Nano in Micro: Novel Concepts in Foodborne Pathogen Transmission and Pathogenesis

Area of Science:

• Food microbiology
• Pathogen survival mechanisms
• Food safety research

Background:

• Foodborne pathogens possess complex mechanisms for survival under diverse stresses.
• Traditional research has focused on macro-level adaptations, overlooking nanoscale components.
• Understanding pathogen adaptation is crucial for food chain transmission and pathogenesis.

Purpose of the Study:

• To highlight novel nanoscale components influencing foodborne pathogen survival and virulence.
• To introduce the emerging field of "nano in micro" in pathogen research.
• To re-evaluate laboratory conditions for studying adaptive stress responses.

Main Methods:

• Review of recent insights into bacteriophages/prophages, bacterial extracellular vesicles, and bacterial microcompartments.
• Discussion of understudied food-relevant substrates affecting pathogen fitness.
• Analysis of diet and microbiota impacts on intestinal colonization and host invasion.

Main Results:

• Bacteriophages, extracellular vesicles, and microcompartments (collectively "nano in micro") significantly impact pathogen stress response and survival.
• Specific food-relevant substrates and host factors (diet, microbiota) play critical roles in pathogen adaptation and virulence.
• Current laboratory conditions may not fully represent in-situ pathogen adaptive stress responses.

Conclusions:

• Novel nanoscale components and their interactions are critical for foodborne pathogen adaptation and virulence.
• A paradigm shift towards "nano in micro" research is needed for a comprehensive understanding of foodborne pathogens.
• Integrating "nano in micro" insights with risk assessment models can enhance food safety strategies.