Rapid DNA extraction and microfluidic LAMP system in portable equipment for GM crops detection

Abstract

Genetically modified food has come under suspicion because of the potential safety risks. Only a limited number of target genes could be detected by traditional methods. Here, customized-fast DNA extraction methods and a LAMP (Loop-mediated isothermal amplification) system were developed combining with a hand-held chip, a portable analyzer, and an Android App for the qualitative detection of genetically modified crops. DNA of seeds and leaves was obtained within 5 minutes. Primers were designed with high specificity and sensitivity (10 copies) for later LAMP amplification. Crude DNA was added to the chip pre-embedded with customizable primers by quantitative dropper and the whole detection process was less than 40 minutes without any large-scale instrument. The 0.1% quality percentage of GM samples (maize or soybean) could be detected by the detection system. The detection system with its low workload, high accuracy, and stability offers a novel and effective approach for the rapid detection of GM crops and many other food safety areas in the field.