Food Marketing & Technology - India June 2019 | Page 51

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techniques can be used to detect signals
generated by the biosensor.
the analyte comes in contact with the
biosensor a signal is generated which
can be detected and reported in an
instrument. Sometimes the whole cell
can be used as a biosensor to recognise
toxins, pathogens, carbohydrates,
etc. Whole cells are good alternative
biosensors as compared to enzymes, as
they are easy to maintain and have a
low cost. Electrochemical and optical
Nanotechnology:
Nanotechnology
comprises
the
study,
design,
creation, synthesis, manipulation,
and application of materials and
devices usually at a nanoscale. The
nanotechnology is a promising
approach in the field of food
microbiology; e.g. the use of nano
sensors in the food production facility
or food packaging. The nano sensors
are used to detect/control internal
and external conditions of food
such as the presence of pathogenic
microorganisms in food. Combining
biology and nanotechnology can
only lead to an enhancement in the
sensitivity of detection. A bio analytical
nanosensor can detect one pathogenic
microorganism, even before it starts
to multiply. This can be even used to
prevent the growth of that pathogen in
the food. Thus, nanotechnology offers
a very cheap and effective alternative
to the tedious, old techniques which
have been used for a long time.
In Conclusion
As there are several new deadly strains
of microorganisms being discovered
every day, the techniques of detection
are also becoming very advanced. There
will be a time soon when consumers
will have their very own personal kits
for detection of pathogens in their food
decreasing the risk of food poisoning
and toxicity. It can be said that the field
of food microbiology has come a long
way and has a tremendous potential
for growth further in making the food
safe for consumption.
* Placement Coordinator, Institute of
Chemical Technology, Mumbai