Genetically Modified Soybean Detection Using a Biosensor Electrode with a Self-Assembled Monolayer of Gold...

Area of Science:

• Biosensors and Nanotechnology
• Agricultural Biotechnology
• Molecular Diagnostics

Background:

• Accurate detection of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) is crucial for food safety and regulatory compliance.
• Existing methods for GMO detection can be complex and time-consuming.
• Development of rapid, sensitive, and specific genosensors is an ongoing area of research.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and validate a novel genosensor for the qualitative and quantitative detection of genetically modified soybeans.
• To utilize a simple electrode modified with gold nanoparticles for enhanced DNA sensing.
• To assess the sensor's performance using DNA directly extracted from GM soybeans.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of a DNA sensing electrode by sputtering a gold film, followed by deposition of 1,6-hexanedithiol and sulfur-functionalized gold nanoparticles.
• Immobilization of a complementary DNA sequence to the CaMV 35S promoter (P35S) as the capture probe.
• Direct detection of target DNA extracted from genetically modified soybeans to establish calibration curves.

Main Results:

• The genosensor successfully detected genetically modified soybean DNA directly from extracted samples.
• Two distinct calibration curves were generated, showing high linearity (R² > 0.99) in the 1-6% and 6-40% ranges.
• Achieved a limit of detection of 1% and high recovery rates (104.1% and 102.49%) with low relative standard deviation (RSD).

Conclusions:

• The developed gold nanoparticle sensing electrode provides a reliable platform for both qualitative and quantitative detection of genetically modified soybeans.
• The genosensor demonstrates high sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy for GM soybean detection.
• This technology holds potential for application in detecting other genetically modified crops.