Project Number: 1935-42000-046-00
Project Type: Appropriated

Start Date: Jun 02, 2001
End Date: May 31, 2006

Objective:
The specific objectives of this research are to develop: (1) rapid and effective methods to separate and concentrate various pathogens from food samples in order to shorten the duration of, or reduce the need for, culture enrichment; (2) simple and effective sensors for the screening detection of food-borne pathogens; (3) integrated detection procedures suitable for regulatory and/or industrial applications.

Approach:
To develop the means to select and concentrate only target organisms in the presence of an elaborate non-pathogenic microflora. We propose to develop both IMB and immuno-affinity column technologies to more rapidly concentrate various food-borne target pathogens and thereby shorten the time period of, and minimize the need for, pre-detection culture enrichment. Biosensor methods will also be developed including, but not limited to: (1) an alkaline phosphatase-antibody system suitable for 96-well microplate readers; (2) metabolic control of cellular ATP level to confirm the presence of viable cells; (3) the use of the streptavidinbiotin interaction to enhance sample stability for light addressable potentiometric detection; (4) a cytolethal distending toxin (CDT)-mediated membrane disintegration assay; and (5) a liquid crystal detection system. Lastly, we propose to integrate and combine the most promising of these procedures into one, or more, screening protocols for regulatory and/or industrial applications.

Project Team

Tu, Shu-I Brewster, Jeffrey Irwin, Peter Gehring, Andrew

Project Annual Reports

FY 2003   FY 2002   FY 2001

Related National Programs

Food Safety, (animal and plant products) (108)

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