The fast and efficient detection of foodborne pathogens is a societal priority, given the large number of food-poisoning outbreaks, and a scientific and technological challenge, given the need to detect as little as 1 viable cell in 25 gr of food. Here, we present the first approach that achieves the above goal, thanks to the use of a micro/nano-technology and the detection capability of acoustic wave sensors. Starting from 1 Salmonella cell in 25 ml of milk, we employ immuno-magnetic beads to capture cells after only 3 h of pre-enrichment and subsequently demonstrate efficient DNA amplification using the Loop Mediated Isothermal Amplification method (LAMP) and acoustic detection in an integrated platform, within an additional ½ h. The demonstrated 4 h sample-to-analysis time comes as a huge improvement to the current need of few days to obtain the same result. In addition, the work presents the first reported Lab-on-Chip platform that comprises an acoustic device as the sensing element, exhibiting impressive analytical features, namely, an acoustic limit of detection of 2 cells/μl or 3 aM of the DNA target and ability to detect in a label-free manner dsDNA amplicons in impure samples. The use of food samples together with the incorporation of the necessary pre-enrichment step and ability for multiple analysis with an internal control, make the proposed methodology highly relevant to real-world applications. Moreover, the work suggests that acoustic wave devices can be used as an attractive alternative to electrochemical sensors in integrated platforms for applications in food safety and the point-of-care diagnostics.

Department of Biology Univ of Crete Voutes Heraklion 70013 Greece; Institute of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology NCSR Demokritos Patriarhou Gregoriou and 27 Neapoleos Str Aghia Paraskevi Attiki 15341 Greece

Institut Pasteur 25 28 Rue du Docteur Roux Paris Cedex 15 75724 France

Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology FORTH 100 N Plastira Str Heraklion 70013 Greece

Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology FORTH 100 N Plastira Str Heraklion 70013 Greece; Department of Biology Univ of Crete Voutes Heraklion 70013 Greece

Institute of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology NCSR Demokritos Patriarhou Gregoriou and 27 Neapoleos Str Aghia Paraskevi Attiki 15341 Greece

Jobst Technologies GmbH Engesserstraße 4b 79108 Freiburg Germany

SENSeOR SAS Temis Innovation 18 rue Alain Savary 25000 Besançon France

University of Pardubice 573 Studentska Pardubice 532 10 Czech Republic

References provided by Crossref.org