The aerosol generator assembly (Biaera Technologies, LLC, USA) in the Duke RBL was used for all aerosol experiments. A detailed diagram of aerosol chamber exposure system that includes components such as biosampler, nebulizer, chamber pressure sensor, relative humidity, temperature controller, sampling port and connection of the port to animal exposure chamber etc., and their description has been previously published [14 (link)]. The Duke RBL is a fully commissioned BSL3/ABSL3 facility housed in the Global Health Research Building (GHRB), Duke Human Vaccine Institute (DHVI), Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC. Standard operating procedures were followed to maintain sterile conditions and whole-body aerosol exposures carried out as previously described [14 (link), 15 (link)]. The biosampler, nebulizer, 6-jet nozzles, and O-rings were routinely examined for any deposition or damage such as fraying or decay. These components were properly cleaned using Sparkleen (Cat#04-320-4, Fisher Scientific) and warm water in a Precision Needle-Tip Squeeze Bottle (Cat#1902T61, McMaster-Carr) followed by thorough rinsing or were replaced when required. All components were routinely maintained as per manufacturer’s instructions (Biaera Technologies).
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