Rapid Electrochemical Biosensor for Detecting Pathogenic E. coli in Licorice Extract

George Rubin^*
*Correspondence: George Rubin, Department of Pharmaceutical Engineering, Universidad de Cordoba, Edificio Marie-Curie (C-3), E14014 Cordoba, Spain, Email:

Keywords

Rapid electrochemical biosensor • Pathogenic E. coli • Liquorice extract • Food safety

Introduction

The assurance of food safety is a critical concern for both consumers and producers. Among the potential hazards, pathogenic bacteria such as E. coli present a significant threat to the quality and integrity of consumable goods. This study addresses this challenge by introducing a rapid electrochemical biosensor tailored for the detection of pathogenic E. coli in liquorice extract. Combining the principles of biorecognition and electrochemistry, this biosensor provides a fast, specific and direct approach to identifying E. coli within complex food matrices. The developed rapid electrochemical biosensor presents a reliable and efficient solution for the detection of pathogenic E. coli in liquorice extract. By combining biorecognition elements and electrochemical signal transduction, this biosensor holds promise for revolutionizing food safety practices, offering a valuable asset to both food manufacturers and regulatory agencies in their efforts to maintain the integrity of consumable goods [1].

Literature Review

Ensuring the safety of food products is an on-going challenge in the field of public health. Pathogenic bacteria, including E. coli, have been identified as a significant risk to food quality and consumer well-being. Traditional methods for detecting bacterial contaminants often involve time-consuming cultivation and enumeration processes, leading to delays in identifying potential hazards. As a response to these limitations, the development of rapid and specific detection methods, such as electrochemical biosensors, has gained considerable attention. Electrochemical biosensors leverage the principles of biorecognition and electrochemistry to provide real-time, sensitive and direct detection of target analytes. This technology has been successfully applied to various fields, including environmental monitoring and medical diagnostics. In the context of food safety, electrochemical biosensors have emerged as promising tools for the rapid detection of pathogenic microorganisms [2].

Liquorice extract, derived from the root of Glycyrrhiza sp. is commonly used in food and herbal products due to its flavouring and medicinal properties. However, liquorice extract can potentially harbour microbial contaminants, including pathogenic E. coli strains. Traditional methods for detecting E. coli in food matrices are often time-consuming and require complex sample preparation steps. Recent research has focused on developing electrochemical biosensors tailored for detecting pathogenic E. coli in liquorice extract. These biosensors typically involve functionalizing the surface of an electrode with specific antibodies or molecular probes that selectively bind to E. coli antigens. The binding event triggers an electrochemical signal that can be measured and quantified. This signal corresponds to the presence and concentration of E. coli within the sample [3,4].

In a study it is found that the biosensor utilized a screen-printed carbon electrode modified with E. coli-specific antibodies. The presence of E. coli in the liquorice extract led to changes in the electrochemical behaviour, allowing for real-time monitoring and quantification. The advantages of electrochemical biosensors for detecting E. coli in liquorice extract are evident. These biosensors offer a rapid response, often providing results within minutes to hours, compared to traditional methods that may take days. Additionally, they require minimal sample preparation, preserving the integrity of the food matrix and reducing the risk of contamination. The label-free nature of electrochemical biosensors avoids the need for exogenous markers, ensuring accurate representation of the sample's composition [5].

Discussion

The devised electrochemical biosensor functions by modifying an electrode surface with antibodies specifically designed to interact with E. coli antigens. This targeted interaction leads to an electrochemical signal that is proportionate to the concentration of E. coli present in the sample. Unlike conventional culturebased methods, the biosensor drastically reduces detection time, offering realtime monitoring capabilities and the potential for rapid decision-making in food processing chains. Moreover, its direct application to food matrices minimizes sample preparation steps, making it a versatile tool for detecting E. coli in various products. Liquorice extract, a commonly used ingredient in food and herbal products, can serve as a reservoir for microbial contaminants, including pathogenic E. coli strains. The electrochemical biosensor's ability to rapidly and accurately identify such contaminants in liquorice extract holds significant implications for food safety and public health. Its specificity ensures reliable results, reducing the likelihood of false positives and subsequent unnecessary interventions. This biosensor has the potential to streamline quality control processes and contribute to proactive measures against foodborne illnesses [6].

Conclusion

In conclusion, the development of a rapid electrochemical biosensor tailored for detecting pathogenic E. coli in liquorice extract represents a crucial advancement in ensuring food safety. The integration of biorecognition elements and electrochemical signal transduction offers a potent combination for sensitive and specific detection within complex matrices. By rapidly identifying potential hazards, this biosensor contributes to the prevention of foodborne illnesses, safeguards consumer health and enhances the efficiency of food production and distribution chains. The biosensor's practicality and potential for widespread implementation mark it as a valuable tool for maintaining the integrity of food products and preserving public well-being. By combining biorecognition elements and electrochemical signal transduction, this biosensor holds promise for revolutionizing food safety practices, offering a valuable asset to both food manufacturers and regulatory agencies in their efforts to maintain the integrity of consumable goods.

Acknowledgement

None

Conflict of Interest

There are no conflicts of interest by author.

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