Detection of four foodborne pathogens based on magnetic separation multiplex PCR and capillary electrophoresis

Foodborne pathogen contamination is a major safety issue for many foods and is causing concern worldwide. In this study, a detection system based on magnetic separation, multiplex PCR (MPCR) and capillary electrophoresis (CE) technologies was developed for the simultaneous detection of four foodborne pathogens. Magnetic separation technology is used to rapidly capture pathogenic bacteria in food samples, and then a combination of MPCR and CE can be used to greatly increase detection sensitivity. The detection limit for bacterial DNA reached 10^-5 -10^-7  ng μL^-1 and in the analysis of mocked food samples, the assay showed good sensitivity for bacterial detection ranging from 10¹ to 10⁵ CFU mL^-1 with excellent specificity. Compared to similar detection methodologies, this technique avoids the need for time-consuming enrichment cultures, is more sensitive, and can be used to assay simultaneously four foodborne pathogens.