Rajni Kaushik

Bio: Rajni Kaushik is an academic researcher from National University of Singapore. The author has contributed to research in topics: Food waste & Silver nanoparticle. The author has an hindex of 9, co-authored 21 publications receiving 775 citations. Previous affiliations of Rajni Kaushik include Nanyang Technological University & Florida Institute of Technology.

Real-time PCR-based microfluidic array chip for simultaneous detection of multiple waterborne pathogens

Abstract: We report disposable microfluidic devices harboring an array of unsealed reactors, which are pre-loaded with different primer pairs for simultaneous (parallel) real-time PCR-based detection of multiple waterborne pathogens. The PCR mixture loading among an array of reactors and subsequent isolation of the reactors was solely realized by a single step capillary-based flow scheme, which eliminates the use of pumps, valves and liquid handling instruments. We incorporated a localized thermal cycling scheme to minimize evaporative loss of PCR mixture in unsealed microreactors, which greatly reduces the complexity of the microfabrication and fluidic operation process, in cases, where valving or sealing of the reactors for PCR thermal cycling is required. Experiments were performed to determine the optimal microreactor design parameters, so as to perform bubble-free PCR with minimal evaporative loss in unsealed reactors. The potential of the microfluidic device was successfully demonstrated by specifically detecting genomic DNA of waterborne pathogens from a pool of genomic DNA template.

Methods and Approaches Used for Detection of Cyanotoxins in Environmental Samples: A Review

Abstract: Cyanobacterial toxins are considered as an emerging threat to natural water reservoirs and drinking water supplies. When they are ingested, these toxins are responsible for human and animal poisonings. The main goal of water quality monitoring programs is to predict harmful algal blooms and maintain the water quality of drinking water supplies. The current methods used for routine monitoring are not able to detect all the types and variants of cyanotoxins. The authors review the current state of the knowledge in detecting cyanotoxins in the environmental water samples and provides a comparative evaluation of methods ranging from conventional biological and analytical methods to recently advancing molecular and biosensor approaches in terms of their capabilities. In addition, the recent advances made in the area of cyanotoxins detection by molecular methods and biosensor-based technologies are discussed for their practical applications in terms of their use in a total analysis system.

Drivers of food waste and their implications for sustainable policy development

Abstract: There has been growing interest in establishing food waste prevention and recovery programs throughout the world. The drive to target food waste stems from increasing concerns about resource conservation, food security, food waste's environmental and economic costs, and a general trend in the waste management industry to transition to more sustainable practices. Here the drivers of residential, institutional, and commercial food waste generation in developed countries, particularly in the U.S., are explored. The impacts of food system modernization on food waste generation are examined, including impacts related to food system industrialization, urbanization, globalization, and economic growth. Socio-demographic, cultural, political, and economic drivers of food waste are described with emphasis on how food waste perspectives may vary globally. Specific behaviors and attitudes which result from many of these waste drivers are then discussed. The examination of the range of food wastage drivers are used to provide insight into the best policy approaches to sustainably manage food waste. Food waste prevention policies are placed in context of the waste generating behaviors and attitudes that they address. A review of important background information on food waste is also provided, including definitions of key terms, food waste history, quantities of food waste generated, and the importance of food waste prevention for sustainability, as this information is all critical for effective policy development.

Human Health Risk Assessment (HHRA) for environmental development and transfer of antibiotic resistance.

Abstract: Background: Only recently has the environment been clearly implicated in the risk of antibiotic resistance to clinical outcome, but to date there have been few documented approaches to formally assess these risks. Objective: We examined possible approaches and sought to identify research needs to enable human health risk assessments (HHRA) that focus on the role of the environment in the failure of antibiotic treatment caused by antibiotic-resistant pathogens. Methods: The authors participated in a workshop held 4–8 March 2012 in Quebec, Canada, to define the scope and objectives of an environmental assessment of antibiotic-resistance risks to human health. We focused on key elements of environmental-resistance-development “hot spots,” exposure assessment (unrelated to food), and dose response to characterize risks that may improve antibiotic-resistance management options. Discussion: Various novel aspects to traditional risk assessments were identified to enable an assessment of environmental antibiotic resistance. These include a) accounting for an added selective pressure on the environmental resistome that, over time, allows for development of antibiotic-resistant bacteria (ARB); b) identifying and describing rates of horizontal gene transfer (HGT) in the relevant environmental “hot spot” compartments; and c) modifying traditional dose–response approaches to address doses of ARB for various health outcomes and pathways. Conclusions: We propose that environmental aspects of antibiotic-resistance development be included in the processes of any HHRA addressing ARB. Because of limited available data, a multicriteria decision analysis approach would be a useful way to undertake an HHRA of environmental antibiotic resistance that informs risk managers. Citation: Ashbolt NJ, Amezquita A, Backhaus T, Borriello P, Brandt KK, Collignon P, Coors A, Finley R, Gaze WH, Heberer T, Lawrence JR, Larsson DG, McEwen SA, Ryan JJ, Schonfeld J, Silley P, Snape JR, Van den Eede C, Topp E. 2013. Human health risk assessment (HHRA) for environmental development and transfer of antibiotic resistance. Environ Health Perspect 121:993–1001; http://dx.doi.org/10.1289/ehp.1206316