Researchers have showcased their solutions for easier detection of salmonella in food, as part of the US Food and Drug Administration's first Food Safety Challenge.
The winning solution will get cash reward of $400,000.
The Purdue University students have submitted an automated microfiltration system for concentrating salmonella detectable levels using microfiltration.
A team from the University of Illinois is developing a system that integrates microfluidic and semiconductor technologies to create a small portable instrument for the detection of pathogens in food.
With a focus on eliminating enrichment and pre-enrichment, the University of California Davis has come up with a capture and concentration method.
Researchers from Auburn University have designed pathogen-detecting magnetoelastic biosensors that can be fixed onto the surfaces of fresh fruits and vegetables to detect salmonella. A surface scanning detector is then used to measure the biosensors wirelessly and in real time.
The food challenge intends to encourage development of a method for speedy detection of salmonella in minimally processed fresh produce.
The FDA said in a statement: "Specifically, concepts should apply cutting-edge techniques to achieve significant improvements in the speed of the FDA's detection methods for Salmonella with identification to the subtype/serovar level in minimally processed fresh produce.
"It is estimated that the overall negative economic impact of foodborne illness in the US, including medical costs, quality-of-life losses, lost productivity, and lost-life expectancy, may be as high as $77bn per year. Salmonella represents the leading cause of deaths and of hospitalizations related to foodborne illness."
In general, a salmonella test consumes hours as researchers prepare the sample and make it concentrated to high density for detecting bacteria.
