Detection of four foodborne pathogens based on magnetic separation multiplex PCR and capillary electrophoresis.

Foodborne pathogen contamination is a major safety issue for many foods and is causing concern worldwide. In this study, a detection system based on magnetic separation, multiplex PCR (MPCR) and capillary electrophoresis (CE) technologies was developed for the simultaneous detection of four foodborne pathogens. Magnetic separation technology is used to rapidly capture pathogenic bacteria in food samples, and then a combination of MPCR and CE can be used to greatly increase detection sensitivity. Our detection limit for bacterial DNA reached 10-5 ∼ 10-7  ng/μL and in our analysis of mocked food samples, our assay showed good sensitivity for bacterial detection ranging from 101 to 105 CFU/mL with excellent specificity. Compared to similar detection methodologies, our technique avoids the need for time-consuming enrichment cultures, is more sensitive and can be used to assay simultaneously four foodborne pathogens. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.