Rapid detection of bacterial load in food samples using disposable respirometric sensor sachets

We describe a new sensor platform for simple on-site analysis of total aerobic viable counts (TVCs) in food samples, which uses disposable sealable plastic sachets with phosphorescent oxygen sensor inserts and liquid growth media. Food samples are collected, placed directly in the sachets, which are then sealed and incubated at 30 degrees C while monitoring (hourly or endpoint) sensor signals non-invasively with a commercial handheld reader FirestingO2. The growth of microbiota produces characteristic respiration profiles, from which sample initial TVC load is quantified: the Threshold Time (TT, in hours), when the sensor signal reaches the set signal threshold, is determined and calibration equation is applied to it to calculate sample TVC load. The initial calibration equation, which provides the conversion of measured TT values (hours) into TVC, was generated with pure Escherichia coli culture: log(CFU/g) = 8.30-0.60 *7725 degrees for signal threshold of 25 degrees phase. Another calibration equation, which provides a better representation of whole food microbiota, was generated with a panel of 90 different food samples: log(CFU/g) = 8.53-0.60 *7725 degrees. This simple sensor system shows good correlation with traditional plate counting TVC method (ISO 4833) and suitability for autonomous on-site or in-field operation. Time to result of 1-6 h provided by the sensor sachet system is more than seven time faster than for the standard method.

Automated summary

We present a novel sensor platform for rapid analysis of total aerobic viable counts (TVCs) in food samples. The system uses sealable plastic sachets with phosphorescent oxygen sensors and liquid growth media. By monitoring the sensor signals non-invasively with a handheld reader, the TVC load of the samples can be quantified quickly, providing results in 1-6 hours, which is significantly faster than the traditional plate counting method.