Immunochromatographic strip test for detection of genus Cronobacter

Lateral flow assay of pathogenic viruses and bacteria in healthcare

Healthcare-associated pathogenic viruses and bacteria can have a serious impact on human health and have attracted widespread global attention. The lateral flow assay is a unidirectional detection based on the binding of a target analyte and a bioreceptor on the device via lateral flow. With incredible advantages over traditional chromatographic methods, such as rapid detection, ease of manufacture and cost effectiveness, these test strips are increasingly considered the ideal form for point-of-care applications. This review explores lateral flow assays for pathogenic viruses and bacteria, with a particular focus on methodologies, device components, construction methods, and applications. We anticipate that this review could provide exciting opportunities for developing new lateral flow devices for pathogens and advance related healthcare applications.

Development of Au8 nanocluster-based fluorescent strip immunosensor for sensitive detection of aflatoxin B1

Gold clusters with intriguing chemical/physical properties have great promise in applications such as sensing and bio-imaging due to their fascinating photoluminescence character. In this study, an immunofluorescence sensor based on levonorgestrel protected atomically precise Au₈ nanocluster (Au₈NC) for aflatoxin B₁ (AFB₁) detection was fabricated due to its strong carcinogenic and mutagenic effect on humans. The prepared polymer-Au₈NC nanospheres displayed bright luminescence and good stability in aqueous solution. The obtained AFB₁ fluorescent strip immunosensor achieved quantitative point-of-care detection of AFB₁ in less than 15 min, with high selectivity and detection limits down to 0.27 ng/mL. In addition, the recovery rates of AFB₁ from tea soup ranged from 96% to 105% with relative standard deviations less than 10%. This work not only realized high-sensitively fluorescent sensing for AFB₁, but also expanded the bio-applications of atomic-precise metal clusters.

Cronobacter Species in the Built Food Production Environment: A Review on Persistence, Pathogenicity, Regulation and Detection Methods

The powdered formula market is large and growing, with sales and manufacturing increasing by 120% between 2012 and 2021. With this growing market, there must come an increasing emphasis on maintaining a high standard of hygiene to ensure a safe product. In particular, Cronobacter species pose a risk to public health through their potential to cause severe illness in susceptible infants who consume contaminated powdered infant formula (PIF). Assessment of this risk is dependent on determining prevalence in PIF-producing factories, which can be challenging to measure with the heterogeneity observed in the design of built process facilities. There is also a potential risk of bacterial growth occurring during rehydration, given the observed persistence of Cronobacter in desiccated conditions. In addition, novel detection methods are emerging to effectively track and monitor Cronobacter species across the food chain. This review will explore the different vehicles that lead to Cronobacter species' environmental persistence in the food production environment, as well as their pathogenicity, detection methods and the regulatory framework surrounding PIF manufacturing that ensures a safe product for the global consumer.

Carbon black as a colorimetric label for an immunochromatographic test strip for severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome virus detection

To combat the ongoing threat posed by severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome virus (SFTSV), especially in underserved areas, there is an urgent need for an affordable and reliable point-of-care diagnostic tool. This study presents a carbon black-based immunochromatographic test strip (CB-ICTS) for the detection of SFTSV, which is both quick and easy to operate. The study optimized the specific steps for carbon black-labeled antibodies, as well as the amount of carbon black and anti-SFTSV antibody used. Under optimal experimental conditions, the linear range and limit of detection of the CB-ICTS were evaluated using different concentrations of SFTSV standard samples. The detection range of the CB-ICTS for SFTSV was found to be 0.1-1000 ng mL^-1, with a limit of detection of 100 pg mL^-1. The precision and accuracy of the CB-ICTS were assessed by examining spiked healthy human serum samples, which displayed recoveries ranging from 91.58 to 105.4% with a coefficient of variation of less than 11%. This work evaluated the specificity of the CB-ICTS using various biomarkers (CA125, AFP, CA199, CEA, and HCG) and demonstrated that the CB-ICTS is highly specific for detecting SFTSV, suggesting its potential for the early diagnosis of SFTSV. In addition, the study evaluated the CB-ICTS in serum samples from patients with SFTSV, and the results were highly consistent with those detected by the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method. Overall, this study demonstrates the feasibility and effectiveness of using the CB-ICTS as a reliable point-of-care diagnostic tool for the early detection of SFTSV.

Rapid quantitative detection of Klebsiella pneumoniae in infants with severe infection disease by point-of-care immunochromatographic technique based on nanofluorescent microspheres

Background: Klebsiella pneumoniae (KP, K. pneumoniae) is one of the most important nosocomial pathogens that cause severe respiratory infections. As evolutionary high-toxic strains with drug resistance genes increase year by year, the infections caused by it are often accompanied by high mortality, which may be fatal to infants and can cause invasive infections in healthy adults. At present, the traditional clinical methods for detecting K. pneumoniae are cumbersome and time-consuming, and the accuracy and sensitivity are not high. In this study, nanofluorescent microsphere (nFM)-based immunochromatographic test strip (ICTS) quantitative testing platform were developed for point-of-care testing (POCT) method of K. pneumoniae. Methods: 19 clinical samples of infants were collected, the genus-specific gene of mdh was screened from K. pneumoniae. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) combined with nFM-ICTS based on magnetic purification assay (PCR-ICTS) and strand exchange amplification (SEA) combined with nFM-ICTS based on magnetic purification assay (SEA-ICTS) were developed for the quantitative detection of K. pneumoniae. The sensitivity and specificity of SEA-ICTS and PCR-ICTS were demonstrated by the existing used classical microbiological methods, the real-time fluorescent quantitative PCR (RTFQ-PCR) and PCR assay based on agarose gel electrophoresis (PCR-GE). Results: Under optimum working conditions, the detection limits of PCR-GE, RTFQ-PCR, PCR-ICTS and SEA-ICTS are 7.7 × 10^-3, 2.5 × 10^-6, 7.7 × 10^-6, 2.82 × 10^-7 ng/μL, respectively. The SEA-ICTS and PCR-ICTS assays can quickly identify K. pneumoniae, and could specifically distinguish K. pneumoniae samples from non-K. pneumoniae samples. Experiments have shown a diagnostic agreement of 100% between immunochromatographic test strip methods and the traditional clinical methods on the detection of clinical samples. During the purification process, the Silicon coated magnetic nanoparticles (Si-MNPs) were used to removed false positive results effectively from the products, which showed of great screening ability. The SEA-ICTS method was developed based on PCR-ICTS, which is a more rapid (20 min), low-costed method compared with PCR-ICTS assay for the detection of K. pneumoniae in infants. Only need a cheap thermostatic water bath and takes a short detection time, this new method can potentially serve as an efficient point-of-care testing method for on-site detection of pathogens and disease outbreaks without fluorescent polymerase chain reaction instruments and professional technicians operation.

Highly sensitive and portable mRNA detection platform for early cancer detection

Pancreatic cancer, at unresectable advanced stages, presents poor prognoses, which could be prevented by early pancreatic cancer diagnosis methods. Recently, a promising early-stage pancreatic cancer biomarker, extracellular vesicles (EVs) related glypican-1 (GPC1) mRNA, is found to overexpress in pancreatic cancer cells. Current mRNA detection methods usually require expensive machinery, strict preservation environments, and time-consuming processes to guarantee detection sensitivity, specificity, and stability. Herein, we propose a novel two-step amplification method (CHAGE) via the target triggered Catalytic Hairpin Assembly strategy combined with Gold-Enhanced point-of-care-testing (POCT) technology for sensitive visual detection of pancreatic cancer biomarker. First, utilizing the catalyzed hairpin DNA circuit, low expression of the GPC1 mRNA was changed into amplification product 1 (AP1, a DNA duplex) as the next detection targets of the paper strips. Second, the AP1 was loaded onto a lateral flow assay and captured with the gold signal nanoparticles to visualize results. Finally, the detected results can be further enhanced by depositing gold to re-enlarge the sizes of gold nanoparticles in detection zones. As a result, the CHAGE methodology lowers the detection limit of mRNA to 100 fM and provides results within 2 h at 37 °C. Furthermore, we demonstrate the successful application in discriminating pancreatic cancer cells by analyzing EVs' GPC1 mRNA expression levels. Hence, the CHAGE methodology proposed here provides a rapid and convenient POCT platform for sensitive detection of mRNAs through unique probes designs (COVID, HPV, etc.).

End-point dual specific detection of nucleic acids using CRISPR/Cas12a based portable biosensor

A CRISPR/Cas12a based portable biosensor (Cas12a-PB) was developed to simultaneously visually detect CaMV35S promoter and Lectin gene from genetically modified (GM) soybean powders (Roundup Ready@). The Cas12a-PB, mainly made of polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) and PMMA tape, has a connection structure, three channels and three detection chambers. The CRISPR/Cas12a detection reagents were preloaded in detection chambers and the reaction tube was connected to the connection structure by screw threads. After amplification, the amplicons were gone into three detection chambers by swinging the Cas12a-PB to conduct dual detection. Positive samples would produce green fluorescence while negative samples were black under the irradiation of 490 nm LED light. In this study, the Cas12a-PB successively combined with ordinary PCR, rapid PCR and loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) to achieve dual detection, which made detection process more convenient and portable. As low as 0.1% transgenic ingredients in soybean powders could be detected and the specificity of Cas12a-PB was confirmed with GM maize powders (MON810, GA21), GM soybean powders (DP305423), non-GM peanut and rice as targets. In the end, an amplification chamber combining with Cas12a-PB on a PMMA chip was further designed to eliminate the use of reaction tube and mineral oil, which made operation simpler. The established Cas12a-PB would provide a new reliable solution for multiple targets detection in clinic diagnostics, food safety, etc.

A signal cascade amplification strategy based on RT-PCR triggering of a G-quadruplex DNAzyme for a novel electrochemical detection of viable Cronobacter sakazakii

Cronobacter sakazakii is an important opportunistic food-borne pathogen, and it can cause severe diseases with main symptoms including neonatal meningitis, necrotizing enterocolitis, and sepsis. For the achievement of practical and convenient detection of viable C. sakazakii, a simple and robust strategy based on the cascade signal amplification of RT-PCR triggered G-quadruplex DNAzyme catalyzed reaction was firstly used to develop an effective and sensitive DNAzyme electrochemical assay. Without viable C. sakazakii in the samples there are no RT-PCR and DNAzyme products, which can cause a weak electrochemical response. Once viable C. sakazakii exists in the samples, an obvious enhancement of the electrochemical response can be achieved after the target signal is amplified by RT-PCR and the resulting DNAzyme, which catalyze the oxidation of 3,3',5,5'-tetramethylbenzidine (TMB) by H₂O₂ with the assistance of the cofactor hemin. Our novel assay can be performed in a range of 2.4 × 10⁷ CFU mL^-1 to 3.84 × 10⁴ CFU mL^-1 (R² = 0.9863), with a detection limit of 5.01 × 10² CFU mL^-1. Through the assay of 15 real samples, electrochemical detection assay provided the same results as conventional detection methods. Therefore, detection of viable C. sakazakii based on G-quadruplex DNAzyme electrochemical assay with RT-PCR demonstrates the significant advantages of high sensitivity, low cost and simple manipulation over existing approaches and offers an opportunity for potential application in pathogen detection.

Rapid and sensitive detection of Shigella flexneri using fluorescent microspheres as label for immunochromatographic test strip

Background

Bacillary dysentery caused by Shigella genus is a major cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. In China, the popular strain was mainly Shigella flexneri (S. flexneri). Therefore, fluorescent microspheres (FMs)-based immunochromatographic test strip (ICTS), as a novel, reliable, sensitive and uncomplicated method, was evaluated to detect S. flexneri.

Methods

Sixty-three clinical samples of S. flexneri were collected in this paper. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) combined with FMs-ICTS based on magnetic purification assay was developed for the quantitative detection of Shigella. And the genus-specific gene of ipaH and drug resistant gene of CTX-M-9 from Shigella were selected to investigate the potential of this new method. The sensitivity and specificity of this method were demonstrated by classical microbiological methods (API Coryne System), PCR assay based on agarose gel electrophoresis (PCR-GE) and the real-time fluorescent quantitative PCR (RTFQ-PCR) method.

Results

Under optimized conditions, the lower detection limits of PCR-ICTS, PCR-GE and RTFQ-PCR were 2.5×10^-7, 2.5×10^-5 and the 3.2×10^-7 ng/µL, respectively. Experiments demonstrated the PCR-ICTS has a diagnostic agreement of 100% with conventional PCR and RTFQ-PCR on detection of clinical samples and could correctly recognize Shigella and non-Shigella from different microbial samples. After the purification of PCR products with Silicon coated magnetic nanoparticles (Si-MNPs), the false positive results were removed because of the strong screening ability of the purification process. Our results showed that FM-based ICTS was promising for measurable and sensitive detection of S. flexneri within 3 h.

Conclusions

The results from immunochromatographic test were agreement with those from API Coryne system and RTFQ-PCR. Hence, this developed method might be useful for screening and monitoring clinical sample of S. flexneri, due to its speed, non-poisonous, simplicity and low-cost and helpful for promoting the prevention and control of communicable diseases caused by enteric pathogens such as S. flexneri.

Cronobacter Species in Powdered Infant Formula and Their Detection Methods

Cronobacter species have been associated with disease outbreaks and sporadic infections, particularly in premature and immunocompromised infants. Cronobacter species can cause foodborne infections such as neonatal meningitis, septicaemia and necrotising enterocolitis. Accordingly, there is an urgent need to control and monitor the Cronobacter species in food, especially in powdered infant formula (PIF) and other baby foods. Therefore, in this review, the isolation and prevalence of Cronobacter species in infant food including PIF and the recent advance of detection methods are discussed for the better understanding on the current research status of Cronobacter species.

Recent advances in nanoparticle-based lateral flow immunoassay as a point-of-care diagnostic tool for infectious agents and diseases

Recent advances in lateral flow immunoassay-based devices as a point-of-care analytical tool for the detection of infectious diseases are reviewed.

Multiplexed Lateral Flow Test for Detection and Differentiation of Cronobacter sakazakii Serotypes O1 and O2

The ubiquitous and opportunistic pathogen Cronobacter sakazakii is responsible for severe meningitis, sepsis, and necrotizing enterocolitis in neonates and infants associated with ingestion of contaminated powdered infant formula (PIF). The current ISO method for isolation and detection of Cronobacter spp. is laborious, time-consuming and expensive. In this study, a multiplexed lateral flow test strip was developed to rapidly detect and simultaneously serotype O1 and O2 C. sakazakii serotypes. The assay is based on two monoclonal antibodies (MAb) that specifically bind to the lipopolysaccharides (LPS) of these pathogens. The test strip provides results very quickly; C. sakazakii could be detected in pure culture within 15 min with a sensitivity of 107 CFU/ml. After non-selective enrichment for 18 h as low as one Cronobacter cell per g PIF could be detected. Moreover, the established lateral flow assay (LFA) offers excellent specificity showing no cross-reactivity with other C. sakazakii serotypes, Cronobacter species or Enterobacteriaceae tested. These characteristics, together with several advantages such as speed, simplicity in performance, low analysis cost, and no requirement of specialized skills or sophisticated equipment make the developed multiplexed LFA suitable for reliable detection and serotyping of C. sakazakii serotypes O1 and O2.

Graphene oxide and carboxylated graphene oxide: Viable two-dimensional nanolabels for lateral flow immunoassays

Graphene oxide (GO) and carboxylated GO were used as labels for lateral flow immunoassays, instead of the conventionally used colloidal gold and colored latex labels. A sensor is demonstrated that enables fast screening for aflatoxin B₁ (AFB₁) as a model analyte using the antibody-GO complex as the recognition element. The visual limit of detection and cut-off value for AFB₁ are 0.3 and 1ng/mL, respectively. It is shown that GO and carboxylated GO are viable black labels for use in lateral flow assays, one typical advantage being the saving cost (compared to the use of colloidal gold). Qualitative results are achieved within 15min, and the analytical results were in good agreement with the reference LC MS/MS method. The method was successfully applied to the on-site determination of AFB₁ in agricultural products. In our perception, it opens new possibilities for the screening of other toxins by lateral flow immunoassays using GO and carboxylated GO as labels.

Detection of Cronobacter sakazakii in powdered infant formula using an immunoliposome-based immunomagnetic concentration and separation assay

This study aimed to optimize the applicability of an immunoliposome-based immunomagnetic concentration and separation assay to facilitate rapid detection of Cronobacter sakazakii in powdered infant formula (PIF). To determine the detection limit, specificity, and pre-enrichment incubation time (0, 4, 6, and 8 h), assay tests were performed with different cell numbers of C. sakazakii (2 × 10⁰ and 2 × 10¹ CFU/ml) inoculated in 10 g of PIF. The assay was able to detect as few as 2 cells of C. sakazakii/10 g of PIF sample after 6 h of pre-enrichment incubation with an assay time of 2 h 30 min. The assay was assessed for cross-reactivity with other bacterial strains and exhibited strong specificity to C. sakazakii. Moreover, the assay method was applied to the detection of C. sakazakii in PIF without pre-enrichment steps, and the results were compared with INC-ELISA and RT-PCR. The developed method was able to detect C. sakazakii in spiked PIF without pre-enrichment, whereas INC-ELISA failed to detect C. sakazakii. In addition, when compared with the results obtained with RT-PCR, our developed assay required lesser detection time. The developed assay was also not susceptible to any effect of the food matrix or background contaminant microflora.

Detection of Cronobacter Genus in Powdered Infant Formula by Enzyme-linked Immunosorbent Assay Using Anti-Cronobacter Antibody

Cronobacter species (Cronobacter spp.) are hazardous foodborne pathogens associated with baby food, powdered infant formula (PIF). To develop a rapid and sensitive method for simultaneous detection of seven Cronobacter spp. in PIF, an indirect non-competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (INC-ELISA) was developed based on a novel immunoglobulin G (IgG), anti-Cronobacter IgG. The developed INC-ELISA was able to detect seven Cronobacter spp. at concentrations ranging from (5.6 ± 0.30) × 10(3) to (2.1 ± 0.01) × 10(5) colony forming unit (CFU)/mL in pure culture. Further, INC-ELISA employing anti-Cronobacter IgG was applicable for analysis of PIF samples contaminated with less than <10 cells of Cronobacter spp. per 25 g of PIF in 36 h. The developed antibody showed slight cross-reactivity with Franconibacter pulveris (LMG 24057) at high concentration (10(8) CFU/mL). The INC-ELISA method displayed excellent specificity without compromising cross-reactivity with other foodborne pathogens. The INC-ELISA assay method developed in this study using a novel anti-Cronobacter IgG facilitated highly sensitive, efficient, and rapid detection of Cronobacter spp. in baby food.

Rapid detection of Cronobacter sakazakii by real-time PCR based on the cgcA gene and TaqMan probe with internal amplification control

Cronobacter sakazakii is a severe virulent strain that is frequently detected in powdered infant formula (PIF). Therefore, it is necessary to develop a fast and specific detection method. The specificity of our newly developed quantitative real-time PCR (qRT–PCR) was validated with DNA from 46 strains. Among them, 12 C. sakazakii strains were correctly amplified, whereas no positive florescent signal was observed from 34 nontarget controls. The detection limit of C. sakazakii was about 110 CFU/mL in broth and 1100 CFU/g in PIF. After enrichment in buffered peptone water for 6 h, our developed qRT–PCR assay could reliably detect C. sakazakii when the inoculation level was as low as 2 CFU/25 g (0.08 CFU/g) in PIF. The growth of C. sakazakii could be inhibited by the presence of Lactobacillus pentosus and Bacillus cereus, which used a longer enrichment period before the isolation was accomplished. However, at 5 and 50 CFU/25 g inoculation levels of C. sakazakii in the presence of 4 × 106 CFU L. pentosus/25 g or of 2 × 104 CFU B. cereus/25 g, the qRT–PCR assay could detect the presence of Cronobacter even though these artificially spiked samples were negative in culture. Therefore, our results indicated that the qRT–PCR assay could detect samples containing inhibitors and could avoid false negatives by using an internal amplification control.

An Anti-proteome Nanobody Library Approach Yields a Specific Immunoassay for Trypanosoma congolense Diagnosis Targeting Glycosomal Aldolase

BACKGROUND

Infectious diseases pose a severe worldwide threat to human and livestock health. While early diagnosis could enable prompt preventive interventions, the majority of diseases are found in rural settings where basic laboratory facilities are scarce. Under such field conditions, point-of-care immunoassays provide an appropriate solution for rapid and reliable diagnosis. The limiting steps in the development of the assay are the identification of a suitable target antigen and the selection of appropriate high affinity capture and detection antibodies. To meet these challenges, we describe the development of a Nanobody (Nb)-based antigen detection assay generated from a Nb library directed against the soluble proteome of an infectious agent. In this study, Trypanosoma congolense was chosen as a model system.

METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS

An alpaca was vaccinated with whole-parasite soluble proteome to generate a Nb library from which the most potent T. congolense specific Nb sandwich immunoassay (Nb474H-Nb474B) was selected. First, the Nb474-homologous sandwich ELISA (Nb474-ELISA) was shown to detect experimental infections with high Positive Predictive Value (98%), Sensitivity (87%) and Specificity (94%). Second, it was demonstrated under experimental conditions that the assay serves as test-of-cure after Berenil treatment. Finally, this assay allowed target antigen identification. The latter was independently purified through immuno-capturing from (i) T. congolense soluble proteome, (ii) T. congolense secretome preparation and (iii) sera of T. congolense infected mice. Subsequent mass spectrometry analysis identified the target as T. congolense glycosomal aldolase.

CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE

The results show that glycosomal aldolase is a candidate biomarker for active T. congolense infections. In addition, and by proof-of-principle, the data demonstrate that the Nb strategy devised here offers a unique approach to both diagnostic development and target discovery that could be widely applied to other infectious diseases.

Development of a dry-reagent-based nucleic acid-sensing platform by coupling thermostabilised LATE-PCR assay to an oligonucleotide-modified lateral flow biosensor

In this study, we report for the first time the development of a dry-reagent-based nucleic acid-sensing platform by combining a thermostabilised linear-after-the-exponential (LATE)-PCR assay with a one-step, hybridisation-based nucleic acid lateral flow biosensor. The nucleic acid-sensing platform was designed to overcome the need for stringent temperature control during transportation or storage of reagents and reduces the dependency on skilled personnel by decreasing the overall assay complexity and hands-on time. The platform was developed using toxigenic Vibrio cholerae as the model organism due to the bacterium's propensity to cause epidemic and pandemic cholera. The biosensor generates result which can be visualised with the naked eyes and the limit of detection was found to be 1pg of pure genomic DNA and 10CFU/ml of toxigenic V. cholerae. The dry-reagent-based nucleic acid-sensing platform was challenged with 95 toxigenic V. cholerae, 7 non-toxigenic V. cholerae and 66 other bacterial strains in spiked stool sample and complete agreement was observed when the results were compared to that of monosialoganglioside (GM1)-ELISA. Heat-stability of the thermostabilised LATE-PCR reaction mixes at different storage temperatures (4-56°C) was investigated for up to 90days. The dry-reagent-based genosensing platform with ready-to-use assay components provides an alternative method for sequence-specific detection of nucleic acid without any cold chain restriction that is associated with conventional molecular amplification techniques.

A Review of Membrane-Based Biosensors for Pathogen Detection

Biosensors are of increasing interest for the detection of bacterial pathogens in many applications such as human, animal and plant health, as well as food and water safety. Membranes and membrane-like structures have been integral part of several pathogen detection platforms. Such structures may serve as simple mechanical support, function as a part of the transduction mechanism, may be used to filter out or concentrate pathogens, and may be engineered to specifically house active proteins. This review focuses on membrane materials, their associated biosensing applications, chemical linking procedures, and transduction mechanisms. The sensitivity of membrane biosensors is discussed, and the state of the field is evaluated and summarized.

Development of colloidal gold immunochromatographic strips for detection of Riemerella anatipestifer

Riemerella anatipestifer is one of the most important bacterial pathogen of ducks and causes a contagious septicemia. R. anatipestifer infection causes serositis syndromes similar to other bacterial infections in ducks, including infection by Escherichia coli, Salmonella enterica and Pasteurella multocida. Clinically differentiating R. anatipestifer infections from other bacterial pathogen infections is usually difficult. In this study, MAb 1G2F10, a monoclonal antibody against R. anatipestifer GroEL, was used to develop a colloidal gold immunochromatographic strip. Colloidal gold particles were prepared by chemical synthesis to an average diameter of 20 ± 5.26 nm by transmission electron microscope imaging. MAb 1G2F10 was conjugated to colloidal gold particles and the formation of antibody-colloidal gold conjugates was monitored by UV/Vis spectroscopy. Immunochromatographic strips were assembled in regular sequence through different accessories sticked on PVC plate. Strips specifically detected R. anatipestifer within 10 min, but did not detect E. coli, S. enterica and P. multocida. The detection limit for R. anatipestifer was 1 × 10(6) colony forming units, which was 500 times higher than a conventional agglutination test. Accuracy was 100% match to multiplex PCR. Assay stability and reproducibility were excellent after storage at 4°C for 6 months. The immunochromatographic strips prepared in this study offer a specific, sensitive, and rapid detection method for R. anatipestifer, which is of great importance for the prevention and control of R. anatipestifer infections.

A highly sensitive ELISA and immunochromatographic strip for the detection of Salmonella typhimurium in milk samples

Murine monoclonal antibodies to target Salmonella typhimurium flagellin and lipopolysaccharide (LPS) were prepared and characterized. For the immunological detection of S. typhimurium, different pairs of monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) were tested in a sandwich enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) format. After comparison, a sandwich ELISA and immunochromatographic strip based on LPS MAbs was established to detect S. typhimurium. The determination limits of the immunochromatographic strip in phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) containing 0.1% Tween 20 (PBST) and pure milk sample were found to be 1.25 × 10⁵ colony-forming units (cfu)/mL and 1.25 × 10⁶ cfu/mL S. typhimurium, respectively. Results can be obtained with the naked eye in 10 min. Cross-reactivity was observed with Salmonella paratyphi B, but not S. paratyphi A or Salmonella enteritidis. The LPS MAbs based immunochromatographic strip is rapid and convenient to detect S. typhimurium in milk samples.

Novel strategies to enhance lateral flow immunoassay sensitivity for detecting foodborne pathogens

Food contaminated by foodborne pathogens causes diseases, affects individuals, and even kills those affected individuals. As such, rapid and sensitive detection methods should be developed to screen pathogens in food. One current detection method is lateral flow immunoassay, an efficient technique because of several advantages, including rapidity, simplicity, stability, portability, and sensitivity. This review presents the format and principle of lateral flow immunoassay strip and the development of conventional lateral flow immunoassay for detecting foodborne pathogens. Furthermore, novel strategies that can be applied to enhance the sensitivity of lateral flow immunoassay to detect foodborne pathogens are presented; these strategies include innovating new label application, designing new formats of lateral flow immunoassay, combining with other methods, and developing signal amplification systems. With these advancements, detection sensitivity and detection time can be greatly improved.

Microfluidic platform towards point-of-care diagnostics in infectious diseases

Rapid and timely diagnosis of infectious diseases is a critical determinant of clinical outcomes and general public health. For the detection of various pathogens, microfluidics-based platforms offer many advantages, including speed, cost, portability, high throughput, and automation. This review provides an overview of the recent advances in microfluidic technologies for point-of-care (POC) diagnostics for infectious diseases. The key aspects of such technologies for the development of a fully integrated POC platform are introduced, including sample preparation, on-chip nucleic acid analysis and immunoassay, and system integration/automation. The current challenges to practical implementation of this technology are discussed together with future perspectives.

Immunochromatographic assay for ultrasensitive detection of aflatoxin B₁ in maize by highly luminescent quantum dot beads

Highly luminescent quantum dot beads (QBs) were synthesized by encapsulating CdSe/ZnS and used for the first time as immunochromatographic assay (ICA) signal amplification probe for ultrasensitive detection of aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) in maize. The challenges to using high brightness QBs as probes for ICA are smooth flow of QBs and nonspecific binding on nitrocellulose (NC) membrane, which are overcome by unique polymer encapsulation of quantum dots (QDs) and surface blocking method. Under optimal conditions, the QB-based ICA (QB-ICA) sensor exhibited dynamic linear detection of AFB1 in maize extract from 5 to 60 pg mL(-1), with a median inhibitory concentration (IC50) of 13.87 ± 0.16 pg mL(-1), that is significantly (39-fold) lower than those of the QD as a signal probe (IC50 = 0.54 ± 0.06 ng mL(-1)). The limit of detection (LOD) for AFB1 using QB-ICA sensor was 0.42 pg mL(-1) in maize extract, which is approximately 2 orders of magnitude better than those of previously reported gold nanoparticle based immunochromatographic assay (AuNP-ICA) and is even comparable with or better than the conventional enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) method. The performance and practicability of our QB-ICA sensor were validated with a commercial ELISA kit and further confirmed with liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). Given its efficient signal amplification performance, the proposed QB-ICA offers great potential for rapid, sensitive, and cost-effective quantitative detection of analytes in food safety monitoring.

Immunochromatographic strip assay for the rapid and sensitive detection ofSalmonellaTyphimurium in artificially contaminated tomato samples

This study was designed to confirm the applicability of a liposome-based immunochromatographic assay for the rapid detection of Salmonella enterica subsp. enterica serovar Typhimurium (Salmonella Typhimurium) in artificially contaminated tomato samples. To determine the detection limit and pre-enrichment incubation time (10, 12, and 18 h pre-enrichment in 1% buffered peptone water), the tests were performed with different cell numbers of Salmonella Typhimurium (3 × 100, 3 × 101, 3 × 102, and 3 × 103CFU·mL−1) inoculated into 25 g of crushed tomato samples. The assay was able to detect as few as 30 Salmonella Typhimurium cells per 25 g of tomato samples (1.2 cells·g−1) after 12 h pre-enrichment incubation. Moreover, when the developed assay was compared with traditional morphological and biochemical culture-based methods as well as colloidal gold nanoparticle-based commercial test strips, the developed assay yielded positive results for the detection of Salmonella Typhimurium within a shorter period time. These findings confirm that the developed assay may have practical application for the sensitive detection of Salmonella Typhimurium in various food samples, including raw vegetables, with a relatively low detection limit and shorter analysis time.

Paper-based nanobiosensors for diagnostics

In this review we discuss how nanomaterials can be integrated in diagnostic paper-based biosensors for the detection of proteins, nucleic acids and cells. In particular first the different types and properties of paper-based nanobiosensors and nanomaterials are briefly explained. Then several examples of their application in diagnostics of several biomarkers are reported. Finally our opinions regarding future trends in this field are discussed.

Development of an immunochromatographic assay based on carbon nanoparticles for the determination of the phytoregulator forchlorfenuron

Rapid analytical methods enabling the determination of diverse targets are essential in a number of research areas, from clinical diagnostics to feed and food quality and safety. Herein, the development of a quantitative immunochromatographic assay for the detection of the synthetic phytoregulator forchlorfenuron (CPPU) is described. The competitive lateral flow immunoassay (LFIA) was based on the immobilization onto a nitrocellulose membrane of an ovalbumin-CPPU conjugate (test line) and on the use of an immunodetection ligand consisting of carbon nanoparticles labeled with an anti-CPPU monoclonal antibody through interaction with a secondary antibody. The presence of CPPU in horticultural samples was visually interpreted by the decrease in the black signal intensity of the test line, according to the competitive character of the format. The quantitative determination of the analyte was easily performed by a two-step procedure consisting of flatbed scanning of the strips followed by computer-based image analysis of the pixel gray volumes of the test lines. Under optimized conditions, the immunochromatographic test afforded a limit of quantification in buffer of 89 ng/L. The accuracy of the strip test was assessed by the analysis of fruit samples with incurred residues, and the obtained results were compared with those derived from two reference methods, ELISA and HPLC. The LOQ of the CPPU-specific LFIA in kiwifruits and grapes was established at 33.4 μg/kg. The excellent analytical performance of the developed strip test demonstrates the potential of immunochromatographic assays for the quantitative monitoring of small organic molecules in complex matrices.

Ambient temperature detection of PCR amplicons with a novel sequence-specific nucleic acid lateral flow biosensor

In the field of diagnostics, molecular amplification targeting unique genetic signature sequences has been widely used for rapid identification of infectious agents, which significantly aids physicians in determining the choice of treatment as well as providing important epidemiological data for surveillance and disease control assessment. We report the development of a rapid nucleic acid lateral flow biosensor (NALFB) in a dry-reagent strip format for the sequence-specific detection of single-stranded polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplicons at ambient temperature (22-25°C). The NALFB was developed in combination with a linear-after-the-exponential PCR assay and the applicability of this biosensor was demonstrated through detection of the cholera toxin gene from diarrheal-causing toxigenic Vibrio cholerae. Amplification using the advanced asymmetric PCR boosts the production of fluorescein-labeled single-stranded amplicons, allowing capture probes immobilized on the NALFB to hybridize specifically with complementary targets in situ on the strip. Subsequent visual formation of red lines is achieved through the binding of conjugated gold nanoparticles to the fluorescein label of the captured amplicons. The visual detection limit observed with synthetic target DNA was 0.3 ng and 1 pg with pure genomic DNA. Evaluation of the NALFB with 164 strains of V. cholerae and non-V. cholerae bacteria recorded 100% for both sensitivity and specificity. The whole procedure of the low-cost NALFB, which is performed at ambient temperature, eliminates the need for preheated buffers or additional equipment, greatly simplifying the protocol for sequence-specific PCR amplicon analysis.

Cronobacter spp. in powdered infant formula

Cronobacter species are opportunistic pathogens, and a mortality rate of 40 to 80% is associated with infections. This pathogen can cause a range of serious diseases such as meningitis, septicemia, necrotizing enterocolitis, and brain abscesses and has been responsible for a variety of sequelae such as quadriplegia. Although Cronobacter can cause disease in both adults and infants, infant infections associated with powdered formula are the focus of this review. Since the first reported Cronobacter infection outbreak in 1958, powdered infant formula has been identified as a major source of these outbreaks, resulting in many recalls of powdered infant formula worldwide. This contamination has created an immense problem for the powdered infant formula industry. In this review, we discuss the taxonomy of Cronobacter species, the natural habitat of Cronobacter and its presence in foods, the physiology, pathogenicity, and virulence of Cronobacter species, and available detection methods. We also discuss reported cases of Cronobacter infection linked to powdered infant formula consumption and then focus specifically on the official World Health Organization guidelines for preparation of powdered infant formula.