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.

PREVIOUS FUNDED PROJECTS

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

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.

Evaluation of Different Genetic Targets for Salmonella enterica Serovar Enteriditis and Typhimurium, Using Loop-Mediated Isothermal AMPlification for Detection in Food Samples

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.

Highly efficient DNA extraction and purification from olive oil on a washable and reusable miniaturized device.

JoanaCarvalho, GemaPuertas, JoãoGaspar, SarahAzinheiro, LorenaDiéguez, AlejandroGarrido-Maestu, ManuelVázquez,JorgeBarros-Velázquez,SusanaCardoso,MartaPrado.Volume 1020, 22 August 2018, Pages 30-40

NEWS & EVENTS

Our Visitor talk !!!!

We thank a visitor from one of our partners :David Tomas from Nestle Research Center (Lausanne, Switzerland) for his interactive speech on 2nd March