A universal analytical approach for screening and monitoring of authorized and unauthorized GMOs

• Published in: Food science & technology 2020-05, Vol.125, p.109176, Article 109176
• Main Authors: Fu, Wei, Wang, Chenguang, Zhu, Pengyu, Xu, Wenjie, Li, Xinshi, Zhu, Shuifang
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Digital PCR; Genetically modified organisms; Microfluidic chip; Screening approach; Unauthorized GMOs
• ISSN: 0023-6438; 1096-1127
• DOI: 10.1016/j.lwt.2020.109176

Release of various genetically modified organisms (GMOs) into market during the past decade contributes to concerns regarding the traceability of food and feed products. In this study, a comprehensive list of inserted elements of commercialized GMOs has been collected, which contained information of 191 singular genetically modified (GM) varieties. Several elements were selected to develop a universal analytical approach for screening GM presence in food and feed products. This approach achieved coverage of those singular GM events as well as their hybrid crosses. The developed screening approach showed great specificity and sensitivity of less than 25 copies that meet the labeling demands for all countries. Moreover, microfluidic chip and digital PCR were combined in this approach to detect GM varieties and estimate GM content, both of which achieved high-throughput and accurate identification of unauthorized GMOs. Overall, this new analytical approach will serve as a functional tool for accurate control of authorized and unauthorized GMOs. •The approach consists detection of ten elements/species.•The approach can cover more than 191 commercialized GMOs and their hybrid crosses.•The approach achieves high sensitivity that meet labeled regulation worldwide.•Microfluidic chip is combined to identify unwanted GMOs.•Digital PCR is combined to estimate GMO content and predict unauthorized GMOs.