Monitoring the effects of genetically modified organisms (GMO) - Immunochemical detection of insecticidal Bt proteins from genetically modified crops in soil samples and plant residues
This guideline describes immunochemical methods for detecting Bt proteins from genetically modified plants, plant residues found on the field after harvesting, and soil samples which have come into contact with these plants. The specificity of the methods for the recombinant gene products depends on the specificity of the antibodies used. In some circumstances, immunoreactive degradation products may also be detected, which prevents the immediate detection of the biological, e. g. insecticidal activity of these proteins. Furthermore, secondary reactions with naturally occurring Bt proteins, such as those produced by Bacillus thuringiensis strains present in soil, cannot be ruled out. Since there are various methods of extracting and quantitatively or qualitatively measuring Bt proteins, this guideline covers the basic technique and the requirements of the test procedure.