Author
 |
Bhagwat, Arvind |
|
Submitted to: Book Chapter
Publication Type: Book / Chapter Publication Acceptance Date: 6/1/2005 Publication Date: 12/1/2005 Citation: Bhagwat, A.A. 2005. Real-time pcr detection technology and microbiological food-safety of fresh produce. In Technologies to maintain overall quality of fresh-cut fruits and vegetables (Nuevas Tecnologias de Conservacion de Productos Vegetales Frescos Cortados). Translated in Spanish. Guadalajara, Mexico. Logiprint Digital Publishers. p. 243-260. Interpretive Summary: Technical Abstract: Conventional methods to detect human pathogens may take up to one week to accurately predict the presence of human pathogens. Considering the limited shelf life of produce, rapid methods for pathogen detection are required. Detection of human pathogens from fresh produce is a crucial step in implementing food safety. Both the fresh produce industry and consumers will benefit from the results of this research. Real-time detection of human pathogens as well as plant pathogens will broaden our ability to screen large number of samples in a short time. This chapter reviews recent developments in polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based detection methods. Specifically, three main 'real-time' technologies, TaqMan, Molecular Probes and SYBR Green I are described in two parts, principles of the technology and it's limitations. Other issues dealt with are overall cost of these technologies, shelf life of reagents, portability of the test/equipments to the field-site and how the technologies are currently viewed by various agencies such as Food and Drug Administration, Food Safety Inspection Service, and Association of Official Analytical Chemists. |
