Simultaneous detection of pathogenic bacteria using agglutination test based on colored silica nanoparticles

Hui Yu, Guangying Zhao, Wenchao Dou1

  • 1Food Safety Key Lab of Zhejiang Province, Department of Food Quality and Safety, Zhejiang Gongshang University, 18, Xuezheng Street, Hangzhou 310035, PR China. wdou@zjsu.edu.cn.

Insights

A new agglutination test uses colored silica nanoparticles to simultaneously detect multiple foodborne pathogens like E. sakazakii and S. pullorum. This rapid, in situ method offers a promising tool for food safety screening.

Area of Science:

  • Nanotechnology
  • Microbiology
  • Food Science

Background:

  • Simultaneous detection of multiple foodborne pathogens remains a challenge.
  • Existing methods can be time-consuming and require specialized equipment.
  • Rapid, on-site detection is crucial for effective food safety management.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To develop a novel agglutination test for simultaneous detection of pathogenic bacteria.
  • To utilize colored silica nanoparticles (colored-SiNPs) as carriers for the agglutination test.
  • To establish a rapid and easy method for in situ screening of food and feed contaminants.

Main Methods:

  • Monodisperse colored-SiNPs (red and blue) were synthesized using reverse microemulsion.
  • Antibodies against E. sakazakii (IgG-red-SiNPs) and S. pullorum/S. gallinarum (IgG-blue-SiNPs) were prepared.
  • A mixture of antibody-conjugated SiNPs was used for simultaneous agglutination tests.

Main Results:

  • The developed agglutination test successfully detected E. sakazakii, S. pullorum, and S. gallinarum simultaneously.
  • Obvious agglutination phenomena were observed, indicating the presence of target bacteria.
  • The detection range for these pathogens was established from 4×10^3 to 4×10^9 CFU/mL.
  • The method was validated by detecting pathogens in spiked food samples.

Conclusions:

  • A novel, rapid agglutination test using colored-SiNPs enables simultaneous detection of multiple foodborne pathogens.
  • This method is sensitive, specific, and suitable for in situ applications.
  • The test offers a valuable tool for rapid screening of pathogenic microorganisms in food and feed, enhancing food safety.