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Liposcelis bostrychophila Badonnel (Psocoptera: Liposcelididae) is a booklouse pest that is a threat to commodity storage security worldwide. Accurate and sensitive methods of L. bostrychophila on-site identification are essential prerequisites for its effective management. Evidence suggests that L. bostrychophila contains 3 intraspecific biotypes that are morphologically indistinguishable but can be discriminated at the level of mitochondrial genome organization and sequences. The traditional molecular identification methods, such as DNA barcoding and PCR-RFLP, are instrumentally demanding and time-consuming, limiting the application of the identification in the field. Therefore, this study developed a new CRISPR/Cas12a-based visual nucleic acid system based on the mitochondrial gene coding for NADH dehydrogenase subunit 2 (nad2), combined with recombinase polymerase amplification (RPA) to accurately identify L. bostrychophila from 4 other common stored-product booklice, and also differentiate 3 biotypes of this species at the same time. The entire identification process could be completed at 37 °C within 20 min with high sensitivity. The system could stably detect at least 1 ng/μl of DNA template. The green fluorescence signal produced by the trans-cleaving of the single-stranded DNA reporter could be observed by the naked eye under blue light. Additionally, the suggested system combined with the crude DNA extraction method to extract DNA rapidly, enabled identification of all developmental stages of L. bostrychophila. With crude DNA, this novel diagnostic system successfully identified an unknown booklouse by holding the reaction tubes in the hand, thus can be considered as an accurate, rapid, highly sensitive, and instrument-flexible method for on-site visual identification of L. bostrychophila. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Considering the environmental risk, industrial facilities should strive to maximise the effectiveness of on-site treatment processes. It is important to detect the types of pollutants in wastewater and their concentrations, which can be challenging in industrial conditions. In this study, industrial wastewater samples from pickling and electropolishing of stainless steel were analyzed through Raman spectroscopy and XRF techniques using portable instruments. A 3-step procedure for the rapid identification of type of wastewater was proposed. The identification and analysis of peaks present in the Raman spectroscopy at 900, 990, 1050, 1380 cm−1allows for the differentiation of wastewater type and dilution. The final step is to employ XRF measurements to determine the approximate content of the investigated elements. The use of portable analytical instruments for the estimation of contamination levels is essential for the management of the industrial wastewater neutralization process as well as during emergency operations in cases of accidents.

Current phytosanitary (import) measures for the false codling moth, Thaumatotibia leucotreta (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae) and the cotton bollworm moth Helicoverpa armigera (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), do not provide protection to countries located in southern and central portions of the European Union (EU). Only glasshouses in northern parts of the EU benefit from EU wide phytosanitary regulation. The primary pathway for introduction of T. leucotreta and H. armigera into glasshouses in northern parts of the EU is via the import of cut flowers such as roses and to a lesser extent natural spread or migration. A limitating factor to the management and control of T. leucotreta and H. armigera is accurate identification. The aim of this study was to develop a loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) assay for specific identification of T. leucotreta and H. armigera. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study introduces an advanced electrochemical biosensor that utilizes MoS 2 @CNT as an electrode material combined with a specific DNA probe to detect Salmonella Typhi rapidly and accurately. The sensor offers a broad detection range from 1.0 × 10−6 to 1.0 × 10−18 molL−1 and boasts an exceptionally low limit of detection (LOD) of 1.0 × 10−20 molL−1 for the target bacterium. It demonstrates a detection range from 1.0 × 104 to 1.0 × 1011 CFUml−1 in real samples, with a corresponding LOD of 1.0 × 104 CFUml−1. Rigorous testing against base mismatches and various bacterial strains confirms its specificity, ensuring reliable performance. Validated in real samples, the biosensor can accurately identify Salmonella Typhi in water and milk, achieving recoveries ranging from 92.95 % to 99.58 %. The exceptional performance of the biosensor is attributed to the MoS 2 @CNT electrode material and the specific DNA recognition probe, which enhance electron transfer and reduce steric impedance. These improvements contribute to the sensor's enhanced sensitivity and specificity, making it a significant advancement in public health safety by providing a rapid and accurate tool for detecting Salmonella Typhi in food samples. • Advanced MoS 2 @CNT biosensor for rapid S. Typhi detection. • Low LOD of 1.0 × 10−20 molL−1; range of 1.0 × 104 to 1.0 × 1011 CFUml−1. • Exceptional specificity against base mismatches and strains. • Accurately detects S. Typhi in water and milk samples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Granular ark (Tegillarca granosa), broughton's ribbed ark (Anadara broughtonii), and half-crenate ark (Anadara kagoshimensis) are important fishery resources throughout Asia; granular ark exhibiting a higher economic value due to its rarity. However, due to the similar morphological characteristics of the three species, the less valuable species could be exploited for food fraud. In this study, we developed a rapid on-site identification method based on a microfluidic chip for the detection of the three ark shell species. We designed new species-specific primers, targeting the genes encoding mitochondrial cytochrome b or cytochrome c oxidase I, for the identification of the three ark shells and estimated their specificity against 17 species, which amplified only the target species. The sensitivity of each primer was 0.001 ng. In addition, this method was further improved to develop a direct ultrafast polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for on-site food monitoring, which would allow for completing the entire procedure (from sampling to obtaining the results) within 25 min without DNA extraction. Our direct, ultrafast PCR was successfully applied to differentiate the three species from 29 commercial products. Therefore, this assay could be used as a rapid and cost-effective approach for the on-site identification of ark shells in commercial food products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The characterization of ancient silk provides significant historical information and contribute to the identification of the origin of the material. At present, there are many ways to characterize silk. However, on-site identification of ancient silk remains a crucial challenge. In this study, a paper chromatography system consisting of a colloidal gold immunochromatographic strip (GICS) and a time-resolved fluorescence immunochromatographic strip (TICS) is proposed to meet this challenge. On the basis of the original paper chromatography technique, a monoclonal antibody against silk fibroin (SF) was prepared and applied in this new paper chromatography system. Both the GICS and the TICS showed good sensitivity, specificity and reliability, with the limit of detection for silk fibroin being 30 μg/mL and 49.20 ng/mL, respectively. Moreover, there was no cross reaction with possible interferents. Furthermore, the GICS had acceptable thermal stability. The recovery of the TICS assay was in the range from 98.12% to 103%, and the variation coefficient was from 5.34% to 6.93%. This work significantly improves access to scientific information at archaeological sites, providing new scientific evidence for exploring the origin and transmission roadmap of ancient silk. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Granular ark (Tegillarca granosa), broughton’s ribbed ark (Anadara broughtonii), and half-crenate ark (Anadara kagoshimensis) are important fishery resources throughout Asia; granular ark exhibiting a higher economic value due to its rarity. However, due to the similar morphological characteristics of the three species, the less valuable species could be exploited for food fraud. In this study, we developed a rapid on-site identification method based on a microfluidic chip for the detection of the three ark shell species. We designed new species-specific primers, targeting the genes encoding mitochondrial cytochrome b or cytochrome c oxidase I, for the identification of the three ark shells and estimated their specificity against 17 species, which amplified only the target species. The sensitivity of each primer was 0.001 ng. In addition, this method was further improved to develop a direct ultrafast polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for on-site food monitoring, which would allow for completing the entire procedure (from sampling to obtaining the results) within 25 min without DNA extraction. Our direct, ultrafast PCR was successfully applied to differentiate the three species from 29 commercial products. Therefore, this assay could be used as a rapid and cost-effective approach for the on-site identification of ark shells in commercial food products.

Purpose: Colchicum autumnale (Colchicaceae) exhibits toxicity, and severe poisoning cases due to ingestion of this plant have been reported in Japan. Identifying the cause of poisoning is important for emergency medical treatment, and a rapid and simple detection technique is required for the identification of the cause of poisoning. In the present study, we developed a rapid and simple method for the detection of C. autumnale based on a loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) assay, which is 100- to 1000-fold higher than the conventional polymerase chain reaction method. Methods: Specific LAMP primers for C. autumnale were designed based on the trnL-trnF intergenic spacer region. Using the LAMP primers, the LAMP assay was performed at an isothermal reaction temperature of 63 ℃. Results: The LAMP reaction was shown to be specific and highly sensitive to C. autumnale, given that the assay can be used for 10 pg of purified DNA. Using a simple protocol for on-site detection, the entire procedure from pretreatment to evaluation required approximately 1 h. Moreover, the LAMP method using a microfluidic device detected multiple genes, including C. autumnale-specific DNA regions, at a time. Conclusions: The currently proposed protocol exhibits good potential as a screening method for C. autumnale poisoning in emergency medical care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The on-site identification of ancient silks has long been a key challenge in archeology. Therefore, a rapid, cost-effective, sensitive analytical approach is highly desirable. In this paper, a lanthanide-labeled immunochromatographic strip which is suitable for the on-site identification of ancient silks is described. Compared with the conventional colloidal gold-based immunochromatographic strip, this strip shows much higher analytical sensitivity and better quantitative discrimination. The limit of detection (LOD) of the strip for silk fibroin (SF) was calculated as 8.09 ng/mL, approximately 185 times lower than that of the colloidal gold-based immunochromatographic strip. No cross-reactions with other possible interfering antigens were observed. Moreover, the strip also shows good reproducibility, with a mean recovery of 94.15-102.55% and coefficient of variation of 5.22-17.57% in the repeated tests. Based on the advantages of portability and cost-effectiveness, as well as sensitivity, specificity, and reproducibility, the lanthanide-labeled immunochromatographic strip is a promising tool for on-site detection of ancient relics in archeological fieldwork.