Portal de Murcia
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Group Molecular Recognition and Encapsulation (REM) of the Catholic University of Murcia is working on a research project aiming to develop a new technique (microarray methodology on compact disc) for the analysis of allergenic substances in foods.
The research, which is part of the company CARINSA, is funded by the Ministry of Economy and Competitiveness (MINECO), strategic action within the telecommunications and information society.
Dr. José Antonio Gabaldon, a researcher involved in the project, notes that this work arose from the need of the food industry have adequate facilities for the proper control of food labeling, consistent with applicable law analytical tools.
"The development of a versatile analytical platform that allows multi-analyte detection (in situ) of several food allergens collected in the EU regulations are proposed," says Gabaldon.
As indicated from the REM group, concerns about food allergies in Europe is a reality, since the prevalence in adults is between 1.4 and 2.4% in children between 0.3 and 7.5 % and about 10% in atopic individuals, especially if you consider that currently the only way for those affected, is to avoid the food containing the allergen, "which is a risk for those that go unnoticed because they are in very low concentrations, "they say.
Until now, conventional methods of detection are confirmatory allergen and / or screening, which is a laborious process, which presentation of results is slow, and where qualified personnel is required.
In relation to the above, we must highlight the importance of the proposal that is working the UCAM, since it can detect several allergens in a single analysis, reducing time and costs, and minimizing the chance of cross contamination.
Results
The investigation began to unfold last year, and have already completed the tasks related to the design of universal recognition molecules (primers and probes) to distinguish products of plant and animal origin and specific to the case of soybeans.
In the next phase, which is ongoing, is working on the development of receptors for lactose, milk protein and gluten.
Applications
Applications of this study are numerous.
In addition to the use noted above, and corresponding to this first stage of the study, also has application in general food safety (GMOs, allergens, pathogens and viruses, identification of species, mycotoxins, etc.), environment ( pesticides residues, drugs), clinical diagnosis, drug development, sequencing or genetic disorders.
Source: UCAM
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