3D-printed chip sensor enables foodborne pathogen detection

Occasionally, food products are recalled due to contamination. For consumers, such recalls can raise concerns about the safety and reliability of their food and beverages. Often, recalls happen too late to prevent some people from becoming ill.

Despite efforts by the food industry to combat pathogens, contamination still occurs, and people continue to get sick. This issue largely arises from the limitations of existing tools for detecting harmful pathogens, which are often insufficient to protect the public effectively.

In AIP Advances, a publication by AIP Publishing, researchers from Guangdong University of Technology and Pudong New District People’s Hospital introduced a new method for detecting foodborne pathogens. This method is faster, cheaper, and more effective than current techniques. The researchers aim to enhance screening processes and prevent contaminated food from reaching consumers.

Detecting contaminating pathogens remains a complex task even with the best methods available.

“Detecting these pathogens is challenging due to their diverse nature and the various environments in which they can thrive,” said author Silu Feng. “Additionally, low concentrations of pathogens in large food samples, the presence of similar non-pathogenic organisms, and the complex nature of different food types make accurate and rapid detection difficult.”

Existing detection methods, such as cell culture and DNA sequencing, present challenges for large-scale application. Since not every food batch can be thoroughly tested, some contaminants inevitably escape detection.

“Overall, these methods face limitations such as lengthy result times, the need for specialised equipment and trained personnel, and challenges in detecting multiple pathogens simultaneously, highlighting the need for improved detection techniques,” said Feng.

The researchers opted for a different strategy by designing a microfluidic chip that uses light to detect multiple pathogens simultaneously. This chip is produced using 3D printing, making it easy to manufacture in large quantities and adapt to target specific pathogens.

The chip is divided into four sections, each designed to detect a particular pathogen. When a pathogen is present in the sample, it binds to a detection surface and alters its optical properties. This setup allowed the researchers to quickly detect several common bacteria, including E. coli, salmonella, listeria, and S. aureus, at very low concentrations.

“This method can quickly and effectively detect multiple different pathogens, and the detection results are easy to interpret, significantly improving detection efficiency,” said Feng.

The team plans to continue refining their device to enhance its applicability for food screening.