Table. 1 Comparative analysis of emerging detection technologies for MRA
From: Advancing microbial risk assessment: perspectives from the evolution of detection technologies
Technology | Strengths | Limitations | Best Use Cases |
|---|---|---|---|
PCR/qPCR | -High specificity (100% for target genes) -Rapid (2 ~ 4 h) | -Limited to known targets -Risk of false negatives in complex matrices | Confirming pathogen presence in processed foods (e.g., Listeria in cheese) |
MALDI-TOF MS | -Species-level identification (>95% accuracy) -Minimal sample preparation | - High equipment cost - Requires reference databases | Rapid identification of E. coli O157:H7 in meat products |
Next-gen sequencing | -Pathogen traceability (SNP resolution) -Detects unknown pathogens | -High computational cost (>100 GB/sample) - Time-intensive (24 ~ 72 h) | Outbreak tracing (e.g., linking Salmonella strains to contaminated poultry farms) |
Electrochemical sensors | -Portable, real-time detection -Low cost (<$100/device) | -Limited multiplexing capability -Calibration drift in field conditions | On-site monitoring of Vibrio in seafood during transportation |
