Biosensors, Foodborne Pathogen Detection

Abstract

In recent years, foodborne pathogens have become a significant concern due to increasing numbers of outbreaks and the resulting fatalities and economic losses. In addition to improving hygienic practices in food production and preparation, improvement in pathogen testing is urgently needed. Conventional culture‐based methods are lengthy, involve multiple steps, and lack sensitivity. Even the so‐called antibody‐ or nucleic acid‐based “rapid methods” require a minimum of 24–48 h to complete. Faster and more sensitive detection methods are needed, and biosensor‐based methods have the capacity to meet that need. In this review, we describe developments in the area of select sensors that show promise for foodborne pathogen detection, including Fourier Transform InfraRed spectroscopy (FTIR), light scattering, surface plasmon resonance (SPR), fiber optic, microfluidic protein biochip, and mammalian cell‐based sensors. FTIR and light‐scattering sensors are considered label‐free methods since they do not require any probes or labeling reagents. SPR is a semi‐label‐free method since it requires recognition molecules such as antibodies, nucleic acids, aptamers, or bacteriophages for detection. The remaining methods require labeling reagents and probes. Application and utilization of these biosensors in pathogen detection are also highlighted.

Biosensor and molecular-based methods for the detection of human coronaviruses: A review

“…Since then, research in the area of biosensor development has exploded in the last two decades for the detection of bacteria, viruses, toxins, enzymes, proteins, allergens, heavy metals, pollutants, pesticides, and drugs residues. Biosensors are increasingly being developed for pathogen detection and disease diagnosis and the success of the biosensor depends on the specificity and affinity of biorecognition molecules towards the target analytes [ [47] , [48] , [49] ]. Various biorecognition elements are now used including a nucleic acid or gene sequence, antibody, aptamer, antimicrobial peptides, enzymes, bacteriophages, molecularly imprinted polymers, peptide nucleic acid (PNA), and host cell receptor molecules used by pathogens [ 50 , 51 ].…”

“…Surface plasmon resonance (SPR) is generated during optical illumination of a metal surface and is widely used to monitor binding events between two molecules. Traditional SPR-based diagnostic platforms have several advantages; high-throughput, sensitive, label-free, economical, easy-to-use, and real-time monitoring capabilities [ 49 , 84 ]. Recently SPR sensor was successfully developed for the detection of several viral pathogens including Dengue, Ebola, and Zika [ 85 ] and the detection limit for Dengue was 0.08 pM of Dengue Protein (DENV-2 E-proteins) suggesting SPR's utility as a sensitive detection platform for viruses.…”

Fiber optic and light scattering sensors: Complimentary approaches to rapid detection of Salmonella enterica in food samples

“…The fiber optic immunosensor is a sandwich immunoassay, which is based on capturing and detecting target pathogens on a polystyrene waveguide employing pathogen-specific fluorophorlabeled biorecognition molecules, including antibodies, aptamers, and receptor proteins (Bhunia, Nanduri, Bae, & Hirleman, 2010;Ohk, Koo, Sen, Yamamoto, & Bhunia, 2010;Sharma & Mutharasan, 2013). This sensor can be applied directly to the samples that are pre-enriched or selectively enriched in culture media, and the results can be obtained within 8e24 h depending on the type of pathogens and assay sensitivity Sharma & Mutharasan, 2013).…”

Mobile Water Kit (MWK): a smartphone compatible low-cost water monitoring system for rapid detection of total coliform and E. coli

“…21,22 Usually, the conventional methods take around 24 to 48 hours to detect coliform bacteria in contaminated water samples. [23][24][25][26][27][28][29][30][31][32][33][34][35] These conventional methods require transporting of water samples to a designated microbiology laboratory, which can be a challenge for remote locations. These methods are also time-consuming and require trained professionals to test water samples in the laboratory.…”

“…[36][37][38][39][40][41][42][43][44][45][46][47][48][49][50][51][52][53][54] The challenges and potential of these novel methods are reviewed in detail elsewhere. [27][28][29][30][31][32][33][34][35] Most of the detection principles are based on instant culturing of bacteria, enzymatic reactions, and molecular (immunological or genetic) methods of detection. Presently, different alternative assays are commercially available to detect total coliform and E. coli.…”