Researchers from Pudong New District People’s Hospital and Guangdong University of Technology have discovered a new, faster, more affordable, and more accurate method for detecting foodborne pathogens. The study has been published in AIP Advances by AIP Publishing.
The researchers created a chip with four distinct regions, capable of rapidly testing for the presence of multiple pathogens simultaneously. Image Credit: Feng et al.
A food product is recalled quite frequently due to contamination of some kind. A recall of this kind may cause consumers to question the dependability and safety of the food and beverages they purchase. Recalls frequently occur too late to prevent certain people from becoming sick.
Despite the food industry’s best efforts to combat pathogens, contaminated products continue to make people ill. The instruments available to screen for dangerous pathogens are largely to blame for the issue, as they frequently fall short of providing adequate public protection.
The researchers hope to enhance screening procedures and prevent consumers from handling contaminated food using this technique.
It is difficult to identify contaminating pathogens, even with the best detection technique.
Detecting these pathogens is challenging, due to their diverse nature and the various environments in which they can thrive. Additionally, low concentrations of pathogens in large food samples, the presence of similar non-pathogenic organisms, and the complex nature of different food types make accurate and rapid detection difficult.
Silu Feng, Study Author, Guangdong University of Technology
While there are detection techniques already in use, like DNA sequencing and cell culture, they are difficult to implement on a large scale. It is impossible to test every food batch thoroughly, so some contaminants will always make their way through.
Overall, these methods face limitations such as lengthy result times, the need for specialized equipment and trained personnel, and challenges in detecting multiple pathogens simultaneously, highlighting the need for improved detection techniques.
Silu Feng, Study Author, Guangdong University of Technology
The authors of the study chose a different strategy, creating a microfluidic chip that simultaneously detects multiple pathogen types using light. Because the chip is made via 3D printing, it can be easily produced in large quantities and altered to target particular pathogens.
The chip is divided into four parts, each designed to identify a distinct pathogen. The pathogen will bind to a detection surface and alter its optical characteristics if it is present in the sample. This setup enabled researchers to quickly detect several common bacteria, including E. coli, salmonella, listeria, and S. aureus, even at very low concentrations.
This method can quickly and effectively detect multiple different pathogens, and the detection results are easy to interpret, significantly improving detection efficiency.
Silu Feng, Study Author, Guangdong University of Technology
The group intends to keep improving its tool to increase its suitability for food screening.
Journal Reference:
Feng, S., et al. (2024) 3D printed microfluidic chip integrated with nano interferometer for multiplex detection of foodborne pathogens. AIP Advances. doi.org/10.1063/5.0208274