Normally, PCR can only be performed in a lab. This task aims to find the materials and equipment necessary to make PCR portable.
CSL is currently investigating the use of a portable PCR machine, the Cepheid Smartcycler. So far, a DNA extraction method has been developed and tested for oilseed rape that can be used on site and which works well with the Smartcycler machine.
Biolytix is researching ready-to-use real-time PCR reaction mixtures. The goal is to create a reaction mix that requires as few manipulations as possible on-site. Ready-to-use applications have been successfully tested where just a defined volume of the analyte DNA has to be added to the tubes and the run can be started.
A method for on-site real-time PCR quantification of GT73 Brassica napus has been developed. Additionally, a near Infrared spectroscopy approach has been tested. The near Infrared spectroscopy uses spectral properties of sample in IR to detect GMO’s. The method was developed for Roundup Ready soybean (GTS-40-3-2) due to its specific characteristics. The method is non-invasive and can be applied on-site, therefore suitable for analysis of large sample lots of more expensive material, e.g. seeds.
More information:
Non-PCR based Alternative Analytical Methods
New real-time PCR methods available for routine GMO detection labs - applicability and performance
NAME / ORGANISATION | CONTACT INFORMATION |
Christine Henry Central Science Laboratory Defra (CSL Defra) |
Email: info@coextra.eu |
Peter Brodmann Biolytix AG, Switzerland |