Apta-PCR.

Real-time Apta-PCR is a methodology that can be used for a wide variety of applications ranging from food quality control to clinical diagnostics. This method takes advantage of the combination of the sensitivity of nucleic acid amplification with the selectivity of aptamers. Ultra-low detection of target analyte can potentially be achieved, or, improved detection limits can be achieved with aptamers of low-medium affinity.

Label-free detection of gliadin food allergen mediated by real-time apta-PCR.

Celiac disease is an immune-mediated enteropathy triggered by the ingestion of gluten. The only effective treatment consists in a lifelong gluten-free diet, requiring the food industry to tightly control the gluten contents of their products. To date, several gluten quantification approaches using antibodies are available and recommended by the legal authorities, such as Codex Alimentarius.