This study reports the development and validation of portable optical sensor platforms for the on-site detection of fungal contamination in agri-food products. The systems combine an autonomous handheld reader with disposable optical sensor coatings integrated into vials or sachets and are operated under semi-selective conditions targeting mycotoxin-producing phytopathogenic fungi. Performance was evaluated under laboratory conditions using representative species of Aspergillus (A. ochraceus, A. flavus, A. carbonarius) and Penicillium (P. verrucosum, P. expansum) grown on semi-selective media and applied to artificially and naturally infected fruits and vegetables. The platforms were further validated in a semi-industrial setting using the table grape supply chain as a model, analysing fresh, dried, and liquid samples. The proposed approach provides a rapid alternative to conventional culture-based methods for microbial quality assessment, enabling faster detection of fungal contamination. Overall, the sensor system offers a non-destructive, rapid, and portable tool for improved monitoring of fungal contamination in agri-food chains, with potential to enhance batch release efficiency, reduce product losses, and support more frequent safety and hygiene assessments. Under laboratory conditions, the estimated 24-h detection threshold concentration (LOD₅₀) was approximately 2 × 105 CFU/mL for the sachet format and 6 × 104 CFU/mL for the vial format.
A portable assay for on-site assessment of the phytopathogens affecting the storability and safety of agrifoods
Sanzani, Simona Marianna
;Ferraro, Valeria;Incerti, Ornella;Ippolito, Antonio;Santovito, Elisa
2027-01-01
Abstract
This study reports the development and validation of portable optical sensor platforms for the on-site detection of fungal contamination in agri-food products. The systems combine an autonomous handheld reader with disposable optical sensor coatings integrated into vials or sachets and are operated under semi-selective conditions targeting mycotoxin-producing phytopathogenic fungi. Performance was evaluated under laboratory conditions using representative species of Aspergillus (A. ochraceus, A. flavus, A. carbonarius) and Penicillium (P. verrucosum, P. expansum) grown on semi-selective media and applied to artificially and naturally infected fruits and vegetables. The platforms were further validated in a semi-industrial setting using the table grape supply chain as a model, analysing fresh, dried, and liquid samples. The proposed approach provides a rapid alternative to conventional culture-based methods for microbial quality assessment, enabling faster detection of fungal contamination. Overall, the sensor system offers a non-destructive, rapid, and portable tool for improved monitoring of fungal contamination in agri-food chains, with potential to enhance batch release efficiency, reduce product losses, and support more frequent safety and hygiene assessments. Under laboratory conditions, the estimated 24-h detection threshold concentration (LOD₅₀) was approximately 2 × 105 CFU/mL for the sachet format and 6 × 104 CFU/mL for the vial format.I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.
