Fast food poisoning detection device

Food or food poisoning is a manifestation of a disease that occurs after the consumption of contaminated, contaminated or spoiled food. To prevent this, experts from the University of Southampton (UK) of the Biolisme project have developed and commissioned a device capable of detecting Listeria monocytogenes that cause botulism. food, instead of cumbersome testing.

The device consists of a sensor that uses compressed air and water to isolate the cells on the surface of the test and then exposed them to specific antibodies. If Listeria is present, the antibody will glow and the phenomenon will be recognized by a camera designed specifically for the device.

According to Dr Salomé Gião, the new technique, in addition to time constraints (resulting in a 3-4 hour timeframe), minimizes the flaws of traditional test methods, which do not distinguish harmful living cells. and dead cells of bacteria.

Listeria infection has the highest rate of hospitalizations (90%) and death (18%) in foodborne pathogens. This bacterium can survive in dairy products, cheese, raw fish meat and vegetables. Patients often have symptoms such as fever, vomiting and diarrhea. If not treated promptly, the disease can spread throughout the body and cause serious complications, such as meningitis. Listeria primarily affects weak immune systems, pregnant women, infants and the elderly.