Gli autori ringraziano i membri del Microbiology Methods Validation Subcommittee (MMVS) della FDA e del Bacteriological Analytical Manual (BAM) Council per aver esaminato criticamente gli studi di convalida del metodo Salmonella LAMP.

<ol>
	<li>Notomi, T., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Loop-mediated+isothermal+amplification+of+DNA.">Loop-mediated isothermal amplification of DNA.</a> Nucleic Acids Research. 28 (12), 63 (2000).</li><li>Kaneko, H., Kawana, T., Fukushima, E., Suzutani, T. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Tolerance+of+loop-mediated+isothermal+amplification+to+a+culture+medium+and+biological+substances.">Tolerance of loop-mediated isothermal amplification to a culture medium and biological substances.</a> Journal of Biochemical and Biophysical Methods. 70 (3), 499-501 (2007).</li><li>Francois, P., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Robustness+of+a+loop-mediated+isothermal+amplification+reaction+for+diagnostic+applications.">Robustness of a loop-mediated isothermal amplification reaction for diagnostic applications.</a> FEMS Immunology and Medical Microbiology. 62 (1), 41-48 (2011).</li><li>Yang, Q., Wang, F., Prinyawiwatkul, W., Ge, B. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Robustness+of+Salmonella+loop-mediated+isothermal+amplification+assays+for+food+applications.">Robustness of Salmonella loop-mediated isothermal amplification assays for food applications.</a> Journal of Applied Microbiology. 116 (1), 81-88 (2014).</li><li>Nagamine, K., Watanabe, K., Ohtsuka, K., Hase, T., Notomi, T. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Loop-mediated+isothermal+amplification+reaction+using+a+nondenatured+template.">Loop-mediated isothermal amplification reaction using a nondenatured template.</a> Clinical Chemistry. 47 (9), 1742-1743 (2001).</li><li>Zhang, X., Lowe, S. B., Gooding, J. J. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Brief+review+of+monitoring+methods+for+loop-mediated+isothermal+amplification+(LAMP).">Brief review of monitoring methods for loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP).</a> Biosensors &amp; Bioelectronics. 61, 491-499 (2014).</li><li>Nagamine, K., Hase, T., Notomi, T. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Accelerated+reaction+by+loop-mediated+isothermal+amplification+using+loop+primers.">Accelerated reaction by loop-mediated isothermal amplification using loop primers.</a> Molecular and Cellular Probes. 16 (3), 223-229 (2002).</li><li>Yang, Q., Domesle, K. J., Ge, B. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Loop-mediated+isothermal+amplification+for+Salmonella+detection+in+food+and+feed:+Current+applications+and+future+directions.">Loop-mediated isothermal amplification for Salmonella detection in food and feed: Current applications and future directions.</a> Foodborne Pathogens and Disease. 15 (6), 309-331 (2018).</li><li>Mori, Y., Notomi, T. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Loop-mediated+isothermal+amplification+(LAMP):+Expansion+of+its+practical+application+as+a+tool+to+achieve+universal+health+coverage.">Loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP): Expansion of its practical application as a tool to achieve universal health coverage.</a> Journal of Infection and Chemotherapy. 26 (1), 13-17 (2020).</li><li>Mansour, S. M., Ali, H., Chase, C. C., Cepica, A. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Loop-mediated+isothermal+amplification+for+diagnosis+of+18+World+Organization+for+Animal+Health+(OIE)+notifiable+viral+diseases+of+ruminants,+swine+and+poultry.">Loop-mediated isothermal amplification for diagnosis of 18 World Organization for Animal Health (OIE) notifiable viral diseases of ruminants, swine and poultry.</a> Animal Health Research Reviews. 16 (2), 89-106 (2015).</li><li>Kumar, Y., Bansal, S., Jaiswal, P. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Loop-mediated+isothermal+amplification+(LAMP):+A+rapid+and+sensitive+tool+for+quality+assessment+of+meat+products.">Loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP): A rapid and sensitive tool for quality assessment of meat products.</a> Comprehensive Reviews in Food Science and Food Safety. 16 (6), 1359-1378 (2017).</li><li>Kundapur, R. R., Nema, V. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Loop-mediated+isothermal+amplification:+Beyond+microbial+identification.">Loop-mediated isothermal amplification: Beyond microbial identification.</a> Cogent Biology. 2, 1137110 (2016).</li><li>. Compliance Policy Guide Sec. 690.800 Salmonella in Food for Animals Available from: <a target="_blank" href="https://www.fda.gov/downloads/iceci/compliancemanuals/compliancepolicyguidancemanual/ucm361105.pdf">https://www.fda.gov/downloads/iceci/compliancemanuals/compliancepolicyguidancemanual/ucm361105.pdf</a> (2013)</li><li>Bird, P., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Evaluation+of+the+3M+molecular+detection+assay+(MDA)+2+-+Salmonella+for+the+detection+of+Salmonella+spp.+in+select+foods+and+environmental+surfaces:+collaborative+study,+first+action+2016.01.">Evaluation of the 3M molecular detection assay (MDA) 2 - Salmonella for the detection of Salmonella spp. in select foods and environmental surfaces: collaborative study, first action 2016.01.</a> Journal of AOAC International. 99 (4), 980-997 (2016).</li><li>D'Agostino, M., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Validation+of+a+loop-mediated+amplification/ISO+6579-based+method+for+analysing+soya+meal+for+the+presence+of+Salmonella+enterica.">Validation of a loop-mediated amplification/ISO 6579-based method for analysing soya meal for the presence of Salmonella enterica.</a> Food Analytical Methods. 9 (11), 2979-2985 (2016).</li><li>Ge, B., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Multi-laboratory+validation+of+a+loop-mediated+isothermal+amplification+method+for+screening+Salmonella+in+animal+food.">Multi-laboratory validation of a loop-mediated isothermal amplification method for screening Salmonella in animal food.</a> Frontiers in Microbiology. 10, 562 (2019).</li><li>D'Agostino, M., Diez-Valcarce, M., Robles, S., Losilla-Garcia, B., Cook, N. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=A+loop-mediated+isothermal+amplification-based+method+for+analysing+animal+feed+for+the+presence+of+Salmonella.">A loop-mediated isothermal amplification-based method for analysing animal feed for the presence of Salmonella.</a> Food Analytical Methods. 8 (10), 2409-2416 (2015).</li><li>Galan, J. E., Ginocchio, C., Costeas, P. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Molecular+and+functional+characterization+of+the+Salmonella+invasion+gene+invA:+homology+of+InvA+to+members+of+a+new+protein+family.">Molecular and functional characterization of the Salmonella invasion gene invA: homology of InvA to members of a new protein family.</a> Journal of Bacteriology. 174 (13), 4338-4349 (1992).</li><li>Chen, S., Wang, F., Beaulieu, J. C., Stein, R. E., Ge, B. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Rapid+detection+of+viable+salmonellae+in+produce+by+coupling+propidium+monoazide+with+loop-mediated+isothermal+amplification.">Rapid detection of viable salmonellae in produce by coupling propidium monoazide with loop-mediated isothermal amplification.</a> Applied and Environmental Microbiology. 77 (12), 4008-4016 (2011).</li><li>Yang, Q., Chen, S., Ge, B. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Detecting+Salmonella+serovars+in+shell+eggs+by+loop-mediated+isothermal+amplification.">Detecting Salmonella serovars in shell eggs by loop-mediated isothermal amplification.</a> Journal of Food Protection. 76 (10), 1790-1796 (2013).</li><li>Yang, Q., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Evaluation+of+loop-mediated+isothermal+amplification+for+the+rapid,+reliable,+and+robust+detection+of+Salmonella+in+produce.">Evaluation of loop-mediated isothermal amplification for the rapid, reliable, and robust detection of Salmonella in produce.</a> Food Microbiology. 46, 485-493 (2015).</li><li>Yang, Q., Domesle, K. J., Wang, F., Ge, B. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Rapid+detection+of+Salmonella+in+food+and+feed+by+coupling+loop-mediated+isothermal+amplification+with+bioluminescent+assay+in+real-time.">Rapid detection of Salmonella in food and feed by coupling loop-mediated isothermal amplification with bioluminescent assay in real-time.</a> BMC Microbiology. 16 (1), 112 (2016).</li><li>Domesle, K. J., Yang, Q., Hammack, T. S., Ge, B. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Validation+of+a+Salmonella+loop-mediated+isothermal+amplification+assay+in+animal+food.">Validation of a Salmonella loop-mediated isothermal amplification assay in animal food.</a> International Journal of Food Microbiology. 264, 63-76 (2018).</li><li>Bustin, S. A., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=The+MIQE+guidelines:+minimum+information+for+publication+of+quantitative+real-time+PCR+experiments.">The MIQE guidelines: minimum information for publication of quantitative real-time PCR experiments.</a> Clinical Chemistry. 55 (4), 611-622 (2009).</li></ol>

Gli autori dichiarano di non avere interessi finanziari concorrenti. Le opinioni espresse in questo manoscritto sono quelle degli autori e non riflettono necessariamente la politica ufficiale del Dipartimento della Salute e dei Servizi Umani, della Food and Drug Administration degli Stati Uniti o del Governo degli Stati Uniti. Il riferimento a qualsiasi materiale, attrezzatura o processo commerciale non costituisce in alcun modo approvazione, approvazione o raccomandazione da parte della Food and Drug Administration.

Abbiamo presentato qui un metodo LAMP semplice, rapido, specifico e sensibile per lo screening e la conferma della Salmonella negli alimenti animali e nella coltura pura, rispettivamente. Con la comodità di un mix master isotermico che contiene quattro reagenti chiave e un mix di primer pronto all'uso preparato internamente, l'assemblaggio di una reazione LAMP richiede solo pochi passaggi di pipettaggio(Figura 1). Il tempo totale di esecuzione, comprese le fasi di amplificazione e ricottura, è inferiore a 38 minuti(figura 2A, B e figura 3A,B). I risultati positivi sono monitorati tramite fluorescenza in tempo reale(Figura 2C e Figura 3C,D) e possono essere rilevati già a 5 min26. La fase ricottura serve come ulteriore conferma della specificità lamp poiché solo i campioni con Tm corretto(circa 90 °C) sono riportati come positivi(Figura 2D, E e Figura 3E−G). In precedenza sono state segnalate sensibilità di 1 cellula salmonella in coltura pura e < 1 CFU/25 g negli alimenti per animali26.
Poiché LAMP è abbastanza efficace e genera una grande quantità di DNA1, è fondamentale che le migliori pratiche di laboratorio siano utilizzate per prevenire la contaminazione incrociata, che può includere la separazione fisica delle aree per la preparazione del mix principale LAMP e l'aggiunta di modelli di DNA, evitando di generare aerosol, utilizzando punte di pipetta filtrante, cambiando spesso i guanti e astenendosi dall'aprire i tubi di reazione LAMP dopo l'amplificazione.
La specificità di questo metodo Salmonella LAMP è stata precedentemente testata utilizzando 300 ceppi batterici (247 Salmonella di 185 sierovar e 53 nonSalmonella)e ha dimostrato di essere specifica al 100%26. In particolare, sono state osservate differenze significative nella Tmax tra le due specie di Salmonella, S. enterica e Salmonella bongori, e tra le sottospecie di S. enterica, in particolare la sottosp. Tuttavia, questi erano ancora validi risultati positivi secondo le regole per l'interpretazione dei risultati LAMP. Nel nostro studio collaborativo multi-laboratorio sul cibo secco per cani che ha coinvolto 14analisti 19, sono stati occasionalmente osservati campioni con risultati incoerenti in esecuzioni LAMP duplicate. Questi di solito riguardavano campioni con risultati positiviritardati (Tmax > 15 min). Ripetere entrambe le esecuzioni in modo indipendente di solito risolveva il problema. Più raramente, abbiamo osservato campioni con valori Tm correttima senza valori massimi Tirregolari (< 5 min). Questo di solito era causato da bolle d'aria nel tubo di reazione.
Durante tutto il ciclo di vita dello sviluppo del metodo LAMP, della valutazione, dello studio precollaborativo e della convalida multi-laboratorio, abbiamo osservato un'elevata tolleranza di LAMP agli inibitori in varie matrici animali o alimentari e mezzi dicoltura 4,19,22,23,24,evidenziando la robustezza del metodo e collaborando a numerosi altri studi su scala globale8. Questo è superiore rispetto alla PCR o alla PCR in tempo reale, che di solito richiede un controllo interno dell'amplificazione per garantire che i risultati negativi non siano dovuti all'inibizione dellamatrice 28. Inoltre, LAMP ha dimostrato una specificità e una sensibilità simili (o superiori) rispetto alla PCR o alla PCR in tempo reale nella stragrande maggioranza degli studi8. Il costo dei reagenti LAMP è di circa $ 1 per reazione. Gli strumenti LAMP utilizzati in questo protocollo sono piccoli, a bassa manutenzione e portatili. Sono in grado di gestire qualsiasi metodo di amplificazione isotermica che utilizza il rilevamento del bersaglio mediante misurazione della fluorescenza, LAMP incluso. Utilizzando il software LAMP, è possibile generare report completi in più formati (pdf, testo e immagine).
La convalida del metodo è un passaggio critico prima che un nuovo metodo possa essere adottato per l'uso di routine. È da notare che il protocollo LAMP qui riportato ha completato con successo la convalida multi-laboratorio19. Con la recente incorporazione di questo protocollo LAMP nel BAM Chapter 5 Salmonella27della FDA degli Stati Uniti, si prevede che il metodo o guadagnerà un uso molto più ampio, sia come metodo di screening rapido negli alimenti animali che come metodo di conferma affidabile per presunti isolati di Salmonella da tutte le categorie alimentari.

L'amplificazione isotermica mediata da loop (LAMP) è un nuovo test di amplificazione dell'acido nucleico isotermico (iNAAT) inventato nel 2000 da un gruppo di scienziatigiapponesi 1. Attraverso la formazione di una struttura del DNA ad anello stelo specifica del bersaglio durante le fasi iniziali, LAMP utilizza una DNA polimerasi che sposta il filamento per amplificare in modo efficiente questo materiale di partenza quasi esponenzialmente, con il risultato di10 9 copie di bersaglio in meno di 1 h1. Rispetto alla reazione a catena della polimerasi (PCR), un NAAT ampiamente utilizzato, LAMP possiede diversi vantaggi. In primo luogo, le reazioni LAMP vengono eseguite in condizioni isotermiche. Ciò ovvia alla necessità di un sofisticato strumento di ciclismo termico. In secondo luogo, LAMP è altamente tollerante ai mezzi di coltura e allesostanze biologiche 2 con robustezza dimostrata sia per applicazionicliniche che alimentari 3,4. Ciò semplifica la preparazione del campione e riduce al minimo i risultati falsi negativi5. In terzo luogo, LAMP è suscettibile a più piattaforme di rilevamento, come torbidità, colorimetria, bioluminescenza, fluorescenza e microfluidica6. In quarto luogo, LAMP è altamente specifico in quanto utilizza da quattro a sei primer appositamente progettati per indirizzare da sei a otto regionispecifiche 1,7. Quinto, LAMP è ultrasensibile e numerosi studi hanno riportato la sua sensibilità superiore alla PCR o al PCR 8 intempo reale. Infine, LAMP è più veloce con molti saggi che ora adottano un tempo di esecuzione standard di 30 minuti, mentre i test di tipo PCR di solito prendono 1−2 h8.
Queste caratteristiche interessanti hanno alimentato l'applicazione di LAMP in ampie aree di rilevamento di agenti patogeni, tra cui la diagnostica in vitro 9,la diagnosticadelle malattie animali 10e i testalimentari e ambientali 11. In particolare, un TB-LAMP (LAMP for Mycobacterium tuberculosis) è stato raccomandato dall'OMS come valido test sostitutivo per la microscopia a striscio di espettorato per diagnosi di tubercolosi polmonare in impostazioni periferiche12. L'applicazione LAMP si espande anche oltre l'identificazione microbica per includere il rilevamento di allergeni, specie animali, resistenza ai farmaci, organismi geneticamente modificati e pesticidi13.
La Salmonella non foidale è un agente patogeno zoonotico di notevole interesse per la sicurezza alimentare e la salute pubblica in tutto il mondo14. È stato anche identificato come un importante pericolo microbico negli alimenti per animali (cioè alimenti per animali)15,16. Per prevenire malattie/focolai di Salmonella da alimenti umani e alimenti animali contaminati, è imperativo disporre di metodi rapidi, affidabili e robusti per testare la Salmonella in una varietà di matrici. Nell'ultimo decennio, sono stati compiuti notevoli sforzi a livello internazionale per lo sviluppo e l'applicazione di saggi Salmonella LAMP in una vasta gamma di matrici alimentari, come recentemente riassunto in un'ampiarevisione 8. Diversi saggi Salmonella LAMP, tra cui quello qui presentato, hanno completato con successo la convalida multi-laboratorio seguendo le consolidate linee guida internazionali17,18,19,20.
Il nostro test Salmonella LAMP si rivolge specificamente al gene di invasione della Salmonella invA (GenBank numero di adesione M90846)21 ed è rapido, affidabile e robusto in più matricialimentari 4,22,23,24,25,26. Il metodo è stato convalidato in sei matrici di alimenti per animali in uno studio precollaborativo26 e nel cibo secco per cani in uno studio collaborativo multi-laboratorio19. Di conseguenza, il metodo Salmonella LAMP qui presentato è stato recentemente incorporato nel Manuale analitico batteriologico (BAM) della Food and Drug Administration (FDA) degli Stati Uniti (BAM) Capitolo 5 Salmonella27 per servire a due scopi, uno come metodo di screening rapido per la presenza di Salmonella negli alimenti animali e due come metodo di conferma affidabile per la Salmonella presuntiva isolata da tutti gli alimenti.

<table>
	<tbody>
		<tr>
			<td>Brain heart infusion (BHI) broth</td>
			<td>BD Diagnostic Systems, Sparks, MD</td>
			<td>299070</td>
			<td>Liquid growth medium used in the cultivation of Salmonella.</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Buffered peptone water (BPW)</td>
			<td>BD Diagnostic Systems, Sparks, MD</td>
			<td>218105</td>
			<td>Preenrichment medium for the recovery of Salmonella from animal food samples.</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>DNA AWAY</td>
			<td>Thermo Fisher Scientific, Waltham, MA</td>
			<td>7010</td>
			<td>Eliminates unwanted DNA and DNase from laboratory bench, glassware, and plasticware without affecting subsequent DNA samples.</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Genie Explorer software</td>
			<td>OptiGene Ltd., West Sussex, United Kingdom</td>
			<td>Version 2.0.6.3</td>
			<td>Supports remote operation of Genie instruments including LAMP runs and data analysis.</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Genie II or Genie III (LAMP instrument)</td>
			<td>OptiGene Ltd., West Sussex, United Kingdom</td>
			<td>GEN2-02 or GEN3-02</td>
			<td>A small instrument capable of temperature control up to 100 &#176;C with &#177; 0.1 &#176;C accuracy and simultaneous fluorescence detection via the FAM channel. Genie II has 2 blocks (A and B) with 8 samples in each block. Genie III has a single block that accommodates 8 samples.</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Genie strip</td>
			<td>OptiGene Ltd., West Sussex, United Kingdom</td>
			<td>OP-0008</td>
			<td>8-well microtube strips with integral locking caps and a working volume of 10 to 150 &#181;l.</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Genie strip holder</td>
			<td>OptiGene Ltd., West Sussex, United Kingdom</td>
			<td>GBLOCK</td>
			<td>Used to hold Genie strips when setting up a LAMP reaction, the aluminum holder can also be used as a cool block.</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Hydrochloric acid (HCl) solution, 1 N</td>
			<td>Thermo Fisher Scientific, Waltham, MA</td>
			<td>SA48-500</td>
			<td>Adjusts pH of animal food samples after adding BPW and prior to overnight enrichment.</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Heat block</td>
			<td>Thermo Fisher Scientific, Waltham, MA</td>
			<td>88-860-022</td>
			<td>Heats samples at 100 &#177; 1 oC for DNA extraction.</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Incubator</td>
			<td>Thermo Fisher Scientific, Waltham, MA</td>
			<td>3960</td>
			<td>Standard laboratory incubator.</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>ISO-001 isothermal master mix</td>
			<td>OptiGene Ltd., West Sussex, United Kingdom</td>
			<td>ISO-001</td>
			<td>An optimized master mix to simplify the assembly of a LAMP reaction, containing a strand-displacing GspSSD DNA polymerase large fragment from Geobacillus spp., thermostable inorganic pyrophosphatase, reaction buffer, MgSO4, dNTPs, and a double-stranded DNA binding dye (FAM detection channel).</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Isopropanol</td>
			<td>Thermo Fisher Scientific, Waltham, MA</td>
			<td>A416</td>
			<td>Disinfects work surfaces.</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>LAMP primers</td>
			<td>Integrated DNA Technologies Inc., Coralville, IA</td>
			<td>Custom</td>
			<td>LAMP primers with detailed information in Table 1.</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Microcentrifuge</td>
			<td>Eppendorf North America, Hauppauge, NY</td>
			<td>22620207</td>
			<td>MiniSpin plus personal microcentrifuge.</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Microcentrifuge tubes</td>
			<td>Thermo Fisher Scientific, Waltham, MA</td>
			<td>05-408-129</td>
			<td>Standard microcentrifuge tubes.</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Molecular grade water</td>
			<td>Thermo Fisher Scientific, Waltham, MA</td>
			<td>AM9938</td>
			<td>Used in making primer stocks, primer mix, and LAMP reaction mix.</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Sodium hydroxide (NaOH) solution, 1 N</td>
			<td>Thermo Fisher Scientific, Waltham, MA</td>
			<td>SS266-1</td>
			<td>Adjusts pH of animal food samples after adding BPW and prior to overnight enrichment.</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Nonselective agar (e.g., blood agar, nutrient agar, and trypticase soy agar)</td>
			<td>Thermo Fisher Scientific, Waltham, MA</td>
			<td>R01202</td>
			<td>Solid growth medium used in the cultivation of Salmonella.</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Peptone water</td>
			<td>BD Diagnostic Systems, Sparks, MD</td>
			<td>218071</td>
			<td>Dilutes overnight Salmonella cultures to make positive control DNA.</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Pipettes and tips</td>
			<td>Mettler-Toledo Rainin LLC, Oakland CA</td>
			<td>Pipet Lite LTS series</td>
			<td>Standard laboratory pipettes and tips.</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>PrepMan Ultra sample preparation reagent</td>
			<td>Thermo Fisher Scientific, Waltham, MA</td>
			<td>4318930</td>
			<td>A simple kit used for the rapid preparation of DNA templates for use in a LAMP reaction.</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Salmonella reference strain LT2</td>
			<td>ATCC, Manassas, VA</td>
			<td>700720</td>
			<td>Salmonella reference strain used as positive control.</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Trypticase soy broth (TSB)</td>
			<td>BD Diagnostic Systems, Sparks, MD</td>
			<td>211768</td>
			<td>Liquid growth medium used in the cultivation of Salmonella.</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Vortex mixer</td>
			<td>Scientific Industries, Inc., Bohemia, NY</td>
			<td>SI-0236</td>
			<td>Standard laboratory vortex mixer.</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Whirl-pak filter bag</td>
			<td>Nasco Sampling Brand, Fort Atkinson, WI</td>
			<td>B01318</td>
			<td>Filter bags to hold animal food samples for preenrichment.</td>
		</tr>
	</tbody>
</table>

loop-mediated isothermal amplification for screening salmonella in animal food and confirming salmonella from culture isolation

L'amplificazione isotermica mediata ad anello (LAMP) è emersa come un potente test di amplificazione dell'acido nucleico per il rapido rilevamento di numerosi agenti batterici, fungini, parassiti e virali. La salmonella è un agente patogeno batterico di interesse mondiale per la sicurezza alimentare, compresi gli alimenti per animali. Qui è presentato un protocollo Salmonella LAMP convalidato da più laboratori che può essere utilizzato per migliorare rapidamente gli alimenti per animali per la presenza di contaminazione da Salmonella e può anche essere utilizzato per confermare presunti isolati di Salmonella recuperati da tutte le categorie alimentari. Il test LAMP si rivolge specificamente al gene di invasione della Salmonella (invA)ed è rapido, sensibile e altamente specifico. I DNA modello sono preparati con brodi di arricchimento di alimenti animali o colture pure di presunti isolati di Salmonella. La miscela di reagenti LAMP viene preparata combinando un mix di maestri isotermici, primer, modello di DNA e acqua. Il saggio LAMP funziona a una temperatura costante di 65 °C per 30 min. I risultati positivi sono monitorati tramite fluorescenza in tempo reale e possono essere rilevati già da 5 minuti. Il saggio LAMP mostra un'elevata tolleranza agli inibitori negli alimenti animali o nel mezzo di coltura, fungendo da metodo rapido, affidabile, robusto, economico e di facile utilizzo per lo screening e la conferma della Salmonella. Il metodo LAMP è stato recentemente incorporato nel Capitolo 5 del Manuale analitico batteriologico (BAM) della Food and Drug Administration degli Stati Uniti.

La figura 2 e la figura 3 mostrano grafici/tabelle LAMP rappresentativi visualizzati su entrambe le piattaforme. In questa corsa LAMP, i campioni da S1 a S6 sono diluizioni seriali 10 volte di S. enterica serovar Infantis ATCC 51741 che vanno da 1,1 x 106 CFU a 11 CFU per reazione. Il controllo positivo è S. enterica serovar Typhimurium ATCC 19585 (LT2) a 1,7 x 104 CFU per reazione e NTC è acqua di grado molecolare.
Come illustrato nella figura 2E e nella figura 3G, sia i pozzi NTC che PC sono controlli validi. Il pozzo NTC ha Tmax vuoto mentre Tm è < 83 °C sul quadro strumenti LAMP e vuoto nel software LAMP, suggerendo un risultato negativo. Il PC ha T max di 7 min 45 sec e T m di ~ 90 °C su entrambe le piattaforme, suggerendo un risultato positivo. I campioni da S1 a S6 hanno Tmax tra 6 min 30 sec e 12 min 15 sec, tutti positivialla Salmonella.
A seguito di esecuzioni duplicate dello stesso set di campioni, vengono riportati i risultati finali di LAMP per questi campioni. Questa corsa LAMP rappresentativa mostra che LAMP rileva con successo salmonella con un'ampia gamma di concentrazioni nei campioni.
<img alt="Figure 2" class="xfigimg" src="/files/ftp_upload/61239/61239fig2v2.jpg"> Figura 2: Risultati LAMP rappresentativi visualizzati sul quadro strumenti LAMP. (A) La scheda Profilo mostra il profilo di temperatura programmato. (B) La scheda Temperatura mostra le temperature effettive nei pozzi del campione mentre procede la reazione LAMP. (C) La scheda Amplificazione mostra le letture di fluorescenza durante l'amplificazione LAMP. (D) La scheda Ricottura mostra cambiamenti nella fluorescenza (derivata) durante la fase ricottura. (E) Nella scheda Risultati viene visualizzata una visualizzazione tabellare dei risultati lamp. <a href="https://www-jove-com.remotexs.ntu.edu.sg/files/ftp_upload/61239/61239fig2v2large.jpg" target="_blank">Clicca qui per visualizzare una versione più grande di questa figura.</a>
<img alt="Figure 3" class="xfigimg" src="/files/ftp_upload/61239/61239fig3v2.jpg"> Figura 3: Risultati LAMP rappresentativi visualizzati nel software LAMP. (A) La scheda Profilo mostra il profilo di temperatura programmato. (B) La scheda Temperatura mostra le temperature effettive nei pozzi del campione mentre procede la reazione LAMP. (C) La scheda Amplificazione mostra le letture di fluorescenza durante l'amplificazione LAMP. (D) La scheda Velocità di amplificazione mostra variazioni della fluorescenza (rapporto di fluorescenza) durante l'amplificazione lamp. (E) La scheda Ricottura mostra le letture di fluorescenza durante la fase di ricottura. (F) La scheda Derivata ricottura mostra le variazioni della fluorescenza (derivata) durante la fase ricottura. (G) Nella scheda Risultato viene visualizzata una visualizzazione tabellare dei risultati lamp. <a href="https://www-jove-com.remotexs.ntu.edu.sg/files/ftp_upload/61239/61239fig3v2large.jpg" target="_blank">Clicca qui per visualizzare una versione più grande di questa figura.</a>

Watch this Scientific Journal Video about Loop-Mediated Isothermal Amplification for Screening Salmonella in Animal Food and Confirming Salmonella from Culture Isolation at JoVE.com

Loop-Mediated Isothermal Amplification for Screening Salmonella in Animal Food and Confirming Salmonella from Culture Isolation

L'amplificazione isotermica mediata da loop (LAMP) è un test di amplificazione dell'acido nucleico isotermico (iNAAT) che ha attirato un ampio interesse nel campo del rilevamento degli agenti patogeni. Qui presentiamo un protocollo Salmonella LAMP convalidato in più laboratori come metodo rapido, affidabile e robusto per lo screening della Salmonella negli alimenti per animali e la conferma della Salmonella presuntiva dall'isolamento della coltura.

Amplificazione isotermica mediata ad anello per lo screening della Salmonella negli alimenti animali e conferma della Salmonella dall'isolamento della coltura

Loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) has emerged as a powerful nucleic acid amplification test for the rapid detection of numerous bacterial, ...

loop-mediated-isothermal-amplification-for-screening-salmonella

Nanyang Technological University

Research

JoVE Journal

Biology

Loop-Mediated Isothermal Amplification for Screening Salmonella in Animal Food and Confirming Salmonella from Culture Isolation

7.9K Views.  U.S. Food and Drug Administration. L'amplificazione isotermica mediata da loop (LAMP) è un test di amplificazione dell'acido nucleico isotermico (iNAAT) che ha attirato un ampio interesse nel campo del rilevamento degli agenti patogeni. Qui presentiamo un protocollo Salmonella LAMP convalidato in più laboratori come metodo rapido, affidabile e robusto per lo screening della Salmonella negli alimenti per animali e la conferma della Salmonella presuntiva dall'isolamento della col...

Video: Loop-Mediated Isothermal Amplification for Screening Salmonella in Animal Food and Confirming Salmonella from Culture Isolation

Chronic Salmonella Infected Mouse Model

The bacterial infected mouse model is a powerful model system for studying areas such as infection, inflammation, immunology, signal transduction, and tumorigenesis. Many researchers have taken advantage of the colitis induced by Salmonella typhimurium for the studies on the early phase of inflammation and infection. However, only few reports are on the chronic infection in vivo. Mice with Salmonella persistent existence in the gastrointestinal tract allow us to explore the long-term host-bacterial interaction, signal transduction, and tumorigenesis. We have established a chronic bacterial infected mouse model with Salmonella typhimurium colonization in the mouse intestine over 6 months. To use this system, it is necessary for the researcher to learn how to prepare the bacterial culture and gavage the animals. We detail a methodology for prepare bacterial culture and gavage mice. We also show how to detect the Salmonella persistence in the gastrointestinal tract. Overall, this protocol will aid researchers using the bacterial infected mouse model to address fundamentally important biological and microbiological questions.

Chronic Salmonella Infected Mouse Model

Establish a chronic bacterial infected mouse model with persistent Salmonella typhimurium colonization in intestine for 27 weeks.

Cronico Salmonella Modello mouse infetti

The bacterial infected mouse model is a powerful model system for studying areas such as infection, inflammation, immunology, signal transduction, and ...

Ricerca

Biologia

Isolation and Primary Culture of Rat Hepatic Cells

Primary hepatocyte culture is a valuable tool that has been extensively used in basic research of liver function, disease, pathophysiology, pharmacology and other related subjects. The method based on two-step collagenase perfusion for isolation of intact hepatocytes was first introduced by Berry and Friend in 1969 1 and, since then, has undergone many modifications. The most commonly used technique was described by Seglenin 1976 2. Essentially, hepatocytes are dissociated from anesthetized adult rats by a non-recirculating collagenase perfusion through the portal vein. The isolated cells are then filtered through a 100 &mu;m pore size mesh nylon filter, and cultured onto plates. After 4-hour culture, the medium is replaced with serum-containing or serum-free medium, e.g. HepatoZYME-SFM, for additional time to culture. These procedures require surgical and sterile culture steps that can be better demonstrated by video than by text. Here, we document the detailed steps for these procedures by both video and written protocol, which allow consistently in the generation of viable hepatocytes in large numbers.

Primary hepatocytes provide a valuable tool to evaluate biochemical, molecular, and metabolic functions in a physiologically relevant experimental system. We describe a reliable protocol for rat in situ liver perfusion, which consistently generates viable hepatocytes up to 1.0 &times; 108 cells per preparation with cell viability between 88 ~ 96%.

Isolamento e la coltura primaria di cellule epatiche di ratto

Primary hepatocyte culture is a valuable tool that has been extensively used in basic research of liver function, disease, pathophysiology, pharmacology ...

Isolation and Culture of Dental Epithelial Stem Cells from the Adult Mouse Incisor

Understanding the cellular and molecular mechanisms that underlie tooth regeneration and renewal has become a topic of great interest1-4, and the mouse incisor provides a model for these processes. This remarkable organ grows continuously throughout the animal&#39;s life and generates all the necessary cell types from active pools of adult stem cells housed in the labial (toward the lip) and lingual (toward the tongue) cervical loop (CL) regions. Only the dental stem cells from the labial CL give rise to ameloblasts that generate enamel, the outer covering of teeth, on the labial surface. This asymmetric enamel formation allows abrasion at the incisor tip, and progenitors and stem cells in the proximal incisor ensure that the dental tissues are constantly replenished. The ability to isolate and grow these progenitor or stem cells in vitro allows their expansion and opens doors to numerous experiments not achievable in vivo, such as high throughput testing of potential stem cell regulatory factors. Here, we describe and demonstrate a reliable and consistent method to culture cells from the labial CL of the mouse incisor.

The continuously growing mouse incisor provides a model for studying renewal of dental tissues from dental epithelial stem cells (DESCs). A robust system for consistently and reliably obtaining these cells from the incisor and expanding them in vitro is reported here.

Isolamento e Cultura della Dental epiteliali cellule staminali del topo adulto Incisor

Understanding the cellular and molecular mechanisms that underlie tooth regeneration and renewal has become a topic of great interest1-4, and the mouse ...

A Simple High Efficiency Protocol for Pancreatic Islet Isolation from Mice

Pancreatic islets, also called the Islets of Langerhans, are a cluster of endocrine cells which produces hormones for glucose regulation and other important biological functions. The islets primarily consist of five types of hormone-secreting cells: &#945; cells secrete glucagon, &#946; cells secrete insulin, &#948; cells secrete somatostatin, &#949; cells secrete ghrelin, and PP cells secrete pancreatic polypeptide. Sixty to 80% of the cells in the islets are &#946; cells, which are the most important cell population to study insulin secretion. Pancreatic islets are a crucial model system to study ex vivo insulin secretion. Acquiring high quality islets is of great importance for diabetes research. Most islet isolation procedures require technically difficult to access site of collagenase injection, harsh and complex digestion procedures, and multiple density gradient purification steps. This paper features a simple high yield mouse islet isolation method with detailed descriptions and realistic demonstrations, showing the following specific steps: 1) injection of collagenase P at the ampulla of Vater, a small area joining the pancreatic duct and the common bile duct, 2) enzymatic digestion and mechanical separation of the exocrine pancreas, and 3) a single gradient purification step. The advantages of this method are the injection of digestive enzyme using the more accessible ampulla of Vater, more complete digestion using combination of enzymatic and mechanical approaches, and a simpler single gradient purification step. This protocol produces approximately 250&#8212;350 islets per mouse; and islets are suitable for various ex vivo studies. Possible caveats of this procedure are potentially damaged islets due to enzymatic digestion and/or prolonged gradient incubation, all of which can be largely avoided by careful ad justification of incubation time.

This islet isolation protocol described a novel route of collagenase injection to digest the exocrine tissue and a simplified gradient procedure to purify the islets from mice. It involves enzymatic digestion, gradient separation/purification, and islet hand-picking. Successful isolation can yield 250&#8211;350 high quality and fully functional islets per mouse.

Un semplice protocollo ad alta efficienza per l'isolamento delle isolozioni pancreatiche dai topi

Pancreatic islets, also called the Islets of Langerhans, are a cluster of endocrine cells which produces hormones for glucose regulation and other ...

Determination of Reproductive Competence by Confirming Pubertal Onset and Performing a Fertility Assay in Mice and Rats

Assessment of reproductive competence is critical for understanding the impact of a treatment or genetic manipulation on the reproductive axis, also termed the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis. The reproductive axis is a key integrator of environmental and internal input adapting fertility to favorable conditions for reproduction. Prior to embarking upon a fertility study in mice and rats, sexual maturity is evaluated to exclude the possibility that the observed reproductive phenotypes are caused by delayed or absent pubertal onset. This protocol describes a non-invasive approach to assess pubertal onset in males through the determination of preputial separation, and in females through vaginal opening and first estrus. After the confirmation of the completion of puberty and the achievement of sexual maturity, a fertility study can be initiated. The procedure describes the optimal breeding conditions for mice and rats, how to set up a fertility study, and what parameters to evaluate and determine if the treatment or gene deletion has an impact on fertility.

Many treatments and genetic mutations impact the timing of sexual maturity and fertility. This protocol describes a non-invasive method to evaluate pubertal onset in mice and rats prior to setting up a fertility study in sexually mature animals.

Determinazione della competenza riproduttiva confermando Inizio puberale e realizzazione di un test di fertilità in topi e ratti

Assessment of reproductive competence is critical for understanding the impact of a treatment or genetic manipulation on the reproductive axis, also ...

Quasi-metagenomic Analysis of Salmonella from Food and Environmental Samples

Quasi-metagenomics sequencing refers to the sequencing-based analysis of modified microbiomes of food and environmental samples. In this protocol, microbiome modification is designed to concentrate genomic DNA of a target foodborne pathogen contaminant to facilitate the detection and subtyping of the pathogen in a single workflow. Here, we explain and demonstrate the sample preparation steps for the quasi-metagenomics analysis of Salmonella enterica from representative food and environmental samples including alfalfa sprouts, ground black pepper, ground beef, chicken breast and environmental swabs. Samples are first subjected to the culture enrichment of Salmonella for a shortened and adjustable duration (4&#8211;24 h). Salmonella cells are then selectively captured from the enrichment culture by immunomagnetic separation (IMS). Finally, multiple displacement amplification (MDA) is performed to amplify DNA from IMS-captured cells. The DNA output of this protocol can be sequenced by high throughput sequencing platforms. An optional quantitative PCR analysis can be performed to replace sequencing for Salmonella detection or assess the concentration of Salmonella DNA before sequencing.

Quasi-metagenomic Analysis of Salmonella from Food and Environmental Samples

Here, we present a protocol to prepare DNA samples from food and environmental microbiomes for concerted detection and subtyping of Salmonella through quasimetagenomic sequencing. The combined use of culture enrichment, immunomagnetic separation (IMS), and multiple displacement amplification (MDA) allows effective concentration of Salmonella genomic DNA from food and environmental samples.&#160;

Analisi metagenomica quasi di Salmonella da campioni ambientali e alimentari

Quasi-metagenomics sequencing refers to the sequencing-based analysis of modified microbiomes of food and environmental samples. In this protocol, ...

Isolation and Culture of Primary Oral Keratinocytes from the Adult Mouse Palate

For years, most studies involving keratinocytes have been conducted using human and mouse skin epidermal keratinocytes. Recently, oral keratinocytes have attracted attention because of their unique function and characteristics. They maintain the homeostasis of the oral epithelium and serve as resources for applications in regenerative therapies. However, in vitro studies that use oral primary keratinocytes from adult mice have been limited due to the lack of an efficient and well-established culture protocol. Here, oral primary keratinocytes were isolated from the palate tissues of adult mice and cultured in a commercial low-calcium medium supplemented with a chelexed-serum. Under these conditions, keratinocytes were maintained in a proliferative or stem cell-like state, and their differentiation was inhibited even after increased passages. Marker expression analysis showed that the cultured oral keratinocytes expressed the basal cell markers p63, K14, and &#945;6-integrin and were negative for the differentiation marker K13 and the fibroblast marker PDGFR&#945;. This method produced viable and culturable cells suitable for downstream applications in the study of oral epithelial stem cell functions in vitro.

The present protocol describes the isolation and culture of oral keratinocytes derived from the adult mouse palate. An evaluation method using immunostaining is also reported.

Isolamento e coltura di cheratinociti orali primari dal palato del topo adulto

For years, most studies involving keratinocytes have been conducted using human and mouse skin epidermal keratinocytes. Recently, oral keratinocytes have ...

Nuclei Isolation from Adult Mouse Kidney for Single-Nucleus RNA-Sequencing

The kidneys regulate diverse biological processes such as water, electrolyte, and acid-base homeostasis. Physiological functions of the kidney are executed by multiple cell types arranged in a complex architecture across the corticomedullary axis of the organ. Recent advances in single-cell transcriptomics have accelerated the understanding of cell type-specific gene expression in renal physiology and disease. However, enzyme-based tissue dissociation protocols, which are frequently utilized for single-cell RNA-sequencing (scRNA-seq), require mostly fresh (non-archived) tissue, introduce transcriptional stress responses, and favor the selection of abundant cell types of the kidney cortex resulting in an underrepresentation of cells of the medulla.
Here, we present a protocol that avoids these problems. The protocol is based on nuclei isolation at 4 &#176;C from frozen kidney tissue. Nuclei are isolated from a central piece of the mouse kidney comprised of the cortex, outer medulla, and inner medulla. This reduces the overrepresentation of cortical cells typical for whole-kidney samples for the benefit of medullary cells such that data will represent the entire corticomedullary axis at sufficient abundance. The protocol is simple, rapid, and adaptable and provides a step towards the standardization of single-nuclei transcriptomics in kidney research.

Here, we present a protocol to isolate high-quality nuclei from frozen mouse kidneys that improve the representation of medullary kidney cell types and avoids the gene expression artifacts from enzymatic tissue dissociation.

Isolamento dei nuclei dal rene di topo adulto per il sequenziamento dell'RNA a singolo nucleo

The kidneys regulate diverse biological processes such as water, electrolyte, and acid-base homeostasis. Physiological functions of the kidney are ...

Double-Staining Method to Detect Pectin in Plant-Fungus Interaction

Plant cells use different structural mechanisms, either constitutive or inducible, to defend themselves from fungal infection. Encapsulation is an efficient inducible mechanism to isolate the fungal haustoria from the plant cell protoplast. Conversely, pectin, one of the polymeric components of the cell wall, is a target of several pectolytic enzymes in necrotrophic interactions. Here, a protocol to detect pectin and fungal hyphae through optical microscopy is presented. The pectin-rich encapsulation in the cells of coffee leaves infected by the rust fungus Hemileia vastatrix and the mesophyll cell wall modification induced by Cercospora coffeicola are investigated. Lesioned leaf samples were fixed with the Karnovsky solution, dehydrated, and embedded in glycol methacrylate for 2-4 days. All steps were followed by vacuum-pumping to remove air in the intercellular spaces and improve the embedding process. The embedded blocks were sectioned into 5-7 &#181;m thick sections, which were deposited on a glass slide covered with water and subsequently heated at 40 &#176;C for 30 min. Next, the slides were double-stained with 5% cotton blue in lactophenol to detect the fungus and 0.05% ruthenium red in water to detect pectin (acidic groups of polyuronic acids of pectin). Fungal haustoria of Hemileia vastatrix were found to be encapsulated by pectin. In coffee cercosporiosis, mesophyll cells exhibited dissolution of cell walls, and intercellular hyphae and conidiophores were observed. The method presented here is effective to detect a pectin-associated response in the plant-fungi interaction.

This protocol describes a microscopical method to detect pectin in coffee-fungus interaction.

Metodo a doppia colorazione per rilevare la pectina nell'interazione pianta-fungo

Plant cells use different structural mechanisms, either constitutive or inducible, to defend themselves from fungal infection. Encapsulation is an ...

Isolation and Screening from Soil Biodiversity for Fungi Involved in the Degradation of Recalcitrant Materials

Environmental pollution is an increasing problem, and identifying fungi involved in the bioremediation process is an essential task. Soil hosts an incredible diversity of microbial life and can be a good source of these bioremediative fungi. This work aims to search for soil fungi with bioremediation potential by using different screening tests. Mineral culture media supplemented with recalcitrant substances as the sole carbon source were used as growth tests. First, soil dilutions were plated on Petri dishes with mineral medium amended with humic acids or lignocellulose. The growing fungal colonies were isolated and tested on different substrates, such as complex mixtures of hydrocarbons (petrolatum and used motor oil) and powders of different plastic polymers (PET, PP, PS, PUR, PVC). Qualitative enzymatic tests were associated with the growth tests to investigate the production of esterases, laccases, peroxidases, and proteases. These enzymes are involved in the main degradation processes of recalcitrant material, and their constitutive secretion by the examined fungal strains could have the potential to be exploited for bioremediation. More than 100 strains were isolated and tested, and several isolates with good bioremediation potential were found. In conclusion, the described screening tests are an easy and low-cost method to identify fungal strains with bioremediation potential from the soil. In addition, it is possible to tailor the screening tests for different pollutants, according to requirements, by adding other recalcitrant substances to minimal culture media.

Here, we present a protocol for screening soil biodiversity to look for fungal strains involved in the degradation of recalcitrant materials. First, fungal strains able to grow on humic acids or lignocellulose are isolated. Their activity is then tested both in enzymatic assays and on pollutants such as hydrocarbons and plastics.