The fifth stage news of the ERDF project No. 1.1.1.1/16/A/258
During the fifth stage of the project No. 1.1.1.1/16/A/258 “Development and the application of innovative instrumental analytical methods for the combined determination of a wide range of chemical and biological contaminants in support of the bio-economy in the priority sectors of economy” an innovative instrumental method for the determination of halogenated flame retardants in food products was developed using gas chromatography - high resolution magnetic sector mass spectrometry (GH-HRMS). The method parameters have been improved to provide as high as possible resolution and sensitivity to identify target group compounds in the ultra-low-concentration range, and to exceed the sensitivity of classical gas chromatographic techniques.
Using the methods developed in the previous stages, 20 samples of beef were tested in the second activity of the project, to detect the residues of various pharmacologically active substances belonging to the compounds of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents, tetracyclines, macrolides and penicillin antibiotics. Some compounds have exceeded the maximum levels laid down in the EU Regulation. Within the framework of the second activity, twenty four samples of bivalve molluscs from the rivers and lakes of Latvia were analyzed. Four pollutant groups were analyzed in the samples – polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), perfluorinated compounds (PFC) and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents (NSAIDs). PBDEs and PAHs were detected in all samples, but the concentrations were significantly lower than those found elsewhere in the bivalve molluscs. The PBDEs levels in most samples exceeded the environmental quality standard set by the European Commission, while PFC concentration were small - three times lower than the environmental quality standard. Only ibuprofen was detected in bivalve molluscs from the analyzed NSAIDs. In general, the distribution of contaminants in the territory of Latvia is not homogeneous, indicating individual sources of pollution.
During the fifth phase of the project, within the scope of development of biologic pollutant methods, the studies have been continued on the detection of salmonella in samples from different stages of the food production chain. Work was continued on the implementation and optimization of the complete genomic sequencing of salmonella. Within the framework of biological research activities a new research topic - the molecular characterization of Listeria monocytogenes in food products - has been launched. Bioinformatic data analysis programs were used for data processing. The molecular characterization includes the determination of the molecular type and corresponding serotype, antibiotic resistance gene, and other parameters. Overall sequencing of 20 L. monocytogenes from different foods was performed. In the next project period, at least 150 L. monocytogenes isolates will be sequenced from the Institute "BIOR” collection of microorganisms. Within the framework of biological research activities, databases existing at the institute "BIOR" are updated on the microbiological parameters set in the food chain samples. Data bases will contain the information on salmonella, listeria, campylobacter, and verotoxigenic and colistin-resistant Escherichia coli isolates from food and feed samples.
Two scientific articles have been prepared and submitted to the journals in order to ensure the transfer of knowledge gained in the project, while the two previously submitted publications are evaluated. The publication "Multi-walled carbon nanotubes as effective sorbents in rapid analysis of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in edible oils using dispersive solid-phase extraction (d-SPE) and gas chromatography – tandem mass spectrometry (GC-MS/MS)" is published in the Food Analytical Methods journal, which is included in the Web of Science and Scopus databases.
The total project costs: EUR 449, 617.00 (the planned ERDF aid (85%): EUR 382, 174, 44 and state budget aid (7, 5%): EUR33721, 28). Implementation of the project is scheduled at the duration of thirty months (period: 01.03.2017. - 30.08. 2019).
Information prepared on 26.06.2018.
