Analysis of Genetically Modified Maize Allergens by PCR

Detection of genetically modified (GM) maize allergens is important for food safety assessment and labeling, health protection and consumer information. This study describes novel polymerase chain reaction (PCR) methods for analysis of GM maize allergens. The investigation was focused on the insect resistant GM maize event MON 810. The set of certified reference materials consisting of 0-5% MON810 were used for the optimization of the PCR systems. New oligonucleotide primers were designed for the genes of two important food allergens, such as maize Zea m 8 (chitinase) as well as GMO-specific Cry1Ab delta-endotoxin expressed in the insect resistant GMOs. The agarose gel electrophoresis revealed that PCR method using primers Zea8m130f/ Zea8m130r enables an effective analysis of maize allergen Zea m 8 whereas PCR method with primers Cry102f/Cry102f allows accurate detection of GMO allergen Cry1Ab delta-endotoxin. Moreover, this method may be applied for screening of insect-resistant GMOs with sensitivity of 0.5%. © 2022 Bull. Georg. Natl. Acad. Sci.