VBNC-PATHOGENS

Development of tools for the assessment and analysis of foodborne pathogenic microorganisms in a viable but non-culturable (VBNC) state
1 July, 2025

 

Objective

The general objective of VBNC-PATHOGENS is to design, develop and validate an innovative and robust set of advanced methodologies that enable the precise and early detection of foodborne pathogens in a viable but non-culturable (VBNC) physiological state, directly from food matrices, with the aim of minimising their entry into the food chain. This project seeks not only to overcome the limitations of traditional culture methods, which are unable to identify this bacterial state, but also to establish a scientific and technological reference framework that integrates current knowledge on the mechanisms of induction and reactivation of the VBNC state, the application of molecular techniques and advanced methodologies, and the validation of the methods developed against ISO standards.

 

Activities

  1. Prospective study of the current state of detection of foodborne pathogens in the viable but non-culturable (VBNC) state.
  2. Development of methodologies for obtaining foodborne pathogens such as Salmonella spp. and Listeria monocytogenes in the VBNC state.
  3. Analysis of VBNC cells using molecular biology techniques (v-qPCR, RT-qPCR).
  4. Determination of the VBNC state using high-throughput sequencing technologies.
  5. Analysis of VBNC by flow cytometry.
  6. Validation of the techniques developed.
  7. Coordination and management.
  8. Dissemination and communication.
  9. Technology transfer and promotion of results.

 

Dissemination/Transfer

VBNC-PATHOGENS poster

Press releases

AINIA launches 11 new R&D&I projects with the support of IVACE-FEDER

Outreach articles

Challenges in detecting pathogenic bacteria in a viable but non-culturable (VBNC) state in the food industry

 

New IVACE FEDER 2025 logo

 

 

Share this article

Are you interested in this project?

Request the results using this form

Headquarters

Valencia Technology Park c/ Benjamin Franklin, 5-11
E46980 Paterna (Valencia)

Tel. 96 136 60 90

Other public projects

This site is registered on wpml.org as a development site. Switch to a production site key to remove this banner.