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

Abstract

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.