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Development of PCR Methods for Detecting Wheat and Maize Allergens in Food
Tata Ninidze1,2, Tamar Koberidze1, Kakha Bitskinashvili2
1School of Natural Sciences and Medicine, Ilia State University, 3/5 Kakutsa Cholokashvili Ave., Tbilisi 0162, Georgia.
Biotech (Basel (Switzerland))
|October 24, 2025
Summary
New PCR methods reliably detect wheat and maize allergens, even after high-temperature baking. These techniques ensure food safety by identifying allergens like glutenin subunits and zein in processed foods.
Area of Science:
- Food Science
- Molecular Biology
- Allergen Detection
Background:
- Wheat and maize are significant food allergens impacting public health.
- Accurate detection of allergens is crucial for food safety and consumer information.
- Processing, like baking, can alter allergen DNA, complicating detection.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop novel PCR methods for detecting specific wheat and maize allergens.
- To assess the efficacy of these PCR methods after high-temperature baking.
- To identify optimal primers for reliable allergen detection in processed foods.
Main Methods:
- Development of PCR assays targeting wheat high-molecular-weight glutenin subunit (HMW-GS), low-molecular-weight glutenin subunit (LMW-GS), and maize allergens (Zea m 14, Zea m 8, zein).
- Exposure of wheat and maize DNA to baking conditions (180°C and 220°C for 60 min).
- Analysis of DNA degradation and PCR fragment amplification using agarose gel electrophoresis.
Main Results:
- PCR methods were optimized to detect specific wheat and maize allergen genes after baking.
- Successful detection of HMW-GS and LMW-GS in wheat and Zea m 14, Zea m 8, and zein in maize.
- Primer sets were identified for reliable detection post-baking at 220°C for 60 min (wheat) and 40 min (maize).
Conclusions:
- Developed PCR methods offer reliable and sensitive detection of wheat and maize allergens.
- These methods are effective even after significant thermal processing.
- The validated PCR assays contribute to enhanced food safety and accurate allergen labeling.
