Real-time PCR
Molecular diagnostics in food analysis
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Real-time PCR
PCR (short for polymerase chain reaction) is an important analysis method in food analysis as well as in medical diagnostics.
A real-time PCR test duplicates and analyzes specific DNA sequences. In food analysis, PCR tests are used in many applications, e.g. for the detection of pathogenic microorganisms, for allergen identification, for the detection of genetically modified organisms (GMO) or for the identification of animal species. PCR tests offer many advantages: They are very specific, sensitive, robust, rapid, reliable and moreover, the tests can be automated.
- Safe: specific and validated method
- Reliable: quality-controlled test kits
- User-friendly: easy-to-use, universal sample preparation
- Effective: capable to multiplex and quantify
- Versatile: many application areas
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Real-time PCR explained
The first step of all analysis is representative sampling and homogenization. After lysis of the organic cells of food tissue, the DNA will be prepared using different dedicated DNA or RNA preparation kits either for bacteria or viruses.
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Your way to automation
Discover the new walk-away solution: Semi-automated nucleic acid preparation for all food and feed samples with the TANBead Maelstrom™ 8 Autostage and the extraction kit SureFast® Mag PREP Food.
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The multiplex real-time PCR thermocycler
RIDA®CYCLER is a compact and easy-to-use real-time PCR cycler that allows fast and flexible analysis of your food & feed samples. The user-friendly software enables a fast analysis start of one or more tests simultaneously.
SureFood® PREP Basic and SureFood® Prep Advanced kits are used for solid food and feed from plant or meat origin. For beverages specific DNA preparation kits will be used depending on the matrix, whereas the new QuickGEN line allows a straight forward easy handling.
The modular system of DNA preparation and DNA detection can be used independently. Amplification of the target DNA requires in addition to the relevant kits the use of a suitable thermocycler with two (FAM/HEX) up to 4 (FAM/HEX/ROX/Cy5) detection channels.
Application areas for PCR in food testing
Real-time PCR Product Overview
Food allergies can cause severe immunological reactions. In order to protect customers, food products have to be tested for allergenic substances. We offer a wide range of PCR kits for the detection of allergens such as soya, hazelnut, peanut, gluten, almond, celery, sesame, mustard, fish or crustaceans. We also offer multiplex assays for the simultaneous detection of multiple allergens (peanut/hazelnut/walnut and celery/soya/mustard).
Species specification is of great interest: meat products can be falsified due to incorrect declaration (see horse meat scandal). Another application is the guarantee of religious dietary rules (halal, kosher). Our SureFood® Animal ID product line allows for sensitive testing for pork, beef, horse, donkey, chicken, turkey and other species. With the SureFood® Fish ID product line, we offer a wide range of PCR kits for the identification of fish species.
When producing beverages, the detection of beverage spoilers is crucial. With the GEN-IAL® product line, we offer a wide range of screening kits for the detection of spoilage organisms in beer and wine production, e.g. Lactobacillus, Pediococcus, Megasphaera, Pectinatus, Dekkera bruxellensis or Oenococcus oeni. The test kits can be used for in-process control as well as for final product control.
In recent years, the worldwide production of genetically modified food has steadily increased. Since food products, which contain genetically modified organisms (GMO), must be labelled, the demand for sensitive test methods is increasing. Our SureFood® GMO product line allows for qualitative and quantitative detection of GMO – such as genetically modified maize, LibertyLink Rice or Roundup Ready Soya.
Detection of microbiological contamination is one of the main fields of application of PCR in food analysis. Our product line SureFast® detects a wide range of pathogenic bacteria (e.g. Salmonella, Listeria, Legionella, E. coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Campylobacter), viruses (e.g. Norovirus, Hepatitis and Influenza) as well as spoilage yeast and bacteria.
Product portfolio
| Product | Description | No. of tests/amount | Art. No. |
|---|---|---|---|
| TANBead Maelstrom™ 4800 |
The TANBead Maelstrom™ 4800 (Taiwan Advanced Nanotech) is a fully automated operating instrument for nucleic acid purification and isolation using magnetic beads and rods. The instrument uses the TANBead patented Maelstrom Spin Mixing Technology to … Read more |
Up to 48 samples | ZMAL48 |
| SureFast® Mag PREP Food |
The kit is intended to be used for isolation of animal and plant DNA from food and feed as well as bacterial DNA from bacterial culture enrichments with the TANBead® Maelstrom 4800. Standardization and harmonization of methods Reduction of errors … Read more |
96 preparations | F1060 |
| SureFood® Apricot |
The real-time PCR test detects DNA of apricot (Prunus armenica). Each reaction contains an internal amplification control (IAC). Read more |
100 reactions | S7007 |
| Product | Description | No. of tests/amount | Art. No. |
|---|---|---|---|
| SureFood® ALLERGEN 4plex SEAFOOD |
The SureFood® ALLERGEN 4plex SEAFOOD is a multiplex real-time PCR for the qualitative detection and differentiation of specific fish, crustaceans and molluscs DNA. Read more |
100 reactions | S3405 |
| SureFood® ALLERGEN Coconut |
The SureFood® ALLERGEN Coconut is a real-time PCR for the direct, qualitative detection of specific coconut (Cocos nucifera) DNA sequences in food. Read more |
100 reactions | S3621 |
| SureFood® ALLERGEN 4plex Almond/Pistachio/Cashew+IAC |
The SureFood® ALLERGEN 4plex Almond/Pistachio/Cashew+IAC is a multiplex real-time PCR for the direct, qualitative detection and differentiation of specific almond (Prunus dulcis), pistachio (Pistacia vera) and cashew (Anacardium occidentale) DNA … Read more |
100 reactions | S3406 |
| SureFood® ALLERGEN 4plex EU NUTS |
The SureFood® ALLERGEN 4plex EU NUTS is a multiplex real-time PCR for the direct, qualitative detection and differentiation of almond (Prunus dulcis), cashew (Anacardium occidentale), pistachio (Pistacia vera), peanut (Arachis hypogaea), hazelnut … Read more |
100 reactions | S3404 |
| SureFood® 4plex LEGUMES |
The SureFood® 4plex LEGUMES is a multiplex real-time PCR for the direct, qualitative detection and differentiation of specific DNA sequences of legumes (Fabaceae), bean (Phaseolus spp. and Vigna spp.) and pea (Pisum sativum). Read more |
100 reactions | S7008 |
| SureFood® ALLERGEN Shea Nut |
The SureFood® ALLERGEN Shea Nut is a real-time PCR for the direct, qualitative detection of specific shea nut (Vitellaria paradoxa) DNA sequences in raw material. Read more |
100 reactions | S3622 |
| SureFood® ALLERGEN Beechnut |
The SureFood® ALLERGEN Beechnut is a real-time PCR for the direct qualitative detection of specific beechnut (Fagus sylvatica) DNA sequences in food. Read more |
100 reactions | S3628 |
| SureFood® ALLERGEN Insects |
The SureFood® ALLERGEN Insects is a real-time PCR for the direct, qualitative detection of specific insects (Insecta) DNA sequences. Read more |
100 reactions | S3626 |
| SureFood® ALLERGEN Pine Nut |
The SureFood® ALLERGEN Pine Nut is a real-time PCR for the direct, qualitative detection of specific pine nut (Pinus spp.) DNA sequences in food. Each reaction contains an internal amplification control (IAC). Read more |
100 reactions | S3624 |
| SureFood® ALLERGEN Buckwheat |
The SureFood® ALLERGEN Buckwheat is a real-time PCR for the direct, qualitative and / or quantitative detection of specific buckwheat (Fagopyrum esculentum) DNA sequences. For the quantitative determination the use of the laboratory reference … Read more |
100 reactions | S3620 |
| TANBead Maelstrom™ 4800 |
The TANBead Maelstrom™ 4800 (Taiwan Advanced Nanotech) is a fully automated operating instrument for nucleic acid purification and isolation using magnetic beads and rods. The instrument uses the TANBead patented Maelstrom Spin Mixing Technology to … Read more |
Up to 48 samples | ZMAL48 |
| SureFast® Mag PREP Food |
The kit is intended to be used for isolation of animal and plant DNA from food and feed as well as bacterial DNA from bacterial culture enrichments with the TANBead® Maelstrom 4800. Standardization and harmonization of methods Reduction of errors … Read more |
96 preparations | F1060 |
| SureFood® ALLERGEN 4plex Cereals |
The SureFood® ALLERGEN 4plex Cereals is a multiplex real-time PCR test for the direct, qualitative detection and differentiation of specific wheat (Triticum), barley (Hordeum vulgare) and rye (Secale cereale) DNA sequences in food. Each reaction … Read more |
100 reactions | S7006 |
| SureFood® Apricot |
The real-time PCR test detects DNA of apricot (Prunus armenica). Each reaction contains an internal amplification control (IAC). Read more |
100 reactions | S7007 |
| SureFood® ALLERGEN 4plex Macadamia / Brazil Nut / Pecan + IAC |
The SureFood® ALLERGEN 4plex Macadamia/Brazil Nut/Pecan + IAC is a multiplex real-time PCR for the direct, qualitative detection and differentiation of specific macadamia (Macadamia ternifolia), brazil nut (Bertholletia excelsa) and pecan (Carya … Read more |
100 reactions | S3403 |
| SureFood® ALLERGEN Oat |
The real-time PCR test detects DNA of oat (Avena sativa) qualitatively. Each reaction contains an internal amplification control (IAC). Read more |
100 reactions | S7004 |
| SureFood® ALLERGEN Mustard |
The SureFood® ALLERGEN Mustard is a real-time PCR for the direct, qualitative and / or quantitative detection of specific white mustard (Sinapis alba), indian mustard (Brassica juncea) und black mustard (Brassica nigra) DNA sequences according to … Read more |
100 reactions | S3609 |
| SureFood® ALLERGEN Lupin |
The real-time PCR test detects DNA of lupin (Lupinus spp.) according to directive (EC) 1169/2011 qualitatively and / or quantitatively. Each reaction contains an internal amplification control (IAC). For the quantitative determination the use of the … Read more |
100 reactions | S3611 |
| SureFood® ALLERGEN Celery |
The real-time PCR test detects DNA of celery (Apium graveolens) according to directive (EC) 1169/2011 qualitatively and / or quantitatively. Each reaction contains an internal amplification control (IAC). For the quantitative determination the use of … Read more |
100 reactions | S3605 |
| SureFood® ALLERGEN Molluscs |
The SureFood® ALLERGEN Molluscs is a real-time PCR for the direct, qualitative and / or quantitative detection of specific molluscs (mollusca) DNA sequences according to directive (EC) 1169/2011 in food. The molluscs family contains 50,000 – … Read more |
100 reactions | S3613 |
| SureFood® ALLERGEN Fish |
The SureFood® ALLERGEN Fish is a real-time PCR for the direct, qualitative and / or quantitative detection of specific fish DNA sequences according to directive (EC) 1169/2011. The group of fishes contains about 30000 species. Due to the large … Read more |
100 reactions | S3610 |
| SureFood® ALLERGEN Crustaceans |
The SureFood® ALLERGEN Crustaceans is a real-time PCR for the direct, qualitative and / or quantitative detection of specific crustaceans (Crustacea) DNA sequences according to directive (EC) 1169/2011. The crustacean family contains about 44,000 … Read more |
100 reactions | S3612 |
| SureFood® ALLERGEN Sesame |
The real-time PCR test detects DNA of sesame (Sesamum indicum) according to directive (EC) 1169/2011 qualitatively and / or quantitatively. Each reaction contains an internal amplification control (IAC). For the quantitative determination the use of … Read more |
100 reactions | S3608 |
| SureFood® ALLERGEN Walnut |
The SureFood® ALLERGEN Walnut is a real-time PCR for the direct, qualitative and / or quantitative detection of specific walnut (Juglans regia and Juglans nigra) DNA sequences according to directive (EC) 1169/2011. For the quantitative determination … Read more |
100 reactions | S3607 |
| SureFood® ALLERGEN Pistachio |
The SureFood® ALLERGEN Pistachio is a real-time PCR for the direct, qualitative and / or quantitative detection of specific pistachio (Pistacia vera) DNA sequences according to directive (EC) 1169/2011. For the quantitative determination the use of … Read more |
100 reactions | S3614 |
| SureFood® ALLERGEN Pecan |
The SureFood® ALLERGEN Pecan is a real-time PCR for the direct, qualitative and / or quantitative detection of specific pecan (Carya illinoinensis) DNA sequences according to directive (EC) 1169/2011. For the quantitative determination the use of … Read more |
100 reactions | S3618 |
| SureFood® ALLERGEN Peanut |
The real-time PCR test detects DNA of peanut (Arachis hypogaea) according to directive (EC) 1169/2011 qualitatively and / or quantitatively. Each reaction contains an internal amplification control (IAC). For the quantitative determination the use of … Read more |
100 reactions | S3603 |
| SureFood® ALLERGEN Macadamia |
The real-time PCR test detects DNA of macadamia (Macadamia ternifolia) according to directive (EC) 1169/2011 qualitatively and / or quantitatively. Each reaction contains an internal amplification control (IAC). For the quantitative determination the … Read more |
100 reactions | S3616 |
| SureFood® ALLERGEN Hazelnut |
The real-time PCR test detects DNA of hazelnut (Corylus avellana, Corylus maxima) according to directive (EC) 1169/2011 qualitatively and / or quantitatively. Each reaction contains an internal amplification control (IAC). For the quantitative … Read more |
100 reactions | S3602 |
| SureFood® ALLERGEN Cashew |
The real-time PCR test detects DNA of cashew (Anacardium occidentale) according to directive (EC) 1169/2011 qualitatively and / or quantitatively. Each reaction contains an internal amplification control (IAC). For the quantitative determination the … Read more |
100 reactions | S3615 |
| SureFood® ALLERGEN Brazil Nut |
The SureFood® ALLERGEN Brazil Nut is a real-time PCR for the direct, qualitative and / or quantitative detection of specific brazil nut (Bertholletia excelsa) DNA sequences according to directive (EC) 1169/2011. For the quantitative determination … Read more |
100 reactions | S3617 |
| SureFood® ALLERGEN Almond |
The real-time PCR test detects DNA of almond (Prunus dulcis) according to directive (EC) 1169/2011 qualitatively and / or quantitatively. Each reaction contains an internal amplification control (IAC). For the quantitative determination the use of … Read more |
100 reactions | S3604 |
| SureFood® ALLERGEN Soya |
The real-time PCR test detects soya DNA (Glycine max) according to directive (EC) 1169/2011 qualitatively and / or quantitatively. Each reaction contains an internal amplification control (IAC). For the quantitative determination the use of the … Read more |
100 reactions | S3601 |
| SureFood® ALLERGEN Gluten |
The SureFood® ALLERGEN Gluten is a real-time PCR for the direct, qualitative and / or quantitative detection of specific gluten-containing cereals (wheat such as spelt and khorasan wheat, rye, barley, oats) DNA sequences according to directive (EC) … Read more |
100 reactions | S3606 |
| SureFood® ALLERGEN 4plex Soya / Celery / Mustard + IAC |
The SureFood® ALLERGEN 4plex Soya / Celery / Mustard + IAC is a multiplex real-time PCR for the direct, qualitative detection and differentiation of specific celery (Apium graveolens), mustard (Brassica carinata, Brassica juncea, Brassica nigra, … Read more |
100 reactions | S3401 |
| SureFood® QUANTARD Allergen 40 |
SureFood® QUANTARD Allergen 40 is a laboratory reference material developed for quantification in the range of 1 – 400 mg allergenic substance / kg food. It is verified in combination with the DNA extraction method SureFood® PREP Advanced … Read more |
1x 2 g | S3301 |
| SureFood® ALLERGEN 4plex Peanut / Hazelnut / Walnut + IAC |
The SureFood® ALLERGEN 4plex Peanut/Hazelnut/Walnut+IAC is a multiplex real-time PCR for the direct, qualitative detection and differentiation of specific Peanut (Arachis hypogaea), Hazelnut (Corylus maxima) and Walnut (Juglans regia, Juglans nigra) … Read more |
100 reactions | S3402 |
| Product | Description | No. of tests/amount | Art. No. |
|---|---|---|---|
| TANBead Maelstrom™ 4800 |
The TANBead Maelstrom™ 4800 (Taiwan Advanced Nanotech) is a fully automated operating instrument for nucleic acid purification and isolation using magnetic beads and rods. The instrument uses the TANBead patented Maelstrom Spin Mixing Technology to … Read more |
Up to 48 samples | ZMAL48 |
| SureFast® Mag PREP Food |
The kit is intended to be used for isolation of animal and plant DNA from food and feed as well as bacterial DNA from bacterial culture enrichments with the TANBead® Maelstrom 4800. Standardization and harmonization of methods Reduction of errors … Read more |
96 preparations | F1060 |
| Product | Description | No. of tests/amount | Art. No. |
|---|---|---|---|
| TANBead Maelstrom™ 4800 |
The TANBead Maelstrom™ 4800 (Taiwan Advanced Nanotech) is a fully automated operating instrument for nucleic acid purification and isolation using magnetic beads and rods. The instrument uses the TANBead patented Maelstrom Spin Mixing Technology to … Read more |
Up to 48 samples | ZMAL48 |
| SureFast® Mag PREP Food |
The kit is intended to be used for isolation of animal and plant DNA from food and feed as well as bacterial DNA from bacterial culture enrichments with the TANBead® Maelstrom 4800. Standardization and harmonization of methods Reduction of errors … Read more |
96 preparations | F1060 |
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