A 3D Printed, Time-Resolved, Settle-Plate Air Sampler

A novel temporally resolved settle-plate air sampler was developed using 3D printing technology to improve upon traditional passive air sampling methods. Conventional settle plates provide cumulative measurements of particle or microbial loads over an entire sampling period, lacking the temporal resolution necessary to identify specific contamination events. The described device integrates a petri plate within a 3D-printed housing featuring a narrow slit that exposes only a small portion of the plate to incoming particles. A rotary mechanism, driven by a mechanical clock motor, rotates the petri plate over 12 h, allowing for time-segmented sampling. Validation experiments demonstrated the device’s ability to accurately encode the temporal history of particle deposition using both aerosolized dyes and viable microbial spores. The device effectively correlated bioaerosol deposition with ambient wind conditions during outdoor sampling. The system is inexpensive (under USD 10), requires no specialized skills to assemble, and is compatible with existing settle plate methodologies. This innovation enhances the ability to conduct air quality assessments in critical environments, enabling data-driven decisions to mitigate contamination risks.