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Abstract Detail



Ecology

Ghosh, Nabarun [1], Howard, Aubrey [2], Bennert, Jeff [3], Saadeh, Constantine [4], Vitale, Jay [5].

Aeroallergen of the Texas Panhandle, SEM and Fluorescence Microscopy, PM 2.5 and increased allergy cases and AHPCO Nanotechnology.

We have been analyzing the aeroallergen index of the Texas Panhandle for two decades. Worldwide allergy and asthma cases are on the rise. Global climate change is prompting many plant species into a sort of species-survival mode in which they release more pollen. Characterizing the aeroallergen provides information regarding the onset, duration, and severity of the pollen season that clinicians use to guide allergen selection for skin testing and treatment. Fluorescence and Scanning Microscopy has useful approaches to understand the structure and function of the microscopic objects. The aeroallergens were collected on a tape using a Burkard Volumetric Spore Trap (UK). The tape was stained with 2% Safranin and prepared slides from the pollen were observed under an Olympus BX40 microscope equipped with FITC and TRITC fluorescent filters, a mercury lamp source, an Olympus DP-70 digital camera connected to the computer with Image Pro 6.0 software. Aeroallergens were viewed, recorded and analyzed with DP Manager using the Image Pro 6.0 software. Micrographs were taken at bright field, the FITC filter, and the TRITC filter settings at 40X. A high pressure mercury lamp or UV source was used to excite the storage molecules or proteins which exhibited autofluorescence. SEM proved to be useful for observing ultra-structural details like pores, colpi, sulci and ornamentations on the pollen surface. Samples were examined with an SEM (TM-1000) after gold coating and Critical Point Drying. Pollen grains were measured using imaging software that revealed the specific information on the size of colpi or sulci and the distance between the micro-structures. This information can be used for classification and circumscription in Angiosperm taxonomy. An additional concern of the present decade is air pollution as aerosols in the form of Particulate Matter (PM), also called particulate pollution. The most dangerous particulate matters are those which are less than 10 micrometers, because when inhaled, they can reach deep down into the lungs and enter into the bloodstream. A research collaboration developed Advanced Hydrated Photo Catalytic Oxidation (AHPCO®) Nanotechnology and Plasma Nanotechnology. AHPCO® was applied to develop an air purification system to reduce the indoor aeroallergen to improve the air quality, better food preservation. Air Oasis air purifiers utilize a new generation AHPCO®  technology that simply produces a blanket of redundant oxidizers that not only clean the surrounding air, but target the particulate matters in the air as well as on the surface and sanitize the air eventually.


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1 - West Texas A&M University, Life, Earth and Environmental Sciences, Canyon, TX, 79015, USA
2 - West Texas A&M, 2403 Russell Long Blvd., Canyon, TX, 79015, United States
3 - Air Oasis, R&D, 3401 Airway Blvd., Amarillo, TX, 79118
4 - Allergy ARTS, R&D, 6842 Plum Creek Dr, Amarillo, 79124
5 - Air For Life UK LTD, R&D, Harrow Middlesex HA1 1PD, UK

Keywords:
Aeroallergen
PM 2.5
Allergy cases
Air Purifier.

Presentation Type: Oral Paper
Session: ECO4, Ecology 4: Plant, Population, Community and Ecosystem Response to Environmental Stressors and Change PLUS Plant Biology (Aeroallergens and Phytochemical Differences)
Location: San Luis 1/Starr Pass
Date: Wednesday, July 31st, 2019
Time: 8:30 AM
Number: ECO4003
Abstract ID:226
Candidate for Awards:Ecological Section Best Graduate Student Paper


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