A Sample-to-Detection (S2D) Nano-Biosensing System to Rapidly Detect Salmonella in Poultry Processing Samples

Salmonella is one of the most infectious foodborne pathogens, often associated with poultry. The speed of current detection methods is inadequate to address the growing global demand for poultry product safety. In this study, a sample-to-detection (S2D) nano-biosensing system was developed using glycan-coated magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) to concentrate cells from poultry processing plant samples, and gold nanoparticles (GNPs) to detect Salmonella genomic DNA. More colonies were observed after MNP-aided preparation of poultry swabs, rinsate, and ground poultry meat samples, indicating a successful Salmonella concentration. The GNP-based DNA detection was selective towards the invA gene of Salmonella, with a detection limit of 2.5 ng/µL of dsDNA, translating to detecting 10³ CFU/mL in the samples. The results of the S2D system were comparable with those of culture- and PCR-based detection methods, which served as standards. The S2D analysis time was less than 4 h, significantly shorter than conventional methods. This study demonstrates the potential of the S2D system as a rapid screening tool to complement standard procedures for timely foodborne pathogen monitoring in poultry processing plants, leading to the protection of public health.