A team of international researchers from the US and the UK have received a grant of $750,000 to develop portable, rapid biosensors capable of detecting noroviruses and mycotoxins in foods and agricultural products. The researchers say noroviruses are the leading cause of foodborne illness globally and are highly contagious. They cause a pandemic every few years. On the other hand, mycotoxins are produced by fungi that can grow in warm and humid conditions on crops and food such as grains, nuts, seeds and spices. They represent a growing threat to public health in the face of climate change trends and increased consumption of plant-based foods. [1]

Figure 1. Scientists are Developing Portable Technology to Test Foodborne Viruses

Figure 1 shows the US Division of Agriculture’s Nationwide Institute of Meals and Agriculture (NIFA) partnership grant is among the many first awarded with a world associate by the USDA. The staff is led by College of Massachusetts, Amherst, meals and environmental virologist Matthew Moore, whose staff may also check the expertise for extensive adoption. [2]

Moore said it’s difficult to notice mycotoxins but they often lead to a chronic damage, especially to kidneys and liver. Mycotoxins can also promote cancer. Human noroviruses are responsible for over 200,000 deaths globally every year, many of which are children under the age of five. They impose an economic burden of billions of dollars. [3]

With this technology, the team is trying to create a cheap, highly durable, and potentially reusable sensor that can detect these contaminants. Moore said the nanoMIP-based sensing technology has numerous advantages

The researchers say the NanoMIP-based electrochemical sensing is an exciting new application for agricultural targets. It has shown promise for other targets, including SARS-CoV-2, and the researchers hope to further explore its potential for human noroviruses and mycotoxins. [4]

References:

1. https://newslogic.in/science/scientists-are-developing-portable-technology-to-test-foodborne-viruses-like-noroviruses-and-mycotoxins/
2. https://tech.sarkari-job-wale.in/scientists-are-developing-portable-technology-to-test-foodborne-viruses-like-noroviruses-mycotoxins/
3. https://cyberworldtechnologies.co.in/scientists-are-developing-portable-technology-to-test-foodborne-viruses-like-noroviruses-mycotoxins/
4. https://gadgets360.com/science/news/noroviruses-mycotoxins-scientists-develop-portable-technology-test-foodborne-viruses-3037601

Cite this article:

Thanusri swetha J (2022), Scientists are Developing Portable Technology to Test Foodborne Viruses, Anatechmaz, pp. 68