Detection of genetically modified maize by the polymerase chain reaction and capillary gel electrophoresis with UV detection and laser-induced fluorescence

J Agric Food Chem. 2002 Feb 27;50(5):1016-21. doi: 10.1021/jf011033g.

Abstract

In this paper, the possibilities of capillary gel electrophoresis (CGE) to detect transgenic maize in flours are shown. The method is based on the extraction and amplification by the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) of a specific DNA fragment from transgenic maize and its subsequent analysis by CGE with UV detection or laser-induced fluorescence (LIF). Some useful considerations regarding the optimization of DNA extraction and amplification conditions are given. Also, a comparison is established between the two CGE protocols for DNA detection based on ultraviolet absorption (CGE-UV) and LIF (CGE-LIF). The requirements, advantages, and limitations of both CGE methods are discussed. To our knowledge, this is the first paper on the use of CGE-LIF to detect transgenic food.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • DNA Primers
  • DNA, Plant / genetics*
  • Electrophoresis, Capillary / methods
  • Fluorescence
  • Lasers
  • Plants, Genetically Modified / genetics*
  • Polymerase Chain Reaction / methods
  • Spectrophotometry, Ultraviolet
  • Zea mays / genetics*

Substances

  • DNA Primers
  • DNA, Plant