Halal Testing with PCR: Which DNA Extraction Method to Choose?

Ensuring Halal Authenticity The importance of DNA Extraction methods in Swine DNA Detection

In the rapidly expanding Halal food market, ensuring the authenticity of animal by-products is vital [1]. Consumers rely on accurate labeling to make informed choices that align with their dietary restrictions and religious beliefs. One critical aspect of maintaining this trust is the ability to detect the presence of swine DNA in food and feed products. This task, however, is not without its challenges, particularly when dealing with heterogeneous matrices. The success of DNA-based authenticity testing hinges on the quality, quantity, and purity of the extracted DNA. In this context, Invitek Diagnostics’ kits have demonstrated exceptional performance, making it an invaluable tool for Halal product testing.

The Challenge of Heterogeneous Food and Feed Matrices: DNA Quantity, Quality, and Purity

Heterogeneous matrices, such as processed food products and animal by-products, present a unique challenge for DNA extraction. These matrices often contain a complex mix of ingredients and nutrients, including proteins, fats, and carbohydrates, which can interfere with the extraction process. Additionally, the processing methods used to create these products can fragment and degrade DNA, further complicating the extraction process [2]. Therefore, a robust DNA extraction method must be capable of isolating high-quality DNA from these complex samples.

For DNA-based testing methods, such as PCR, the quality, quantity, and purity of the extracted DNA are critical. High-quality DNA ensures that the PCR amplification is efficient and accurate, reducing the likelihood of false negatives or positives. The quantity of DNA is also important, as insufficient amounts can lead to weak or undetectable signals. Finally, the purity of the DNA is crucial, as contaminants can inhibit the PCR reaction, leading to unreliable results.

Conventional Methods and Commercial Kits: Which solution has superior performance?

In a recent study, various DNA extraction methods were evaluated for their effectiveness in isolating DNA from heterogeneous matrices [3]. The study compared the InviSorb® Spin Tissue Mini with several other DNA extraction methods, including both conventional and commercial kits. To illustrate the effectiveness of the different methods, the study applied it to testing various processed animal by-products with high-value and interest for the feed industry, for the presence of swine DNA. Samples included meals from poultry meat, blood and feather, and hydrolysates from swine meat and bone, fish, and black soldier fly.

Conventional methods, such as the CTAB-based method, are known for their ability to yield high amounts of DNA. However, these methods are often time-consuming and involve the use of toxic chemicals, making them less practical for routine testing [3]. Commercial kits offer the advantage of being faster and easier to use, rendering it the best choice for a high-throughput laboratory environment.

Among the commercial kits tested, the InviSorb® Spin Tissue Mini stood out for its ability to produce high-quality DNA with minimal contaminants, demonstrating the highest extraction efficiency and quality ratios, and making it ideal for PCR-based applications [3]. In comparison to other commercial kits, the InviSorb® Spin Tissue Mini provided a balanced performance in terms of DNA yield, purity, and processing time. For instance, while the ZymoBIOMICS™ DNA Miniprep kit was faster, it had lower purity levels and yield, which could affect the reliability of PCR results. The NucleoSpin™ Food kit, although effective, was slightly more complex and time-consuming compared to the InviSorb® Spin Tissue Mini. Regarding the conventional methods, even though these produced the highest amount of DNA, they were also the most time-consuming, requiring more than 14h to complete the protocol. The following table summarizes the range of average DNA concentrations, A260/A280 ratios, and extraction times for each method.

Table I - Comparative Performance of Conventional Methods & Commercial Kits

The Validated Superior Option: InviSorb® Spin Tissue Mini kit

The InviSorb® Spin Tissue Mini kit was able to extract DNA that was not only of high quality but also in sufficient quantity for reliable PCR amplification [3]. The PCR results confirmed the absence of swine DNA in all tested Halal products, validating their compliance with Halal standards. This success underscores the importance of using a reliable DNA extraction method, such as the InviSorb® Spin Tissue Mini, to ensure the authenticity of Halal products. The study highlighted that Invitek’s kit consistently produced high-quality DNA suitable for PCR amplification across various sample types, including those with complex matrices. This consistency is crucial for ensuring reliable and reproducible results in Halal product testing.

Introducing the InviSorb® Spin Food Kit

In addition to the InviSorb® Spin Tissue Mini, Invitek Diagnostics has developed a new solution tailored for more challenging food samples: the InviSorb® Spin Food Kit. This innovative kit is specifically designed to handle difficult food matrices, making it particularly suitable for fatty food samples, highly processed products, and samples with low DNA content. Therewith, the accurate detection of swine DNA, even in the most challenging sample types can be ensured.

Conclusion

In the Halal food and feed market, maintaining consumer trust is essential. Accurate DNA-based testing for the presence of swine DNA is a critical component of this trust. The quality, quantity, and purity of the extracted DNA are paramount to the success of these tests. Invitek's InviSorb® Spin Tissue Mini has proven to be an exceptional tool in this regard, providing high-quality DNA from heterogeneous matrices and ensuring reliable PCR results. Additionally, the newly developed InviSorb® Spin Food Kit expands these capabilities, offering a specialized solution for purifying DNA even from the most difficult matrices.

For food producers and testing laboratories, investing in a robust DNA extraction method is not just a matter of compliance but also a commitment to quality and consumer trust. Ensure the integrity of your Halal products with Invitek Diagnostics’ DNA extraction kits and the InviScreen® Swine Halal Speciation Kit which provides highly specific detection of swine DNA in food, feed, and environmental samples. Contact us today to learn more about how our products can enhance your testing protocols and maintain consumer trust.

REFERENCES

1. Akbar J, Gul M, Jahangir M, Adnan M, Saud S, Hassan S, Nawaz T, Fahad S. Global Trends in Halal Food Standards: A Review. Foods. 2023; 12(23):4200. doi: 10.3390/foods12234200.

2. Bauer T, Weller P, Hammes WP, Hertel C. The effect of processing parameters on DNA degradation in food. Eur. Food Res. Technol. 2003; 217:338-343. doi: 10.1007/s00217-003-0743-y.

3. Filipa-Silva A, Castro R, Rebelo M, Mota MJ, Almeida A, Valente LMP, Gomes S. Enhancing the authenticity of animal by-products: harmonization of DNA extraction methods from novel ingredients. Front. Chem. 2024; 12:1350433. doi: 10.3389/fchem.2024.1350433.