Evaluation of locked nucleic acid and TaqMan probes for specific detection of cashew nut in processed food by real time PCR

Single-tube nested real-time PCR versus normalised real-time PCR for the quantification of allergenic cashew nut in foods: Impact of thermal processing and matrix

In this work, three allergen-encoding genes (Ana o 1, Ana o 2, Ana o 3) were investigated for the detection of cashew nut as an allergenic food. Normalised and single-tube nested real-time PCR approaches targeting the Ana o 2 or Ana o 3 genes are proposed and compared. Normalised real-time PCR detected 10 pg, while single-tube nested real-time PCR achieved 1 pg of cashew nut DNA. Single-tube nested real-time PCR targeting Ana o 3 allowed the best relative sensitivities (10 mg/kg cashew nut in dough/biscuit), being successfully validated regarding precision/accuracy. The normalised real-time PCR did not show acceptable accuracy for both targets. Sensitivity of single-tube nested real-time PCR was affected by the matrix (pasta), but not by thermal processing (dough/biscuit). Herein, two highly sensitive and specific single-tube nested real-time PCR targeting allergen-encoding genes are proposed for the first time as quantitative/validated tools for cashew nut analysis as an allergenic food.

Novel LNA probe-based assay for the A1 and A2 identification of β-casein gene in milk samples

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A novel LNA probe-based qPCR allowed the detection of A1 and A2 alleles from β -casein gene in bovine samples.

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100% of agreement between results obtained by rHamp and LNA qPCR assays.

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The limit of detection of A1 in A2 samples was 1% or 7.5 DNA copies.

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This method is a highly sensitive and specific tool for detecting A1 and A2 alleles directly in milk.

The rising consumption of A2 milk and its derivatives in recent years has garnered attention from both consumers and producers, mainly due its possible health benefits, such as enhanced digestion and easier absorption. Thus, a novel real-time PCR using a combination of locked nucleic acid modified (LNA) conjugated probes was developed to genotype A1 and A2 alleles of β-casein gene (CSN2) and to detect and quantify the A1 presence in A2 samples. The limit of detection for each probe (A1 and A2) was evaluated using decreasing serial dilutions. Besides, the sensitivity of A1 allele detection in the A2 samples was also tested. The limits of detection of A1 and A2 alleles were 6 copies, while for A1 allele detection in A2 samples was 7.5 copies (1%). The LNA-probe based method was found to be rapid, robust, highly sensitive, cost effective, and can be employed as screening test to certificate the A2 dairy products.

Lab-on-a-chip technologies for food safety, processing, and packaging applications: a review

The advent of microfluidic systems has led to significant developments in lab-on-a-chip devices integrating several functions onto a single platform. Over the years, these miniature devices have become a promising tool for faster analytical testing, displaying high precision and efficiency. Nonetheless, most microfluidic systems are not commercially available. Research is actually undergoing on the application of these devices in environmental, food, biomedical, and healthcare industries. The lab-on-a-chip industry is predicted to grow annually by 20%. Here, we review the use of lab-on-a-chip devices in the food sector. We present fabrication technologies and materials to developing lab-on-a-chip devices. We compare electrochemical, optical, colorimetric, chemiluminescence and biological methods for the detection of pathogens and microorganisms. We emphasize emulsion processing, food formulation, nutraceutical development due to their promising characteristics. Last, smart packaging technologies like radio frequency identification and indicators are highlighted because they allow better product identification and traceability.

[Progress of sample preparation and analytical methods of dried fruit foods]

坚果、果脯等干果类食品含有丰富的营养成分,深受国内外广大消费者的喜爱。但这些食品在果实生产、加工、储运时会使用农药或产生霉变等,造成干果中农药、重金属、霉菌毒素或添加剂等有害成分残留,甚至超过国家限量要求,带来严重的食品安全问题。因此,加强干果类食品的质量监督具有重要的经济和社会意义。但干果类食品基质复杂,有害物质种类多,结构和性质差异大,含量低,其分析检测需要快速高效的样品前处理技术和准确灵敏的分析检测方法。该文主要综述了近十年来干果类食品中有害物质的样品前处理及分析检测方法研究进展。其中样品前处理方法主要包括各种场辅助萃取法、相分离法和衍生化萃取方法等。场辅助萃取法主要是借助超声波和微波场等外场(协同)作用加快干果中有害物质的溶出速度,提高其萃取效率。相分离法,包括固相(微)萃取、分散固相萃取和液相(微)萃取法等,具有溶剂消耗少、分离富集效率高的优势,是干果样品分析中较常使用的前处理方法。该文还重点介绍了干果中各类有害成分分析检测技术,主要包括色谱、原子光谱、无机质谱、电化学分析等常规实验室方法,以及一些适用于现场分析的快速检测技术,并以此为基础,展望了干果类食品中有害物质分析检测技术的发展趋势。

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.

Effect of Instant Controlled Pressure Drop (DIC) Treatment on the Detection of Nut Allergens by Real Time PCR

Tree nuts show nutritional properties and human health benefits. However, they contain allergenic proteins, which make them harmful to the sensitised population. The presence of tree nuts on food labelling is mandatory and, consequently, the development of suitable analytical methodologies to detect nuts in processed foods is advisable. Real-Time PCR allowed a specific and accurate amplification of allergen sequences. Some food processing methods could induce structural and/or conformational changes in proteins by altering their allergenic capacity, as well as produce the fragmentation and/or degradation of genomic DNA. In this work, we analysed by means of Real-Time PCR, the influence of pressure and thermal processing through Instant Controlled Pressure Drop (DIC) on the detectability of hazelnut, pistachio and cashew allergens. The detection of targets in hazelnut, pistachio and cashew (Cor a 9, Pis v 1 and Ana o 1, respectively) is affected by the treatment to different extents depending on the tree nut. Results are compared to those previously obtained by our group in the analysis of different treatments on the amplificability of the same targets. Reduction in amplificability is similar to that reported for some autoclave conditions. Our assays might allow for the detection of up to 1000 mg/kg of hazelnut, pistachio and cashew flours after being submitted to DIC treatment in food matrices.

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.