Homogenization of nanopore membrane filters for research on wastewater infectious disease surveillance

Research methods exploring techniques for improved infectious disease surveillance have been re-invigorated in recent years, sparked by the COVID-19 global pandemic. Researchers are exploring reliable methods to help track and categorize the rate at which a disease can spread through a population, and the utility of wastewater sampling for infectious particles has gained popularity as a potential solution across multiple local college campuses and country-wide surveillance programs with the goal of aiding in the detection of viral variants and in predicting oncoming surges, in some instances. Multiple methodologies have been proposed as effective, many of which rely on filtration systems to capture infectious particles on electronegative membranes or tissue culture-grade nanopore filters. Particles, however, that have been captured on these membranes need to be efficiently dissociated to release as many of the particles as possible for proper downstream molecular analysis. In this application note, we demonstrate the utility of mechanical homogenization via bead beating technology as a valuable solution for the complete disruption of these filters.

For research use only. Not for use in diagnostic procedures.