The effects of pre-treatment of samples on results from (1,3)--D-glucans analysis

(1,3)--D-glucans are polysaccharides from biological origin that may become airborne particles during normal working operations with contaminated materials. The aim of the study was to investigate how the pre-treatment of samples could affect the results from -D-glucans analysis. Microbial cultures et pure glucans solutions were submitted to different treatments including bead beating, autoclaving, treatment with a NaOH 0.3 N solution, treatment with a 0.1 % Tween 80 solution, sonication and not treated. Results showed a significant effect (p<0.0001) of treatments on (1,3)--D-glucans concentrations. For microbial cultures, bead beating with glass beads led to the highest concentrations. Results from bioaerosol samples are also presented. Treatments are assumed to act on both the solubility of glucans and their release from cell envelops. The study suggests a standardization of pre-treatment protocols for measurement of (1,3)--D-glucans in bioaerosol samples.