A risk-tiered framework for detecting viable but non-culturable foodborne pathogens: a critical synthesis from technology comparison to integrated solutions.

Authors

Pengfei Wang, Mati Ullah Khan, Limin Zhen, Hong Liu, Manyu Li, Haiwei Zhou, Zhiwei Chen

Published in

Critical reviews in food science and nutrition. Pages 1-22. Oct 05, 2026. Epub Oct 05, 2026.

Abstract

The viable but non-culturable (VBNC) state is a critical food safety blind spot. Major pathogens (E. coli O157:H7, S. enterica, L. monocytogenes, C. jejuni) enter a metabolically active, virulent dormancy under common processing stresses, evading culture-based detection. Here, viability is inferred operationally from membrane integrity, metabolic activity, or resuscitation capacity. While the direct disease burden from VBNC cells remains unquantified, their invisibility creates a systematic risk-assessment gap and may underlie unexplained outbreaks. This critical review synthesizes current and emerging VBNC detection technologies, evaluating performance against real-world food matrix challenges (fats, proteins, polyphenols, high salt). We derive an evidence-based, risk-tiered framework through comparative analysis that weighs operational objectives against technology capabilities and matrix compatibilities, operationalized via a decision flowchart and Technology Readiness Level (TRL) matrix. No single method resolves the detection gap; PMAxx-RPA-LFA is optimal for rapid point-of-need screening (Tier 1, approximately 50-60 min), PMA-dPCR for regulatory confirmation and absolute quantification (Tier 2), AI-enhanced hyperspectral microscopy or targeted metatranscriptomics for research and outbreak investigation (Tier 3), and integrated microfluidic phage-CRISPR-AI platforms as the Tier 4 horizon. Three challenges are identified: absent standardized VBNC induction protocols, lack of validated VBNC-specific biomarkers, and the need to link detection signals to public health risk via quantitative microbial risk assessment (QMRA). A 5-year roadmap is proposed to guide proactive food safety management.

PMID:
42832280
Bibliographic data and abstract were imported from PubMed on 06 Oct 2026.

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