A gold nanoparticle based colorimetric sensor for the rapid detection of Yersinia enterocolitica serotype O:8 in food samples.

Foodborne diseases caused by Yersinia enterocolitica serotype O:8 represent global public health problems. We need rapid Y. enterocolitica O:8 detection methods to ensure food safety. In this study, we developed a colloidal gold-based immunochromatographic strip test (ICST) for the rapid detection of Y. enterocolitica O:8. A sandwich detection format was applied to Y. enterocolitica O:8 detection, where a monoclonal antibody (mAb) labeled with colloidal gold and mAb immobilized on the test line were used as the capture antibody and detection antibody, respectively. The limit of detection of the colloidal gold ICST was 1.3 × 103, 3.0 × 102 and 8.0 × 102 CFU mL-1 for Y. enterocolitica O:8 CICC 21669, CICC 21681 and CICC 21567, respectively. The method developed by us had no cross-reactivity with other foodborne pathogens. Using ICST, we detected Y. enterocolitica O:8 strains at a low level (5 CFU mL-1) in milk and pork samples after 4 h and 6 h of separate incubation. The results were obtained within 10 min without sophisticated instruments. Therefore, the colloidal gold ICST is an accurate and sensitive method for the detection of Y. enterocolitica O:8 in food samples.