Testing of a Detection Protocol for Genetically Modified Food Probably Found in Sudanese Markets
Testing of a Detection Protocol for Genetically Modified Food Probably Found in Sudanese Markets
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Date
2014-02
Authors
A. Afandi, Mustafa
Elgasim, Elgasim Ali
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
University of Khartoum
Abstract
In recent years, genetically modified foods (GMFs) found their way to the
international food markets, particularly those of under-developed
countries. The safety of the GMF is a controversial issue, even in the
scientific community, and great concern was raised by consumers and
legislators. The consumers had the right to know whether their food or
some of it is genetically modified. The aim of this study was to develop
and test a protocol to detect GMFs in the Sudanese food markets. The
study targeted soybean (seeds and isolated proteins) and cotton seeds as
both could be used directly or indirectly in human foods. The collected
samples were examined for the presence of 35s promoter and NOS
terminator using a DNA/based - polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and
real time PCR. DNA was extracted from the samples and its purity and
concentration were determined. Mineral content was determined with
inductively coupled plasma with mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) and the
fatty acid profile with GC. In addition, the peroxide value (PV) and
proximate composition of the samples were also determined. The results
showed that the DNA of all samples under investigation had
concentrations in the range of 500 -1500 ng/ul and a purity of 66%-89%.
Real time PCR showed that cotton seed cake samples were + ve for
TNOS and 35s primers, while isolated soy protein sample was + ve only
for 35s primer and -ve for TNOS. Soybean seeds and isolated soybean
protein were all -ve for both primers and as such not genetically modified.
The chemical and biochemical analysis of GMFs and non GMFs showed
some differences that cannot be attributed to the genetic modification
alone at this juncture. It is concluded that the protocol used is an effective
one, and the real time PCR is a sensitive technique for the detection of
genetically modified foods, yet further studies by accredited laboratories
are strongly recommended.
Description
This paper had been presented for promotion at the University of Khartoum. To get the full text please contact the other at Mustafa A. Afandi and Elgasim Ali Elgasim
Keywords
Testing protocol; GMFs; PCR; real time PCR; primers; 35s; TNOS