection as a sequence of linked decisions: defining the study question, preserving the target during sampling, matching detection to the desired evidence, and interpreting results within the limits of the analytical workflow. Culture, microscopy, nucleic-acid-based methods and biosensors provide different types of information and should therefore be considered complementary rather than interchangeable. A practical strategy is to combine a quantitative or rapid screening tool with a confirmatory method and suitable controls. This focused approach can improve comparability and reduce overinterpretation without requiring an unnecessarily complex analytical platform.
Keywords: airborne microorganisms; bioaerosols; particulate matter; method selection; viability; molecular detection
©2026 Crespo-Barrera, et al. This is an open access article distributed under the terms of the, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and build upon your work non-commercially.
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