Detection of genetically modified food by quadruplex PCR and automated electrophoresis system

A novel quadruplex PCR screening approach combined with the automatic electrophoresis technology for genetically modify food was developed. This assay was consisted of four PCR systems targeting on four genetic elements widely introduced into GMOs, such as CaMV35S promoter, NOS terminator, cry1Ab /cry1Ac gene and bar gene.The amplified product by quadruplex PCR assay was 101, 180, 301, 430bp, respectively. The multiplex PCR conditions were optimized according to the primer concentration and annealing temperature. Then, the specificity and sensitivity of the established quadruple PCR method was tested. Results showed that this quadruple PCR approach can specifically detect the targeted exogenous genetically modified ingredients from complex food samples, with the relative limit of detection of 0.1%. In conclusion, the multiplex PCR method offering highly specificity and sensitivity was suit to the rapid screening detection for genetically modified components in food samples.