Nucleic-acid analysis in new fields of metrology

Abstract

Nucleic-acid analysis (NAA) represents a key bioanalysis to which metrological approaches are applied in various fields, such as biotechnology, food safety, public health, and environmental monitoring. NAA enables detection, identification and quantification of nucleic acids of different organisms and matrices. Approaches specific for the target are most common, and real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) analysis is the most frequently used technique. Other methods are being developed that intensively address specific needs. For example, digital PCR enables sensitive detection and accurate absolute quantification without comparison to reference materials, and rapid isothermal approaches provide simple target detection on-site. At the National Institute of Biology, extensive research has been carried out over the last two decades for the development and assessment of NAA techniques and their applications to different fields. Here, we present some of our experiences with the application of metrological approaches to studies of genetically modified organisms and plant pathogenic microorganisms.