Development of a quantitative multiplex PCR method for detection of geneticlly modified food

We have devised a unique general method for quantitative multiplex PCR based on a novel amplification strategy in combination with sequence specific labelling of probes and DNA array hybridisation. The method circumvents most of the problems commonly asso ciated with multiplex PCR such as low sensitivity or specificity and/or preferential amplification of certain specific targets and formation of spurious amplification products. The PCR method is generally applicable in many fields of biology and may be u sed for detection and quantification of genetically modified food. Food and feed producers and food control authorities need methods for testing whether foods and food ingredients contain genetically modified plants (gmps). As the number of gmps increases it will be necessary to develop multiplex assays. These multiplex methods should be quantitative to determine different levels of contamination and whether a gmo containing food or feed requires labelling. In 3 stages, we will 1: optimise primers and probes for corn, soy and rape arrays, 2: validate assays by comparing with real-time PCR, 3: develop multiplex hybridisation assays on glass-slide micro-arrays. A patent application has been filed to protect the method. If successful we will pursue development to a commercial product with industrial partners.