Use of fluorescence spectroscopy on detection and control of contamination in food

Abstract

Cardboard, spoiled meat, chemical additives in concentrations above of permitted, microorganisms, pesticides, antibiotics, zoonoses, etc. What is the quality of the foods we consume? Food poisoning is a much bigger problem for governments and for the food industry today, compared to the last decade. The World Health Organization (WHO) reports indicate that all over the world, millions of people suffer from diseases caused by contaminated food. Food contamination is generally defined as foods that are spoiled or tainted because they either contain microorganisms, such as bacteria or parasites, or toxic substances that make them unfit for consumption. In addition, different chemical mechanisms are responsible for the oxidation of fats and oils during processing, storage, and cooking generating high levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and free radicals. The goal of this project is the utilization of fluorescence spectroscopic in detection of contaminants (microrganisms, pesticides and antibiotics) and oxidative processes that deteriorate the quality of food. Fluorescence spectroscopy is a technique in which the excitation of a molecule is obtained through the absorption of photons. With this technique it is possible to quickly determine the biochemical and biophysical properties of foods. We can cite some important properties of fluorescence when compared with other analytical methods as: fast response, high sensitivity, low detection limits, selectivity, instrumental simplicity and low cost of maintenance and analysis. Through fluorescence measurements it is also possible to determine the importance and specific contribution of the singlet oxygen in the oxidation of foods. The deep scientific knowledge of the formation, reactions, mechanisms and kinetics of generation/extinction of singlet oxygen, can significantly improve the quality of foods, reducing oxidation during processing and storage. With the approval of this project, it will be possible to make improvements in the fluorimeter Jobin Yvon Fluorolog 3, acquired with Fapesp 06/06591-7 process by adding a module of acquisition in the infrared region and software update. It will also be possible to purchase a new pulsed excitation source for the PicoQuant's lifetime system acquired in the FAPESP 10/16544-1 process. These actions will allow the expansion of the possibility of measurement and new collaborations. (AU)