Electrochemical immunosensors for Salmonella detection in food.

Pathogen detection is a critical point for the identification and the prevention of problems related to food safety. Failures at detecting contaminations in food may cause outbreaks with drastic consequences to public health. In spite of the real need for obtaining analytical results in the shortest time possible, conventional methods may take several days to produce a diagnosis. Salmonella spp. is the major cause of foodborne diseases worldwide and its absence is a requirement of the health authorities. Biosensors are bioelectronic devices, comprising bioreceptor molecules and transducer elements, able to detect analytes (chemical and/or biological species) rapidly and quantitatively. Electrochemical immunosensors use antibody molecules as bioreceptors and an electrochemical transducer. These devices have been widely used for pathogen detection at low cost. There are four main techniques for electrochemical immunosensors: amperometric, impedimetric, conductometric, and potentiometric. Almost all types of immunosensors are applicable to Salmonella detection. This article reviews the developments and the applications of electrochemical immunosensors for Salmonella detection, particularly the advantages of each specific technique. Immunosensors serve as exciting alternatives to conventional methods, allowing "real-time" and multiple analyses that are essential characteristics for pathogen detection and much desired in health and safety control in the food industry.

Preparation and characterization of carboxymethyl cashew gum grafted with immobilized antibody for potential biosensor application.

This report details the design of carboxymethylated cashew gum (CG) as a platform for antibody (Ab) immobilization, which can then be used as a biosensor for bacteria detection. The CG was isolated and characterized, followed by conversion to carboxymethyl cashew gum (CMCG). The CMCG film was a viable support for antibody immobilization; it was electrodeposited on gold surface using the cyclic voltammetry technique, applying a potential sweep from -1.0 V to 1.3 V with a scan rate of 50 mV s-1 and 10 scans. The COOH groups on the surface of the film were critical in promoting Ab bonding. The immobilization of the Ab was mediated by protein A (PrA) for recognition of the antigen. Voltammetry studies were used to monitor the antibody immobilization. Finally, the analytical response of the CMCG-PrA-Ab system was evaluated with the chronoamperometry technique and was found to detect Salmonella Typhimurium bacteria rapidly and efficiently.