A Reliable and Sensitive Method Using Cyclic Voltammetry for the Detection of Airborne Fungi

Fungi are widespread throughout the environment and can cause health as well as indoor problems. One of the most common fungi involved in building damage are Aspergillus sp. This study describes a rapid method for the detection of fungal spores. It is based on the ability of fungi to produce the enzyme cellulase, which can cleave the substrate Aminophenyl-β-d-cellobioside (APC) resulting into 4-Aminophenyl (AP). This cleavage product can then be oxidized leading to an increased output current signal. In the experimental setup several growth media and different parameters were tested over time, for instance growth conditions like pH or incubation temperature. Furthermore, various spore concentrations, which are related to the cellulase activities, were examined. This method presents a technique that makes it possible to specifically detect low concentrations of fungi spores in short time.