Molecular surveillance of viable foodborne pathogens in food matrices
A molecular surveillance approach combining viability PCR with novel gene targets to improve detection of viable foodborne pathogens in food products. Offers faster turnaround and enhanced sensitivity over traditional culture-based methods, with applications across leafy vegetables and low-moisture foods.
Overview
This research program develops molecular surveillance workflows for detecting viable foodborne pathogens in food matrices. By coupling viability PCR approaches such as propidium monoazide (PMA) dye treatment with novel gene targets, the method addresses a key limitation of existing molecular detection: distinguishing live microorganisms from nonviable cells. The approach builds on validated protocols originally developed for healthcare facility microbial monitoring and applies them to food safety applications. Compared to traditional culture-based detection, these molecular workflows offer faster turnaround times by reducing reliance on enrichment steps, while improving specificity and sensitivity.
Technical specifications
Key technical features:
- PMA-based viability treatment applied prior to DNA extraction to eliminate free nucleic acids from nonviable cells, enabling accurate detection of the viable microbial fraction
- Novel gene targets identified through USDA-NIFA data science analysis that highlight genetic features associated with elevated risk among different foodborne pathogens
- Internal standards integrated into the workflow to support quantitative assessment of microbial abundances when paired with metagenomic sequencing
- Model pathogen coverage including Gram-negative (E. coli) and Gram-positive (L. monocytogenes) organisms
- Food matrix validation planned for leafy vegetables and low-moisture foods
- Streamlined sample processing designed to simplify workflows and minimize touchpoints for practical industry adoption
Technology readiness level
The underlying PMA-based viability workflow has been validated in a healthcare facility setting, demonstrating accurate detection of viable microbial communities and quantitative assessment via internal standards. The gene target identification work is supported by an active USDA-NIFA data science project. The current project will optimize and validate these molecular assays in vitro using model foodborne pathogens, then extend testing to several food matrices. The initiative is expected to take approximately one year to complete. The research team is actively seeking industry partnership to guide application development and provide funding support for resources and key personnel.
About University of Maryland
The University of Maryland is the state's flagship public research university in College Park, serving a large student body and offering comprehensive academic and research programs. Industry engages through an adjacent research park, shared prototyping facilities, and dedicated corporate partnership channels, plus joint pathways to a medical campus for clinical and regulatory engagement. Its Washington–Baltimore location places partners near federal agencies, national labs, and prime contractors, while a statewide extension network supports collaboration with companies. Research is backed by competitive federal funding from agencies such as NSF, NIH, DoD, DOE, NASA, and USDA, and coordinated commercialization services advance IP, startup formation, licensing, and industry-sponsored research.
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