Parallel detection of multiple zoonotic parasites using a real-time fluorogenic loop-mediated isothermal amplification-based quadruple-sample microfluidic chip

New insights into the roles of fungi and bacteria in the development of medicinal plant

BACKGROUND

The interaction between microorganisms and medicinal plants is a popular topic. Previous studies consistently reported that microorganisms were mainly considered pathogens or contaminants. However, with the development of microbial detection technology, it has been demonstrated that fungi and bacteria affect beneficially the medicinal plant production chain.

AIM OF REVIEW

Microorganisms greatly affect medicinal plants, with microbial biosynthesis a high regarded topic in medicinal plant-microbial interactions. However, it lacks a systematic review discussing this relationship. Current microbial detection technologies also have certain advantages and disadvantages, it is essential to compare the characteristics of various technologies.

KEY SCIENTIFIC CONCEPTS OF REVIEW

This review first illustrates the role of fungi and bacteria in various medicinal plant production procedures, discusses the development of microbial detection and identification technologies in recent years, and concludes with microbial biosynthesis of natural products. The relationship between fungi, bacteria, and medicinal plants is discussed comprehensively. We also propose a future research model and direction for further studies.

Development and evaluation of a rapid visual loop-mediated isothermal amplification assay for the tcdA gene in Clostridioides difficile detection

Background

The tcdA gene codes for an important toxin produced by Clostridioides difficile (C. difficile), but there is currently no simple and cost-effective method of detecting it. This article establishes and validates a rapid and visual loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) assay for the detection of the tcdA gene.

Methods

Three sets of primers were designed and optimized to amplify the tcdA gene in C. difficile using a LAMP assay. To evaluate the specificity of the LAMP assay, C. difficile VPI10463 was used as a positive control, while 26 pathogenic bacterial strains lacking the tcdA gene and distilled water were utilized as negative controls. For sensitivity analysis, the LAMP assay was compared to PCR using ten-fold serial dilutions of DNA from C. difficile VPI10463, ranging from 207 ng/µl to 0.000207 pg/µl. The tcdA gene of C.difficile was detected in 164 stool specimens using both LAMP and polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Positive and negative results were distinguished using real-time monitoring of turbidity and chromogenic reaction.

Results

At a temperature of 66 °C, the target DNA was successfully amplified with a set of primers designated, and visualized within 60 min. Under the same conditions, the target DNA was not amplified with the tcdA12 primers for 26 pathogenic bacterial strains that do not carry the tcdA gene. The detection limit of LAMP was 20.700 pg/µl, which was 10 times more sensitive than that of conventional PCR. The detection rate of tcdA in 164 stool specimens using the LAMP method was 17% (28/164), significantly higher than the 10% (16/164) detection rate of the PCR method (X2 = 47, p < 0.01).

Conclusion

LAMP method is an effective technique for the rapid and visual detection of the tcdA gene of C. difficile, and shows potential advantages over PCR in terms of speed, simplicity, and sensitivity. The tcdA-LAMP assay is particularly suitable for medical diagnostic environments with limited resources and is a promising diagnostic strategy for the screening and detection of C. difficile infection in populations at high risk.

Research Progress on Detection of Pathogens in Medical Wastewater by Electrochemical Biosensors

The detection of pathogens in medical wastewater is crucial due to the high content of pathogenic microorganisms that pose significant risks to public health and the environment. Medical wastewater, which includes waste from infectious disease and tuberculosis facilities, as well as comprehensive medical institutions, contains a variety of pathogens such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites. Traditional detection methods like nucleic acid detection and immunological assays, while effective, are often time-consuming, expensive, and not suitable for rapid detection in underdeveloped areas. Electrochemical biosensors offer a promising alternative with advantages including simplicity, rapid response, portability, and low cost. This paper reviews the sources of pathogens in medical wastewater, highlighting specific bacteria (e.g., E. coli, Salmonella, Staphylococcus aureus), viruses (e.g., enterovirus, respiratory viruses, hepatitis virus), parasites, and fungi. It also discusses various electrochemical biosensing techniques such as voltammetry, conductometry, impedance, photoelectrochemical, and electrochemiluminescent biosensors. These technologies facilitate the rapid, sensitive, and specific detection of pathogens, thereby supporting public health and environmental safety. Future research may should pay more attention on enhancing sensor sensitivity and specificity, developing portable and cost-effective devices, and innovating detection methods for diverse pathogens to improve public health protection and environmental monitoring.

Recent advances in inspection technologies of food safety health hazards for fish and fish products

The development of reliable and sensitive detection methods is essential for addressing the escalating concerns surrounding fish and fish products, driven by increasing market demands. This comprehensive review presents recent advances in detection approaches, specifically focusing on microplastic, biological, and chemical hazards associated with these products. The overview encompasses 21 distinct detection methods, categorized based on the type of hazard they target. For microplastic hazards, six methods are visual, spectroscopic, and thermal analyses. Biological hazard identification relies on six approaches employing nucleic-acid sequence, immunological, and biosensor technologies. The investigation of chemical hazards encompasses ten methods, including chromatography, spectroscopy, mass spectrometry, immunological, biosensor, and electrochemical techniques. The review provides in-depth insights into the basic principles, general characteristics, and the recognized advantages and disadvantages of each method. Moreover, it elaborates on recent advancements within these methodologies. The concluding section of the review discusses current challenges and outlines future perspectives for these detection methods. Overall, this comprehensive summary not only serves as a guide for researchers involved in fish safety and quality control but also emphasizes the significance of staying abreast of evolving detection technologies to ensure the continued safety of fish and fish products in response to emerging food safety hazards.