Isothermal nucleic acid amplification for food safety analysis

Rapid assays allowing for on-site or in-field testing can enable us to detect food contamination in a timely manner, thus facilitating the insurance of food safety. Isothermal nucleic acid amplification has emerged as a tool for rapid and high-efficiency signal amplification for both nucleic acid and non-nucleic acid targets. In this review, we outline how the features of isothermal amplification techniques have been leveraged for food safety analysis, and present the principles of isothermal amplification techniques. We then introduce isothermal amplification-based approaches for foodborne pathogen and authenticity analysis by detecting nucleic acid markers. Further, the techniques for heavy metal, mycotoxin and antibiotic detection by isothermal amplification combined with functional nucleic acids were reviewed. And particularly, imaging methods enabled by isothermal amplification for in situ analyzing foodborne pathogens are highlighted. Current limitations of these technologies, such as robustness and enzyme preservation, that hinder broad application, are also discussed.