Species Derived Exo Vesicles as Novel Bioaerosol Type & Biodiversity Indicators
AirBioDiV
Project information
Project duration
-
Funded by
Multiple sources (Spearhead projects of centres for multidisciplinary research)
Project coordinator
University of Oulu
Contact information
Project leader
- Research Unit leader
- Professor of biosensors
- Professor, Head of the Research Unit
- Academy Research Fellow
Project description
Climate change affects in part biodiversity by increasing greenhouse gases and elevating temperature. Cells of the trees and other species express so called Exo Vesicles that can serve as novel bioaerosol type (BA-EVs), offering new insights to study climate change and biodiversity. BAEVs contain DNA, RNA, metabolites, and proteins, and may shape atmospheric ecosystem interactions. We'll investigate BA-EVs' behaviour using impact filters and microfluidic setups. Field studies in Oulanka and Oulu university botanical garden will supplement lab work. Selective nanocellulose aerosol filters aim to capture airborne 30-250 nm BA-EVs. Identifying BA-EVs from spruce cells aids understanding climate change dynamics at the end. This project may reveal BA-EVs as species markers and potential therapeutics, advancing climate change comprehension.
The project is realized in the Faculty of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine; Faculty of Science, Ecology and Genetics research unit; and Faculty of Technology, Fibre and Particle Engineering research unit, University of Oulu.