APPLYING MASS SPECTROMETRY(MS) APPROACHES TO RAPID DETECTION OF BACILLUS SPORES & MICROBIAL THREAT AGENTS IN RAW MILK AND MILK PRODUCTS

The primary objectives of this research are to determine the best mechanisms for preparing milk and milk products for rapid analysis and measurement of pathogen content by mass spectrometry approaches. The focus will be on rapid detection of Bacillus spores or other microbial pathogens that might be purposefully added to milk. The closely related but non-pathogenic Bacillus sterne spores strain ( a veterinary vaccine) and B. Cereus T will be used as simulants at the University of Maryland & USDA.