Work

Real-time Detection of Foodborne Pathogens and Biofilm in the Food Processing Environment with Bactiscan, A Macro-scale Fluorescence Device

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: CFU by ATP swab testing, where Bactiscan detection limits were defined by the concentration at which 50% of the samples were observed under illumination of the device. Heat-killed and chlorine-stressed E. coli and S. enterica caused a 2-log reduction in detection by ATP swab tests (p ≤ 0.05), while detection by Bactiscan was unaffected (p ≥ 0.05). Pathogen biofilms were detectable via Bactiscan with >80% accuracy at 4 days of growth; E. coli and L. monocytogenes biofilms were visible at 2 days of growth. In situ contamination studies determined that Bactiscan can detect microbial contamination on chicken, salmon, and yoghurt samples with stronger fluorescence than a competitor's UV torch. The presence of one of the pathogens on the food samples was confirmed by metagenome sequencing, determining that S. aureus was present in 7 samples out of 9 with a relative abundance of >0.5%. These data demonstrate that Bactiscan can effectively detect bacteria present in the food processing environment and can complement existing technologies to improve food industry cleaning practices and infection prevention.

Source: Journal of Food Protection

DOI: 10.1016/j.jfp.2025.100511

Authors: Callum Highmore, Kirsty Cooper, Joe Parker, Joshua Robinson, Roberto Castangia, Jeremy S. Webb

Institution: University of Southampton

Language: English

Topic: Food Safety and Hygiene

Subfield: Food Science

Field: Agricultural and Biological Sciences

Domain: Life Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,300