Rapid multiplex detection of 10 foodborne pathogens with an up-converting phosphor technology-based 10-channel lateral flow assay.

Yong Zhao,Chengbin Wang,Xinrui Wang,Xiaochen Wang,Haoran Wang,Pingping Zhang,Chongyun Sun,Ruifu Yang,Lei Zhou

doi:10.1038/srep21342

Abstract

The rapid high-throughput detection of foodborne pathogens is essential in controlling food safety. In this study, a 10-channel up-converting phosphor technology-based lateral flow (TC-UPT-LF) assay was established for the rapid and simultaneous detection of 10 epidemic foodborne pathogens. Ten different single-target UPT-LF strips were developed and integrated into one TC-UPT-LF disc with optimization. Without enrichment the TC-UPT-LF assay had a detection sensitivity of 104 CFU mL−1 or 105 CFU mL−1 for each pathogen, and after sample enrichment it was 10 CFU/0.6 mg. The assay also showed good linearity, allowing quantitative detection, with a linear fitting coefficient of determination (R2) of 0.916–0.998. The 10 detection channels did not cross-react, so multiple targets could be specifically detected. When 279 real food samples were tested, the assay was highly consistent (100%) with culture-based methods. The results for 110 food samples artificially contaminated with single or multiple targets showed a high detection rate (≥80%) for most target bacteria. Overall, the TC-UPT-LF assay allows the rapid, quantitative, and simultaneous detection of 10 kinds of foodborne pathogens within 20 min, and is especially suitable for the rapid detection and surveillance of foodborne pathogens in food and water.

Highlights

The rapid high-throughput detection of foodborne pathogens is essential in controlling food safety
Many new methods have emerged for the rapid diagnosis of bacterial infections, including real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR)[10,11], DNA microarrays[12,13], and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs)[14]
We developed a TC-UPT-LF assay for the rapid and simultaneous detection of 10 epidemic foodborne pathogens: E. coli O157:H7, S. paratyphi A, S. paratyphi B, S. paratyphi C, S. typhi, S. enteritidis, S. choleraesuis, V. cholera O1, V. cholera O139, and V. parahaemolyticus

Summary

Introduction

The rapid high-throughput detection of foodborne pathogens is essential in controlling food safety. Common Salmonella serotypes that can cause foodborne illnesses include S. enteritidis, S. typhi, S. paratyphi A, S. paratyphi B, S. paratyphi C, and S. choleraesuis[4,5] These pathogens can exist (and usually coexist) in various foods, such as raw or undercooked foods (meat, seafood, poultry, etc.) and ready-to-eat products (vegetables, fruits, dairy products, etc.)[1,6,7], and once consumed by humans, can cause serious infectious diseases, with high rates of hospitalization and death[8]. ELISAs are a widely used immunological approach that is less complicated and less expensive; it is still difficult to realize direct applications in the filed because of the dependence on equipment and professional operation[9] These techniques do not meet the criteria for the urgently needed on-site multiplex detection system for foodborne pathogens

Methods

Results

Conclusion