According to a Michigan State University release, Dr. Evangelyn Alocilja, Professor of Biosystems and Agricultlural Engineering and the Founder of the Nano-Biosensors Laboratory, has developed a rapid assay to detect Salmonella and Campylobacter able to provide a result within an hour.

The studies leading to the assays were in part, funded by the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture. Dr. Alocilja has applied nanomaterial biosensing to a variety of infectious diseases, including tuberculosis. Dr. Alocilja is a member of the National Academy of Inventors.

The ability to detect specific pathogens rapidly in hatcheries, grow-out facilities and processing plants is self-evident.  Dr. Alocilja stated, “We want to ensure that food is safe while also helping processors get their products into the hands of consumers quickly.”  She added, “If we can troubleshoot problems before the products leave farms and processors, that would go a long way to improving profitability and food safety.” Her Department is rapidly expanding opportunities for women who comprise 54 percent of the 235 undergraduate students enrolled in the Biosystems Engineering Program.