Electrochemical immunosensors for Salmonella detection in food

Authors: ARAUJO MELO, AIRIS MARIA - Universidade Federal Do Ceara (UFC); ALEXANDRE, DALILA - Universidade Federal Do Ceara (UFC); FURTADO, ROSELAYNE - Embrapa; BORGES, MARIA - Universidade Federal Do Ceara (UFC); FIGUEIREDO, EVANIA ALTINA - Universidade Federal Do Ceara (UFC); Biswas, Atanu; Cheng, Huai; ALVES, CARLUCIO - Universidade Estadual Do Ceara

Submitted to: Applied Microbiology and Biotechnology
Publication Type: Review Article
Publication Acceptance Date: 4/12/2016
Publication Date: 5/2/2016
Publication URL: http://handle.nal.usda.gov/10113/5207422
Citation: Melo, A.M.A., Alexandre, D.L., Furtado, R.F., Borges, M.F., Figueiredo, E.A.T., Biswas, A., Cheng, H.N., Alves, C.R. 2016. Electrochemical immunosensors for Salmonella detection in food. Applied Microbiology and Biotechnology. 100(12):5301-5312.

Interpretive Summary: Salmonella spp. is the major cause of food-borne diseases worldwide and its prevention is of high importance. This article reviews recent developments and applications of various electrochemical immunosensors for Salmonella detection, particularly the advantages and disadvantages of each technique being used. In general, pathogen detection is a critical point for identification and prevention of food safety problems. Failures at detecting a contamination in food may cause outbreaks with dire consequences to public health. Though it is important to obtain analytical results in the shortest time, available conventional methods take several days to reach diagnosis. Immunosensors offer a superior alternative to conventional methods, allowing "real-time" and multiple analyses, essential characteristics for practical in-field use. There are four main techniques for electrochemical immunosensors: amperometric, impedimetric, conductometric, and potentiometric. All these immunosensors are applicable to Salmonella detection and are much desired tools for the food industry to ensure food safety. This review article is a timely addition to the food safety knowledge base. The food industry, especially those who can be potentially affected by Salmonella, will greatly benefit by this article.

Technical Abstract: Pathogen detection is a critical point for the identification and the prevention of problems related to food safety. Failures at detecting contaminations in food may cause outbreaks with drastic consequences to public health. In spite of the real need for obtaining analytical results in the shortest time possible, conventional methods may take several days to produce a diagnosis. Salmonella spp. is the major cause of foodborne diseases worldwide and its absence is a requirement of the health authorities. Biosensors are bioelectronic devices, comprising bioreceptor molecules and transducer elements, able to detect analytes (chemical and/or biological species) rapidly and quantitatively. Electrochemical immunosensors use antibody molecules as bioreceptors and as electrochemical transducers. These devices have been widely used for pathogen detection at low cost. There are four main techniques for electrochemical immunosensors: amperometric, impedimetric, conductometric, and potentiometric. Almost all types of immunosensors are applicable to Salmonella detection. This article reviews the developments and the applications of electrochemical immunosensors for Salmonella detection, particularly the advantages of each specific technique. Immunosensors serve as exciting alternatives to conventional methods, allowing "real-time" and multiple analyses that are essential characteristics for pathogen detection and are much desired in health and safety control in the food industry.