Rapid DNA extraction and microfluidic LAMP system in portable equipment for GM crops detection

Genetically modified food has come under suspicion because of the potential safety risks. Only a limited number of target genes could be detected by traditional methods. Here, customized-fast DNA extraction methods and a LAMP (Loop-mediated isothermal amplification) system were developed combining a hand-held chip, portable analyzer, and an Android app for the qualitative detection of genetically modified crops. DNA of seeds and leaves was obtained within 5minutes. Primers were designed with high specificity and sensitivity (10 copies) for later LAMP amplification. Crude DNA was added to the chip pre-embedded with customizable primers by quantitative dropper and the whole detection process was less than 40minutes without any large-scale instrument. The limit of detection was approximately 0.1% (w/w). The detection system with its low workload, high accuracy, and stability offers a novel, effective approach for the rapid detection of GM corps and many other food safety areas in the field.