GC/MS detection of central nervous tissues as specified BSE risk material in meat products: validation by an externally controlled blind trial

The addition of central nervous tissues (CNT), such as brain and spinal cord, in the manufacturing of meat products is either forbidden—if the material falls under the legal definition of specified risk material (SRM)—or must be labelled on the packed product. To foster official food control, several CNT detection methods were developed, but only fatty acid patterns as detected by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS) allow the further characterization of the detected CNT as to both the animal species and—surprisingly—the age of the animal from which the CNT was derived in accordance with the legal definition. Complementing a previous report in this journal by Lücker et al. 2010 (doi:) on CNT quantification by GC/MS, we now report results of the validation of this new analytical approach by an externally controlled blind trial elucidating its potential to identify the species and age of the CNT detected. The 72 samples (24 standards of emulsion-type sausage, each heated in three different batches: 75°C, 30 min; 115°C, 25 min; 133°C, 40 min) containing porcine, ovine or bovine muscle tissue and differing amounts of CNT (bovine or ovine brain: 0, 0.1, 0.5, 1.0, 3.0% m/m) were produced externally and provided blind for analyses to our laboratory. In accordance with the previous study, heating had no detectable effect on the GC/MS analysis. Judged by the present sensitivity of this method (cut-off 0.2% CNT), all of the samples containing 0.5% or more CNT (n = 57, 100%) were identified correctly as CNT-positive. The CNT species was identified correctly in 54 samples (94.7%), with three samples of one specific standard (0.5% ovine CNT) falsely classified as bovine CNT. However, the CNT age of these samples was correctly classified (more than 12 months). Overall, 57 samples (100%) were correctly classified as SRM-positive and 15 samples (100%) as SRM-negative. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first time that a legal demand for the (1) detection of traces of a specific tissue in a food matrix, (2) the identification of its taxonomic origin and (3) the classification of its age has been shown to be analytically possible in totally blind samples. The very positive validation results of this externally controlled blind trial recommend the present GC/MS approach for the detection of CNT in meat products as a reference method. However, our results also demonstrate the need for further studies, in particular to increase sensitivity and to conduct ring trials including more than one laboratory.     

GC-MS detection of central nervous tissues as TSE risk material in meat products: analytical quality and strategy

The detection of central nervous system (CNS) tissue (i.e. brain and spinal cord) by the use of GC-MS and certain fatty acids (FAs) as their methyl esters (FAMEs) was previously shown to be a very promising approach towards identification of CNS tissue as a specified risk material (SRM) in meat products, contrasting available immunochemical methods. This GC-MS method promised to allow quantification of CNS material as low as 0.01%. Here, we show that the CNS-relevant FAMEs C22:6, C24:19, C24:17, C24:0 and C24-OH are present in pure muscle and adipose tissue samples in detectable amounts. Thus, limits of detection are not feasible as quality parameters in this analytical GC-MS approach. Instead, cut-off values have to be applied as calculated from the baseline content of the respective FAME in CNS-free samples and its variation for a given statistical security. Furthermore, the FAs used for quantification of the CNS showed distinct differences depending on species and age. This finding is in accordance with previous studies where it had been concluded that species and age differentiation of CNS might be possible with GC-MS. However, it was not taken into account that it also necessitates a strict analytical strategy for quantification of the CNS content: identification of the presence of CNS (step 1); identification of species and age (step 2); and quantification by use of a species- and age-specific CNS calibration (step 3). Differences between the FA content of the CNS used for calibrating and the CNS in the sample will cause up to fivefold deviation from the true CNS content. Our results show that the FA best suited for identification (step 1) and quantification (step 3) purposes is cerebronic acid C24-OH after silylation. Further in-depth studies are needed in order to elucidate variability of brain FA content and to determine analytical limits. However, the present GC-MS approach is already a highly promising supplement to existing immunochemical methods for the detection of traces of CNS material in meat products.     

Interlaboratory transfer of a real-time polymerase chain reaction assay for quantitative detection of genetically modified maize event TC-1507

A real-time polymerase chain reaction (QPCR) assay was developed for quantitative detection of a genetically modified (GM) maize event TC-1507 and modification to conventional PCR for qualitative purposes. Sequences 5'-flanking TC-1507 full-length insert were characterized and showed multiple rearrangements involving insert and maize chloroplast fragments. The event specificity of the TC-1507 assays was based on the detection of transgene and plant rearranged sequences found to 5' flank the insertion site. They were fully specific and exhibited a limit of detection below 10 target copies, allowing consistent detection of 0.1% GM levels. The QPCR was highly linear and efficient and proved adequate for quantification of GM contents, aiming at the fulfillment of legal requirements established in the European Union (i.e., compulsory labeling of TC-1507 levels >0.9%). It satisfactorily determined TC-1507 contents on different matrixes and was successfully transferred a different laboratory.     

Development of a multireactor microfluidic system for the determination of DNA using real-time polymerase chain reaction

A microfluidic system that allowed us to perform the real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) in a glass-silicon microchip containing nine 250-nL microreactors was developed and studied. The resulting high heating/cooling rates of a PCR mixture in a microreactor allowed us to optimize the amplification mode (1 min/cycle). The silicon surface of microreactors was successfully passivated. The resulting analytical system allowed us to measure the PCR kinetic curves in chip microreactors at a DNA concentration of ～5 × 10⁴ copies per microreactor. It was found that, if the PCR is performed in a microchip with real-time detection using the optimized amplification mode, the result can be obtained 13–14 min after the onset of reaction.     

Development of real-time polymerase chain reaction assay with TaqMan probe for the quantitative detection of infectious hypodermal and hematopoietic necrosis virus from shrimp

An assay was developed for the detection of infectious hypodermal and hematopoietic necrosis virus (IHHNV) based on real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR). A pair of primers and a TaqMan probe were designed that are specific for the recognition of a conservative region in the IHHNV genome. The IHHNV real-time PCR assay had a detection limit of 9 DNA copies, with a dynamic range of detection between 9 x 106 and 9 DNA copies. The primer pairs and probe were specific to IHHNV and did not cross-react with shrimp genomic DNA or other shrimp viruses such as White Spot Syndrome Virus (WSSV), Monodon Baculovirus (MBV), and hepatopancreatic parvovirus (HPV). This assay has a broad application for basic and clinical investigations. For clinical samples, the real-time PCR assay detected all the positive samples screened by conventional PCR, which indicated the sensitivity of the real-time assay. The IHHNV real-time PCR assay with high sensitivity, specificity, wide range of detection ability, and simplicity is particularly useful for screening large numbers of specimens and measuring viral loads to monitor the broodstock.     

Validation of quantitative polymerase chain reaction methodology for monitoring DNA as a surrogate marker for species material contamination in porcine heparin

Heparin is a widely used intravenous anticoagulant comprising of a very complex mixture of glycosaminoglycan chains, mainly derived from porcine intestinal mucosa. The species of origin and the absence of contaminants from other species are important determinants of the different physicochemical characteristics of heparin. They also determine the potential for introducing infectious and adventitious agents into heparin batches destined for medicinal use. We perform routine quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Q-PCR) release tests to confirm the quality of all crude heparin batches, including those used for the manufacture of enoxaparin sodium. Here we further demonstrate that the assessment of the DNA content in crude heparin is a good surrogate marker of contamination at the mucosa level. After spiking porcine mucosa with ovine mucosa and processing this material to form crude heparin, we were able to observe similar ratios of species-specific DNA in both the starting and end products. Experiments performed with 3,000 and 1,500 ppm contamination found these concentrations to be well above the detection limit for our assay of heparin batches. Additionally this Q-PCR method can be used to detect contamination in mucosa, thus providing a tool capable of monitoring for contaminants throughout the crude heparin manufacturing process. Q-PCR analysis of industrial crude heparin samples has confirmed over time the value of this method to assess the pure porcine origin of heparin.     

Suitability of real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for cry9C detection in Mexican corn tortillas: fate of DNA and protein after alkaline cooking

Alkaline-cooked corn, called nixtamal, is the basis for many traditional corn products such as tortillas, chips, and taco shells that are used widely in Mexico and Central America and in the preparation of snack foods that are consumed globally. To assess the effects of alkaline and thermal treatments on the detectability of DNA and protein for the presence of genetically modified sequences, various nixtamalized products were prepared from blends of conventional white corn containing 0.1, 1.0, and 10% transgenic corn (event CBH 351, StarLink). Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reactions (RTQ-PCR) and immunoassays were used to determine the cry9C gene and protein, respectively, in unprocessed corn kernels, freshly prepared alkaline-cooked and ground corn (masa), masa flour, tortillas prepared from masa by heat treatment, chips prepared from damp masa dough by deep frying, and from tortillas processed at high (200 degrees C) and low temperatures (70 degrees C). In spite of progressive degradation of genomic DNA during processing, RTQ-PCR genetic analysis allowed detection and quantification of the cry9C gene in all products prepared from 10, 1, and 0.1% StarLink corn, except deep-fried chips containing 0.1% StarLink. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays readily detected <1 ppm cry9C protein in all blends of unprocessed corn (10, 1, and 0.1% StarLink) as well as in nonfried tortilla and masa products. This technique was not suitable for thermally treated nixtamalized products containing <1% transgenic corn.     

Immobilized urokinase column as part of a specific detection system for plasminogen species separated by high-performance affinity chromatography

Immobilized urokinase was used as part of a post-column reactor for the specific detection of human plasminogen species which were fractionated using a high-performance affinity column. After on-line activation of each peak, plasmin activity was measured by mixing the eluate with a specific fluorogenic substrate and the product was detected by a fluorescence monitor. This detection system gave linear calibration graphs for both purified plasminogens (0.1-50 micrograms) and plasminogens contained in plasma (25-100 microliters). Relative standard deviations for the determination of plasminogens in plasma were 6.1-6.6% (n = 12), showing good reproducibility. The detection limit was as low as 0.1 micrograms of plasminogen. Immobilized urokinase was very stable and no appreciable decrease in activity was found after 100 cycles of operation. In combination with an immobilized benzamidine column, this system made it possible to separate and detect Glu-plasminogen and Lys-plasminogen contained in human plasma samples as small as 100 microliters without any pretreatment.     

GC/MS detection of central nervous tissue as specified BSE risk material in meat products and meat and bone meals: thermal stability of markers in comparison with immunochemistry and RT-PCR

Methods for the detection of central nervous tissue (CNT) are urgently needed in food control as a means for controlling strict adherence to both food labeling and banning of specified BSE risk material. Here, we report data on heat stability of the CNT markers neuron-specific enolase (NSE) in western blotting, glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) in an enzyme linked immunoassay, mRNA_GFAP in a real-time PCR assay, and several fatty acids (C22:6, C24:0-OH, C24:1ω9/ω7, C24:1ω9-OH/ω7-OH, and C24:0) in gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GC/MS). The sample matrix, a standard material of emulsion-type sausage with varied contents of CNT (brain), was heat-treated in three studies: (1) routine meat technological heat treatment with low (85 °C, 30 min), medium (115 °C, 30 min), and high (133 °C, 30 min, 3 bar) heating of 72 anonymous samples from a blind trial; (2) heat treatment under experimental conditions (100, 110, …, 200 °C, 45 min); and (3) fractionized heating of central nervous system (up to three times) under moderate routine technological conditions (85, 100, and 115 °C, 30 min). The markers of the immunochemical methods showed a low GFAP or very low NSE temperature stability at medium and high temperature conditions. The real-time PCR assay gave inconsistent, non-quantitative results, which indicated an uncontrollable matrix effect. The relevant GC/MS markers (C24:0-OH, C24:1ω9/ω7, and C24:1ω9-OH/ω7-OH) proved to be extremely stable. Neither meat and bone meal conditions (133 °C) nor experimental heating (up to and above 140 °C) showed any reduction of GC/MS CNT quantification. On the contrary, a slight but significant increase was noted over a certain temperature range (120–140 °C) for most fatty acids, possibly due to an improved extractability of the fatty acids. We conclude that a quantitative approach is highly unreliable when using immunochemical methods; moreover, these methods might be basically prone to false-negative results depending on heat treatment and matrix composition. Therefore, antibodies with higher affinity to heat-treated CNT marker epitopes are needed. Relevant amounts of CNT (≥0.5%) in low- and medium-heated products would still be reliably detectable by the GFAP ELISA, which justifies its use as a screening method in official food control. The results obtained by the real-time PCR assay were contradictory to recently published data, indicating a need for further protocol optimization and collaborative trials. Up to date, the analytical approach using GC/MS is the only valid procedure as pertaining to heat stability and quantitative analysis; consequently, it should be recommended as the reference procedure in official food control for CNT detection in heat-treated meat products.     

Development and single laboratory validation of an optical biosensor assay for tetrodotoxin detection as a tool to combat emerging risks in European seafood

Tetrodotoxin (TTX) is a potent neurotoxin emerging in European waters due to increasing ocean temperatures. Its detection in seafood is currently performed as a consequence of using the Association of Analytical Communities (AOAC) mouse bioassay (MBA) for paralytic shellfish poisoning (PSP) toxins, but TTX is not monitored routinely in Europe. Due to ethical and performance-related issues associated with this bioassay, the European Commission has recently published directives extending procedures that may be used for official PSP control. An AOAC-accredited high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) method has now been accepted by the European Union as a first action screening method for PSP toxins to replace the MBA. However, this AOAC HPLC method is not capable of detecting TTX, so this potent toxin would be undetected; thereby, a separate method of analysis is required. Surface plasmon resonance (SPR) optical biosensor technology has been proven as a potential alternative screening method to detect PSP toxins in seafood. The addition of a similar SPR inhibition assay for TTX would complement the PSP assay in removing the MBA. The present report describes the development and single laboratory validation in accordance with AOAC and IUPAC guidelines of an SPR method to be used as a rapid screening tool to detect TTX in the sea snail Charonia lampas lampas, a species which has been implicated in 2008 in the first case of human TTX poisoning in Europe. As no current regulatory limits are set for TTX in Europe, single laboratory validation was undertaken using those for PSP toxins at 800 μg/kg. The decision limit (CCα) was 100 μg/kg, with the detection capability (CCβ) found to be ≤200 μg/kg. Repeatability and reproducibility were assessed at 200, 400, and 800 μg/kg and showed relative standard deviations of 8.3, 3.8, and 5.4 % and 7.8, 8.3, and 3.7 % for both parameters at each level, respectively. At these three respective levels, the recovery of the assay was 112, 98, and 99 %.     

Development and validation of an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for the detection of circulating antibodies raised against growth hormone as a consequence of rbST treatment in cows

The recombinant bovine growth hormone (rbST) is used to increase lactating performances of dairy cows. Administration of rbST is banned in the European Union; nevertheless, its use is probable. Until now, efficient analytical strategies to detect such practice are based on the direct detection by mass spectrometry of the presence of rbST in biological fluids, which suits for confirmatory purposes. Current screening strategies do not offer satisfactory performances; therefore, alternative screening strategies are required. The aim of the present work is to develop and validate an ELISA to measure the production of specific antibodies upon rbST in bovine sera. In this immunoassay, rbST is absorbed onto microtiter plate. After specific purification of the antibodies in serum, samples are analysed and the presence of antibodies anti-rbST is detected by Protein G peroxidase conjugate and 2-2'-azino di-ethyl benz-thiazoline-6-sulphonic acid (ABTS). The mean reproducibility of the OD (λ=405 nm) measurement was calculated with a CV of 13%. The intra- and inter-assay CVs ranged from 0.79% to 7.91% and from 2.69% to 20% respectively. The test presents cross-reaction with other growth hormones such as the recombinant equine (reST) and porcine (pST) (100% and 80% respectively). The specificity of the test toward rbST anabolic treatment was confirmed through the analysis of sera samples collected on animals administered with other anabolic compounds (steroids). The performances of the present anti-rbST ELISA proves its efficiency as a new screening tool to highlight illegal administration of rbST in cattle up to at least 3 weeks after treatment.     

An antibacterial microfluidic system with fish gill structure for the detection of Staphylococcus via enzymatic reaction on a chromatic polydiacetylene material caused by lysostaphin

Microchimica Acta - The authors describe a microfluidic system functionalized with a chromatic nanomaterial (polydiacetylene; PDA) and conjugated to the antimicrobial enzyme lysostaphin (LST) as a...     

Development and validation of a single RP-HPLC assay method for analysis of bulk raw material batches of four parabens that are widely used as preservatives in pharmaceutical and cosmetic products

A stability-indicating, robust, fast, and user friendly reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatographic (RP-HPLC) assay method has been developed and validated for the analysis of commercial raw material batches of methylparaben, ethylparaben, propylparaben, and butylparaben. These four parabens are widely used as preservatives in pharmaceutical and cosmetic products. Accurate assay value of each of the parabens in their respective commercial lots is critical to determine the correct weight of the paraben that is needed to obtain the target concentration of the paraben in a specific lot of pharmaceutical or cosmetic products. Currently, there are no single HPLC assay methods (validated as per ICH requirements) available in the literature that can be used to analyze the commercial lots of each of the four parabens. The analytical method reported herein analyzes all four parabens in less than 10 min. The method presented in this report was successfully validated as per ICH guidelines. Therefore, this method can be implemented in QC laboratories to analyze and assay the commercial bulk lots of the four parabens.     

Prestaining method as a useful tool for the agarose gel electrophoretic detection of polymerase chain reaction products with a fluorescent dye SYBR gold nucleic acid gel stain.

Three staining methods using SYBR Gold Nucleic Acid Gel Stain (SYBR Gold) as a fluorescent dye were evaluated for the agarose gel electrophoretic detection of DNA. The methods involve prestain, in-gel stain, and poststain methods. DNA markers and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) products obtained by minisatellite variant repeat-PCR (MVR-PCR) amplification in a D1S8 locus were used as model DNA and practical samples, respectively. Among the three methods tested under the usual electrophoretic conditions, a prestain method using a 10000-fold diluted SYBR Gold solution showed most excellent features regarding cost and rapidity to use with good stainability and resolution over loaded DNA amounts of about 98 ng to 300 ng. The prestain method was found to be applicable to the analysis of DNA in MVR-PCR products from a human hair root.