Inactivation of Japanese Cedar Pollen, House Dust Mite, and Their Allergens Using Nano-sized Electrostatic Atomized Water Particles

Abstract

Nanosized electrostatic atomized water particles (NEAWPs) contain reactive oxygen species such as hydroxyl radicals. In this study, we investigated the effects of NEAWPs on pollen allergen (Cry j 1) and mite allergen (Der f 1), which are typical causes of allergies in Japan, using the dot-blot method. Two hours of treatment with NEAWPs inactivated Cry j 1 and Der f 1 on polyvinylidene fluoride membranes. Furthermore, we investigated whether NEAWPs can inactivate pollen function and kill living mites. Japanese cedar pollen lost its ability to rupture after treatment with NEAWPs in a time-dependent manner; after 72 hours of treatment, all the pollen lost its ability to rupture. Mites exposed to NEAWPs died over time, with most dying after 12 hours. The allergen levels detected in pollen and mites exposed to NEAWPs was lower than those in pollen and mites not exposed to NEAWPs.