This application note describes how the Agilent Technologies 2100 bioanalyzer and the DNA 500 LabChip can be used to detect polymerase chain reaction products corresponding to genetically modified elements and endogenous sequences in corn and soy beans.
The document details a method for detecting DNA from genetically modified organisms (GMOs) in food samples. It utilizes a nested multiplex PCR assay based on the Biosmart Allin 1.0 GMO Screening System from Promega, which targets the 35S promoter, soya lectin, corn zein, and an internal control.
The procedure evaluates different DNA extraction protocols (CTAB, DNeasy, Wizard Genomic) to determine optimal yield and purity before PCR analysis. The resulting PCR products are analyzed using the Agilent 2100 bioanalyzer with a DNA 500 LabChip or via gel electrophoresis for comparison.
The assay detects sequences for the 35S promoter, soya lectin (Cectin), corn zein, and an internal positive control.
The CTAB extraction protocol showed the highest levels of DNA recovery with a high DNA/protein ratio.
The products correspond to 118 bp (Soy lectin), 153 bp (35S Promoter), 217 bp (Internal control), and 278 bp (Corn zein).