1 Introduction

According to the European legislation, the detection of genetically modified (GM) plants and monitoring of food, feed and seeds is commonly achieved by using PCR-based screening methods targeting genetic elements or constructs that are frequently present in GM plants. With the constant growth rate of commercialised and cultivated GM plants, the diversity of functional traits and the heterogeneity of expressed genes have further increased. Current GMO screening strategies are based on a so-called “matrix approach” using defined sets of real-time PCR screening methods (CEN 2014; ENGL 2015). These sets target the genetic elements and constructs that are frequently inserted into GM plant genomes, e.g. CaMV P-35S, P-FMV, T-nos, bar, epsps, pat, cry1Ab/Ac, cpt2-cp4 epsps and P35S – pat (Waiblinger et al. 2010; Gerdes et al. 2012; Scholtens et al. 2013).

If the GMO coverage of these screening assays is checked, it becomes apparent, that particularly soybean events, which are in the pipeline of EU authorisation or already authorised for commercial use, are not detected by limited screening sets (EUginius 2016; Angers-Loustau et al. 2014). Currently, 25 single and 11 stacked soybean events are approved and commercialised at least in one country (BCH 2016; EU 2016; EUginius 2016). A direct and practicable way to detect GM events is to apply the single event-specific methods provided by the European Union Reference Laboratory for GM Food and Feed (EURL-GMFF) according to Regulation (EC) No. 1829/2003, if available (EU 2003; Bonfini et al 2012). Detection of any GM soybean event in seed lots becomes particularly more important since European initiatives have launched programmes to increase non-GM soybean protein production, based on large-scale soybean cultivation in the EU (De Visser et al. 2014; Anonymous 2016).

Multiplex PCR for simultaneous detection of more than one target is an efficient approach for enhanced screening capability. Validated duplex, triplex and pentaplex assays combining element- and construct-specific real-time PCR methods are available and allow time- and cost-reduced GMO screening (Waiblinger et al. 2008; Bahrdt et al. 2010; Dorries et al. 2010; Huber et al. 2013). These multiplex TaqMan PCR assays are based on probes labelled by up to five different fluorescent dyes for simultaneous detection of the different target sequences. Another type of multiplex assay is the combination of event-specific real-time PCR methods that allows the detection and relative quantification of several GM soybean lines (Köppel et al. 2012, 2014). As a prerequisite for application, these assays require a real-time PCR instrument that can efficiently discriminate between the different fluorescent dyes without spectral overlap and crosstalk. In addition, the laboratory staff must be trained well for such a sophisticated application and for reliable sample analysis. Duplex PCR is less complex and has several advantages over singleplex PCR. Therefore, a duplex method for detection of P-35S and T-nos (Waiblinger et al. 2008) is routinely applied by many GMO testing laboratories because of its easy handling.

The aim of our study was to develop a multiplex real-time PCR assay that applies not more than two dyes and thereby can easily be implemented in routine GMO testing laboratories for screening soy GM events that are not covered according to the well-known Waiblinger screening table (Waiblinger et al. 2010). As a starting point, we considered that corresponding EURL-GMFF reference methods for event-specific qPCR based detection are available. Secondly, we assumed that these singleplex real-time PCR methods could be combined in a multiplex PCR assay. We aimed to keep the assay simple and modular, without using different fluorescent dyes for detection of the individual GM plant events. At the time we began the study, six GMO soybean events (MON 87701, MON 87708, MON 87769, DP-305423, CV-127 and DAS-68416) were identified as not being covered by the Waiblinger screening table. Protocols for six single event-specific real-time PCR methods using fluorescein amidite (FAM) labeled TaqMan probes and certified reference materials are publicly available (Bonfini et al. 2012). If the six methods combine in one PCR reaction, a positive FAM fluorescence signal would indicate a positive screening result for at least one of the GM soybean events, without knowing specifically which of the GM event(s) actually is present in the sample. In the second step of the analysis, the positive screening result is verified by using the event-specific PCR tests in singleplex.

In the present study, we describe the design and adaption of six singleplex event-specific qPCR reference methods to a simplified multiplex PCR screening assay. As a first step, the assay was tested by two laboratories in order to evaluate its inter-laboratory transferability and practicability if used with different equipment and by different operators. Via a collaborative trial with 16 participating laboratories, a further methods performance evaluation of the false positive/negative rate and the inter-laboratory reproducibility of the probability of detection (POD) was conducted (Uhlig et al. 2015). We present the results of the validation studies and discuss the potential modularity and applicability of these multiplex assays in other GM crop plants, screening platforms, and applications.

2 Materials and methods

2.1 Sample materials

For the preparation of samples for the collaborative trial, certified reference materials (soybean powders) for MON 87701 (AOCS 0809-A), MON 87708 (AOCS 0311-A), MON 87769 (AOCS 0809-B), CV-127 (AOCS 0911-C) and non-GM material (AOCS 0906-A) were purchased from AOCS (Boulder, USA). Materials for DP-305423 (ERM-BF426b; 0.5% m/m) and DAS-68416 (ERM-BF432b; 0.5% m/m) were purchased from the IRMM (Geel, Belgium). Other reference materials for the specificity tests were purchased from AOCS or IRMM.

2.2 Plasmid DNAs

Control plasmid samples were kindly provided by the EURL GMFF (Ispra, Italy). These plasmids were constructed by cloning of the fragments that span the junction region of the GM insertion to the genomic DNA in the respective GM event according to the target sequence of the published reference methods. According to provider information, the concentrations were adjusted to approximately 2000 copies/µl on basis of the spectrophotometrically measured concentration and the molecular mass of the plasmid.

Verification of plasmid DNA concentrations was done by singleplex digital droplet PCR (ddPCR) after the collaborative trial. A total of 2 µl of plasmid DNA (undiluted, 1:2 and 1:4 diluted) were added to 18 µl of ddPCR reaction mix containing 10 µl 2× ddPCR supermix (Bio-Rad, Hercules, USA) and primers and probe dissolved in PCR grade water (Table 1). Water also served for the negative PCR control. Droplets were generated using 8-well cartridges in a droplet generator, which is part of the QX100 Droplet Digital PCR System (Bio-Rad, Hercules, USA). Droplets were transferred to a 96-well plate and underwent conventional PCR using a T100 thermal cycler (Bio-Rad, Hercules, USA). Cycling conditions were 10 minutes initial denaturation at 95 °C, 45 cycles of 94 °C for 30 seconds and 60 °C for 1 minute, and finally 10 minutes at 98 °C. A heating ramp rate of 2 °C per second was applied. After amplification, droplet counting and fluorescence measurement were performed in the QX100 Droplet Reader (Bio-Rad, Hercules, USA). The QuantaSoft software (Bio-Rad, Hercules, USA) was used for data acquisition and analysis. Initial concentrations of the plasmid DNAs were calculated in an Excel spreadsheet using a droplet volume of 0.85 nl.

Table 1 Primers and probes used in the study
Full size table

2.3 Real-time PCR

The oligonucleotides are described in Table 1. Reactions were carried out using a 1x QuantiTect Multiplex NoRox PCR Kit (Qiagen, Hilden, Germany) with the primer and probe concentrations given in Table 1. Five µl sample DNA or plasmid DNA were added to the final 25 µl PCR volume. For amplification the thermal cycling programme used was an initial denaturation step at 95 °C for 15 min followed by 45 cycles at 95 °C for 15 s and 60 °C for 60 s. Different real-time PCR instruments were used by the participants (ABI 7500, ABI 7900, Roche LC 480, Roche LC 96, Stratagene MX3005p, BioRad CFX). The probes for detection of GM soy events MON87708, CV-127 and DAS-68416-4 are labelled with FAM, the probes for detection of events MON87701, MON87769 and DP-305423 are labelled with HEX as fluorescent dye.

2.4 Collaborative trial

In the collaborative trial, which was organised by the Federal Office of Consumer Protection and Food Safety (Berlin, Germany), 16 experienced German GMO laboratories for seed testing participated. For sample preparation, different mass fractions of certified reference materials were mixed and homogenized before the preparation of the test portions. Each test portion consisted of 200 mg flour filled in 2 ml reaction tubes, which then were sealed with a sealing foil.

Twelve soybean powder samples (Table 2) were provided to the participants. Sample coding was done in a randomized manner. The control plasmid DNAs were supplied by the EURL-GMFF (Ispra, Italy). A dilution buffer (Tris-HCl with c = 2 mmol/l; EDTA with c = 0.2 mmol/l adjusted to pH 8.0; 20 ng/µl salmon sperm DNA) was provided for preparing the serial dilutions. Two control plasmid DNAs each should be combined to obtain a mixture of target sequences detected in the FAM and HEX fluorescent channel, respectively. Three plasmid combinations (pMON87701 and pMON87708; pMON87769 and CV127; pDP304423 and DAS-68416) had to be serially diluted to obtain solutions with nominal target sequence copy numbers of 4, 2, 1, 0.4 and 0.01 copies/µl, respectively. Each level had to be analysed in 6 PCR replicates for POD determination (Uhlig et al. 2015).

Table 2 Materials and concentrations of collaborative trial samples
Full size table

Each laboratory received appropriate amounts of lyophilised oligonucleotide primers and probes (Table 1) and a real-time PCR mastermix kit (Qiagen QuantiTect Multiplex NoRox PCR Kit, Hilden, Germany). The coded samples and the oligonucleotides were shipped by regular postal mail.

For DNA extractions the laboratories were asked to apply their in-house established method. DNA concentrations of extracts should be determined and adjusted to 40 ng/µl. Additionally, it was requested to analyse all flour sample DNAs in one reaction by a soybean taxon-specific real-time PCR (e.g. lectin reference gene specific method according to ISO, 2005).

2.5 Data analysis

Statistical data analysis was done by QuoData GmbH (Dresden, Germany) using the software programme PROLab Plus A (Quodata 2015) and their customised statistical concepts. The mathematical-statistical approach and formulas for calculation of the probability of detection (POD) are described (Uhlig et al. 2015).

3 Results

The multiplex PCR assay (Table 3) combines six available singleplex real-time PCR methods for event-specific detections that are not covered by the classical screening strategy of Waiblinger et al. (2010). According to the currently available and validated screening methods, it may also be feasible to detect the soybean events MON8771 and DAS-68416 by including the cry1Ab/Ac and the pat real-time PCR methods.

Table 3 Coverage of screening methods for the detection of GM soybean single events (EU 2016; Angers-Loustau et al. 2014; accessed 25 July 2016)
Full size table

3.1 Specificity

A comprehensive bioinformatics analysis was performed for the multiplex PCR system by the bioinformatics team of the EURL-GMFF to investigate in silico if any interference on the specificity of the multiplex assay can be expected. All primers were analyzed for the probability dimer formation when all primers are included in the same reaction by using the primer3 program (Rozen and Skaletsky 1999). The results are compiled in Table 4. The primer pair with the highest/worse value of 15.14 is the DAS-68416-f5/ MON 87769 primer 1 pair. However, by default primer3 program sets a maximum threshold value for this parameter at 47, meaning that this highest value is less than a third of what the program considers to be the limit for outright rejecting a primer pair. Therefore, the possibility of dimer formation in the hexaplex PCR is expected to be very low.

Table 4 Probability values for primer-dimer formation (Rozen and Skaletsky 1999)
Full size table

In addition, the specificity of the multiplex PCR system was evaluated in silico against 140 plant genomes, selected based on the availability of whole genome sequences. As for the primer dimer assessment, every paired combination of primers was tested against each of the genomes, using custom scripts linked to the e-PCR tool (Schuler 1997), allowing for a maximum of 2 gaps and 2 mismatches per primer and a maximum amplicon size of 500 bp. Thirteen potential amplicons were identified, but all have differences in the sequence of the primer binding sites with gaps and mismatches of 7 or above (Table 5). For none of the potential amplicons, a probe binding site could be identified. Therefore, we concluded that the potential of non-specific signals caused by any combination of primers in the multiplex PCR is very low, at least for the 140 plant genomes analysed. Finally, the specificity of the multiplex PCR system was tested by e-PCR against the GMO sequences (authorised and non-authorised) stored in the Central Core Sequence Information System (CCSIS) (Patak 2011), using the same parameters as for the plant genomes. For six GMO sequences, the targets of the event-specific methods are all detected by their respective primer pairs (Table 6). Two unwanted PCR amplifications are predicted where the probes for MON 87708 and MON 87769 perfectly anneal to the corresponding amplicon sequence. Further analyses revealed that two primers, MON87769 primer 1 and MON87708 primer 1, were designed against the same sequence in the T-DNA border region with 20 bp overlap. The technical and practical consequences of the finding that these two primers seem interchangeable between the two methods to which they respectively belong are unclear. However, in the context of detection, it is not expected to affect the specificity of the strategy as the two undesired side products originate from events that are aimed to be detected by the multiplex PCR. Therefore, no unspecific signals by any combination of primers in the hexaplex PCR were predicted for other GM events contained in the CCSIS database.

Table 5 Potential amplicons identified by the e-PCR tool (Schuler 1997)
Full size table
Table 6 Specificity assessment against the CCSIS GMO sequence database (Patak 2011)
Full size table

In the experimental tests with DNA extracted from the GM events carrying the targeted sequences PCR-positive results were obtained with comparable sensitivity. DNAs of other GM soybean events and of other GM crops (e.g. cotton, maize and canola) as well as non-GM DNA from maize, canola, cotton, wheat, rice and potato were tested, but no positive results were observed (Table 7).

Table 7 Specificity data for the multiplex PCR assay
Full size table

3.2 Assay design and optimisation

If FAM is the only dye for probe fluorescent labelling, the multiplex PCR assay requires at least six independent positive control reactions. Therefore, the original EURL-GMFF protocol that uses FAM as reporter dye and Carboxytetramethylrhodamine (TAMRA) as fluorescence quencher was modified. The MON 87701, MON 87769 and DP-305423 probes were labelled with HEX as fluorescent dye, the MON 87708, CV-127 and DAS-68416 probes remained FAM-labelled. Thereby, positive control DNAs for two GM events (detected by a FAM and HEX signal) can be analysed in one reaction. Furthermore, in case of a positive finding for a sample DNA, the subsequent analysis for identification is less complex if only a FAM or HEX signal is detected.

For multiplex PCR analyses with at least two dyes, the use of non-fluorescent quenchers (e.g. Black Hole Quencher for TaqMan probes) is recommended instead of the TAMRA fluorescent quencher. Therefore, BHQ1 was used as a quencher for analyses with five probes. For the DAS-68416 PCR system a MGB probe was used.

The primer and probe concentrations in the reaction setup for both singleplex PCR and multiplex assays are outlined in Table 2. To simplify the multiplex assay reaction set-up, the primer-probe final concentrations for the multiplex assay were standardised to 0.3 µM for the forward and reverse primers and to 0.2 µM for the probes according to the recommendation of the multiplex PCR master mix producer (Qiagen 2011).

3.3 Robustness

Six different real-time PCR cycler brands or models were used by the different laboratories in this collaborative study. No specific difficulties or unusual observations were reported or identified in the evaluation of the results indicating the methods robustness to different real-time PCR cyclers.

3.4 Collaborative trial

The collaborative trial for validation of the multiplex real-time PCR assay was designed according to internationally accepted guidelines (Horwitz 1995; ISO 1994) and carried out in 2015. It included the DNA extraction in order to evaluate the effect of this analysis step. A set of 12 coded soybean powder samples (Table 2), six control plasmid DNAs for preparation of a dilution series and all required reagents were sent to 16 participating laboratories. For convenience, the nominal copy number of the control plasmid DNA solutions as specified by the EURL-GMFF (2000 copies/µl) was communicated to the participants. All laboratories returned results within the given time frame.

For the DNA extraction the laboratories were asked to use their routine method and to adjust the DNA extract to a final concentration of 40 ng/μl. Each DNA extract had to be tested in duplicate with the multiplex PCR. In addition, the sample DNAs had to be analysed using a soybean taxon-specific real-time PCR. An average Cq value of 22.8 ± 2.4 (range of 19.1–28.0) was measured for the extracted DNAs.

Results from one laboratory were not included in the evaluation because identical Cq values for HEX and FAM were reported. It turned out that the real-time PCR device was not working correctly in terms of FAM and HEX fluorescence separation. Four laboratories using the ABI 7500 instrument reported unusual high absolute fluorescence values for FAM and HEX. The specifications for this instruments recommend the use of ROX as a passive reference dye for normalisation of fluorescence values. The laboratories remarked that a mastermix with ROX and lower concentrations of the TaqMan probes would possibly improve the performance of the multiplex assay.

3.5 False-positive and false-negative rates

The PCR results for FAM and HEX reported by 15 laboratories were taken into calculation of the false-negative and false-positive rates (Table 8). Six samples contained either one or no GM soybean event, respectively (Table 2). Hence, for 360 PCR analyses a negative result was expected for FAM and/or HEX. Eight samples contained material of either one or two different GM events (Table 1, number 1 to 8), which also accounts for 360 PCR reactions in totalwith an expected positive result for FAM and/or HEX. In summary, 14 PCR results for GM-positive samples were classified as negative. Ten of these false-negative results were obtained in two laboratories for samples with a 0.03% (m/m) content of the respective GM event. These laboratories reported high Cq values (in average 26.0 and 28.0, respectively) for the corresponding soybean taxon-specific PCR. Thus, PCR inhibition or an incorrect DNA quantification most likely caused these results.

Table 8 Collaborative trial study results
Full size table

A single false-positive PCR result was obtained for a non-GM soybean sample (Cq values of 39.8). The laboratory was asked to repeat the PCR analysis of this sample DNA and they could not verify this positive result.

3.6 Probability of detection (POD)

Serial dilutions of the plasmid mixtures each containing a FAM- and a HEX-detectable target sequence, were analysed in six replicates per level. Nominal copy numbers in the range of 20 to 0.1 copies per PCR reaction were analysed. The 20 copies level was analysed in parallel to the unknown soybean samples and thereby served as positive control in this PCR run. The other five levels (10, 5, 2, 1 and 0.1 copies per PCR) were analysed in a second PCR run. In total, each participant submitted 216 PCR results (36 for each target sequence). The results reported by the laboratories are compiled in Table 9. Three laboratories reported difficulties and failure to detect DAS-68416 in this PCR run. It turned out that the MGB probe used for this PCR system caused the problem, because a replaced probe restored detection of DAS-68416 (laboratory E).

Table 9 PCR results for the six replicates obtained with control plasmid DNAs at the different copy number levels
Full size table

An unexpected high frequency of negative PCR results for the low copy number levels (5 to 1 copy) was reported. Due to this observation, the copy numbers of the control plasmids were verified by digital PCR after the collaborative trial. Considerably lower copy number estimates for all six control plasmids were observed (Table 10).

Table 10 Copy number estimates for the control plasmid DNA solutions obtained by digital PCR determinations
Full size table

A statistical analysis based on modelling the POD was performed based on the test result compiled in Table 9 (Uhlig et al. 2015). Before calculating the ratios of positive and negative PCR results, the underlying copy numbers were corrected according to the digital PCR estimates (Table 10). The slope parameter b for the POD curves between laboratories showed no significant deviations and the other POD parameter were therefore calculated with an assumed value of b = 1. The statistical analysis showed values for the LOD95% ranging between three and five copies (Table 11). For the associated inter-laboratory standard deviation σL the results are within the recommended performance limits for qualitative real-time PCR methods. An σL value of 1 corresponds to an LOD95% of ~20 copies, which is defined as the lowest copy number that should be detected according to the recommendations of the German § 64 LFGB working group (BVL 2016). Note that the DP-305423 PCR system showed the poorest performance for the different POD parameters.

Table 11 POD statistics for the multiplex PCR assay
Full size table

4 Discussion

4.1 Assay design and optimisation

The study demonstrates that setting up a multiplex PCR assay for GMO screening based on the combination of established event-specific real-time PCR methods is feasible. Based on the experiences from both development and validation of the study results, several aspects are important to be considered for such multiplex assay design and optimisation. At first, comprehensive bioinformatics testing is required concerning primer-dimer formation, specificity to GMO and plant sequences or unspecific amplifications caused by unwanted primer combinations and/or probe binding (Rozen and Skaletsky 1999; Schuler 1997). All single event-specific PCR methods are evaluated by the EURL-GMFF for the experimental specificity assessment according to the ENGL minimum performance requirements (ENGL 2015). Therefore, it is appropriate not to repeat all specificity tests for the multiplex system, as this would go beyond the scope of validation.

We recommend to ensure that all PCR modules that are included in a multiplex assay have optimal performance. If a module is only moderately performing as singleplex PCR, it will most likely cause problems in a multiplex PCR, particularly for sensitivity. The use of a real-time PCR mastermix compatible for multiplex assays is another important prerequisite for proper functioning. Several different brands are available and the developer and user should essentially consider the specifications and requirements of the applied real-time PCR instrument before choosing a certain mastermix, for example, the use of ROX as a passive reference dye for normalisation of fluorescence signals is recommended for specific instrument brands, but it is optional for instruments from other suppliers. In general, we assumed that the ROX dye should be omitted for multi-color multiplex assays in order to minimize fluorescence background noise.

Other dye combinations from FAM and HEX may be applicable. The selected dyes need to be compatible with interference-free duplex PCR analysis and the detection optics of the routinely used real-time PCR cycler. For optimal results, it is recommended to choose combinations of dyes without any spectral overlap caused by wide fluorescence emission profiles.

Currently, only a few guidelines exist for the development, setup and validation of multiplex PCR assays. It is suggested that changes to already approved assays (such as inclusion of a new target) can be applied by testing subsets in order to confirm the performance, rather than requiring the full range of validation to be repeated (ENGL 2015; NRC and IOM 2015). The asymmetric LOD (LODasym) should be determined for multiplex qualitative PCR modules according to the ENGL guidance document (ENGL 2015). It is defined as a performance parameter for the sensitivity of a multiplex assay when one target is present at very low concentration in comparison with the other targets at high concentration (Huber et al. 2013; Broeders et al. 2014). However, for the multiplex assay the competitive effects between target amplifications are not relevant, because any positive PCR signal must be verified by singleplex identification tests for all respective targets. The important parameters and possible requirements for multiplex assay optimisation are compiled and several recommendations are provided (Table 12). In summary, our validation study shows that the setup of a multiplex assay for event-specific screening appears reasonable and can be applied without an unacceptable loss of sensitivity.

Table 12 Relevant parameters for multiplex real-time PCR assay optimisation
Full size table

4.2 Interpretation of analysis results

The multiplex assay has to be applied as a two-stage GMO analysis with an initial screening test followed by GM event identification using the respective singleplex PCR assay, if a positive result is obtained in the screening stage. In situations with strong FAM or HEX signals and a corresponding low Cq value, the singleplex identification tests for all GM events should be performed in order to ensure that the detection of targeted events at a comparable lower level is not missed due to competitive effects.

4.3 Modularity of multiplex assays

According to the EUginius method verification table (EU 2016), seven GM soybean events (CV-127, DP-305423, MON 87708, MON 87712, MON 87751, MON 87754 and MON 87769) are currently not detected by any of the common element and/or construct-specific reference methods (see Table 3). We propose that the format of the multiplex assay should apply also to other GM soybean events. Removing or exchanging an event-specifc PCR module system may be required if

  1. (a)

    The GM event is frequently present in specific food/feed matrices and

  2. (b)

    Traces of the GM event are expected because the cultivation of the GMO has drastically increased (e.g. as lately observed for soybean event MON 87701).

It should be feasible to include another novel and emerging GM soybean event into the multiplex assay without complex optimisation and validation. A prerequisite will be the bioinformatics analyses concerning the specificity, which allows the prediction of cross-reactivity or unspecific amplification products.

Apart from soybean powder, so far the multiplex assay was not tested for other soybean products containing these GM events. It is applicable for seed samples or pure and raw soybean products. More experimental data from routine testing of real-life samples taken from complex matrices and composite food and feed products will gain information on the assay applicability and any unpredictable matrix effects.

5 Conclusion

The results of the study show that the event-specific multiplex real-time PCR assay is capable of detecting GM soybean events at a mass fraction of down to 0.03% with an acceptable false-negative rate. A relative GM soybean content of 0.1% was detected by all laboratories, if sufficient high quality DNA was added to the multiplex PCR. The method is transferable to other laboratories and fit-for-purpose to test for the presence of six different soybean events in raw material such as flour grinded from seed lots.

The approach combines event-specific PCR methods within one multiplex assay for GMO screening and should be applicable to other crops e.g. GM maize. When searching in relevant databases, currently four maize GM events (LY038, DAS-40278, VCO-01981 and BVLA-430101) are not detected by the screening strategy and methods set as given in Table 3 (Angers-Loustau et al. 2014; EU 2016). The development and validation of a similar maize event-specific multiplex PCR assay is planned in near future.