The airborne transmission of infection relies on the ability of pathogens to survive aerosol transport as they transit between hosts. Understanding the parameters that determine the survival of airborne microorganisms is critical to mitigating the impact of disease outbreaks. Conventional techniques for investigating bioaerosol longevity in vitro have systemic limitations that prevent the accurate representation of conditions that these particles would experience in the natural environment. Here, we archive data from a new approach that enables the robust study of bioaerosol survival as a function of relevant environmental conditions. The methodology utilizes droplet-on-demand technology for the generation of bioaerosol droplets (1 to >100 per trial) with tailored chemical and biological composition. These arrays of droplets are captured in an electrodynamic trap and levitated within a controlled environmental chamber. Droplets are then deposited on a substrate after a desired levitation period (24 hours). The response of bacteria to aerosolisation can subsequently be determined by counting colony forming units, 24 hours after deposition.
