Single-tube nested real-time PCR as a new highly sensitive approach to trace hazelnut

J Agric Food Chem. 2012 Aug 22;60(33):8103-10. doi: 10.1021/jf302898z. Epub 2012 Aug 13.

Abstract

Hazelnut is one of the most commonly consumed tree nuts, being largely used by the food industry in a wide variety of processed foods. However, it is a source of allergens capable of inducing mild to severe allergic reactions in sensitized individuals. Hence, the development of highly sensitive methodologies for hazelnut traceability is essential. In this work, we developed a novel technique for hazelnut detection based on a single-tube nested real-time PCR system. The system presents high specificity and sensitivity, enabling a relative limit of detection of 50 mg/kg of hazelnut in wheat material and an absolute limit of detection of 0.5 pg of hazelnut DNA (1 DNA copy). Its application to processed food samples was successfully achieved, detecting trace amounts of hazelnut in chocolate down to 60 mg/kg. These results highlight the adequacy of the technique for the specific detection and semiquantitation of hazelnut as potential hidden allergens in foods.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Allergens / analysis
  • Cacao / chemistry
  • Corylus / chemistry*
  • DNA, Plant / analysis*
  • DNA, Plant / genetics
  • Endpoint Determination
  • Food Analysis / methods*
  • Food Technology
  • Nuts / chemistry*
  • Nuts / genetics
  • Plant Proteins / analysis*
  • Plant Proteins / genetics
  • Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction
  • Selection, Genetic
  • Sequence Analysis, DNA

Substances

  • Allergens
  • DNA, Plant
  • Plant Proteins