A high-throughput screening method for GM soybean events based on single universal primer multiplex PCR and capillary electrophoresis

Abstract

Genetically modified (GM) crops and their products are regulated in many countries. To meet increasing regulatory requirements for a growing number of GM soybean events, high-throughput and cost-effective detection methods are indispensable. In this study, 14 widely commercialized GM soybean events, including GTS40-3-2, MON89788, CV127, A2704-12, A5547-127, 305423, 356043, MON87701, MON87705, MON87708, MON87769, SYHT0H2, FG72, and DAS-444Ø6-6 were utilized as targets for event-specific identification. A high-throughput detection method was established by integrating a single universal primer multiplex PCR (SUP-M-PCR) with capillary electrophoresis technique. This method enables the identification of 14 soybean events in a single PCR reaction, addressing the limitations of conventional multiplex PCR such as self-inhibition and amplification variations between different primers. Furthermore, it significantly enhances the sensitivity and accuracy of previous multiple detection methods, achieving a detection sensitivity of 0.05% (w/w). Overall, this approach greatly improves detection efficiency and holds promising potential for the identification and detection of 14 types of GM soybean events and their derivatives.