The incidence of foodborne infectious diseases has remained stable and even increased in many countries. Therefore, in the past few decades, our awareness of hygiene measures in food production has also greatly improved. However, even today's modern production technology and intensive food monitoring procedures have failed to effectively control the problem. At the same time, the increased production is distributed to more consumers, and if it is polluted, it may cause a large-scale epidemic. Correspondingly, research aimed at improving food safety has been advanced, and new methods and technologies have been explored. The representative of this method is the use of bacteriophages to specifically kill unwanted bacteria. The extreme specificity of bacteriophages makes them ideal candidates for applications aimed at improving food safety during production. Bacteriophages are the natural enemies of bacteria and can be used for the biological control of bacteria without interfering with natural flora or cultures in fermented products. In addition, phage or phage-derived proteins can also be used to detect the presence of unwanted pathogens in food or production environments, so that living cells can be quickly and specifically identified.
Creative Biolabs has developed and will continue to develop phage programs against some of the deadliest foodborne bacterial pathogens, including:
At Creative Biolabs, different strategies for detection using bacteriophages have been applied in phage detection methods to detect foodborne pathogens.
Several current strategies for combating livestock-related pathogens are a direct extension of the "classical" phage treatment method, as they focus on targeting bacteria in animals before slaughter and food contamination
EHEC Escherichia coli O157:H7 can cause severe and sometimes fatal hemorrhagic diarrhea in humans. At Creative Biolabs, we provide E. coli and Enterobacter control and treatment solution in food processing.
Oral infections of Campylobacter have become the most common cause of foodborne diseases in industrialized countries. At Creative Biolabs, we provide Campylobacter control and treatment solution in food processing.
Salmonella is still one of the main causes of food-related diseases. At Creative Biolabs, we provide Salmonella control and treatment solution in food processing.
Among the food-borne pathogens of interest, the incidence of Listeria monocytogenes infection may be the lowest. But Listeria is considered an important pathogen. At Creative Biolabs, we provide Listeria control solution in food processing.
Although reverse transcription-based PCR tests can also distinguish live and dead bacteria, they are not suitable for routine diagnosis of various foods. In recent years, different strategies for detection using bacteriophages have been proposed (Table 1). We apply the following phage detection methods to detect foodborne pathogens.
Table 1 Different approaches harnessing phage for detection of bacterial pathogens
| Phage Detection Method | Target Organism |
|---|---|
| LRP (lux, huc) | E. coli, Salmonella, Enterobacteriacea Mycobacteria, Listeria |
| Ice nucleation reporter phage | Salmonella |
| AK release through lysis by native phages | Salmonella, E. coli O157:H7, Listeria |
| Labeled phages (GFP, YOYO-1) | E. coli O157:H7 |
| lacZ reporter phage | E. coli O157:H7 |
| Plaque formation (semiquantitative) | Salmonella |
Creative Biolabs can meet the needs of customers by providing solutions in food safety on time and on budget. We have in-depth knowledge and experience of the tools and processes involved in the phage projects. Our skilled and dedicated scientific researchers ensure that the most suitable methods and techniques are selected for your project. If necessary, please feel free to contact us.
Please kindly note that our services can only be used to support research purposes (Not for clinical use).
Creative Biolabs is a globally recognized phage company. Creative Biolabs is committed to providing researchers with the most reliable service and the most competitive price.
