Rapid detection
of Salmonella species using paper based culture device
Tiwari Shveta, Shukla Varsha and Lokur Anushree
Res. J. Biotech.; Vol. 20(3); 160-167;
doi: https://doi.org/10.25303/203rjbt1600167; (2025)
Abstract
The impact of foodborne diseases (FBD) is substantial, as evidenced by 3-5 million
reported infectious diarrheal cases globally, causing 1.5 billion fatalities, particularly
affecting children. Salmonella, a major pathogen causing foodborne disease outbreaks,
is prevalent in various food sources, including meat, poultry, seafood and dairy
products. Risk factors for foodborne illnesses include unsafe food sources, inadequate
cooking, improper storage, processing and packaging equipment and human factors,
emphasizing the importance of Hazard Analysis Critical Control Points (HACCP) for
food safety. Traditional culture-based methods for pathogen detection, while reliable,
have limitations such as long detection times and the need for skilled personnel.
Nucleic acid-based detection methods including amplification, hybridization, microarrays
and biochips, offer high specificity, but require complex equipment and expertise.
This research focuses on developing a paper-based culture device for Salmonella
detection utilizing the C8-esterase enzyme. We established a standardized method
for detecting Salmonella on Portable Culture Devices (PCDs), demonstrating its efficacy
by successfully identifying bacteria in artificially contaminated food samples.
We determined that the ideal substrate concentration was 3 gL-1 and that the optimal
temperatures for detection were 37°C and 25°C. Our device does not require the addition
of an inducer or enriched cells, making it independent of these components. We accurately
determined the limit of detection and time required for detection. This innovative
system promises reduced labor, rapid detection, minimized reagent requirements and
user-friendly operation, addressing the need for more efficient and accessible methods
in food safety monitoring and outbreak prevention.
