The Value of Nucleic Acid-based Diagnostic Techniques as Supplementary or Confirmatory Tools for Allergen Detection

Delano James

Sidney Laboratory, Canadian Food Inspection Agency 8801 East Saanich Road, Sidney, British Columbia, Canada, V8L 1H3

Nucleic acid-acid based techniques such as PCR are very accurate and sensitive. Sensitivity can be improved by the use of modified techniques such as hemi-nested, nested, or real time PCR. Nucleic acid-based techniques such as multiplex PCR or microarray analysis allow simultaneous detection of several targets. Real-time PCR allows very accurate quantitative analysis. Once the nucleotide sequence of the target is known, these techniques are relatively easy to develop and implement, compared to serological techniques. Food allergens are usually proteins, and can be detected directly by using serology-based techniques. However, serological techniques are relatively difficult to develop, they are characterized by limited sensitivity, and non-specific reactions may occur. Also, the specific allergen may be difficult to identify, purify and use for the production of antibodies suitable for assays such as ELISA. The novel nucleic acid-based detection technique Loop Mediated Isothermal Amplification is very sensitive, and requires no expensive thermocycling equipment. There are many benefits and advantages to nucleic acid-based diagnostic tools that may be of tremendous value in monitoring for the presence of potential allergens in foods.