DNA sensor for detection of Salmonella in alfalfa sprout production

摘要

A DNA sensor was developed for detection of Salmonella in sprout irrigation water. The biosensor is based on an assay capable of detecting 4 CPU in water, and between 2 X 10~2 and 2 X 10~3 CPU in sprout irrigation water. The biosensor uses polymerasechain reaction (PCR) to amplify Salmonella DNA, and a fluorescent dye to label and detect the DNA. A large-volume thermal cycler performs PCR, and an optical sensor measures fluorescence. Initial calibration has been done with the fluorescence optical sensor, which detected 0.01 mu g/ml DNA in water, and PCR product from as low as 4 X 10~2 CPU.