Biological Engineering Seminar to Discuss Salmonella Detection

The Department of Biological Engineering invites the campus community to a research seminar Jan. 31 featuring doctoral student Xinge Xi.

The seminar will take place from 10:45 a.m. to 11:45 a.m. in Room 1108G in Bell Engineering Center.

The presentation is titled "A Portable Biosensing Device with Magnetic Separation and Quantum Dot Bead Labeling for Simple, Rapid and Quantitative Detection of Salmonella Typhimurium."

The abstract for the seminar:

Foodborne pathogenic bacteria have caused numerous illnesses and economic losses in the US and the world. It is highly important for food industries to conduct in-field screening of pathogenic bacteria to ensure food safety. This study reports an original research on the development of a portable biosensing device for Salmonella detection. The device was designed and constructed based on a previously developed optical biosensing method, using immuno-magnetic nanoparticles to specifically capture target bacteria, and immuno-quantum dot beads to label the target bacteria for fluorescent detection. All the actions of mixing, magnetic separation, and fluorescent detection were controlled automatically, and took place in a disposable microfluidic chip to simplify the operation, avoid cross-contamination and reduce costs. Experiments were conducted to validate the magnetic capture efficiency and evaluate the device. The results showed that the device was able to detect Salmonella with a detection limit of 5.4×102 CFU/mL in 1 h, and minimal manual operations were required. The biosensing device developed in this research has the potential for in-field detection of different foodborne pathogens.

Contacts

Leslie Reinhart, administrative specialist III
Biological and Agricultural Engineering
479-575-2352, reinhart@uark.edu

Nick DeMoss, director of communications
College of Engineering
479-575-5697, ndemoss@uark.edu

Headlines

Food Scientists Show Rice Malt Has Potential to Play a Bigger Role in Beer

With Arkansas growing about half of the rice in the United States, and shortages of traditional raw materials such as barley, evaluating rice cultivars for use in malted brewing was one goal of U of A researchers.

Electrical Engineering and Computer Science Senior Design Projects Reviewed by Alumni

Students condensed their design work into senior design projects and presented them for department alumni and other industry professionals, gaining insights from peers and faculty members.

An Evening With NWA Soldier Songs and Voices: The Healing Power of Music

Members of the Northwest Arkansas chapter of Soldier Songs and Voices will share their experiences and perform music in the Pryor Center atrium at 6 p.m. on Friday, April 5.

University Not Pursuing Full External Management of Custodial and Grounds Services

Following an evaluation process that provided the U of A with the opportunity to learn more about its current operations compared to the market, the university will maintain its current workforce.

NAHJ UARK: Free Churros and Sodas During J-Days Celebration

 The U of A chapter of the National Association of Hispanic Journalists will offer churros and sodas on the north patio of Kimpel Hall from noon to 2 p.m. Thursday. Stop by and support your local journalist.

News Daily