Live cells test for food pathogens

West Lafayette, Ind. -- Food scientists at Purdue University in Indiana have developed technology that uses live cells to detect food-borne pathogens and toxins.

The technique, which can screen thousands of food and water samples for several dangerous food-borne pathogens in as little as an hour, has potential biosecurity and food safety applications, Purdue food scientist Arun Bhunia said Friday in a release.

Researchers said the technology uses live mammalian cells that release a measurable amount of a signaling chemical when harmed. Optical equipment and computer software can then analyze this quantity to estimate the amount of harmful microbes present.

"For food safety and biosecurity purposes, you need a quick test -- a first line of defense -- to be able to tell if there is something pathogenic in the food or water," Bhunia said. The technology can recognize very small amounts of Listeria monocytogenes and several species of Bacillus.

A report on the research is published in the February issue of the journal Laboratory Investigation.

Copyright 2008 by United Press International.