Multiplex real-time PCR using SYBR® GreenER™ for the detection of DNA allergens in food

Sesame as a source of food allergens: clinical relevance, molecular characterization, cross-reactivity, stability toward processing and detection strategies

Sesame is an allergenic food with an increasing allergy prevalence among the European/USA population. Sesame allergy is generally life-persisting, being the cause of severe/systemic adverse immune responses in sesame-allergic individuals. Herein, clinical data about sesame allergy, including prevalence, diagnosis, relevance, and treatments are described, with focus on the molecular characterization of sesame allergens, their cross-reactivity and co-sensitization phenomena. The influence of food processing and digestibility on the stability/immunoreactivity of sesame allergens is critically discussed and the analytical approaches available for their detection in foodstuffs. Cross-reactivity between sesame and tree nuts or peanuts is frequent because of the high similarities among proteins of the same family. However, cross-reactivity phenomena are not always correlated with true clinical allergy in sensitized patients. Data suggest that sesame allergens are resistant to heat treatments and digestibility, with little effect on their immunoreactivity. Nevertheless, data are scarce, evidencing the need for more research to understand the effect of food processing on sesame allergenicity modulation. The demands for identifying trace amounts of sesame in foods have prompted the development of analytical methods, which have targeted both protein and DNA markers, providing reliable, specific, and sensitive tools, crucial for the effective management of sesame as an allergenic food.

Effect of Roasting on the Conformational Structure and IgE Binding of Sesame Allergens

Sesame can trigger a systemic allergic reaction. In the present study, we investigated the responses of the structure and IgE binding of sesame allergens to different roasting treatments (120, 150, and 180 °C for 5 to 30 min). We analyzed the tryptic digestion peptides using a label-free mass spectrometry method. The total amount of soluble proteins in sesame was significantly reduced by roasting at 180 °C, followed by 150 °C. Ses i 1 was the most stable protein during processing as it still possessed a higher protein abundance compared to other allergens after roasting under 180 °C. The most unstable allergens were Ses i 4 and Ses i 7, which suffered severe protein degradation at 180 °C. Roasting at 180 °C remarkably increased the secondary structure content of α-helices but decreased that of β-sheets, whereas roasting at 120 and 150 °C had a limited effect on the secondary structure of sesame proteins. Moreover, serum pool Western blot analysis showed that the main allergens were oleosin of Ses i 4 and Ses i 5. The IgE-binding ability of sesame allergens was significantly decreased under 180 °C roasting, as well as the solubility of sesame proteins, which showed remarkable congruence in changes. Relative quantification results indicate that individual sesame allergens respond differently to the roasting process. In general, sesame allergens are unstable under roasting treatment. Therefore, the allergenic potential of sesame allergens may be minimized by selecting appropriate parameters during processing.

Tree Nuts and Peanuts as a Source of Beneficial Compounds and a Threat for Allergic Consumers: Overview on Methods for Their Detection in Complex Food Products

Consumption of tree nuts and peanuts has considerably increased over the last decades due to their nutritional composition and the content of beneficial compounds. On the other hand, such widespread consumption worldwide has also generated a growing incidence of allergy in the sensitive population. Allergy to nuts and peanuts represents a global relevant problem, especially due to the risk of the ingestion of hidden allergens as a result of cross-contamination between production lines at industrial level occurring during food manufacturing. The present review provides insights on peanuts, almonds, and four nut allergens—namely hazelnuts, walnuts, cashew, and pistachios—that are likely to cross-contaminate different food commodities. The paper aims at covering both the biochemical aspect linked to the identified allergenic proteins for each allergen category and the different methodological approaches developed for allergens detection and identification. Attention has been also paid to mass spectrometry methods and to current efforts of the scientific community to identify a harmonized approach for allergens quantification through the detection of allergen markers.

Detection of Peanut Allergen by Real-Time PCR: Looking for a Suitable Detection Marker as Affected by Processing

Peanut (Arachis hypogaea) contains allergenic proteins, which make it harmful to the sensitised population. The presence of peanut in foods must be indicated on label, to prevent accidental consumption by allergic population. In this work, we use chloroplast markers for specific detection of peanut by real-time PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction), in order to increase the assay sensitivity. Binary mixtures of raw and processed peanut flour in wheat were performed at concentrations ranging from 100,000 to 0.1 mg/kg. DNA isolation from peanut, mixtures, and other legumes was carried out following three protocols for obtaining genomic and chloroplast-enrich DNA. Quantity and quality of DNA were evaluated, obtaining better results for protocol 2. Specificity and sensitivity of the method has been assayed with specific primers for three chloroplast markers (mat k, rpl16, and trnH-psbA) and Ara h 6 peanut allergen-coding region was selected as nuclear low-copy target and TaqMan probes. Efficiency and linear correlation of calibration curves were within the adequate ranges. Mat k chloroplast marker yielded the most sensitive and efficient detection for peanut. Moreover, detection of mat K in binary mixtures of processed samples was possible for up to 10 mg/kg even after boiling, and autoclave 121 °C 15 min, with acceptable efficiency and linear correlation. Applicability of the method has been assayed in several commercial food products.

Fluorescence-based quantitative platform for ultrasensitive food allergen detection: From immunoassays to DNA sensors

Food allergies are global health issue with an increasing prevalence that affect food safety; hence, food allergen detection, labeling, and management are considered to be important priorities in the food industry. In this critical review, we provide a comprehensive overview of several fluorescence-based platforms based on different biorecognition ligands, such as antibodies, DNA, aptamers, and cells, for food allergen quantification. Traditional analytical methods are generally unsuitable for food manufacturers to accomplish the real-time identification of food allergens in food products. Therefore, it is important to develop simple, rapid, inexpensive, accurate, and sensitive methods to improve user accessibility. A fluorescence-based quantitative platform provides an excellent detection platform for food allergens because of its high sensitivity. This review summarizes the traditional antibody-based fluorescent techniques for food allergen detection, such as the time-resolved fluoroimmunoassay , immunofluorescence imaging, fluorescence enzyme-linked immune sorbent assay, flow injection fluoroimmunoassay, and fluorescence immunosensors. However, these methods suffer from disadvantages such as the significant rate of false-positive and false-negative results due to antibody cross-reactivity with nontarget food components in the complex food matrix and epitope degradation during food processing. Hence, different types of fluorescence-based immunoassays are suitable for standardization and quantification of allergens in fresh foods. In addition, we summarize new fluorescence-based quantitative platforms, including fluorescence genosensors, fluorescence cell sensors, and fluorescence aptamer sensors. With the advantages of high sensitivity and simple operation, fluorescence biosensors will have great potential in the future and could provide portable methods for multiallergen real-time detection in complex food systems.

Development and Evaluation of qPCR Detection Method and Zn-MgO/Alginate Active Packaging for Controlling Listeria monocytogenes Contamination in Cold-Smoked Salmon

To answer to food industry requests to monitor the presence of L. monocytogenes in cold-smoked salmon samples and to extend their shelf-life, a qPCR protocol for the detection of L. monocytogenes, and an antibacterial active packaging reinforced with zinc magnesium oxide nanoparticles (Zn-MgO NPs) were developed. The qPCR allowed the sensitive and easy detection of L. monocytogenes in naturally contaminated samples, with specificity in full agreement with the standard methods. The halo diffusion study indicated a high antibacterial efficiency of 1 mg/mL Zn-MgO NPs against L. monocytogenes, while the flow cytometry showed only moderate cytotoxicity of the nanoparticles towards mammalian cells at a concentration above 1 mg/mL. Thus, the novel active packaging was developed by using 1 mg/mL of Zn-MgO NPs to reinforce the alginate film. Cold-smoked salmon samples inoculated with L. monocytogenes and air-packed with the Zn-MgO NPs-alginate nanobiocomposite film showed no bacterial proliferation at 4 °C during 4 days. In the same condition, L. monocytogenes growth in control contaminated samples packed with alginate film alone. Our results suggest that Zn-MgO nanoparticles can extend the shelf-life of cold-smoked salmon samples.

Simultaneous detection of fruit allergen-coding genes in tomato, apple, peach and kiwi through multiplex PCR

Fruit allergies have become more common in recent years, and are now a serious health problem. In this study, a multiplex PCR assay was used to detect potential fruit allergens causing food allergy labeling in Korea. For the detection of these allergens, specific primer pairs were designed to amplify the allergen-coding genes Cyclophilin (tomato), Mdtl 1 (apple), Pru p 2.01A (peach) and Pectin methylesterase inhibitor (kiwi), and primer pair targeting the 18S ribosomal RNA gene was additionally used as an endogenous control. Primer specificity was assessed with 23 plant species. A mixture of DNA from the four fruits was serially diluted and used to determine the sensitivity of the multiplex PCR assay, which was approximately 0.08 ng. Eleven commercial fruit products were evaluated to verify the applicability of the multiplex PCR assay. This assay is expected to be a specific and efficient method for detecting fruit allergens in foods.

Application of real-time PCR for tree nut allergen detection in processed foods

Currently, food allergies are an important health concern worldwide. The presence of undeclared allergenic ingredients or the presence of traces of allergens due to accidental contamination during food processing poses a great health risk to sensitized individuals. Therefore, reliable analytical methods are required to detect and identify allergenic ingredients in food products. Real-time PCR allowed a specific and accurate amplification of allergen sequences. Some processing methods could induce the fragmentation and/or degradation of genomic DNA and some studies have been performed to analyze the effect of processing on the detection of different targets, as thermal treatment, with and without applying pressure. In this review, we give an updated overview of the applications of real-time PCR for the detection of allergens of tree nut in processed food products. The different variables that contribute to the performance of PCR methodology for allergen detection are also review and discussed.

Rapid on-site detection of shrimp allergen tropomyosin using a novel ultrafast PCR system

Shrimp is seafood that can commonly trigger allergic reactions. In this study, the ultrafast real-time PCR assay with portable device was developed to detect a shrimp-derived major allergen, tropomyosin, without complicated DNA extraction. For shrimp allergen detection, a specific primer pair was designed based on the shrimp tropomyosin gene and 18S ribosomal RNA gene as internal control. Primer specificity was assessed using 8 common seafood species. Serially diluted shrimp DNA was used to determine the limit of detection of the ultrafast PCR system, which was approximately 3.2 pg. Twenty-three food samples containing shrimp were evaluated to verify the applicability of a direct ultrafast PCR method for detecting shrimp allergens without DNA isolation. It took less than 30 min from sample preparation-to-result analysis to detect shrimp DNA in raw and processed samples. Therefore, this PCR system can be effectively and conveniently utilized in the field to detect shrimp in various food products.

Simultaneous detection of eight species of tree nut in foods using two tetraplex polymerase chain reaction assays

Tree nuts comprise a category of food allergens that must be included in the food labels in several countries. We developed a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method using eight specific primer pairs to detect eight representative tree nuts (almond, Brazil nut, cashew, hazelnut, macadamia nut, pecan, pistachio, and walnut) under the same experimental conditions. The specificity of the eight primer pairs was confirmed by PCR testing against a variety of plant and animal samples. The detection limit of the method ranged from 1 fg to 1 pg DNA of individual tree nuts. The method detected tree nut DNA in processed and unprocessed food. In addition, the primer pairs could be combined into two sets of tetraplex PCR system. The developed method is specific, sensitive, and efficient, making it useful for detecting trace amounts of eight species of tree nut in foods.

Detection of allergen coding sequences of kiwi, peach, and apple in processed food by qPCR

BACKGROUND

Food traceability becomes lifesaving for persons suffering severe allergy or intolerance, and therefore need a complete avoidance of the immune-trigger food. This paper describes how to fingerprint the presence of some allergenic species (kiwi, peach, and apple) in foods by quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR).

RESULTS

Five DNA extraction procedures were tested on fruits and foods. The results were statistically evaluated, and discussed. Analysis by qPCR with SYBR Green was developed to detect traces of these allergenic species in foods. Plasmids containing the target sequences of kiwi, peach and apple were employed as internal reference standard. Analysis of spiked food samples showed a limit of detection of 25 mg kg^-1 for kiwi, 20 mg kg^-1 for peach and 50 mg kg^-1 for apple.

CONCLUSION

The qPCR method here developed, combined with the use of internal plasmid reference standard, represents a specific system for the quick detection of allergenic species in complex food matrices, with a limit of detection comparable with those reported using more time-consuming methods. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry.

Comparison of Laboratory-Developed and Commercial Monoclonal Antibody-Based Sandwich Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assays for Almond (Prunus dulcis) Detection and Quantification

A commercially available monoclonal antibody (mAb)-based direct sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kit (BioFront Technologies, Tallahassee, Fla., U.S.A.) was compared with an in-house developed mAb 4C10-based ELISA for almond detection. The assays were comparable in sensitivity (limit of detection < 1 ppm full fat almond, limit of quantification < 5 ppm full fat almond), specificity (no cross-reactivity with 156 tested foods at a concentration of 100000 ppm whole sample), and reproducibility (intra- and interassay variability < 15% CV). The target antigens were stable and detectable in whole almond seeds subjected to autoclaving, blanching, frying, microwaving, and dry roasting. The almond recovery ranges for spiked food matrices were 84.3% to 124.6% for 4C10 ELISA and 81.2% to 127.4% for MonoTrace ELISA. The almond recovery ranges for commercial and laboratory prepared foods with declared/known almond amount were 30.9% to 161.2% for 4C10 ELISA and 38.1% to 207.6% for MonoTrace ELISA. Neither assay registered any false-positive or negative results among the tested commercial and laboratory prepared samples.

PRACTICAL APPLICATION

Ability to detect and quantify trace amounts of almonds is important for improving safety of almond sensitive consumers. Two monoclonal antibody-based ELISAs were compared for almond detection. The information is useful to food industry, regulatory agencies, scientific community, and almond consumers.

Development of a multiplex qPCR in real time for quantification and differential diagnosis of Salmonella Gallinarum and Salmonella Pullorum

Currently there are 2659 Salmonella serovars. The host-specific biovars Salmonella Pullorum and Salmonella Gallinarum cause systemic infections in food-producing and wild birds. Fast diagnosis is crucial to control the dissemination in avian environments. The present work describes the development of a multiplex qPCR in real time using a low-cost DNA dye (SYBr Green) to identify and quantify these biovars. Primers were chosen based on genomic regions of difference (RoD) and optimized to control dimers. Primers pSGP detect both host-specific biovars but not other serovars and pSG and pSP differentiate biovars. Three amplicons showed different melting temperatures (Tm), allowing differentiation. The pSGP amplicon (97 bp) showed Tm of 78°C for both biovars. The pSG amplicon (273 bp) showed a Tm of 86.2°C for S. Gallinarum and pSP amplicon (260 bp) dissociated at 84.8°C for S. Pullorum identification. The multiplex qPCR in real time showed high sensitivity and was capable of quantifying 10⁸-10¹ CFU of these biovars.

New Trends in Food Allergens Detection: Toward Biosensing Strategies

Food allergens are a real threat to sensitized individuals. Although food labeling is crucial to provide information to consumers with food allergies, accidental exposure to allergenic proteins may result from undeclared allergenic substances by means of food adulteration, fraud or uncontrolled cross-contamination. Allergens detection in foodstuffs can be a very hard task, due to their presence usually in trace amounts, together with the natural interference of the matrix. Methods for allergens analysis can be mainly divided in two large groups: the immunological assays and the DNA-based ones. Mass spectrometry has also been used as a confirmatory tool. Recently, biosensors appeared as innovative, sensitive, selective, environmentally friendly, cheaper and fast techniques (especially when automated and/or miniaturized), able to effectively replace the classical methodologies. In this review, we present the advances in the field of food allergens detection toward the biosensing strategies and discuss the challenges and future perspectives of this technology.

Development and validation of a multiplex reverse transcription quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) assay for the rapid detection of Citrus tristeza virus, Citrus psorosis virus, and Citrus leaf blotch virus

A single real-time multiplex reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) assay for the simultaneous detection of Citrus tristeza virus (CTV), Citrus psorosis virus (CPsV), and Citrus leaf blotch virus (CLBV) was developed and validated using three different fluorescently labeled minor groove binding qPCR probes. To increase the detection reliability, coat protein (CP) genes from large number of different isolates of CTV, CPsV and CLBV were sequenced and a multiple sequence alignment was generated with corresponding CP sequences from the GenBank and a robust multiplex RT-qPCR assay was designed. The capacity of the multiplex RT-qPCR assay in detecting the viruses was compared to singleplex RT-qPCR designed specifically for each virus and was assessed using multiple virus isolates from diverse geographical regions and citrus species as well as graft-inoculated citrus plants infected with various combination of the three viruses. No significant difference in detection limits was found and specificity was not affected by the inclusion of the three assays in a multiplex RT-qPCR reaction. Comparison of the viral load for each virus using singleplex and multiplex RT-qPCR assays, revealed no significant differences between the two assays in virus detection. No significant difference in Cq values was detected when using one-step and two-step multiplex RT-qPCR detection formats. Optimizing the RNA extraction technique for citrus tissues and testing the quality of the extracted RNA using RT-qPCR targeting the cytochrome oxidase citrus gene as an RNA specific internal control proved to generate better diagnostic assays. Results showed that the developed multiplex RT-qPCR can streamline viruses testing of citrus nursery stock by replacing three separate singleplex assays, thus reducing time and labor while retaining the same sensitivity and specificity. The three targeted RNA viruses are regulated pathogens for California's mandatory "Section 3701: Citrus Nursery Stock Pest Cleanliness Program". Adopting a compatible multiplex RT-qPCR testing protocol for these viruses as well as other RNA and DNA regulated pathogens will provide a valuable alternative tool for virus detection and efficient program implementation.

Multiplex detection of food allergens and gluten

To help safeguard the food supply and detect the presence of undeclared food allergens and gluten, most producers and regulatory agencies rely on commercial test kits. Most of these are ELISAs with a few being PCR-based. These methods are very sensitive and analyte specific, requiring different assays to detect each of the different food allergens. Mass spectrometry offers an alternative approach whereby multiple allergens may be detected simultaneously. However, mass spectrometry requires expensive equipment, highly trained analysts, and several years before a quantitative approach can be achieved. Using multianalyte profiling (xMAP®) technology, a commercial multiplex test kit based on the use of established antibodies was developed for the simultaneous detection of up to 14 different food allergens plus gluten. The assay simultaneously detects crustacean seafood, egg, gluten, milk, peanut, soy, and nine tree nuts (almond, Brazil nut, cashew, coconut, hazelnut, macadamia, pine nut, pistachio, and walnut). By simultaneously performing multiple tests (typically two) for each analyte, this magnetic bead-based assay offers built-in confirmatory analyses without the need for additional resources. Twenty-five of the assays were performed on buffer extracted samples, while five were conducted on samples extracted using reduced-denatured conditions. Thus, complete analysis for all 14 allergens and gluten requires only two wells of a 96-well microtiter plate. This makes it possible to include in a single analytical run up to 48 samples. All 30 bead sets in this multiplex assay detected 5 ng/mL of food allergen and gluten with responses greater than background. In addition, 26 of the bead sets displayed signal/noise ratios of five or greater. The bead-based design makes this 30-plex assay expandable to incorporate new antibodies and capture/detector methodologies by ascribing these new detectors to any of the unassigned bead sets that are commercially available.

In silico and experimental evaluation of DNA-based detection methods for the ability to discriminate almond from other Prunus spp

Ten published DNA-based analytical methods aiming at detecting material of almond (Prunus dulcis) were in silico evaluated for potential cross-reactivity with other stone fruits (Prunus spp.), including peach, apricot, plum, cherry, sour cherry and Sargent cherry. For most assays, the analysis of nucleotide databases suggested none or insufficient discrimination of at least some stone fruits. On the other hand, the assay targeting non-specific lipid transfer protein (Röder et al., 2011, Anal Chim Acta 685:74-83) was sufficiently discriminative, judging from nucleotide alignments. Empirical evaluation was performed for three of the published methods, one modification of a commercial kit (SureFood allergen almond) and one attempted novel method targeting thaumatin-like protein gene. Samples of leaves and kernels were used in the experiments. The empirical results were favourable for the method from Röder et al. (2011) and a modification of SureFood allergen almond kit, both showing cross-reactivity <10(-3) compared to the model almond.

Determination of hidden hazelnut oil proteins in extra virgin olive oil by cold acetone precipitation followed by in-solution tryptic digestion and MALDI-TOF-MS analysis

Adulteration of extra-virgin olive oil (EVOO) with hazelnut oil (HO) is an illegal practice that could have severe health consequences for consumers due to the possible exposure to hidden hazelnut allergens. Here, matrix-assisted laser-desorption/ionization (MALDI) mass spectrometry (MS) was used as a rapid and sensitive technique for the detection of a low concentration of hazelnut proteins in oil samples. Different protocols were tested for protein extraction, and the most efficient (cold acetone) was applied to HO and EVOO adulterated with HO. The subsequent in-solution tryptic digestion of protein extracts and MALDI-MS analysis, using α-cyano-4-chlorocinnamic acid as matrix, allowed the detection of stable hazelnut peptide markers (i.e., the m/z ions 1002.52, 1356.71, 1394.70, 1440.81, 1453.85, 1555.76, 1629.83, 1363.73, and 1528.67) attributable to the main hazelnut proteins Cor a 9, Cor a 11, and Cor a 1. Thus, the approach might allow the direct detection of specific hazelnut allergens in EVOO at low concentration without time-consuming pretreatments.

Improved ligation-mediated PCR method coupled with T7 RNA polymerase for sensitive DNA detection

The ligation-mediated polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method is widely applied for detecting short-length DNA target. The primary principle of this method is based on the linkage of two separated DNA probes as PCR templates via simultaneous hybridization with DNA target by DNA ligase. Even before taking into account low ligation efficiency, a 1:1 stoichiometric ratio between DNA target and the produced PCR template would put an intrinsic limitation on the detection sensitivity. In order to solve this problem, we have developed an improved ligation-mediated PCR method. It is designed such that a transcription reaction by T7 RNA polymerase is integrated into the ligation reaction. In this way, the produced joint DNA strand composed by two DNA probes can be used as a template both in the transcription reaction and the following PCR process. Then a great number of RNA strands containing the same sequence as DNA target are transcribed to act as a target to initiate new cyclic reactions of ligation and transcription. The results indicate that our proposed method can improve the detection sensitivity by ~2 orders of magnitude compared with the conventional ligation-mediated PCR method.

Detection of almond allergen coding sequences in processed foods by real time PCR

The aim of this work was to develop and analytically validate a quantitative RT-PCR method, using novel primer sets designed on Pru du 1, Pru du 3, Pru du 4, and Pru du 6 allergen-coding sequences, and contrast the sensitivity and specificity of these probes. The temperature and/or pressure processing influence on the ability to detect these almond allergen targets was also analyzed. All primers allowed a specific and accurate amplification of these sequences. The specificity was assessed by amplifying DNA from almond, different Prunus species and other common plant food ingredients. The detection limit was 1 ppm in unprocessed almond kernels. The method's robustness and sensitivity were confirmed using spiked samples. Thermal treatment under pressure (autoclave) reduced yield and amplificability of almond DNA; however, high-hydrostatic pressure treatments did not produced such effects. Compared with ELISA assay outcomes, this RT-PCR showed higher sensitivity to detect almond traces in commercial foodstuffs.

Development and validation of a duplex real-time PCR method for the simultaneous detection of celery and white mustard in food

The developed duplex real-time PCR method allows the simultaneous detection of traces of potentially allergenic white mustard (Sinapis alba) and celery roots (Apium graveolens var. rapaceum), celery stalks (A. g. var. dulce) and leaf celery (A. g. var. secalinum). The duplex assay does not show any cross-reactivity with 64 different biological species, including various members of the Brassicaceae and Apiaceae family. In raw model sausages spiked with white mustard and celery roots, the LOD was found to be 0.001% white mustard and 0.005% celery. In model sausages brewed at 75-78°C for 15 min the LOD was found to be 0.005% white mustard and 0.005% celery. The duplex real-time PCR assay was applied to check if commercial food products are labelled in compliance with the legal regulations.

Single-tube nested real-time PCR as a new highly sensitive approach to trace hazelnut

Hazelnut is one of the most commonly consumed tree nuts, being largely used by the food industry in a wide variety of processed foods. However, it is a source of allergens capable of inducing mild to severe allergic reactions in sensitized individuals. Hence, the development of highly sensitive methodologies for hazelnut traceability is essential. In this work, we developed a novel technique for hazelnut detection based on a single-tube nested real-time PCR system. The system presents high specificity and sensitivity, enabling a relative limit of detection of 50 mg/kg of hazelnut in wheat material and an absolute limit of detection of 0.5 pg of hazelnut DNA (1 DNA copy). Its application to processed food samples was successfully achieved, detecting trace amounts of hazelnut in chocolate down to 60 mg/kg. These results highlight the adequacy of the technique for the specific detection and semiquantitation of hazelnut as potential hidden allergens in foods.

Primers and probes development for specific PCR detection of genetically modified common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) Embrapa 5.1

The genetically modified common bean Embrapa 5.1, developed by Brazilian Agricultural Research Corporation (Embrapa), is the first commercial GM plant produced in Latin America. It presents high resistance to the Bean golden mosaic virus. In this work, primers and probes targeting a taxon-specific reference DNA sequence for the common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) and a construct-specific DNA sequence of Embrapa 5.1 GM common bean were successfully developed. The primers and probes showed high specificity for the target detection. Both methods showed suitable efficiency and performance to be used as an endogenous target for detection of common bean DNA and for construct-specific detection of GM common bean Embrapa 5.1, respectively. Both real-time PCR assays proved to be valuable for future assessment of interlaboratory studies.

Almond allergens: molecular characterization, detection, and clinical relevance

Almond ( Prunus dulcis ) has been widely used in all sorts of food products (bakery, pastry, snacks), mostly due to its pleasant flavor and health benefits. However, it is also classified as a potential allergenic seed known to be responsible for triggering several mild to life-threatening immune reactions in sensitized and allergic individuals. Presently, eight groups of allergenic proteins have been identified and characterized in almond, namely, PR-10 (Pru du 1), TLP (Pru du 2), prolamins (Pru du 2S albumin, Pru du 3), profilins (Pru du 4), 60sRP (Pru du 5), and cupin (Pru du 6, Pru du γ-conglutin), although only a few of them have been tested for reactivity with almond-allergic sera. To protect sensitized individuals, labeling regulations have been implemented for foods containing potential allergenic ingredients, impelling the development of adequate analytical methods. This work aims to present an updated and critical overview of the molecular characterization and clinical relevance of almond allergens, as well as review the main methodologies used to detect and quantitate food allergens with special emphasis on almond.