Aptasensor based on recyclable/biodegradable polymers for the detection of three main salmonella serotypes

• Grant number: 23/02936-5
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants
• Start date: July 01, 2023
• End date: June 30, 2025
• Field of knowledge: Interdisciplinary Subjects
• Agreement: CNPq
• Principal Investigator: Sandra Andrea Cruz
• Grantee: Sandra Andrea Cruz
• Host Institution: Centro de Ciências Exatas e de Tecnologia (CCET). Universidade Federal de São Carlos (UFSCAR). São Carlos , SP, Brazil
• Associated research grant: 21/08224-1 - Recycling of oil-based and biological polyesters for food contact: degradation, migration and determination of (non) intentionally added substances, AP.R
• Associated scholarship(s): 23/10811-8 - Aptasensor based on recyclable/biodegradable polymers for the detection of three main Salmonella serotypes, BP.JD

Abstract

Brazil is the world's top position in the beef production (14.3% of the world herd) and the fourth position in pork and poultry production. Salmonellosis is one of the main health problems in farms. The indiscriminate use of antibiotics during the breeding of these animals has been increasing the number of multiresistant Salmonella, which represents a serious threat to humans through the food chain. Microbiological isolation from fecal samples is the reference method for the definitive diagnosis of the disease, however, this method takes time. Therefore, there is a need to develop new methods for detecting Salmonella that offer reduced time in handling and diagnosis, combined with their cost-effectiveness. Both the internal market for food of animal origin, as well as the external market, could benefit from the use of technologies that allow a better control of prevention and occurrence of the disease. The original idea of this proposal aims to development an aptamer-based biosensor for the rapid, sensitive and specific identification of three main Salmonella serotypes. Screen-printed gold electrodes made on recyclable polymers (PET - Polyethylene terephthalate) will be used as a sensing platform, as they are easy to produce, stable and exhibited excellent conductive properties. The use of PET will be intentionally used in order to reduce the disposal of plastics to the environment, giving the material one more application, aiming at obtaining a product with high added value. During assembly of the biosensor, the electrodes will be coated with nanocellulose, which allows for greater surface area and stability of the recognition element, in addition to replacing petroleum derivatives. Aptamers will be the molecules responsible for recognizing the analyte of interest, and which have high specificity, stability and reduced time to obtain. This technology aims to impact the national production of veterinary products, significantly contributing to improvements in sanitary control and quality indexes related to foods derived from animal protein. (AU)