High fidelity recovery of airborne microbial genetic materials by direct condensation capture into genomic preservatives

A condensation growth tube was adapted to capture bacterial bioaerosols directly into genomic preservatives. As judged by quantitative PCR and direct microscopy, bioaerosol condensation capture conserves airborne microbes' genomes as they exist in the atmospheric environment. This method circumvents the collection stresses bioaerosols experience on air filters, impactors and impingers.