Single-Tube Nested Real-Time PCR as a New Highly Sensitive Approach to Trace Hazelnut

• Type: Article in International Scientific Journal
• Date: 2012

Authors

Joana Costa (Author) Other; Isabel Mafra (Author) FFUP; Tomas Kuchta (Author) Other; Maria Beatriz P P Oliveira (Author) FFUP

Journal

Title: Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry

Vol. 60

Pages: 8103-8110

ISSN: 0021-8561

Publisher: American Chemical Society

Indexing

ISI Web of Knowledge - 28 Citations

Scopus - 32 Citations

Scientific classification

FOS: Agrarian Sciences > Other Agrarian Sciences

Other information

Authenticus ID: P-002-6VK

DOI: 10.1021/jf302898z

Abstract (EN): 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.

Language: English

Type (Professor's evaluation): Scientific

No. of pages: 8