Sutarlie, L., Chee, H. L., Ow, S. Y., & Su, X. (2024). A Rapid Total Bacterial Count Method for Food Samples using Syringe Filters and Lectin‐Conjugated Semiconductor Nanorods. Chemistry – An Asian Journal, 19(15). Portico. https://doi.org/10.1002/asia.202400332
Abstract:
Total bacterial count in food is one of important food safety criteria. The current plate count method (Heterotrophic Plate Count) for food analysis requires microbiology lab facilities and at least 2 days turnover time. We developed a rapid fluorescence‐based total bacterial count method that utilises semiconductor nanorods (SNRs) conjugated with a lectin Griffonia simplicifolia II (GSII‐SNRs) to stain bacterial cells captured on syringe filters, via the common N‐acetylglucosamine molecules on bacterial cell wall. This “Filter‐and‐Stain” detection method has a rapid turnover time of 20 min. The fluorescence emission can be seen under UV light with minimum interference from food sample background. The fluorescence intensity quantified through image analysis is proportional to the bacterial concentration with a limit of detection of 1000 CFU/mL, for total bacterial count assessment in food safety. Moreover, the GSII‐SNRs do not bind to heat inactivated bacterial cells, and thus can differentiate live and dead bacteria. Our method has been validated with representative food (coffee powder, raw spinach leaves, and ready‐to‐eat tomato salsa) to demonstrate its high potential for on‐site food safety assessment, especially in places with no immediate access to microbiology labs.
License type:
Publisher Copyright
Funding Info:
This work is supported by project IMRE/17-3R1305 (RCA).
Description:
This is the peer reviewed version of the following article: Sutarlie, L., Chee, H. L., Ow, S. Y., & Su, X. (2024). A Rapid Total Bacterial Count Method for Food Samples using Syringe Filters and Lectin‐Conjugated Semiconductor Nanorods. Chemistry – An Asian Journal, 19(15). Portico. https://doi.org/10.1002/asia.202400332, which has been published in final form at https://doi.org/10.1002/asia.202400332. This article may be used for non-commercial purposes in accordance with Wiley Terms and Conditions for Use of Self-Archived Versions. This article may not be enhanced, enriched or otherwise transformed into a derivative work, without express permission from Wiley or by statutory rights under applicable legislation. Copyright notices must not be removed, obscured or modified. The article must be linked to Wiley’s version of record on Wiley Online Library and any embedding, framing or otherwise making available the article or pages thereof by third parties from platforms, services and websites other than Wiley Online Library must be prohibited.