Marra, Daniele (2025) GOLD AND MAGNETIC NANOPARTICLES IN BIOSENSING FOR FOOD SAFETY. [Tesi di dottorato]

Documento PDF Daniele_Marra_37.pdf Visibile a [TBR] Amministratori dell'archivio Download (14MB) | Richiedi una copia

Abstract

Food safety is a critical global concern due to the rising incidence of foodborne diseases, including infections, intoxications, and allergic reactions. Conventional detection methods, such as bacterial cultures and chromatographic techniques, are often slow, expensive, and require specialized equipment. To address these limitations, this PhD project focuses on the development of innovative biosensors based on gold and magnetic nanoparticles for the rapid and sensitive detection of food contaminants. Three main biosensors were developed: (i) a gold nanoparticles (AuNPs)-based colorimetric sensor for detecting Salmonella Typhimurium in food, achieving a detection limit of 1 CFU·mL⁻¹; (ii) a core-satellite magnetic nanoparticles (CSMPs)-based biosensor for gluten detection, with a sensitivity of 8 ppm, below the regulatory threshold for gluten-free labeling; and (iii) a core-shell magnetic nanoparticle-based biosensor exploiting magnetophoresis for the detection of the mycotoxin deoxynivalenol (DON), reaching a detection limit of 0.5 ppm. These biosensors leverage antibody-functionalized nanoparticles and different transduction mechanisms to ensure high sensitivity, specificity, and rapid response. The project, conducted in collaboration with Technogenetics Srl and the University of Zagreb, aims to provide cost-effective and accessible solutions for food safety monitoring. The results demonstrate that nanoparticle-based biosensors offer a promising alternative to conventional methods, significantly improving the efficiency of pathogen, allergen, and toxin detection in food.

Downloads

Actions (login required)

Modifica documento