Next-generation sequencing methods: Revolutionize food microbiology

Food processing experts suggest the application of next-generation sequencing methods will introduce significant changes in the field of food microbiology. It is expected that the application of whole genome sequencing technologies to food safety and food microbiology will significantly change the way to detect, subtype, and characterize foodborne pathogens, spoilage organisms, and starter cultures. Several next-generation sequencing technologies have been introduced in the industry that are significantly less costly, time consuming, and labor intensive as compared to the existing gold standard Sanger method. Life Technologies has acquired such a new sequencing platform in December 2010, known as the Ion Torrent Personal Genome Machine, which uses advanced semiconductor technology. The Torrent system detects the proton released during deoxyribonucleotide triphosphate (dNTP) incorporation, while the pyrophosphate released during their incorporation forms the basis for the pyrosequencing methods.