Quantitative event-specific multiplex PCR detection of Roundup Ready soya using LabChip technology

EU legislation demands the use of efficient methods for the detection of genetically modified ingredients in the labelling of foodstuffs. These strict performance characteristics are most readily met with the use of "real-time" polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technologies and their associated platforms. However, the costs of the associated equipment may be beyond the scope of some molecular laboratories. This report presents a scaling technique for the determination of genetically modified content using multiplex PCR and quantitative analysis from data obtained using LabChip technology. The scaling technique is a sensitive, accurate and precise quantitative method, and is less time-consuming and uses fewer reagents than similar techniques utilising LabChip technology, as well as giving comparable results to a real-time PCR technique. This scaling technique therefore represents an alternative for genetic modification detection and quantification to that of real time PCR, with associated cost saving implications.