Real-time PCR assays for detection and quantification of aflatoxin-producing molds in foods

Aflatoxins are among the most toxic mycotoxins. Early detection and quantification of aflatoxin-producing species is crucial to improve food safety. In the present work, two protocols of real-time PCR (qPCR) based on SYBR Green and TaqMan were developed, and their sensitivity and specificity were evaluated. Primers and probes were designed from the o-methyltransferase gene (omt-1) involved in aflatoxin biosynthesis. Fifty-three mold strains representing aflatoxin producers and non-producers of different species, usually reported in food products, were used as references. All strains were tested for aflatoxins production by high-performance liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (HPLC–MS). The functionality of the proposed qPCR method was demonstrated by the strong linear relationship of the standard curves constructed with the omt-1 gene copy number and Ct values for the different aflatoxin producers tested. The ability of the qPCR protocols to quantify aflatoxin-producing molds was evaluated in different artificially inoculated foods. A good linear correlation was obtained over the range 4 to 1 log cfu/g per reaction for all qPCR assays in the different food matrices (peanuts, spices and dry-fermented sausages). The detection limit in all inoculated foods ranged from 1 to 2 log cfu/g for SYBR Green and TaqMan assays. No significant effect was observed due to the different equipment, operator, and qPCR methodology used in the tests of repeatability and reproducibility for different foods. The proposed methods quantified with high efficiency the fungal load in foods. These qPCR protocols are proposed for use to quantify aflatoxin-producing molds in food products.     

Detection of allergenic substances in foods by a multiplex PCR method

A multiplex PCR (M-PCR) method was developed for the detection of DNAs of plant and three allergenic substances (wheat, buckwheat, and peanut) in foods. Genomic DNAs were extracted from allergenic substances with a commercial ion-exchange type kit. Four primer pairs suitable for the specific detection of plant DNA were designed to establish a M-PCR method detecting simultaneously the specific DNAs of plant and allergenic substances. Our four designed primer pairs and the primer pair described in the Japanese official method were applied to the specific detection of plant DNA. A primer pair of Plant01-5' and Plant01-3' (amplicon size; 161 bp) was the most suitable for the specific detection of plant DNA. M-PCR was performed to detect the specific DNAs of allergenic substances using four primer pairs, a pair of Plant01-5' and Plant01-3', and three pairs for allergenic components described in the Japanese official method. The four specific PCR bands were simultaneously amplified from genomic DNAs of allergenic substances. The proposed method is simple, rapid and inexpensive.     

Detection of porcine DNA in Korean processed foods by real-time PCR

Food Science and Biotechnology - In this study, a commercial DNA extraction kit and a real-time Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) kit were applied to detect porcine DNA in Korean processed foods. The...     

Development of a multiplex real-time PCR to quantify aflatoxin, ochratoxin A and patulin producing molds in foods

The antimicrobial activity of 8 Bacillus spp. and 2 Lysinibacillus spp. representing the predominant aerobic sporeformers during traditional maari fermentations, a traditional fermented baobab seeds product from Burkina Faso, was investigated. The antimicrobial activity was assessed against a total of 31 indicator organisms representing various Gram-negative and positive pathogens. The screening showed that 3 Bacillus subtilis strains (B3, B122 and B222) in particular had antimicrobial activity against some Gram-positive organisms and were selected for further studies. It was found that the antimicrobial substances produced were heat stable, in-sensitive to catalase, sensitive to protease and trypsin but resistant to the proteolytic action of papain and proteinase K and equally active at pH values ranging from 3 to 11. Bacteriocin secretion started in late exponential growth phase and maximum activity was detected during the stationary growth phase. The production of bacteriocin by B. subtilis B3, B122 and B222 was dependent on the aeration conditions. Maximum production of bacteriocin was observed under reduced aeration. Specific primers were used to screen isolates B3, B122 and B222 for genes involved in the synthesis of the bacteriocins subtilosin A, subtilin, sublancin and ericin. Amplicons of the expected sizes were detected for iywB, sboA, sboX, albA and spaS involved in the biosynthesis of subtilosin and subtilin, respectively. The translated nucleotide sequences had 100% identity to the YiwB, SboX and SboA amino acid sequences of the subtilosin A producing B. subtilis subsp. subtilis strain 168. Interestingly there was a 3 amino acid deletion at the N-terminal part of AlbA in B3, B122 and B222 that probably alters the activity of this enzyme. Analysis of the spaS gene sequences of B3, B122 and B222, encoding a subtilin precursor peptide, showed that the translated nucleotide sequence had 98% identity with the corresponding SpaS amino acid sequence of subtilin producing B. subtilis subsp. spizizenii strain ATCC6633.     

白酒酒醅中真菌毒素的检测

该实验建立了白酒生产原料酒醅中31种真菌毒素的液相色谱-串联质谱检测方法。样品使用乙腈与1%的甲酸水混合溶液（85∶15,V/V）提取,经QuEChERS法净化后,采用多反应监测模式（MRM）检测,可同时对31种真菌毒素进行定性定量分析。结果表明,该方法的相关系数R2为0.991～0.999,线性关系良好,检出限和定量限分别为0.1～5.0 μg/kg和0.4～16.5 μg/kg,平均回收率为83.1%～108.7%,回收率实验结果的相对标准偏差（RSD）为2.5%～9.6%。对10个随机抽取的酒醅样品进行检测,检出的真菌毒素分别有：黄曲霉毒素、脱氧雪腐镰刀菌烯醇及其衍生物、T-2毒素、新茄病镰刀菌烯醇、玉米赤霉烯酮、赭曲霉毒素、杂色曲霉素。该方法的灵敏度、准确度和精密度良好,可满足白酒生产原料中31种真菌毒素的检测。     

Determination of ethyl carbamate in some fermented Korean foods and beverages

Ethyl carbamate has been associated with cancer for several decades. It is mainly found in fermented foods and beverages. In view of the importance of fermented foods in the Korean diet and the significant level of ethyl carbamate expected, we determined ethyl carbamate concentrations in some of the staple food items and estimated the daily intake for the Korean population. Ethyl carbamate in commercial samples of kimchi, soy sauce, vinegar, soybean paste, and alcoholic beverages were determined by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry/selective ion monitoring (GC-MS/SIM). Homemade soy sauce and kimchi were also analysed. The maximum ethyl carbamate concentrations observed were 73 mu g/kg in soy sauce, 7.9 mu g/kg in soybean paste, 2.5 mu g/l in vinegar, 16.2 mu g/kg in kimchi and 15.4 mu/l in Korean traditional alcoholic beverages. Combining these values with the average daily food intake data, we estimated that the maximum daily exposure of Korean population to ethyl carbamate is 2.8 mu g/day, which is not a negligible amount considering the 'virtually safe dose' derived by animal experiment ranges between 1.2 and 4.8 mu g/day. It would be desirable to closely monitor ethyl carbamate levels in Korean foods and to find ways to reduce the daily intake.     

多重PCR检测4种常见食源性致病菌

目的 建立一种多重聚合酶链式反应法(multiplex polymerase chain reaction, MPCR)快速检测肉制品中金黄色葡萄球菌、沙门氏菌、志贺氏菌和单增李斯特氏菌的分析方法。方法 选取金黄色葡萄球菌nuc基因、沙门氏菌SipB基因、志贺氏菌ipaH基因、单增李斯特菌inlA基因作为目标基因, 设计4对PCR引物, 建立并优化多重PCR反应体系, 评价该体系的特异性和灵敏度, 并对人工污染的熟肉样品进行检测。结果 构建的多重PCR方法特异性强、灵敏度高, 人工污染熟肉匀浆中4种致病菌的检出限为103 CFU/mL。结论 构建的多重PCR检测方法能够快速、准确、高效地检测肉制品中金黄色葡萄球菌、沙门氏菌、志贺氏菌和单增李斯特氏菌, 为食源性疾病菌的快速检测提供参考依据。     

数字PCR定量检测食品中单核细胞增生李斯特氏菌方法的研究

目的建立微滴式数字PCR技术(droplet digital PCR,ddPCR)定量检测食品中单核细胞增生李斯特氏菌的分析方法。方法选择基因hly A为靶序列,设计PCR扩增引物和Taq Man探针,优化反应条件和反应体系,通过细菌分离和dd PCR方法对靶标基因的检测特异性、灵敏度和重复性进行实验,并对定量结果进行分析。结果 ddPCR反应中的最佳探针浓度为5 pmol/μL,特异性好,检出限为(3.6±0.1)copies/20μL,重复性实验良好,标准偏差为0.067%。ddPCR的拷贝数(copy number)与细菌密度(colony forming units,CFU/mL)形成了较好的线性关系。结论本研究建立dd PCR的拷贝数和菌液密度或菌落数的线性关系,可以为单核细胞增生李斯特氏菌的快速定量检测提供参考。     

Detection and identification of transgenic virus resistant papaya and squash by multiplex PCR

Two separate multiplex PCR assays were developed for the detection of transgenic papaya and transgenic squash. Papaya line 55-1 contains a genetic insertion consisting of the coat protein gene of Papaya ringspot virus strain p and is resistant to infection by this virus. A multiplex PCR was developed to specifically amplify the papaya ringspot virus coat protein transgene construct and an endogenous papaya gene sequence. A third primer set was designed to amplify the -glucuronidase gene construct, which can distinguish between the commercial and noncommercial papaya lines 55-1 and 63-1. Squash line ZW-20 contains genetic insertions of the coat protein genes from Watermelon mosaic virus II and Zucchini yellow mosaic virus and is resistant to these two viruses. Squash line CZW-3 is similar to ZW-20 but additionally confers resistance to Cucumber mosaic virus. A second multiplex assay was developed to detect and differentiate squash lines ZW-20 and CZW-3 in a single reaction.     

小麦粉污染霉菌的分离鉴定及产黄曲霉毒素 能力的研究

目的对污染小麦粉中所含霉菌进行分离和菌株鉴定,并对所分离菌株的产黄曲霉毒素能力进行评价。方法使用马铃薯-葡萄糖琼脂培养基和麦汁琼脂培养基对小麦粉污染的霉菌进行分离和纯化,根据菌落形态、显微形态观察和ITS序列分析结果对分离菌株进行鉴定,采用PCR技术检测黄曲毒霉合成路径的关键基因来判断菌株的潜在产毒能力,最后用高效液相色谱法确认菌株是否产毒。结果共分离出5株菌株,分别鉴定为链格孢霉(NHF1)、橘灰青霉(NHF2)、黑曲霉(NHF3)和米曲霉(NHF4、NHF5),其中2株米曲霉具有潜在的产黄曲霉素的能力,在一定条件下会产生黄曲霉毒素。结论需要加强小麦粉微生物检测,尤其是霉菌污染的检测、管理和控制,全面制定小麦粉中污染微生物的限量标准,尤其是霉菌的限量值。     

MPCR方法检测食品中的伤寒沙门氏菌、金黄色葡萄球菌和单增李斯特氏菌

为建立一种同时检测食品中的伤寒沙门氏菌(ST)、金黄色葡萄球菌(SA)和单增李斯特氏菌(LM)的快速检测方法,分别针对伤寒沙门氏菌的鞭毛抗原基因H1-d、金黄色葡萄球菌的耐热核酸酶基因nuc、单增李斯特氏菌溶血素O上的hlyA基因设计引物,进行特异性和灵敏性实验,结果表明3条特异性扩增片段分别为458bp、279bp和243bp,经DNA测序证明其序列与模板被扩增片段一致。该方法操作简便、快速,具有良好的灵敏性和特异性。     

DNA profiling of Leuconostoc mesenteroides strains isolated from fermented foods and farm produce in Korea by repetitive-element PCR

Food Science and Biotechnology - Lactic acid bacteria are known for their preservative effects on food products like meat and sausage. Since they are related to humans, these bacteria require...     

利用多重PCR方法检测7种转基因卡诺拉油菜籽品种(系)研究

为对商业化进口7种转基因卡诺拉油菜籽品种(系)进行高通量、快速、准确检测,建立可用于鉴定7种转基因卡诺拉油菜籽品种(系)多重PCR检测方法。首先建立7种转基因油菜籽品种(系)稳定单重PCR检测体系,在此基础上再建立和优化7种转基因油菜籽品种(系)多重PCR检测体系;获得4组可用于鉴定7种转基因卡诺拉油菜籽品种(系)多重PCR检测体系,其中1组为四重PCR检测体系,3组为两重PCR检测体系。优化多重PCR体系具有较高稳定性和重复性,可作为检测该7种转基因油菜籽品种(系)有效方法。     

Characterization of subtilin KU43 Produced by Bacillus subtilis KU43 isolated from traditional Korean fermented foods

An antimicrobial peptide produced by Bacillus subtilis KU25, KU43, and KU44 was isolated from traditional Korean fermented foods and characterized. It was named as subtilin KU25, KU43, and KU44. Subtilin KU25, KU43, and KU44 were sensitive against α-chymotrypsin, protease XIII, and various proteinase enzymes, respectively. B. subtilis KU43 was selected as the producer with the broadest antimicrobial spectrum. Subtilin KU43 was stable at a pH range of 3 to 9 for 4 h, and withstood exposure to temperatures of 50–90°C for 30 min. The mode of inhibition against Listeria monocytogenes ATCC 15313 involved a bactericidal effect by a reduction in the cell numbers and breakage of the indicator cell membranes. The molecular mass of subtilin KU43 was measured at approximately 3.5 kDa. These results demonstrate the development of novel strains from traditional Korean fermented foods, and illustrate the possibility that some of these strains might generate a natural preservative compound.     

Detection of sesame seed DNA in foods using real-time PCR

The detection of potentially allergenic foods, such as sesame seeds, in food products is a major concern for the food-processing industry. A real-time PCR method was designed to determine if sesame seed DNA is present in food products. The PCR reaction amplifies a 66-bp fragment of the sesame seed 2S albumin gene, which is detected with a sesame-specific, dual-labeled TaqMan probe. This reaction will not amplify DNA derived from other seeds present in baked goods, such as pumpkin, poppy, and sunflower seeds. Additionally, this assay will not cross-react with DNA from several tree nut species, such as almond, Brazil nut, cashew, hazelnut, and walnut, as well as four varieties of peanut. This assay is sensitive enough to detect 5 pg of purified sesame seed DNA, as well as sesame seed DNA in a spiked wheat cracker sample.     

食品中副溶血性弧菌toxR和tdh基因双色荧光PCR检测方法的建立

目的 建立对副溶血性弧菌（Vibrio parahaemolyticus）特异性检测toxR（跨膜转录激活蛋白）基因和tdh（热稳定性直接溶血素）毒力基因的Taqman探针双色荧光PCR检测方法。方法 根据副溶血性弧菌toxR基因和tdh基因,分别设计引物和探针,建立Taqman探针双色荧光PCR扩增体系,进行特异性、灵敏度试验;对副溶血性弧菌分离菌株实施检测,了解其tdh基因和tdh基因分布情况。结果 结果表明,副溶血性弧菌标准菌株和3株从食物中毒患者中分离获得的分离株均出现toxR基因和tdh扩增曲线,而溶藻弧菌、单增李斯特菌等31株弧菌属其他菌株和肠杆菌科的菌株未见扩增曲线。从食品中分离的37株副溶血性弧菌分离株均未携带tdh毒力基因。副溶血性弧菌检测灵敏度可达到3.6×102 cfu/mL。结论 该方法可用于同时检测食品中副溶血性弧菌的特异性和毒力基因。     

传统发酵豆制品中3种致病菌的三重荧光PCR快速检测方法的建立

为了建立传统发酵豆制品中单增李斯特菌、蜡样芽孢杆菌和金黄色葡萄球菌的三重荧光PCR快速检测方法。以单增李斯特菌hly A基因、蜡样芽孢杆菌Cereolysin AB基因和金黄色葡萄球菌nuc基因为靶基因设计引物与TaqMan探针,通过优化PCR反应体系,建立了可同时检测单增李斯特菌、蜡样芽孢杆菌和金黄色葡萄球菌的三重荧光定量PCR体系,并进行了特异性和敏感性试验。结果显示,该方法灵敏度高,特异性强,重复性好。对26株非目标菌进行检测,结果均为阴性,而定量检测批内和批间的变异系数均小于2%。单增李斯特菌、蜡样芽孢杆菌和金黄色葡萄球菌敏感性试验结果表明,这三种细菌的最低检测浓度分别为3×103cfu/mL、2×104cfu/mL、2×104cfu/mL。应用该方法可在8h内完成对样品中单增李斯特菌、蜡样芽孢杆菌和金黄色葡萄球菌的同步检测。     

Detection system of stacked genetically modified maize using multiplex PCR

A multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method was developed to identify and distinguish 3 kinds of stacked genetically modified (GM) maize (MON810× MON863, NK603×MON863, and NK603×MON810× MON863). Four primer pairs, SSIIb JHF/JHR, C3b 5′/TAP1–3′, HS01/cry-CR01, and HS01/CTP164-3′ yielded 101, 129, 194, and 314 bp amplicons, respectively, Using the genomic DNA of the 3 stacked GM maize as templates, 3 or 4 corresponding PCR amplicons were amplified with similar band intensities by the multiplex PCR. The limit of detection (LOD) was approximately 0.5% for 3 kinds of stacked GM maize, using the multiplex PCR. The detection system using multiplex PCR developed in this study may be applicable to monitoring, identifying, and distinguishing not only the stacked GM maizes but also other stacked genetically modified organisms (GMOs).     

Detection of salmonella by flow-through immunocapture real-time PCR in selected foods within 8 hours

This study investigated flow-through immunocapture (FTI), using the Pathatrix device, followed by plating on xylose lysine desoxycholate (XLD) agar (FTI-XLD) or analysis by real-time PCR (FTI-PCR) for the detection of Salmonella on smooth tomato surfaces and in potato salad and ground beef within 8 h. Food samples were inoculated with an appropriate dilution of a five-serovar Salmonella cocktail and enriched for 5 h. Following enrichment, samples were analyzed by the FTI-XLD and FTI-PCR methods. Food samples were also analyzed by a modified U.S. Food and Drug Administration Bacteriological Analytical Manual (BAM) Salmonella culture method for comparison. Salmonella inoculated at 10(0) CFU per tomato or 10(0) CFU/25 g was detected by the FTI-XLD method in 6, 8, and 4 of 10 samples for tomatoes, potato salad, and ground beef, respectively. Salmonella inoculated at 10(0) CFU per tomato or 10(0) CFU/25 g was detected by the FTI-PCR method in 8, 9, and 9 of 10 samples for tomatoes, potato salad, and ground beef, respectively. The FTI-PCR method achieved significantly higher (P < 0.05) detection of Salmonella on tomatoes, whereas the FTI-XLD method achieved significantly lower (P < 0.05) detection of Salmonella in ground beef when compared with the modified BAM Salmonella culture method; however, all other comparisons to the modified BAM method were not significantly different. The FTI-XLD method demonstrated the ability to isolate presumptive Salmonella colonies up to 48 hfaster than did the modified BAM Salmonella culture method.