DEPARTMENTS
RESEARCH GROUPS
HIGHLIGHTS
Paper published in Food Microbiology
Rapid and sensitive detection of viable Listeria monocytogenes in food products by a filtration-based protocol and qPCR. Alejandro Garrido-Maestu,Sarah Azinheiro, Joana Carvalho, Marta Prado. Volume 73, August 2018, Pages 254–263.
Paper published in Microchemical Journal
Novel approach for accurate minute DNA quantification on microvolumetric solutions
JoanaCarvalho,RenatoNegrinho,SarahAzinheiro, AlejandroGarrido-Maestu,JorgeBarros-Velázquez.MartaPrado.Volume 138,May 2018,Pages 540-549.
Published a Research Article in Front. Sustain. Food Syst.
SarahAzinheiro,JoanaCarvalho,MartaPrado and AlejandroGarrido-Maestu. 21 February 2018.
Paper published in Analytica chimica Acta.
JoanaCarvalho,GemaPuertas,JoãoGaspar,
SarahAzinheiro,LorenaDiéguez,
AlejandroGarrido Maestu, ManuelVázquez,
JorgeBarros-Velázquez,SusanaCardoso,MartaPrado.
Volume 1020, 22 August 2018, Pages 30-40
Scientific Opinion !
The EFSA (European Food Safety Authority) has recently published a scientific opinion on an “Updated quantitative risk assessment (QRA) of the BSE risk posed by processed animal protein (PAP)” & We are happy to mention that Our Food Quality & Safety research Group leader Dr.Marta Prado has participated in this activity Find the links at The Wiley Online Library (WOL) & The EFSA website
Published a Research Article in Food Control
Author: Alejandro Garrido-Maestu, PabloFuciños, SarahAzinheiro, CarlaCarvalho, JoanaCarvalho, MartaPrado
Food Control 99 , pp. 79-83, 2019.
Book Chapter in collaboration with David Tomás Fornés, Lead Scientist in the Microbial and Molecular Analytics group at Nestlé Research Center (Lausanne, Switzerland). !!!!!! Foodborne Bacterial Pathogens
The Use of Multiplex Real-Time PCR for the Simultaneous Detection of Foodborne Bacterial Pathogens In: Bridier A. (eds) Foodborne Bacterial Pathogens. Methods in Molecular Biology, vol 1918. Humana Press, New York, NY
Reliable Nano & Micro-solutions for Food Safety & Quality Analysis
The main objective of the Food & Quality Research Group is the development of analytical approaches based on the combination of molecular biology (mainly DNA based methodology) and nano and microfabrication technology in order to provide the food industry and control laboratories with reliable analytical tools.
Following this objective, the methodology is based on working on very specific analytical needs and on using a modular approach for each of the steps of the analytical process. This approach, help us to evaluate and to choose the best method in each case, to have a sound integrated final product, and at the same time a wide-range of intermediate products that can be used by themselves to solve specific analytical challenges.
Figure 1 summarizes the overall approach and research lines. Our topics of interest involve the detection of foodborne pathogens, the detection of allergenic ingredients in food products and food authenticity.
RESEARCH LINES
- Sample preparation:
Sample preparation is the series of steps required to transform a sample to a form suitable for analysis, the reliability of the conclusions drawn from food analysis greatly depends upon on this step. We work on: (i) the development of pre-treatment steps in order to overcome some of the limitations associated with food analysis and (ii) on the development of tailored, miniaturized, automatized and faster sample preparation techniques. Microscale solid phase extraction (µSPE) is used for on-chip DNA extraction and purification, being possible to put in contact a higher volume of initial binding material with the solid phase and recover the DNA in a lower volume during the elution phase. This feature allows to concentrate the DNA when minute amounts are present in the sample (e.g. olive oil, wine), for complex matrixes such as processed foodstuff and for environmental samples (e.g. water samples).
- Alternative DNA amplification methods:
Food & Quality Safety Research Group is working on new amplification techniques, in their combination with NPs and on the evaluation of DNA based analytical methods for food analysis. We work on isothermal amplification techniques, such as Loop-Mediated Isothermal Amplification (LAMP), and Recombinase Polymerase Amplification (RPA), specially interesting for miniaturization purposes. Other alternative techniques currently being used include Ligation Chain Reaction (LCR) which allows to distinguish very closely related organisms and high similar DNA sequences.
- Nanoparticle-assisted DNA analysis:
The use of nanomaterials for DNA analysis has the potential of providing increased sensitivity, multiplexing capabilities, and reduced costs. Exploiting the features of nanoparticles (NPs) is considered to be a good alternative to foster the potential of diagnostics and analytical method development. NPs, such as gold NPs (AuNPs) and gold nanorods (AuNRs) are being used for DNA detection taking advantage of their optical properties.
FUNDED PROJECTS
DEVELOPMENT OF A SYSTEM OF EARLY DETECTION OF THE ZEBRA MUSSEL THROUGH ANALYSIS OF ENVIRONMENTAL DNA
Cooperation Agreement with Confederación hidrográfica del Guadalquivir (CHG) Spain.
The objective of this cooperation agreement is the development of a micro Total Analysis Systems (µTAS) and optimized protocol for the detection of zebra mussel, an invasive species affecting numerous river basins worldwide, through environmental DNA (eDNA).
NANOEATERS: Valorization and transfer of NANOtechnologies to EArly adopTERS of the Euroregion Galicia-Norte Portugal-Use Case 2: Olive Oil Characterization
The FQ&S research group participates on the NANOEATERS project, on the Use Case 2: Olive Oil characterization on collaboration with the University of Vigo (Spain).
The main objective of use case 2 is the characterization of Extra virgin olive oil produced in Galicia, and the development of analytical approaches that would allow the differentiation of such olive oil from the one produced elsewhere.
N2020- NBFS-FOODSAFE
Innovative sample preparation and detection methods for foodborne pathogens, allergenic ingredients and food authenticity assessment are being developed. In parallel, new smart packaging and delivery systems are being designed and validated.
PORTGRAPHE
Control of Port and Douro Wines authenticity using graphene DNA sensors project
Time Frame: June 2018 to June 2021
The main objective of the project is the development, test and in-house validation of a miniaturized DNA sensing device for varietal discrimination of grapes, wines, musts, and grape juice in order to ensure the authenticity of wine from Port and Douro DOP. With this objective the participating teams will combine their expertise for the development of a miniaturized analytical device composed of 3 modules namely: a DNA extraction and purification module, an isothermal DNA amplification module, and a DNA Biosensors based on field-effect transistors (FETs) made using single layer graphene (SLG) for varietal discrimination.
NanoBioSensor
Development of nanosensors to evaluate the microbiological quality of fruit-based products
Time Frame: July 2018 to June 2021
A micro-total analysis system will be developed by the participating team to enable faster and better control of selected fruit-based products, reducing the analysis time from 7 days to few hours with greater sensitivity than conventional methods. This device will be designed and manufactured combining the latest developments in molecular biology, microfluidics and electronics.
SF4SF Smart Factoy for Safe Foods
Project funded by CDTI, Ministry of Industry of Spain.
The project aims the integration of emerging technologies for the detection, removal and food hazards management in food processing plants. The role of the group is the development of analytical methods based on DNA detection from gluten producing cereals and Listeria monocytogenes in fish products.
PUBLICATIONS
GROUP LEADER
THE TEAM
Alejandro Garrido
Staff Researcher
Joana Guerreiro
Research Fellow
Monisha Elumalai
Research Fellow
Andrey Ipatov
Research Fellow
Jon Ashley
Research Fellow
Foteini Roumani
Research Fellow
Sarah Azinheiro
Research Laboratory Assistant
Joana Carvalho
Research Laboratory Assistant
Carlos Carpena
visitor from Ocupharm diagnostics S.L.
Shambhavi Yadav
Scientific Associate
FORMER GROUP MEMBERS
Karola Böhme (Research Fellow)
Master student ( February – September 2017)
University de Santiago de Compostela
Visitor (June 2017)
Sofia Granja Martins
Summer Student (July – September 2017)
María Leyva (Scientific Visitor)
Anna Toldrà Filella
Visitor from IRTA
Cristina Pastrana
visitor from Ocupharm diagnostics S.L.
NEWS & EVENTS
New funded projects!
-
PORT GRAPHE – Control of Port and Douro Wines authenticity using graphene DNA sensors project(Project Time Frame: June 2018 to June 2021)
-
Nano BioSensor – Development of nanosensors to evaluate the microbiological quality of fruit-based products(Project Time Frame: July 2018 to June 2021)
Reliable Nano & Micro-solutions for Food Safety & Quality Analysis
The main objective of the Food & Quality Research Group is the development of analytical approaches based on the combination of molecular biology (mainly DNA based methodology) and nano and microfabrication technology in order to provide the food industry and control laboratories with reliable analytical tools.
Following this objective, the methodology is based on working on very specific analytical needs and on using a modular approach for each of the steps of the analytical process. This approach, help us to evaluate and to choose the best method in each case, to have a sound integrated final product, and at the same time a wide-range of intermediate products that can be used by themselves to solve specific analytical challenges.
Figure 1 summarizes the overall approach and research lines. Our topics of interest involve the detection of foodborne pathogens, the detection of allergenic ingredients in food products and food authenticity.
RESEARCH LINES
- Sample preparation:
Sample preparation is the series of steps required to transform a sample to a form suitable for analysis, the reliability of the conclusions drawn from food analysis greatly depends upon on this step. We work on: (i) the development of pre-treatment steps in order to overcome some of the limitations associated with food analysis and (ii) on the development of tailored, miniaturized, automatized and faster sample preparation techniques. Microscale solid phase extraction (µSPE) is used for on-chip DNA extraction and purification, being possible to put in contact a higher volume of initial binding material with the solid phase and recover the DNA in a lower volume during the elution phase. This feature allows to concentrate the DNA when minute amounts are present in the sample (e.g. olive oil, wine), for complex matrixes such as processed foodstuff and for environmental samples (e.g. water samples).
- Alternative DNA amplification methods:
Food & Quality Safety Research Group is working on new amplification techniques, in their combination with NPs and on the evaluation of DNA based analytical methods for food analysis. We work on isothermal amplification techniques, such as Loop-Mediated Isothermal Amplification (LAMP), and Recombinase Polymerase Amplification (RPA), specially interesting for miniaturization purposes. Other alternative techniques currently being used include Ligation Chain Reaction (LCR) which allows to distinguish very closely related organisms and high similar DNA sequences.
- Nanoparticle-assisted DNA analysis:
The use of nanomaterials for DNA analysis has the potential of providing increased sensitivity, multiplexing capabilities, and reduced costs. Exploiting the features of nanoparticles (NPs) is considered to be a good alternative to foster the potential of diagnostics and analytical method development. NPs, such as gold NPs (AuNPs) and gold nanorods (AuNRs) are being used for DNA detection taking advantage of their optical properties.
DEVELOPMENT OF A SYSTEM OF EARLY DETECTION OF THE ZEBRA MUSSEL THROUGH ANALYSIS OF ENVIRONMENTAL DNA
Cooperation Agreement with Confederación hidrográfica del Guadalquivir (CHG) Spain.
The objective of this cooperation agreement is the development of a micro Total Analysis Systems (µTAS) and optimized protocol for the detection of zebra mussel, an invasive species affecting numerous river basins worldwide, through environmental DNA (eDNA).
NANOEATERS: Valorization and transfer of NANOtechnologies to EArly adopTERS of the Euroregion Galicia-Norte Portugal-Use Case 2: Olive Oil Characterization
The FQ&S research group participates on the NANOEATERS project, on the Use Case 2: Olive Oil characterization on collaboration with the University of Vigo (Spain).
The main objective of use case 2 is the characterization of Extra virgin olive oil produced in Galicia, and the development of analytical approaches that would allow the differentiation of such olive oil from the one produced elsewhere.
N2020- NBFS-FOODSAFE
Innovative sample preparation and detection methods for foodborne pathogens, allergenic ingredients and food authenticity assessment are being developed. In parallel, new smart packaging and delivery systems are being designed and validated.
PORTGRAPHE
Control of Port and Douro Wines authenticity using graphene DNA sensors project
Time Frame: June 2018 to June 2021
The main objective of the project is the development, test and in-house validation of a miniaturized DNA sensing device for varietal discrimination of grapes, wines, musts, and grape juice in order to ensure the authenticity of wine from Port and Douro DOP. With this objective the participating teams will combine their expertise for the development of a miniaturized analytical device composed of 3 modules namely: a DNA extraction and purification module, an isothermal DNA amplification module, and a DNA Biosensors based on field-effect transistors (FETs) made using single layer graphene (SLG) for varietal discrimination.
NanoBioSensor
Development of nanosensors to evaluate the microbiological quality of fruit-based products
Time Frame: July 2018 to June 2021
A micro-total analysis system will be developed by the participating team to enable faster and better control of selected fruit-based products, reducing the analysis time from 7 days to few hours with greater sensitivity than conventional methods. This device will be designed and manufactured combining the latest developments in molecular biology, microfluidics and electronics.
SF4SF Smart Factoy for Safe Foods
Project funded by CDTI, Ministry of Industry of Spain.
The project aims the integration of emerging technologies for the detection, removal and food hazards management in food processing plants. The role of the group is the development of analytical methods based on DNA detection from gluten producing cereals and Listeria monocytogenes in fish products.
PUBLICATIONS
RESEARCH
DEPARTMENTS
RESEARCH GROUPS
HIGHLIGHTS
Paper published in Food Microbiology
Rapid and sensitive detection of viable Listeria monocytogenes in food products by a filtration-based protocol and qPCR. Alejandro Garrido-Maestu, , Sarah Azinheiro, Joana Carvalho, Marta Prado. Volume 73, August 2018, Pages 254–263.
Published a Research Article in Front. Sustain. Food Syst.
SarahAzinheiro,JoanaCarvalho,MartaPrado and AlejandroGarrido-Maestu. 21 February 2018.
Paper published in Microchemical Journal
Novel approach for accurate minute DNA quantification on microvolumetric solutions JoanaCarvalho,RenatoNegrinho,SarahAzinheiro,AlejandroGarrido-Maestu,JorgeBarros-Velázquez.MartaPrado.Volume 138, May 2018, Pages 540-549.
Paper published in Analytica chimica Acta.
JoanaCarvalho, GemaPuertas, JoãoGaspar, SarahAzinheiro, LorenaDiéguez, AlejandroGarrido-Maestu, ManuelVázquez,JorgeBarros-Velázquez,SusanaCardoso,MartaPrado.Volume 1020, 22 August 2018, Pages 30-40
NEWS & EVENTS
Author: Alejandro Garrido-Maestu, PabloFuciños, SarahAzinheiro, CarlaCarvalho, JoanaCarvalho, MartaPrado
Food Control 99 , pp. 79-83, 2019.
Book Chapter in collaboration with David Tomás Fornés, Lead Scientist in the Microbial and Molecular Analytics group at Nestlé Research Center (Lausanne, Switzerland). !!!!!! Foodborne Bacterial Pathogens
The Use of Multiplex Real-Time PCR for the Simultaneous Detection of Foodborne Bacterial Pathogens In: Bridier A. (eds) Foodborne Bacterial Pathogens. Methods in Molecular Biology, vol 1918. Humana Press, New York, NY
New funded projects!
-
PORT GRAPHE – Control of Port and Douro Wines authenticity using graphene DNA sensors project(Project Time Frame: June 2018 to June 2021)
-
Nano BioSensor – Development of nanosensors to evaluate the microbiological quality of fruit-based products(Project Time Frame: July 2018 to June 2021)
GROUP LEADER
THE TEAM
Alejandro Garrido
Staff Researcher
Joana Guerreiro
Research Fellow
Monisha Elumalai
Research Fellow
Andrey Ipatov
Research Fellow
Jon Ashley
Research Fellow
Foteini Roumani
Research Fellow
Sarah Azinheiro
Research Laboratory Assistant
Joana Carvalho
Research Laboratory Assistant
Carlos Carpena
visitor from Ocupharm diagnostics S.L.
Shambhavi Yadav
Scientific Associate
FORMER GROUP MEMBERS
Karola Böhme (Research Fellow)
Master student ( February – September 2017)
University de Santiago de Compostela
Visitor (June 2017)
Sofia Granja Martins
Summer Student (July – September 2017)
María Leyva (Scientific Visitor)
Anna Toldrà Filella
Visitor from IRTA
Cristina Pastrana
visitor from Ocupharm diagnostics S.L.