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Ultrasensitive Detection of Salmonella and Listeria monocytogenes by Small-Molecule Chemiluminescence Probes
Michal Roth-Konforti1, Ori Green1, Mario Hupfeld2
1Department of Organic Chemistry, School of Chemistry, Faculty of Exact Sciences, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, 69978, Israel.
Abstract:
Detection of Salmonella and L. monocytogenes in food samples by current diagnostic methods requires relatively long time to results (2-6 days). Furthermore, the ability to perform environmental monitoring at the factory site for these pathogens is limited due to the need for laboratory facilities. Herein, we report new chemiluminescence probes for the ultrasensitive direct detection of viable pathogenic bacteria. The probes are composed of a bright phenoxy-dioxetane luminophore masked by triggering group, which is activated by a specific bacterial enzyme, and could detect their corresponding bacteria with an LOD value of about 600-fold lower than that of fluorescent probes. Moreover, we were able to detect a minimum of 10 Salmonella cells within 6 h incubation. The assay allows for bacterial enrichment and detection in one test tube without further sample preparation. We anticipate that this design strategy will be used to prepare analogous chemiluminescence probes for other enzymes relevant to specific bacteria detection and point-of-care diagnostics.
Insights
New chemiluminescence probes offer rapid, ultrasensitive detection of pathogenic bacteria like Salmonella. This breakthrough enables direct detection of viable bacteria in under 6 hours, significantly improving food safety diagnostics.
Area of Science:
- Analytical Chemistry
- Microbiology
- Biotechnology
Background:
- Current diagnostic methods for Salmonella and Listeria monocytogenes in food require 2-6 days for results.
- Environmental monitoring for pathogens at factory sites is limited by the need for laboratory facilities.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop novel chemiluminescence probes for the ultrasensitive, direct detection of viable pathogenic bacteria.
- To enable rapid, on-site bacterial detection, improving food safety and diagnostics.
Main Methods:
- Designed chemiluminescence probes utilizing a phenoxy-dioxetane luminophore masked by a triggering group.
- Probes are activated by specific bacterial enzymes for targeted detection.
- Developed a one-test-tube assay for bacterial enrichment and detection without complex sample preparation.
Main Results:
- Achieved ultrasensitive detection of viable pathogenic bacteria with a limit of detection (LOD) approximately 600-fold lower than fluorescent probes.
- Successfully detected as few as 10 Salmonella cells within a 6-hour incubation period.
- Demonstrated direct detection of viable bacteria, bypassing traditional culture methods.
Conclusions:
- The new chemiluminescence probes provide a rapid and highly sensitive method for detecting foodborne pathogens.
- This technology has the potential to revolutionize on-site environmental monitoring and point-of-care diagnostics.
- The probe design strategy can be extended to develop probes for detecting other specific bacteria and enzymes.
