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The goals of this project are to (1) design and develop highly sensitive, selective and rapid molecular detection methods to simultaneously detect various important foodborne pathogens, including STEC, Salmonella and antibiotic resistant strains of these and other pathogens; (2) investigate the antimicrobial effects of inorganic and organic nanoparticles and other novel antimicrobial compounds at inhibiting pathogens in foods; and (3) investigate the toxicity of nanomaterials on mammalian cells.
Millions of Americans are stricken with microbial-related foodborne illnesses each year, resulting in thousands of hospitalizations and deaths. Despite much progress in food testing, plant inspections, and manufacturer and consumer education, outbreaks related to contaminated foods continue to occur. This project will utilize molecular techniques to develop rapid, sensitive and selective assays to accurately detect live pathogens in food, and investigate the usefulness and toxicity of novel antimicrobial compounds at inhibiting such pathogens. Results of this research will be published in scientific journal articles, and presented at scientific meetings and invited seminars around the world. The ultimate goal of this project is to increase the safety of foods that we eat by eliminating or reducing the levels of potentially dangerous pathogens by the use of robust detection tools and potent and safe antimicrobial compounds.