Current Technical Approaches for the Early Detection of Foodborne Pathogens: Challenges and Opportunities

Abstract

The development of novel and high-tech solutions for rapid, accurate, and non-laborious microbial detection methods is imperative to improve the global food supply. Such solutions have begun to address the need for microbial detection that is faster and more sensitive than existing methodologies (e.g., classic culture enrichment methods). Multiple reviews report the technical functions and structures of conventional microbial detection tools. These tools, used to detect pathogens in food and food homogenates, were designed via qualitative analysis methods. The inherent disadvantage of these analytical methods is the necessity for specimen preparation, which is a time-consuming process. While some literature describes the challenges and opportunities to overcome the technical issues related to food industry legal guidelines, there is a lack of reviews of the current trials to overcome technological limitations related to sample preparation and microbial detection via nano and micro technologies. In this review, we primarily explore current analytical technologies, including metallic and magnetic nanomaterials, optics, electrochemistry, and spectroscopy. These techniques rely on the early detection of pathogens via enhanced analytical sensitivity and specificity. In order to introduce the potential combination and comparative analysis of various advanced methods, we also reference a novel sample preparation protocol that uses microbial concentration and recovery technologies. This technology has the potential to expedite the pre-enrichment step that precedes the detection process.

Microbial enrichment and multiplexed microfiltration for accelerated detection of Salmonella in spinach

“…In our previous publications, we determined that at least 2 or 3 log CFUs Salmonella /mL are necessary to visualize a band (signal) in conventional PCR and commercial detection system (DuPont BAX system) due to detection limit . A similar detection limit (2–3 log CFUs/mL) was observed by multiple groups for a range of different samples …”

“…17,21 A similar detection limit (2-3 log CFUs/mL) was observed by multiple groups for a range of different samples. 2,[44][45][46][47][48] Here, we determined the mean generation time (also known as doubling time) for Salmonella by inoculating it in 25 g of frozen spinach and cultivating cells in 225 mL of BPW for 5 hr (Figure 4) to be 25 ± 4 min. In this study, we considered 25 g of ready-to-eat spinach samples spiked with 25 Salmonella CFUs, that is, 1 CFU/g.…”

“…Human pathogens can contaminate food production chains at several points during production in agricultural fields and in processing facilities . Salmonella enterica and Escherichia coli O157:H7 are the most common etiological agents of disease outbreaks linked to fresh vegetables .…”

Development of a Sensitive Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay and Rapid Gold Nanoparticle Immunochromatographic Strip for Detecting Citrinin in Monascus Fermented Food

“…With respect to sample analysis, the results in Figure 4 are consistent with the data in Table 1 , which proves that this immunostrip can be used to detect CTN in red yeast samples. According to a recent report [ 29 ], most immunostrip researchers did not detect toxic bacteria or toxins from real food using their technologies. Many groups of researchers artificially added and spiked toxins before detection.…”

A Syringe-Based Biosensor to Rapidly Detect Low Levels of Escherichia Coli (ECOR13) in Drinking Water Using Engineered Bacteriophages

“…The rapid detection of bacteria remains a significant challenge, and many research approaches have been developed to help address this important public health issue [18]. One promising area of rapid microbial detection assays are bacteriophage-based diagnostics [19].…”