New Multiplex RTi-PCR Method for GMO Detection

Efficient and accurate analytical methods for detection and identification of GM crops are important to comply with local legislations and to uphold consumer's trust on the GM products. Geoffrey Cottenet and colleagues at the Nestlé Research Center in Switzerland modified the real-time polymerase chain reaction (RTi-PCR) to come up with a high-throughput screening method for GMO analysis. The new method allows detection and identification of 47 targets on seven samples in duplicate. A negative and a positive control were also analyzed along with the samples, following the GMO analytical quality requirements. The researchers also added an internal positive control in each reaction well to monitor possible occurrence of PCR inhibition.

Based on testing with non-GM products, various GM events, and proficiency test samples, the new method exhibited high specificity and sensitivity with an absolute limit of detection between 1 and 16 copies depending on the target. It is also easy to use, fast, and cost-efficient.

For more details, read the research article at http://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00216-013-7125-5.