Detecting GMO Foods Is Now Much Easier

A pocket-sized biosensor has been developed that enables various DNA-based tests, such as GMO analysis and identity determination, to be performed in home environments. With this sensor, foods containing GMOs can be easily identified in homes, fields and production facilities. For example, a mother could safely use the sensor in her kitchen to perform a GMO test on infant formula she is giving her baby.

Can Detect GMO DNA in 30 Minutes

Sabanc University master's students Doğukan Kaygusuz, Sümeyra Vural and Faculty Member Meltem Elitaş, who identified the project's starting point as GMO detection, reported that after setting up the system, the device was able to easily detect DNA in virtually every sample. DNA diagnosis, which takes a minimum of 160 minutes in a laboratory setting, is reduced to 30 minutes with the use of the biosensor developed at Sabanc University. The team that developed the device stated the following on the subject: "In addition to GMO detection, this application can be used in studies requiring DNA diagnosis such as blood diseases, infection, and identity determination. This sensor can be used by individuals and institutions with different levels of expertise and knowledge, ranging from a mother wanting to understand whether the infant formula she is giving her baby contains GMOs, to a nurse wanting to diagnose bacterial infection. In the coming period, we plan to be part of an EU project with the biosensor device we have developed."

Patent Application Filed

A patent application has been filed for the biosensor, which achieved successful results in GMO detection in soy and corn products. According to studies conducted during the patent search, it was determined that the biosensor has no equivalent in Turkey and is among the biosensors with the lowest cost and easiest usability in the world. The product prototype is aimed to be finalized according to international production standards and brought to market in the shortest timeframe. The project team, supported by TÜBİTAK, includes Sabanc University Mechatronics Engineering Program Master's Student Doğukan Kaygusuz, Molecular Biology, Genetics and Bioengineering Master's Student Sümeyra Vural and Faculty Member Meltem Elitaş from the Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences, as well as Researcher Stuart Lucas from Sabanc University Nanotechnology Research and Application Center and Faculty Member Ali Özhan Aytekin from Yeditepe University.