Protein immunoassay methods for detection of biotech crops

Agricultural biotechnology companies have developed numerous proteins for both insect resistant and herbicide tolerant traits in crops. There has been an explosive acceptance by farmers of these new crops since their introduction in 1996. In 2003, it is estimated that the total global acreage of GMO crops was 167 million acres.

With the introduction of new crops derived using this biotechnology, there has been a need to have tests that can detect them in consignments of raw agricultural commodities and finished foodstuffs.

This article looks at why, and how, people would be interested in testing for biotech ingredients in food.