Dr. Yanbin Li

Professor, Tyson Endowed Chair in Biosensing Engineering
Biological and Agricultural Engineering

Office: ENGR 230, POSC O-411
Phone: (479) 575-2881, (479) 575-2424
Fax: (479) 575-2846, (479) 575-7139
E-mail: yanbinli@uark.edu
WWW: http://www2.baeg.uark.edu/faculty/yanbinli/yanbinli.html

Education

B.S., Agricultural Engineering, Shenyang Agricultural University
M.S., Agricultural Engineering, University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Ph.D, Agricultural Engineering, Pennsylvania State University

Professional Licensure

Professional Engineer - State of Arkansas

Teaching and Research

Research Outlines

Biosensors for rapid detection of pathogens, proteins and pesticide residues

An immuno-electrochemical biosensor was developed using immuno-magnetic beads for separation of Salmonella Typhimurium and E. coli O157:H7 in food samples and enzymatic reaction for generation of electrochemical signals measured through a bienzyme (tyrosinase–horseradish peroxidase) electrode in a flow-injection analysis system. Then, a capillary column-based bioseparator/bioreactor was investigated for an optical immunosensor. Both electrochemical and optical biosensors could quantitatively detect S. Typhimurium and E. coli O157:H7 in a range of 10¹-10⁷ cfu/ml in 1.5 h. A microfluidics-based chemiluminescent fiber optical biosensor was developed for detection of S. Typhimurium and Listeria monocytogenes and the results showed the pathogens could be detected at 100 cfu/ml within 1 h. A PCR-based biosensing method was studied to detect S. Typhimurium, L. monocytogenes and Campylobacter jejuni in food samples, by which as low as 2 cells/ml of target bacteria could be detected within 3 h. Interdigitated array microelectrode and magnetic micro/nanobeads based impedance biosensor was developed for detection of foodborne pathogens, and this method could detect 10¹-10⁸ cells/ml in less than 1.5 h. QCM, SPR and Quantum Dots based biosensors were also studied for comparison. The results indicated that these biosensors are rapid, specific and sensitive, simple, portable and inexpensive in detection of pathogens in food, environmental and clinical samples. Microelectrodes, microfluidics, magnetic nanoparticles and nanotubes/nanowires are currently being studied for their applications in biosensors. Immuno-capillary based optical biosensors are being developed for rapid screening of two proteins linked to feed efficiency of breeder chickens and pesticide residues in vegetables and fruits.

Very recently, a microfluidics-based impedance biosensor in couple with magnetic nanoparticle-antibody conjugates for immunoseparation has been developed for in-field screening of avian influenza H5N1 virus. This portable, inexpensive biosensor is able to detect as low as 10² EID₅₀/ml in 30 min. This research is also one of the projects supported by the USDA-MOST International Collaboration Program.

The biosensor research was supported by USDA/NRI, USDA/FAS, USDA/ARS, NSF, NAFSS, ASTA, ABI and the Food Safety Consortium. The biosensor research has resulted in five US patents pending that are licensed by BioDetection Instruments, LLC for technology transfer with two NSF/SBIR and NIH/SBIR phase II projects and one NSF/STTR phase I project.

Models for microbial prediction and quantitative risk assessment

The predictive microbial models including the first and second generation models were developed for survival/growth/death and cross-contamination of S. Typhimurium, C. jejuni and L. monocytogenes during food processing based on the data of both laboratory-scale and pilot-plant-scale experiments conducted for hatchery, scalding, chilling, cooking and refrigerating. A quantitative risk assessment model was developed based on Monte Carlo simulation using @Risk software for S. Typhimurium, C. jejuni and L. monocytogenes in poultry production and processing systems. The microbial kinetic models were integrated with the risk assessment model to predict the performance of foodborne pathogens in poultry. The simulation results provided the probability and consequence of microbial hazards associated with poultry products, including possible contamination of S. Typhimurium and L. monocytogenes. Sensitivity analysis presented the relationship between the risk and operation parameters or critical control points.

The research on microbial risk assessment models was funded by USDA/CSREES, USDA/NRI, USDA/ARS, NAFSS and the Food Safety Consortium. A website was built and an invention disclosure is filed.

Antimicrobial technologies for food processing

An electrical pasteurization system was designed and constructed for treatment of chilling brine used in food processing. Pilot-plant-scale tests showed that the flow-through system could reduce L. monocytogenes in brine by 1 log cfu/ml within 5 s, and could eliminate L. monocytogenes in recirculated chilling brine after 30 min operation. At the same time, electrolyzed water was investigated for antimicrobial treatment of chicken carcasses and chilling water to reduce S. Typhimurium and C. jejuni. The electrolyzed water reduced pathogenic bacteria on broiler carcasses by 2-3 log after 30 s spraying or 45 min chilling. Antimicrobial spray, using cetylpyridinium chloride or electrolyzed water was investigated for inactivation of S. Typhimurium and C. jejuni attached to chicken carcasses in processing, and more than 2 log reduction could be achieved with optimized temperature, pressure and time.

The antimicrobial technology research was supported by USDA/CSREES, EPRI/FTC, Food Safety Consortium, USPEA and industries including ALKAR, Tyson Foods, Simmons Foods, Electrochemical Technologies, Monsanto, and Johnson Food Equipment. The research in antimicrobial technology resulted in 4 US patents issued and 1 pending, four of which are licensed by Safe Food Corp.

Honors and Awards:

Fellow of ASABE (American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers), 2009
John W. White Outstanding Research Award, Dale Bumpers College of Agricultural, Food and Life Sciences, University of Arkansas, 2008
Tyson Endowed Chair in Biosensing Engineering, University of Arkansas, 2007
Bao Yugang Visiting Professor Scholarship, Zhejiang University, 2007-2010
John Imhoff Outstanding Research Award, College of Engineering, University of Arkansas, 2006
ASABE Superior Paper Award, American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers, 2006
Outstanding Research Award in Biological & Agricultural Engineering, Engineering College, University of Arkansas, 2004-2005
Candidate of the Walton Endowed Chair in Biosensing Engineering, the Walton Foundation, University of Arkansas, 2003
Alumni Award for Distinguished Achievement in Research and Service, University of Arkansas Alumni Association, 2003
Arkansas Outstanding Agricultural Engineer Award, Arkansas Section of the American Society of Agricultural Engineers, 2002
Research Award of Merit, the Arkansas Chapter of Gamma Sigma Delta, the Honor Society of Agriculture, 2002
Outstanding Research Award in Biological & Agricultural Engineering, Engineering College, University of Arkansas, 2001-2002
Outstanding Research Award in Biological & Agricultural Engineering, Engineering College, University of Arkansas, 2000-2001
Texas Instrument Outstanding Research Award in Biological & Agricultural Engineering, Engineering College, University of Arkansas, 1996-1997

Course Offered:

BENG 4113 Risk Analysis for Biological Systems

BENG 4123 Biosensors and Bioinstrumentation

BENG 5103 Advanced Instrumentation for Biological Engineering

BENG 5723 Food Safety Engineering

Selected Publications

Selected Refereed Articles (past five years):

Varshney, M., and Y. Li. 2009. Review: Interdigitated array microelectrodes based impedance biosensors for detection of bacterial cells. Biosensors & Bioelectronics24:2951-2960.
Wang, R., Y. Wang, K. Lassiter, Y. Li, B. Hargis, S. Tung, L. Berghman, and W. Bottje. 2009. Interdigitated array microelectrode based impedance immunosensor for detection of avian influenza virus H5N1. Talanta 79:159-164.
Xu, K., J. Huang, Z. Ye, Y. Ying and Y. Li. 2009. Review: Recent development of nano-materials used in DNA biosensors. Sensors 9(7):5534-5557.
Jiang, X., D. Li, X. Xu, Y. Ying, Y. Li, Z. Ye and J. Wang. 2008. Immunosensors for detection of pesticide residues: A review. Biosensors & Bioelectronics23(11):1577-1587.
Li, D., K. Xu, J. Wang, Z. Ye, Y. Ying and Y. Li. 2008. Quartz crystal Au electrode-based electrochemical immunosensor for rapid detection of E. coli O157:H7. Transactions of the ASABE 51(5):1847-1852.
Dong, W., T. Zhang, J. Epstein, L.Cooney, H. Wang, Y. Li, Y. Jiang, A. Cogbill, V. Varadan, and Z.R. Tian. 2007. Multifunctional nanowire bioscaffolds on titanium. Chemistry of Materials 19(18): 4454 -4459(Web release date: August 11, 2007).
Liu, F., Y. Li, X. Su, M. Slavik, Y. Ying and J. Wang. 2007. Nanoparticles labeled QCM biosensor for rapid detection of E. coli O157:H7. Journal of Sensing and Instrumentation for Food Safety and Quality 1(4):161-168. (Web release date: September 21, 2007).
Liu, Y, Y. Ying, A. Ouyang and Y. Li. 2007. Measurement of internal quality in chicken eggs using visible transmittance spectroscopy technology. Food Control 18(1): 18-22.
Pradhan, A., Y. Li, J. Marcy, M. Johnson and M. Tamplin. 2007. Pathogen kinetics and heat/mass transfer-based predictive models for Listeria in irregular-shape poultry products during thermal processing. Journal of Food Protection 70(3): 607-615.
Varshney, M., and Y. Li. 2007. Interdigitated array microelectrode based impedance biosensor coupled with magnetic nanoparticle-antibody conjugates for detection of Escherichia coli O157:H7 in food samples. Biosensors & Bioelectronics 22(11): 2408-2424.
Varshney, M., Y. Li, B. Venkatesh, and S. Tung. 2007. A label free, microfluidics and interdigitaed array microelectrode based biosensor in combination with nanoparticle immunoseparation for detection of Escherichia coli O157:H7 in food samples. Sensors and Actuators B: Chemical 128(1):99-107.
Varshney, M., and Y. Li. 2007. Double interdigitated array microelectrodes based impedance biosensor for detection of viable Escherichia coli O157:H7 in growth medium. Talanta74(4): 518-525 (Web release date: June 30, 2007).
Wang, H., Y. Li and M. Slavik. 2007. Rapid detection of Listeria monocytogenes using quantum dot s and nanobeads based optical biosensor. Journal of Rapid Methods and Automation in Microbiology 15: 67-76.
Li, Y., and X. Su. 2006. Microfluidics based optical biosensor for rapid detection of Escherichia coli O157:H7. Journal of Rapid Methods and Automation in Microbiology14: 96-109.
Cheng, F., Y. Ying and Y. Li. 2006. Detection of defects in rice seeds using machine vision. Transactions of the ASABE 49(6): 1929-1934.
Liu, Z., B. Swem, Y. Cheng, and Y. Li. 2006. Disinfection of recirculated bacon chilling brine using flow-through electrolying treatment chambers. Applied Engineering in Agriculture 22(5):737-745.
Mao, X., L. Yang, X. Su, and Y. Li. 2006. Nanoparticles amplification based quartz crystal microbalance DNA sensor for detection of E. coli O157:H7. Biosensors & Bioelectronics 21(7):1178-1185.
Varshney, M., Y. Li, B. Srinivasan, S. Tung, G. Erf, M. Slavik, Y. Ying and W. Fang. 2006. A microfluidics filter biochip based chemiluminescence biosensing method for detection of Escherichia coli O157:H7. Transactions of the ASABE 49(6): 2061-2068.
Yang, L., and Y. Li. 2006. Detection of viable Salmonella using microelectrode-based capacitance measurement coupled with immunomagnetic separation. Journal of Microbiological Methods 64(1): 9-16.
Yang, L., and Y. Li. 2006. Quantum dot bioconjugates for simultaneous detection of Escherichia coli O157:H7 and Salmonella Typhimurium. The Analyst 131(3): 394-401.
Kim, B., X. Su, and Y. Li. 2005. Evaluation of a capillary immunoassay system for detection of Salmonella Typhimurium in poultry products. Journal of Food Protection 68(9):1799-1803.
Pradhan, A., Y. Li., B. Swem, and A. Mauromoustakos. 2005. Predictive model for the survival, growth, and death of Salmonella Typhimurium in broiler hatchery. Poultry Science 84:1959-1966.
Su, X.L., and Y. Li. 2005. A QCM immunosensor for Salmonella detection with simultaneous measurement of resonant frequency and motional resistance. Biosensors & Bioelectronics 21(6): 840-848.
Su, X.L. and Y. Li. 2005. Surface plasmon resonance and quartz crystal microbalance immunosensors for detection of Escherichia coli O157:H7. Transactions of the ASAE 48(1):405-413.
Varshney, M., L. Yang, X. Su and Y. Li. 2005. Magnetic nanoparticle-antibody conjugates for the separation of Escherichia coli O157:H7 in ground beef. Journal of Food Protection 68(9):1804-1811.
Yang, L., and Y. Li. 2005. AFM and impedance spectroscopy characterization of the immobilization of antibodies on indium-tin oxide electrodes and their capture of E. coli O157:H7. Biosensors & Bioelectronics 20(7):1407-1416.
Yang, L., and Y. Li. 2005. Quantum dots as fluorescent labels for quantitative detection of Salmonella Typhimurium in chicken carcass wash water. Journal of Food Protection 68(6):1241-1245.
Ying, Y.B., Y.D Liu, J.P. Wang, X.P. Fu, and Y. Li. 2005. Fourier transform near-infrared determination of total soluble solids and available acid in intact peaches. Transactions of the ASAE 48(1):229-234.

Selected Patents (past five years):

Compadre, C.M., P.J. Breen, H. Salari, E.K. Fifer, D.L. Lattin, M.F. Slavik, Y. Li, T. O’Brien, A.L. Waldroup and T.F. Berg. 2009. Concentrated, Non-foaming Solution of Quaternary Ammonium Compounds and Methods of Use. US Patent No. 7,541,045 B2, June 2, 2009.
Li, Y., L. Yang, and C. Ruan. 2007. Rapid and Automated Electrochemical Method for Detection of Viable Microbial Pathogens. US Patent No. 7,238,496 B2, July 3, 2007.
Su, X., Z. Ye, Q. Sun and Y. Li. 2007. Versatile Multichannel Capillary Biosensor System. US. Patent Application No. 60/961,965, July 25, 2007; International Application No. PCT/US2008/008971, July 24, 2008.
Li, Y., B. Hargis, S. Tung, L. Berghman, W. Bottje, R. Wang, Z. Ye, M. Varshney and B. Sriniwasan. 2006. Methods and Systems for Detection of Contaminants. US Patent Application No. 60/841,774, September 1, 2006; 60/876,919, September 22, 2006; International Application No. PCT/US2007/077376, August 31, 2007.
Li, Y., M. Varshney, and Z. Ye. 2005. Separation System and Efficient Capture of Contaminants Using Magnetic Nanoparticles. US Patent Application No. 11/382,808, January 9, 2006.
Li, Y., and X. Su. 2006. Method for Detecting an Unknown Contaminant Concentration in a Substance. US Patent Application No. 11/329,009, January 9, 2006.
Compadre, C.M., P.J. Breen, H. Salari, E.K. Fifer, D.L. Lattin, T., M.F. Slavik and Y. Li. 2005. Broad Spectrum Prevention and Removal of Microbial Contamination of Food by Quatenary Ammonium Compounds. International Patent No. Intl. Cl A23B 4/20, January, 2006.
Compadre, C.M., P.J. Breen, H. Salari, E.K. Fifer, D.L. Lattin, T., M.F. Slavik and Y. Li. 2005. Broad Spectrum Prevention and Removal of Microbial Contamination of Food by Quatenary Ammonium Compounds. European Patent No. 05017265.9-2114, Oct.17, 2005.
Compadre, C.M., P.J. Breen, H. Salari, E.K. Fifer, D.L. Lattin, M.F. Slavik, Y. Li, T. O’Brien, A. L. Waldroup and T.F. Berg. 2005. Concentrated, Non-foaming Solution of Quaternary Ammonium Compounds and Methods of Use. US Patent No. 6,864,269, March 8, 2005.
Li, Y., X. Su, and L. Yang. 2005. Quantum Dot Biolabeling Coupled with Immunomagnetic Separation for Detection of Foodborne Pathogens. US Patent Application No. 60/642,356, January 7, 2005. UAF ID# 05-22.