A novel PCR method for quantification of buckwheat by using a unique internal standard material

Area of Science:

• Food Science
• Analytical Chemistry
• Molecular Biology

Background:

• Buckwheat is a known food allergen requiring accurate detection methods.
• Existing methods may lack specificity or struggle with sample variability.
• Wild buckwheat also poses a potential allergenic risk.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a novel, quantitative, and specific method for detecting buckwheat in various food matrices.
• To ensure reliable quantification by addressing DNA extraction and amplification variability.
• To detect both cultivated and potentially allergenic wild buckwheat species.

Main Methods:

• Real-time PCR targeting the internal transcribed spacer region of Fagopyrum spp.
• Utilized statice (Limonium sinuatum) seeds as an internal standard added before DNA extraction.
• Tested specificity against common food materials of plant origin.

Main Results:

• The method demonstrated sufficient accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity for buckwheat detection.
• Quantitative results for buckwheat protein concentrations were obtained for various food samples.
• The method is suitable for detecting buckwheat contamination relevant to food allergen labeling.

Conclusions:

• The developed real-time PCR method with an internal standard provides a robust tool for buckwheat allergen detection.
• This method can ensure compliance with food allergen labeling regulations, enhancing food safety.
• The use of statice as an internal standard effectively compensates for technical variability in the assay.