scholarly journals Ratiometric G-Quadruplex Assay for Robust Lead Detection in Food Samples

Biosensors ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (8) ◽  
pp. 274
Author(s):  
Yumei Liu ◽  
Hao Yang ◽  
Rui Wan ◽  
Mohammad Rizwan Khan ◽  
Nan Wang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Food Safety ◽  
Tap Water ◽  
Safety Issue ◽  
Structural Response ◽  
Food Samples ◽  
Dna Aptamer ◽  
One Pot ◽  
Lead Detection ◽  
G Quadruplex ◽  
Food Quality And Safety

Lead (Pb2+) pollution is a serious food safety issue, rapid detection of Pb2+ residual in food is vital to guarantee food quality and safety. Here we proposed ratiometric aptamer probes, allowing robust Pb2+ supervision in food samples. Pb2+ specific aptamer can bolster a transition of G-quadruplex structural response to Pb2+; this process can be monitored by N-methyl mesoporphyrin IX (NMM), which is highly specific to G-quadruplex. Particularly, the utilization of G-quadruplex specific dye and terminal-labeled fluorophore allowed to endue ratiometric signal outputs towards Pb2+, dramatically increase the robustness for lead detection. The ratiometric G-quadruplex assay allowed a facile and one-pot Pb2+ detection at room temperature using a single-stranded DNA aptamer. We demonstrated its feasibility for detecting lead pollution in fresh eggs and tap water samples. The ratiometric G-quadruplex design is expected to be used for on-site Pb2+ testing associated with food safety.

scholarly journals The Functional Role of Loops and Flanking Sequences of G-Quadruplex Aptamer to the Hemagglutinin of Influenza a Virus

2021 ◽  
Vol 22 (5) ◽  
pp. 2409
Author(s):  
Anastasia A. Bizyaeva ◽  
Dmitry A. Bunin ◽  
Valeria L. Moiseenko ◽  
Alexandra S. Gambaryan ◽  
Sonja Balk ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Influenza A Virus ◽  
Influenza A ◽  
Core Structure ◽  
Dna Aptamer ◽  
Tertiary Structures ◽  
Quadruplex Dna ◽  
G Quadruplex ◽  
Flanking Sequences ◽  
Related Proteins

Nucleic acid aptamers are generally accepted as promising elements for the specific and high-affinity binding of various biomolecules. It has been shown for a number of aptamers that the complexes with several related proteins may possess a similar affinity. An outstanding example is the G-quadruplex DNA aptamer RHA0385, which binds to the hemagglutinins of various influenza A virus strains. These hemagglutinins have homologous tertiary structures but moderate-to-low amino acid sequence identities. Here, the experiment was inverted, targeting the same protein using a set of related, parallel G-quadruplexes. The 5′- and 3′-flanking sequences of RHA0385 were truncated to yield parallel G-quadruplex with three propeller loops that were 7, 1, and 1 nucleotides in length. Next, a set of minimal, parallel G-quadruplexes with three single-nucleotide loops was tested. These G-quadruplexes were characterized both structurally and functionally. All parallel G-quadruplexes had affinities for both recombinant hemagglutinin and influenza virions. In summary, the parallel G-quadruplex represents a minimal core structure with functional activity that binds influenza A hemagglutinin. The flanking sequences and loops represent additional features that can be used to modulate the affinity. Thus, the RHA0385–hemagglutinin complex serves as an excellent example of the hypothesis of a core structure that is decorated with additional recognizing elements capable of improving the binding properties of the aptamer.

scholarly journals Occurrence of Chemical Contaminants in Peruvian Produce: A Food-Safety Perspective

Foods ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (7) ◽  
pp. 1461
Author(s):  
Oscar A. Galagarza ◽  
Alejandra Ramirez-Hernandez ◽  
Haley F. Oliver ◽  
Mariel V. Álvarez Rodríguez ◽  
María del Carmen Valdez Ortiz ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Heavy Metals ◽  
Food Safety ◽  
Fruits And Vegetables ◽  
Safety Issue ◽  
Agricultural Products ◽  
Mining Activities ◽  
Farming Practices ◽  
Chemical Contaminants ◽  
Crop Varieties ◽  
Andean Country

The presence of chemical contaminants in agricultural products is a continued food-safety challenge in Peru. This country has robust agriculture potential, but its output of fruits and vegetables is severely impacted by massive mining activities, as well as poor farming practices, including the use of polluted irrigation water, misuse of pesticides, and inadequate postharvest conditions. This review examines the current scientific knowledge on the levels of pesticide residues, heavy metals, and mycotoxins on crops produced in Peru. The available data shows that several crop varieties are contaminated with these classes of chemical contaminants, and at levels that exceed the national and international permissible limits. The abundance of chemical contaminants in produce indicates a relevant food-safety issue, which increases the risks of chronic human diseases, like cancer—a leading cause of death in Peru. Finally, this review presents recommendations to address these contamination problems in produce grown in the Andean country.

The MycoGlobe project: a European Union funded successful experiment in enhancing cooperation and coordination amongst mycotoxin researchers worldwide

2008 ◽  
Vol 1 (4) ◽  
pp. 493-500
Author(s):  
D. Bhatnagar ◽  
G. Perrone ◽  
A. Visconti
Keyword(s):  
European Union ◽  
Food Safety ◽  
Food Quality ◽  
Research Policy ◽  
Public Awareness ◽  
Quality And Safety ◽  
The European Union ◽  
Toxigenic Fungi ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Food Quality And Safety

In 2004, the European Commission approved the specific support action 'Integration of Mycotoxin and Toxigenic Fungi Research for Food Safety in the Global System' (MycoGlobe, contract FOOD-CT-2004-007174) within the Sixth Framework Programme, Food Quality and Safety. The aim of the MycoGlobe project (http://mycoglobe.ispa.cnr.it) was to implement the outcomes of a wide range of European research projects in the area of mycotoxins and toxigenic fungi by supporting, stimulating and facilitating cooperation between countries in the European Union and other countries that have bilateral scientific and technological cooperation agreement with the European Union (such as USA, Australia and South America). Through a series of conferences and interactions between scientists worldwide, MycoGlobe was a very successful project. The scientific significance of the MycoGlobe project consisted in the spread of knowledge of advanced research tools in genomics and sophisticated and rapid detection systems for mycotoxins and toxigenic fungi; and evaluation of research policy and procedures to achieve best practice for enhancement of food quality and safety by elimination of mycotoxins and toxigenic fungi from commodities. The socio-economic significance of the project was the setting up of a global collaborative network for research and technology transfer in the field of mycotoxins and toxigenic fungi, particularly for the benefit of the developing countries. A relevant outcome of the project was also the launching of the International Society for Mycotoxicology (http://www.mycotoxsociety. org) to promote research on mycotoxins and toxigenic fungi, thereby leading to prevention and reduction in exposure to mycotoxins, enhanced food safety and a greater public awareness of this area.

scholarly journals Synthesis, Characterization and Anticancer Evaluation of Nitrogen Substituted 1-(3-Aminoprop-1-ynyl)-4-Hydroxyanthraquinone Derivatives

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nafisa S. Sirazhetdinova ◽  
Dmitry S Baev ◽  
Victor A. Savelyev ◽  
Tatyana S. Golubeva ◽  
Lyubov S. Klimenko ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cancer Cells ◽  
Sonogashira Reaction ◽  
Secondary Amines ◽  
One Pot ◽  
Standard Drug ◽  
Three Component Reaction ◽  
G Quadruplex ◽  
New Compounds ◽  
Substituted 1 ◽  
Mcf 7

Abstract Anthraquinones are of significant interest due to their biological activity, coloring properties and synthetic applications. Here, we describe a mild and convenient method for modification of 1-ethynyl-4-hydroxyanthraquinone that was obtained from the Sonogashira reaction of 1-hydroxy-4-iodoanthraquinone with alkynes. The copper(I) catalyzed one-pot three component reaction (A3-coupling) of the new 1-ethynyl-4-hydroxyanthraquinone with secondary amines and formaldehyde was the main approach for the synthesis of nitrogen substituted 1-[3-(amino)prop-1-ynyl]-4-hydroxyanthraquinones. The influence of different substituent in the amine on reaction rate and yield has been evaluated. The cytotoxicity of 1-ethynyl-4-hydroxyanthraquinones was evaluated using the conventional MTT assay. Among all the compounds synthesized, anthraquinone-propargylamine derivatives 28, 29, 30 and 34 possess most promising cytotoxic potential towards glioblastoma cancer cells; compounds 14 and 19 shown selectivity towards the prostate cancer cells DU-145, and 18, and 24 – towards breast cancer cells MCF-7. The grown inhibition on these cancer cells of 18 and 24 was comparable to those of standard drug Doxorubicin. Molecular modeling of new compounds in DNA G-quadruplex binding site was performed to help understand the observed SAR trends.

scholarly journals “Switch-Off-On” Detection of Fe3+ and F− Ions Based on Fluorescence Silicon Nanoparticles and Their Application to Food Samples

Nanomaterials ◽  
2022 ◽  
Vol 12 (2) ◽  
pp. 213
Author(s):  
Hongli Ye ◽  
Lukai Zhao ◽  
Xinghui Ren ◽  
Youqiong Cai ◽  
Hai Chi
Keyword(s):  
Silicon Nanoparticles ◽  
Antarctic Krill ◽  
Fluorescence Probe ◽  
Tap Water ◽  
Food Samples ◽  
Fluorescence Recovery ◽  
Quenching Mechanism ◽  
Zeta Potentials ◽  
Visible Spectra ◽  
Fluorescence Quenching Mechanism

An approach to the detection of F− ions in food samples was developed based on a “switch-off-on” fluorescence probe of silicon nanoparticles (SiNPs). The fluorescence of the synthetic SiNPs was gradually quenched in the presence of Fe3+ ion and slightly recovered with the addition of F− ion owing to the formation of a stable and colorless ferric fluoride. The fluorescence recovery exhibited a good linear relationship (R2 = 0.9992) as the concentration of F− ion increased from 0 to 100 μmol·L−1. The detection limit of the established method of F− ion was 0.05 μmol·L−1. The recovery experiments confirmed the accuracy and reliability of the proposed method. The ultraviolet–visible spectra, fluorescence decays, and zeta potentials evidenced the fluorescence quenching mechanism involving the electron transfer between the SiNPs and Fe3+ ion, while the fluorescence recovery resulted from the formation of ferric fluoride. Finally, SiNPs were successfully applied to detect F− ions in tap water, Antarctic krill, and Antarctic krill powder.

scholarly journals Consumer Information and Willingness to Pay an Additional Price for Food Safety of Dairy Products

2015 ◽  
Vol 5 (2) ◽  
pp. 53
Author(s):  
MSc. Xhevat Sopi ◽  
Dr.Sc. Engjëll Shkreli ◽  
MSc. Visar Sutaj
Keyword(s):  
Food Safety ◽  
Willingness To Pay ◽  
Dairy Products ◽  
Consumer Information ◽  
Chain Store ◽  
Premium Price ◽  
Food Quality And Safety ◽  
Information Consumers ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Additional Safety

Due to food safety incidents around the world, a number of research projects have found growing willingness to pay (WTP) premium price for additional safety of food products. However, this depends on the amount of information consumers have regarding food safety. The objective of this paper is to assess the level of information consumers have on the safety of dairy products in Kosovo and the impact of information on the consumers’ willingness to pay premium price for dairy products if they are certified with food safety standards.The results come from a survey conducted with 303 customers of Viva Fresh supermarket chain store, who were interviewed at the time of purchase in the supermarket. Descriptive statistics shows lack of knowledge of food safety; only 15% of respondents are aware of ISO9001 standard, 7% are aware of HACCP and only 10.2% of respondents can make a difference between the concepts of food quality and safety. With regard to information 66.3% of respondents have heard of food safety problems while 47.33% have heard through the media.Using a logistic regression model, the research found that consumers who have heard about the problems of food safety (p = 0.049) and those who are aware of the ISO 9001 (p = 0.002) are more likely to have a positive attitude towards WTP.

scholarly journals Towards a Food Safety Knowledge Base Applicable in Crisis Situations and Beyond

2015 ◽  
Vol 2015 ◽  
pp. 1-11 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alexander Falenski ◽  
Armin A. Weiser ◽  
Christian Thöns ◽  
Bernd Appel ◽  
Annemarie Käsbohrer ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Food Safety ◽  
Knowledge Base ◽  
Knowledge Bases ◽  
Decision Makers ◽  
Mitigation Measures ◽  
Base Concept ◽  
Food Quality And Safety ◽  
Contamination Event ◽  
Safety Knowledge ◽  
Crisis Situations

In case of contamination in the food chain, fast action is required in order to reduce the numbers of affected people. In such situations, being able to predict the fate of agents in foods would help risk assessors and decision makers in assessing the potential effects of a specific contamination event and thus enable them to deduce the appropriate mitigation measures. One efficient strategy supporting this is using model based simulations. However, application in crisis situations requires ready-to-use and easy-to-adapt models to be available from the so-called food safety knowledge bases. Here, we illustrate this concept and its benefits by applying the modular open source software tools PMM-Lab and FoodProcess-Lab. As a fictitious sample scenario, an intentional ricin contamination at a beef salami production facility was modelled. Predictive models describing the inactivation of ricin were reviewed, relevant models were implemented with PMM-Lab, and simulations on residual toxin amounts in the final product were performed with FoodProcess-Lab. Due to the generic and modular modelling concept implemented in these tools, they can be applied to simulate virtually any food safety contamination scenario. Apart from the application in crisis situations, the food safety knowledge base concept will also be useful in food quality and safety investigations.

Microbial load of edible termites (macroterme spp.) from collection to marketing in Serenje District, Central Zambia

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-8
Author(s):  
I. Mumbula ◽  
R. Nyunja ◽  
D. Chungu
Keyword(s):  
Food Safety ◽  
Value Chain ◽  
Protein Energy Malnutrition ◽  
Food Samples ◽  
Microbial Load ◽  
Suitable Alternative ◽  
Protein Energy ◽  
Handling Practices ◽  
Hygiene Education ◽  
Open Air Markets

Edible insects including termites form a suitable alternative for sustainable provision of animal protein to fight protein-energy malnutrition. It is as cardinal to study the food safety of edible termites as it is for any other food stuff. Twenty seven (27) samples were collected and analysed for total viable counts and Enterobacteriaceae. The microbial load was assessed using culture, microscopic and biochemical methods. The isolates identified in this study include Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, yeasts other than Candida albicans and Zygomycetes. Investigation of the total viable counts and Enterobacteriaceae of open air traded edible termites revealed loads higher than those recommended for minced meat 5.7 to 6.7 log10 cfu/g. The mean ranges were between 6.87 and 9.29 log10 cfu/g for total viable counts and 6.64 and 8.537 log10 cfu/g for Enterobacteriaceae. The presence of E. coli suggests faecal contamination of the sample along the value chain whereas S. aureus, yeasts other than C. albicans, and Zygomycetes indicate unhygienic handling of the food samples. Heat treatments can reduce the loads but may not be effective for enterotoxins and recontamination of the sample is possible. Poor hygiene and sanitation by handlers may contribute to contamination and recontamination of Edible termites. Food safety and hygiene education on processing and handling practices that reduce microbial loads at collection sites, transportation and display points are important especially since termites are sold as ready to eat foods in African open air Markets. Legislation on open defecation, use of toilets and promotion of hand washing hygiene can effectively reduce the risk of contamination with gastrointestinal microflora from faecal matter.

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