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Rapid Methods and Automation in Microbiology: 25 Years of Trends and Predictions of the Future
Rapid methods and automation in microbiology is a dynamic area in applied microbiology dealing with the study of improved methods in the isolation, early detection, characterisation, and enumeration of microorganisms and their products in clinical, food, industrial, and environmental samples. This article summarises the major developments of this field in the past 30 years in applied and food microbiology. These concepts, techniques, and instrumentation can be used in many areas of biological sciences.
Nanomaterials for Biosensor Platforms Toward Increasing Safety and Shelf Life of Agricultural Commodities
The early, fast, and accurate detection of biological pathogens is an important element for ensuring the safety and shelf life of agricultural commodities resulting from both accidental and intentional food poisoning. The primary goal of our research into biosensor platforms using nanomaterials is to develop electronic devices that can quickly detect the presence of microbial pathogens and toxins in agricultural, food, and environmental systems.
Biosensor Research at University of Arkansas
Avian influenza (AI) virus H5N1 was discovered in the late 1990s, and it has been reported by WHO in more than 46 countries for animal cases and in 15 countries for human cases with 467 people infected and 282 dead since 2003. A key in controlling the spread of AI is to rapidly detect the disease, and then eradicate infected animals, quarantine and vaccinate animals. The technology for detection of AI H5N1 is mature, but many tests are complex, some are liable to error, and some can be performed safely only in BSL3 facilities. A simple, rapid, robust and reliable AI test, suitable for use in the field, is urgently needed.
Pork Meat Quality Characterisation Along the Supply Chain: Fluorescence Measuring Techniques and Micro-detector Systems
Among others, meat and meat products are an important source of proteins for human nutrition. Thus, meat production has continuously increased during recent years and the production of fresh meat has become a highly industrialised process. Besides a visual inspection of every half carcass and entrails, random microbial controls are conducted only if there is reasonable suspicion of product contamination and spoilage. The development of specific micro-systems based on optical measuring principles for the fast and non-destructive detection of product properties was examined within an interdisciplinary research project called “FreshScan.” The aim of the project was to continuously monitor the production process including transport to the point of sale by establishing a two-part quality analysis system. In the present study the results of the developed micro-system based on fluorescence measuring techniques will be presented.
Nano Science Diagnostics Receives Frost & Sullivan Product Innovation Award
Nano Science Diagnostics (NSD) has been honoured by Frost & Sullivan,
a leading market research and consulting firm, with the 2009 North American Product Innovation of the Year Award for food pathogen testing systems.
Research Briefs on Sensors
Wide-spread screening of foods for toxins requires new technologies that are easily deployed and can quickly analyse many samples. We propose to implement immunoassays, deployed on the surface of luminescent/magnetic nanoparticles, to provide wide-spread screening for SE toxins and Shiga toxin in foods. We will make use of nanomaterials that are multifunctional, with both magnetic and luminescent properties. In addition, we will make use of novel magnetic and optical properties of nanoscale materials to improve the kinetics and the sensitivity of our assays.
Nanotechnology-Enabled Sensing
The Nanoscale Science, Engineering and Technology (NSET) Subcommittee is the interagency body responsible for coordinating, planning, implementing and reviewing the National Nanotechnology Initiative (NNI). It is a subcommittee of the Committee on Technology of the National Science and Technology Council (NSTC), which is one of the principal means by which the [US] President coordinates science and technology policies across the Federal Government. The National Nanotechnology Coordination Office (NNCO) provides technical and administrative support to the NSET Subcommittee in the preparation of multiagency planning, budget and assessment documents, including this report.
Breakthroughs with Sensing in the Human Body
Holst Centre and others are working on body area networking to monitor vital signs, control drug delivery according to need and otherwise progress towards bionic man and woman and care of the disabled and elderly. Unfortunately, cutting into your body to change batteries brings with it a significant percentage of mortalities, not just pain and infection. Energy harvesting within the body is potentially helpful but biobatteries and thermoelectric generators provide only weak amounts of electricity in such applications.
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