Development of Ion Mobility Spectrometry (IMS) Applications for Listeria Detection and Monitoring In-Plant Food Processing Plants

This research continued the development of IMS for detection of Listeria. It also focused on developing sample mechanisms for direct and aerosol sampling that would allow the samples to be analyzed directly by IMS techniques.

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Objectives

The objective of this study was to collect and distinguish Listeria species by utilizing Ion Mobility Spectrometry (IMS) which employed a ramped heating system.

Conclusions

IMS detection of Listeria on meat and the collection of aerosolized bacteria were demonstrated.  Selectivity of bacterial detection was further improved by combining whole cell desorption and shorter incubation times in the presence of Listeria diagnostic media.  The use of Teflon and glass fiber pads were utilized when complex samples were taken to improve thermal ramping capability.

Deliverable

IMS technology can be used as a first step in a rapid presumptive test for Listeria species.