Location: Environmental Microbial & Food Safety Laboratory
Project Number: 8042-32420-009-030-R
Project Type: Reimbursable Cooperative Agreement
Start Date: Sep 1, 2023
End Date: Aug 31, 2026
Objective:
The objective of this research is to develop and validate a novel paper sensor for pathogen detection. The Cooperator will be responsible for developing the sensors and the machine learning technology while USDA ARS will be responsible for the scale up testing of paper sensors for pathogen detection in the specially designed research “supermarket”.
Approach:
Scientists at the University of Massachusetts (Cooperators) will develop a paper sensor array, that incorporates over 30 types of organic and nano-dyes used in conventional QA/QC toolkits. They will also develop a machine learning algorithm to achieve automated pattern recognition to generate output in viable pathogen’s identity and quantity. USDA scientists will assist cooperators with validating the paper sensor array in simulated storage conditions. Specifically, the paper sensor array will be tested on packaged fresh-cut romaine lettuce, and cantaloupe as model food. The fresh-cut produce will be inoculated with 3 major foodborne human pathogens (including E. coli O157:H7, Salmonella spp., and Listeria monocytogenes) and stored under refrigeration to simulate pathogen survival or growth in the food supply chain. In addition, temporary temperature abuse scenarios will be incorporated in the design of the simulation study.
