Major Foodborne Pathogens Research Articles

Control of Bacillus cereus in rice cake and food contact surfaces with novel Becedseptimavirus genus phage BCC348 and its partial SPOR domain-containing endolysin LysBCC348

Here, we investigated the novel bacteriophage BCC348 and its endolysin LysBCC348 as alternative antimicrobials against the major foodborne pathogen Bacillus cereus. The Becedseptimavirus genus phage BCC348 effectively inhibited the growth of B. cereus ATCC 27348 with a remarkable burst size of ∼600 PFU/infected cell. The cation-dependent amidase endolysin LysBCC348 lysed the host B. cereus and Listeria monocytogenes and EDTA-treated Gram-negative pathogens. In a cold storage model of Korean rice cake, Garaetteok, BCC348 significantly reduced artificially contaminated B. cereus counts to undetectable levels within 3 days. Treatment with LysBCC348 also achieved a ∼1.3-log reduction of B. cereus and ∼60% biofilm removal from food contact surfaces. Genes related to DNA modification and sporulation prevention in BCC348, as well as a partial sporulation-related repeat (SPOR) domain in LysBCC348, are thought to enhance the efficacy of BCC348 in controlling B. cereus. These results suggest that BCC348 and LysBCC348 are promising alternative candidates to mitigate B. cereus contamination in the food industry.

Surface monitoring of L. monocytogenes by real-time fluorescence and colorimetric LAMP.

Listeria monocytogenes is a major foodborne pathogen affecting developing, and developed countries. The analysis of food contact surfaces in food industries is key for better controlling this pathogen. The current study focused on the development, optimization, and evaluation of a rapid and simple method for the detection of L. monocytogenes on stainless steel surfaces, suitable for decentralized setups, taking advantage of Loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP). This was accomplished using a general pre-enrichment broth (TSB), with a simple DNA extraction based on a chelating resin, and final isothermal amplification. Two different detection strategies were tested, real-time fluorescence and naked-eye colorimetric, which were evaluated after 5, 7, and 24h of pre-enrichment. Regardless the detection chemistry selected, after 5-7h of pre-enrichment, 103-104CFU/cm2 were needed to obtain a positive result, while after 24h, it was possible to detect concentrations below 10CFU/cm2. Within each given time, all the performance parameters calculated, relative sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy, reached values higher than 80-90%; likewise, a Cohen's k of concordance with a culture-based approach higher than 0.8. Overall, the most sensitive assay can be performed in roughly 25h. This time-to-result outperforms commercial kits with the added value of specifically detecting L. monocytogenes instead of Listeria spp. KEY POINTS: • Real-time fluorescence and naked-eye colorimetric, were compared for the novel assay. • An LOD50 of 3.4CFU/cm2 and 4.2CFU/cm2 was calculated for the two assays. • Three pre-enrichment times were compared providing 24h better results.

Antimicrobial resistance, virulence factors and phylogenetic profiles of Vibrio parahaemolyticus in the eastern coast of Shenzhen

Vibrio parahaemolyticus (V. parahaemolyticus) is a major food-borne pathogen which causes human gastroenteritis. Since the characteristics of V. parahaemolyticus remain unknown, 220 isolates selected from clinical and environmental samples in Dapeng of Shenzhen were tested for the presence of two hemolysin-expressing genes tdh and trh. Among 27 clinical isolates, 26 carrired the tdh gene, and the other one carried both tdh and trh genes, however neither genes were detected in environmental isolates. Meanwhile, antimicrobial susceptibility profiles revealed the isolates with high frequency of resistance to ampicillin (77.73%) and colistin (71.82%) and medium to streptomycin (57.27%). Genetically, by whole genome sequencing (WGS), comparative genomics studies was performed on isolates from various districts and GenBank. Data analysis showed that antimicrobial resistance genes (ARGs) blaCARB, tet(34) and tet(35) were harbored in all genomes and other ARGs was absent in the genomes of 27 clinical isolates. Besides, little regional difference was observed. As for virulence factors, MAM7, T3SS1, T3SS1 secret effector, T3SS2, T3SS2 secret effector, and VpadF were carried by most isolates. Two isolates from other districts were tdh gene positive which clustered with clinical isolates from Dapeng in the same clade, indicating close genetic distance. This study revealed the widely distribution of V. parahaemolyticus in Shenzhen and the diverse ARGs and virulence genes it carried. Furthermore, pathways that pathogen disseminated through were discussed.

Immunogenicity and cross-protective efficacy induced by delayed attenuated Salmonella with regulated length of lipopolysaccharide in mice

ABSTRACT Non-typhoidal Salmonella enterica (NTS) is a major global foodborne pathogen that poses a major public health concern worldwide, and no vaccines are available for protecting against infection of multiple Salmonella serotypes, therefore, the development of Salmonella vaccines to provide broad protection is valuable. In this work, we aimed to regulate lipopolysaccharide (LPS) synthesis of live Salmonella in vivo for exposing conserved protein antigens on the outer membrane while maintaining smooth LPS patterns in vitro to keep their original ability to invade host cells for inducing cross-protection against infection of multiple Salmonella serotypes. We generated a series of mutants defective in genes to affect the length of LPS. These mutants exhibit in vivo regulated-delayed attenuation and altered length of LPS, and all these mutants were derived from SW067 (ΔpagL7 ΔpagP81::Plpp lpxE ΔlpxR9 Δfur9) containing ∆pagP81::Plpp lpxE mutation to reduce their endotoxic activity. Animal experiments demonstrated that all regulated delayed attenuated mutants exhibited reduced ability to colonize the organs of the mice, and SW114 (waaI), SW116 (waaJ), SW118 (waaL), and SW120 (wbaP) induced a significant production of IgG and IgA against OMPs isolated from S. Typhimurium, S. Enteritidis, and S. Choleraesuis. SW114 (waaI), SW116 (waaJ), and SW118 (waaL) were capable of conferring significant protection against infection of wild-type S. Enteritidis and S. Choleraesuis, with SW118 (waaL) triggering significant CD4+ T-cell responses as well as the B220low IgG+ BM cell. In conclusion, regulated delayed attenuated Salmonella vaccines with the whole core oligosaccharides of LPS showed a goo.d ability to expose conserved outer antigens and to trigger strong cross-immune responses against both homologous and heterologous Salmonella infections. These results give new insight into the development of the Salmonella vaccine against multiple serotypes of Salmonella.

Genomic diversity of Campylobacter jejuni and Campylobacter coli isolates recovered from human and poultry in Australia and New Zealand, 2017 to 2019.

We used genomic and epidemiological data to assess and compare the population structure and origins of Campylobacter, a major foodborne pathogen, in two neighbouring countries with strong trade and cultural links, similar poultry production systems and frequent movement of people and food products. The most common sequence types (STs) differed between Australia and New Zealand, with many unique to each country. Over half of all STs were represented by a single isolate. Multidrug-resistant (MDR) genotypes were detected in 0.8% of all samples, with no MDR isolates detected in poultry. Quinolone and tetracycline resistant ST6964 was prevalent in New Zealand (10.6% of C. jejuni). Closely related isolates suggested some similar food sources or contacts. We have shown that there is little genetic overlap in human and poultry STs of Campylobacter between the countries, which highlights that this common foodborne pathogen has domestic origins in Australia and New Zealand.

A fluorescent biosensor based on surface cell imprinting film for Salmonella typhimurium detection

Salmonella typhimurium (S. typhimurium) is a major foodborne pathogen that poses a potentialrisk to public health. The development of biosensors that are specific, sensitive, and easy to manipulate can greatly reduce the potential risk posed by S. typhimurium. A robust, highly sensitive and specific fluorescent biosensor was proposed by combining N-succinyl-chitosan-doped surface bacterial cell imprinted film (SCIF) with typical aggregation induced emission (AIE) fluorescent substance Au(I)-disulfide nanoparticles. The proposed fluorescent sensor can achieve linear detection of S. typhimurium in the concentration range from 10 to 106 CFU/mL with a detection limit of 4 CFU/mL. In addition, the modification of the SCIF on the surface enables specific abiotic recognition of the target bacteria. This fluorescence sensing strategy can be used for the detection of S. typhimurium in chicken meat samples. The platform can be replicated for the detection of other bacteria or cells via making different SCIFs, which is promising for the detection of practical samples for clinical and biological applications.

Occurrence and diversity of Campylobacter species in diarrheic children and their exposure environments in Ethiopia

Campylobacter is a major zoonotic foodborne pathogen that poses a significant public health threat, particularly among children and immunocompromised individuals. However, data on the occurrence and sources of Campylobacter infection remain scarce in Ethiopia. This study assessed the occurrence, diversity, and relationships between Campylobacter from diarrheic children and potential exposure sources using whole-genome sequencing. Through case-based tracing, animal, food, and environmental samples were collected from Harar town and Kersa district between November 2021 and January 2023. Campylobacter was identified using selective media, and DNA was extracted and sequenced with the Illumina NextSeq 550 instrument. Sequence reads were analysed using bioinformatics tools. The overall Campylobacter prevalence in the exposure sources was 5.5%, with 6.0% in urban and 5.0% in rural settings. Campylobacter detection was 1.8 times more likely in household samples (8.7%; OR = 1.8; 95% CI: 0.7–4.5) than in samples from marketplaces. The occurrence of Campylobacter in food was 4.2%, with no significant differences across the meat, milk, and other food categories. The likelihood of Campylobacter contamination in the environment was 5.8 times higher in the presence of poultry (17.7%; OR = 5.8; CI: 1.1–30.6) compared to shoats. Sequence analysis identified a low Campylobacter spp. diversity comprising only C. jejuni and C. coli, which were characterized by 8 distinct sequence types (STs). Phylogenetically, the majority of the sequenced case isolates were clustered with isolates from either caretakers, environmental exposures, or both. In conclusion, Campylobacter was detected in various exposure sources of diarrheic children, and its occurrence did not differ significantly between Kersa and Harar or among food items. The majority of isolates shared MLST profiles and clustered together, demonstrating the involvement of multiple vectors in the transmission of the pathogen. Genome-based integrated studies supported by an attribution model are recommended to determine the relative contribution of each source.

Recombinant Lactococcus lactis secreting FliC protein nanobodies for resistance against Salmonella enteritidis invasion in the intestinal tract

Salmonella Enteritidis is a major foodborne pathogen throughout the world and the increase in antibiotic resistance of Salmonella poses a significant threat to public safety. Natural nanobodies exhibit high affinity, thermal stability, ease of production, and notably higher diversity, making them widely applicable for the treatment of viral and bacterial infections. Recombinant expression using Lactococcus lactis leverages both acid resistance and mucosal colonization properties of these bacteria, allowing the effective expression of exogenous proteins for therapeutic effects. In this study, nine specific nanobodies against the flagellar protein FliC were identified and expressed. In vitro experiments demonstrated that FliC-Nb-76 effectively inhibited the motility of S. Enteritidis and inhibited its adhesion to and invasion of HIEC-6, RAW264.7, and chicken intestinal epithelial cells. Additionally, a recombinant L. lactis strain secreting the nanobody, L. lactis-Nb76, was obtained. Animal experiments confirmed that it could significantly reduce the mortality rates of chickens infected with S. Enteritidis, together with alleviating the inflammatory response caused by the pathogen. These results provide a novel strategy for the treatment of antibiotic-resistant S. Enteritidis infection in the intestinal tract.Graphical

Campycins are novel broad-spectrum antibacterials killing Campylobacter jejuni

Pyocins are high molecular weight bacteriocins produced by Pseudomonas aeruginosa that can be retargeted to new bacterial species by exchanging the pyocin tail fibers with bacteriophage receptor binding proteins (RBPs). Here, we develop retargeted pyocins called campycins as new antibacterials to precisely and effectively kill the major foodborne pathogen Campylobacter jejuni. We used two diverse RBPs (H-fibers) encoded by CJIE1 prophages found in the genomes of C. jejuni strains CAMSA2147 and RM1221 to construct campycin 1 and campycin 2, respectively. Campycins 1 and 2 could target all C. jejuni strains tested due to complementary antibacterial spectra. In addition, both campycins led to more than 3 log reductions in C. jejuni counts under microaerobic conditions at 42 °C, whereas the killing efficiency was less efficient under anaerobic conditions at 5 °C. Furthermore, we discovered that both H-fibers used to construct the campycins bind to the essential major outer membrane protein (MOMP) present in all C. jejuni in a strain-specific manner. Protein sequence alignment and structural modeling suggest that the highly variable extracellular loops of MOMP form the binding sites of the diverse H-fibers. Further in silico analyses of 5000 MOMP sequences indicated that the protein falls into three major clades predicted to be targeted by either campycin 1 or campycin 2. Thus, campycins are promising antibacterials against C. jejuni and are expected to broadly target numerous strains of this human pathogen in nature and agriculture.Key points• Campycins are engineered R-type pyocins containing H-fibers from C. jejuni prophages• Campycins reduce C. jejuni counts by >3 logs at conditions promoting growth• Campycins bind to the essential outer membrane protein MOMP in a strain-dependent way

Synergistic antimicrobial activity of alpha-linolenic acid in combination with tetracycline or florfenicol against multidrug-resistant Salmonella typhimurium

Salmonella is a major foodborne pathogen that can be transmitted from livestock and poultry to humans through the food chain. Due to the widespread use of antibiotics, antibiotic resistance Salmonella has become an important factor threatening food safety. Combining antibiotic and non-antibiotic agents is a promising approach to address the widespread emergence of antibiotic-resistant pathogens.In this study, we investigated the antibiotic resistance profile and molecular characterization of different serotypes of Salmonella isolated from large-scale egg farms using drug susceptibility testing and whole genome sequencing. The synergistic effect of alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) with antibiotics was evaluated using the checkerboard test and time-kill curve. The molecular mechanism of α-linolenic acid synergism was explored using biochemical assays, pull-down assays, and molecular docking. In vivo efficacy of ALA in combination with florfenicol (FFC) or tetracycline (TET) against multidrug-resistant (MDR) Salmonella enterica subsp. enterica serovar typhimurium was also investigated using a mouse model.We found that ALA reduced the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of tetracycline and florfenicol in all strains tested. When ALA (512 mg/L) was combined with florfenicol (32 mg/L) or tetracycline (16 mg/L), we observed disruption of cell membrane integrity, increased outer membrane permeability, lowered cell membrane potential, and inhibition of proton-drive-dependent efflux pumps. The synergistic treatment also inhibited biofilm production and promoted oxidative damage. These changes together led to an increase in bacterial antibiotic susceptibility. The improved efficacy of ALA combination treatment with antibiotics was validated in the mouse model. Molecular docking results indicate that ALA can bind to membrane proteins via hydrogen bonding. Our findings demonstrated that combined treatment using ALA and antibiotics is effective in preventing infections involving MDR bacteria. Our results are of great significance for the scientific and effective prevention and control of antibiotic resistance Salmonella, as well as ensuring food safety.

Salmonella associated with agricultural animals exhibit diverse evolutionary rates and show evidence of recent clonal expansion.

Non-typhoidal Salmonella are major foodborne bacterial pathogens estimated to cause more than one million illnesses, thousands of hospitalizations, and hundreds of deaths annually in the United States. More than 70% of Salmonella outbreaks in the United States have been associated with agricultural animals. Certain serovars include persistent strains that have repeatedly contaminated beef, chicken, and turkey, causing outbreaks and sporadic cases over many years. These persistent strains represent a particular challenge to public health, as they are genetically clonal and widespread, making it difficult to differentiate distinct outbreak and contamination events using whole-genome sequence (WGS)-based subtyping methods (e.g., core genome allelic typing). Our results indicate that a phylogenetic approach is needed to investigate persistent strains and suggest that the association between a Salmonella serovar and an agricultural animal is driven by the expansion of clonal subtypes that likely became adapted to specific animals and associated environments.

Precision Phage Cocktail Targeting Surface Appendages for Biocontrol of Salmonella in Cold-Stored Foods.

Salmonella enterica is a major food-borne pathogen causing food poisoning. The use of bacteriophages as alternative biocontrol agents has gained renewed interest due to the rising issue of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. We isolated and characterized three phages targeting Salmonella: SPN3US, SPN3UB, and SPN10H. Morphological and genomic analyses revealed that they belong to the class Caudoviricetes. SPN3UB, SPN3US, and SPN10H specifically target bacterial surface molecules as receptors, including O-antigens of lipopolysaccharides, flagella, and BtuB, respectively. The phages exhibited a broad host range against Salmonella strains, highlighting their potential for use in a phage cocktail. Bacterial challenge assays demonstrated significant lytic activity of the phage cocktail consisting of the three phages against S. typhimurium UK1, effectively delaying the emergence of phage-resistant bacteria. The phage cocktail effectively reduced Salmonella contamination in foods, including milk and pork and chicken meats, during cold storage. These results indicate that a phage cocktail targeting different host receptors could serve as a promising antimicrobial strategy to control Salmonella.

Prevalence and antimicrobial susceptibility profile of Salmonella isolated from vegetable farms fertilized with animal manure in Addis Ababa Ethiopia

The resistance of foodborne pathogens to antimicrobial agents is a potential danger to human health. Hence, establishing the status of good agricultural practices (GAPs) and the antimicrobial susceptibility of major foodborne pathogens has a significant programmatic implication in planning interventions. The objective of this study was to assess the gap in attaining GAP and estimate the prevalence and antimicrobial susceptibility profile of Salmonella in vegetable farms fertilized with animal manure in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. A total of 81 vegetable farms from four sub-cities in Addis Ababa were visited, and 1119 samples were collected: soil (n = 271), manure (n = 375), vegetables (n = 398), and dairy cattle feces (n = 75). Additional data were collected using a structured questionnaire. Isolation of Salmonella was done using standard microbiology techniques and antimicrobial susceptibility testing was conducted using disk diffusion assays. Carriage for antimicrobial resistance genes was tested using polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Among the 81 vegetable farms visited, 24.7% used animal manure without any treatment, 27.2% used properly stored animal manure and 80.2% were easily accessible to animals. The prevalence of Salmonella was 2.3% at the sample level, 17.3% at the vegetable farm level, and 2.5% in vegetables. The highest rate of resistance was recorded for streptomycin, 80.7% (21 of 26), followed by kanamycin, 65.4% (17 of 26), and gentamicin, 61.5% (16 of 26). Multidrug resistance was detected in 61.5% of the Salmonella isolates. Vegetable farms have a gap in attaining GAPs, which could contribute to increased contamination and the transfer of antimicrobial resistance to the vegetables. The application of GAPs, including proper preparation of compost and the appropriate use of antimicrobials in veterinary practices, are recommended to reduce the emergence and spread of antimicrobial resistance.

Phenotypic patterns of antimicrobial resistance in Campylobacter spp. in Ukraine

Campylobacter spp. are major foodborne zoonotic pathogens that have recently become more resistant to fluoroquinolones and macrolides, which are broad-spectrum antibiotics used in both medicine and veterinary practice. Campylobacter is a commensal of the intestines of mammals and birds, which facilitates the transfer of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) determinants from other bacteria through horizontal gene transfer. The aim of this study was to establish the prevalence and determine the AMR phenotypes of Campylobacter species isolated in Ukraine. Using the disk diffusion method (DDM), 33 isolates of Campylobacter spp. isolated from animals and poultry on farms between May and September 2023 were tested. Additionally, an analysis of the resistance of 293 Campylobacter spp. isolates obtained from children with acute intestinal infections from 2020 to 2023 was conducted. The level of resistance of clinical Campylobacter spp. to ciprofloxacin (CIP) was found to be 83.3%, to tetracycline (TE) 53.6%, to erythromycin (E) 11.6%, and the isolates from farms showed resistance to ciprofloxacin (CIP) at 72.7%, to tetracycline (TE) at 60.6%, and to erythromycin (E) at 18.2%. In 4.1% of clinical isolates, multidrug resistance (MDR) (CIP/TE/E) was detected, with the most common AMR combination being (CIP/TE), reaching 42.7%. Resistance to at least one antibiotic was found in 37.8%. The isolates from animals and poultry had a multiple antibiotic resistance rate of 12.1%, with 42.4% being resistant to at least one antibiotic. This study provides insight into the relevance and importance of Campylobacter spp. resistance in Ukraine. It expands the understanding of the issue, which requires more detailed study, including the molecular mechanisms of resistance and the identification of genetic determinants shaping the epidemiology of antimicrobial resistance in Ukraine. For this purpose, a collection of isolates has been created, and optimal long-term storage conditions have been selected, which will allow the study of Campylobacter spp. decades from now.

Development and characterization of a portable electrochemical aptasensor for IsdA protein and Staphylococcus aureus detection.

Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) is recognized as one of the most common causes of gastroenteritis worldwide. This pathogen is a major foodborne pathogen that can cause many different types of various infections, from minor skin infections to lethal blood infectious diseases. Iron-regulated surface determinant protein A (IsdA) is an important protein on the S. aureus surface. It is responsible for iron scavenging via interaction with hemoglobin, haptoglobin, and hemoglobin-haptoglobin complexes. This study develops a portable aptasensor for IsdA and S. aureus detection using aptamer-modified gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) integrated into screen-printed carbon electrodes (SPCEs). The electrode system was made of three parts, including a carbon counter electrode, an AuNPs/carbon working electrode, and a silver reference electrode. The aptamer by Au-S bonding was conjugated on the electrode surface to create the aptasensor platform. Cyclic voltammetry (CV) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) were utilized to investigate the binding interactions between the aptasensor and the IsdA protein. CV studies showed a linear correlation between varying S. aureus concentrations within the range of 101 to 106CFU/mL, resulting in a limit of detection (LOD) of 0.2CFU/mL. The results demonstrated strong reproducibility, selectivity, and sensitivity of the aptasensor for enhanced detection of IsdA, along with about 93% performance stability after 30days. The capability of the aptasensor to directly detect S. aureus via the IsdA surface protein binding was further investigated in a food matrix. Overall, the aptasensor device showed the potential for rapid detection of S. aureus, serving as a robust approach to developing real-time aptasensors to identify an extensive range of targets of foodborne pathogens and beyond.

Isolation, characterization, and application of a lytic bacteriophage SSP49 to control Staphylococcus aureus contamination on baby spinach leaves

Staphylococcus aureus, a major foodborne pathogen, is frequently detected in fresh produce. It often causes food poisoning accompanied by abdominal pain, diarrhea, and vomiting. Additionally, the abuse of antibiotics to control S. aureus has resulted in the emergence of antibiotics-resistant bacteria, such as methicillin resistant S. aureus. Therefore, bacteriophage, a natural antimicrobial agent, has been suggested as an alternative to antibiotics. In this study, a lytic phage SSP49 that specifically infects S. aureus was isolated from a sewage sample, and its morphological, biological, and genetic characteristics were determined. We found that phage SSP49 belongs to the Straboviridae family (Caudoviricetes class) and maintained host growth inhibition for 30 h in vitro. In addition, it showed high host specificity and a broad host range against various S. aureus strains. Receptor analysis revealed that phage SSP49 utilized cell wall teichoic acid as a host receptor. Whole genome sequencing revealed that the genome size of SSP49 was 137,283 bp and it contained 191 open reading frames. The genome of phage SSP49 did not contain genes related to lysogen formation, bacterial toxicity, and antibiotic resistance, suggesting its safety in food application. The activity of phage SSP49 was considerably stable under various high temperature and pH conditions. Furthermore, phage SSP49 effectively inhibited S. aureus growth on baby spinach leaves both at 4 °C and 25 °C while maintaining the numbers of active phage during treatments (reductions of 1.2 and 2.1 log CFU/cm2, respectively). Thus, this study demonstrated the potential of phage SSP49 as an alternative natural biocontrol agent against S. aureus contamination in fresh produce.

Quantitative detection and survival analysis of VBNC Salmonella Typhimurium in flour using droplet digital PCR and DNA-intercalating dyes.

Salmonella, a major foodborne pathogen, poses significant risks, particularly to vulnerable groups like infants, older people, and the immunocompromised. Accurate detection is vital for public health and food safety, given its potential to cause severe and life-threatening symptoms. Our study demonstrated digital polymerase chain reaction (ddPCR) with DNA-intercalating dyes for identifying the different physiological statuses of Salmonella. Also, the application of ddPCR with DNA-intercalating dyes offers quantification of viable cells post-disinfection as an alternative method in food. Utilizing ddPCR and DNA-intercalating dyes, we enhanced the detection of VBNC Salmonella, a form often undetectable by conventional methods. This innovative approach could significantly improve the precision and efficiency of detection for viable Salmonella. By providing deeper insights into its transmission potential, our method is a critical tool in preventing outbreaks and ensuring the safety of food products. This research contributes substantially to global efforts in controlling foodborne illnesses and safeguarding public health.

Phytochemical profiling and investigation of antioxidant, anti-proliferative, and antibacterial properties in spontaneously grown Sicilian sumac (Rhus coriaria L.) fruits

This study aimed to assess the phytochemical profile and associated functional properties of sumac (Rhus coriaria L.) fruits harvested from wild plants in Sicily.Chemical characterization unveiled exceptionally high levels of polyphenols (10.99 g GAE/100 g DW), including substantial quantities of proanthocyanidins (61.577 mg PACE/100 g DW), and identified 82 phytochemicals belonging to various flavonoid classes. The hydroalcoholic extract from Sicilian sumac exhibited remarkable redox-active properties, providing antioxidant protection in a cell-based model of lipid peroxidation (CAA50: 1.116 μg/mL). Additionally, it displayed significant antiproliferative activity against four human tumor epithelial cell lines with GI50 values ranging from 31.08 to 149.74 μg/mL and robust antibacterial activity against major foodborne pathogens (MIC: 12.5–25.0 mg/mL).Our findings highlight Sicilian sumac fruit as a rich source of phytochemicals that positively contribute to the cellular redox state even when consumed in small quantities. Additionally, its diverse bioactivities indicate potential applications across food and non-food sectors.

A pH ultra-sensitive hydrated iridium oxyhydroxide films electrochemical sensor for label-free detection of Vibrio parahaemolyticus

Vibrio parahaemolyticus (V. parahaemolyticus) is a major foodborne pathogen, which can cause serious foodborne illnesses like diarrhoea. Rapid on-site detection of foodborne pathogens is an ideal way to respond to foodborne illnesses. Herein, we provide an electrochemical sensor for rapid on-site detection. This sensor utilized a pH-sensitive metal-oxide material for the concurrent isothermal amplification and label-free detection of nucleic acids. Based on a pH-sensitive hydrated iridium oxide oxyhydroxide film (HIROF), the electrode transforms the hydrogen ion compound generated during nucleic acid amplification into potential, so as to achieve a real-time detection. The results can be transmitted to a smartphone via Bluetooth. Moreover, HIROF was applied in nucleic acid device detection, with a super-Nernst sensitivity of 77.6 mV/pH in the pH range of 6.0–8.5, and the sensitivity showed the best results so far. Detection of V. parahaemolyticus by this novel method showed a detection limit of 1.0 × 103 CFU/mL, while the time consumption was only 30 min, outperforming real-time fluorescence loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP). Therefore, the characteristics of compact, portable, and fast make the sensor more widely used in on-site detection.

Harnessing medicinal plant compounds for the control of Campylobacter in foods: a comprehensive review.

Campylobacter is a major foodborne and zoonotic pathogen, causing severe human infections and imposing a substantial economic burden on global public health. The ongoing spread and emergence of multidrug-resistant (MDR) strains across various fields exacerbate therapeutic challenges, raising the incidence of diseases and fatalities. Medicinal plants, renowned for their abundance in secondary metabolites, exhibit proven efficacy in inhibiting various foodborne and zoonotic pathogens, presenting sustainable alternatives to ensure food safety. This review aims to synthesize recent insights from peer-reviewed journals on the epidemiology and antimicrobial resistance of Campylobacter species, elucidate the in vitro antibacterial activity of medicinal plant compounds against Campylobacter by delineating underlying mechanisms, and explore the application of these compounds in controlling Campylobacter in food. Additionally, we discuss recent advancements and future prospects of employing medicinal plant compounds in food products to mitigate foodborne pathogens, particularly Campylobacter. In conclusion, we argue that medicinal plant compounds can be used as effective and sustainable sources for developing new antimicrobial alternatives to counteract the dissemination of MDR Campylobacter strains.