Multisporoptagere

Multisporoptagere is a term used in microbiology and aerobiology to denote a device or sampling method designed to collect spores from multiple species in a single sample. The word is formed from Danish roots, with multispor meaning many spores and optagere meaning collector or sampler. In practice, multisporoptagere refers to instruments or configurations intended to capture a diverse array of fungal or other spore types from air, dust, or environmental matrices.

The concept covers both passive and active sampling approaches. Designs may use multiple capture surfaces, adhesive matrices, filtration elements, or electrostatic mechanisms to retain spores. Some multisporoptagere employ different media or surfaces to favor viability for culture, while others prioritize intact DNA for molecular analyses. Collected material is typically analyzed by microscopy, staining, culture, or molecular methods such as PCR and DNA barcoding, enabling identification and quantification of spore taxa and concentration.

Applications of multisporoptagere include environmental monitoring of indoor and outdoor air quality, agricultural and horticultural risk assessment, allergen surveillance, and epidemiological studies of fungal pathogens. They are valued for their capacity to sample a broad spectrum of spores in a single run, though challenges include differentiating morphologically similar species and ensuring representative capture across taxa.

Etymologically, the term reflects its Danish origin and is used in some regional or specialty literature. Related concepts include established spore traps such as Burkard or Hirst-type devices, which may be adapted into multisporoptagere configurations.