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Developing A Fluorecent Surrogate For Mimicking Bacterial Foodborne Pathogen and Promoting Sanitation
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Abstract
GloGerm is a commercial product that is an educational tool for public outreach on the degree of transfer of microbes to different surfaces and individuals. It is used to study sanitation practices and the transfer of contaminants from gloves to lab gear. It has several limitations because it is microplastic, not food-grade, as it contains melamine (food adulterant). Since it is not food-grade, its application needs to be revised in food-processing facilities. To overcome this limitation, we have utilized emulsion technology to develop food-grade fluorescent particles that can better mimic the properties and behavior of bacteria that may contaminate food and equipment surfaces. These novel fluorescent biomimetic particles (fBMPs) can be an easy visual indicator for sanitation and training.
Curcumin, a natural polyphenol found in turmeric, is a versatile spice with various biological activities. Its fluorescent properties make it an invaluable tool for tracking and identifying substances. This system is a game-changer in food safety, primarily detecting microorganisms on food preparation surfaces. The nanoemulsion system is infused with curcumin, a fluorescent compound that can bind to any potential microorganisms on the surface. Bacteria (E.faecium) were cultured and then deposited on stainless steel coupons. These coupons were placed in a desiccator and incubated for 1 to 3 days to allow the bacteria to adhere to them. Later, the coupons were rinsed, the residue was collected in a tube, and its size and zeta potential were measured. The zeta potential of the bacterium is -32.44 mV. PP-200 & Curcumin nanoemulsion and 25 mM NaCl give the bacterium the closest charge (-37.20 mV). In the emulsions, we decreased the droplet size by increasing the pressure when the emulsion was moved through a high-pressure homogenizer by changing the (emulsifier) type or pH-controlled surface charge. Curcumin was encapsulated in a food-grade fluorophore to protect it from degradation when exposed to light.
Curcumin can easily be dispersed in the oil phase of emulsions through pH-shifting method before their formation (which means their presence can be visually detected by shining a UV light on them).
This work delivers a food-grade visual surrogate whose surface properties can be readily tuned to mimic pathogens of interest. Using fluorescent microbial biomimicry can provide immediate validation of cleaning protocols and simple execution.
Type
Thesis (Open Access)
Date
2024-09
Publisher
Degree
Advisors
License
Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International
License
http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/