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Rapid detection of Escherichia coli in dairy milk using static headspace-comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography

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Abstract

A new approach is introduced for rapid and reliable bacteria detection in food. Namely, static headspace-comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography (HS-GC × GC) with backflushing. The introduced approach provides fast detection of Escherichia coli (E. coli) in enriched ultra-high-temperature processed (UHT) dairy milk. The presence of E. coli may be indicated by detecting microbial volatile organic compounds emanating from test solutions inoculated with E. coli. In the present investigation, HS-GC × GC analysis is preceded by conventional enrichment in nutrient broth and inoculated samples are clearly discernable from controls following as little as 15 h sample enrichment. Headspace equilibration for 28 min followed by an 8 min GC × GC analysis of enriched test solutions reduces time-to-response by approximately one full day compared to conventional culture-based methods. The presence of ethanol, 1-propanol, and acetaldehyde may be used as a putative marker of E. coli contamination in milk and the introduced approach is able to detect single-cell initial bacterial load. Faster, reliable detection of pathogens and/or spoilage microbes in food products is desirable for the food industry. The described approach has great potential to complement the conventional workflow and be utilised for rapid microbial screening of foodstuff.

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Acknowledgements

The authors acknowledge generous support from Trajan Scientific and Medical.

Funding

Wan Sin Heng is the recipient of a Deakin University Postgraduate Research Scholarship. Maiken Ueland is the recipient of an Australian Research Council Discovery Early Career Award (project number DE210100494) funded by the Australian Government.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences, CASS Food Research Centre, Deakin University, 221 Burwood Highway, Burwood, Australia

    Wan Sin Heng, Snehal R. Jadhav & Robert A. Shellie

  2. Centre for Forensic Science, School of Mathematical and Physical Sciences, University of Technology Sydney, 15 Broadway, Ultimo, Australia

    Maiken Ueland

  3. Centre for Food Innovation, Tasmania Institute of Agriculture, University of Tasmania, Locked Bag 1325, Launceston, Australia

    Robert A. Shellie

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Correspondence to Robert A. Shellie.

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Published in the topical collection Comprehensive 2D Chromatography with guest editors Peter Q. Tranchida and Luigi Mondello.

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Heng, W.S., Jadhav, S.R., Ueland, M. et al. Rapid detection of Escherichia coli in dairy milk using static headspace-comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography. Anal Bioanal Chem 415, 2535–2545 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00216-022-04485-7

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