Since January 2008, Merck KGaA has distributed the innovative foodproof® real-time PCR products from Biotecon Diagnostics GmbH, Germany. These products had been previously distributed by Roche Diagnostics and are designed for use on Roche's LightCycler® instruments 1.x or 2.0.

Now, Merck KGaA has extended this range of foodproof® products with new real-time PCR kits which can be used on many other instruments such as TaqMan®-based instruments or Roche's LightCycler® 480. All these new products are marketed by Merck KGaA and their subsidiaries and dealers in countries worldwide.

The following foodproof® kits are now available for use on TaqMan-based instruments:

• foodproof® Salmonella Detection System, TqM Probes
  
• foodproof® Listeria Genus Detection System, TqM Probes
  
• foodproof® Listeria monocytogenes Detection System, TqM Probes
  
• foodproof® E. coli O157 Detection System, TqM Probes
  
• foodproof® Brucella Detection System, TqM Probes
  

For Roche's LightCycler® 480, the following kits are now newly available:

• foodproof® Salmonella Detection System, Hybridization Probes (LC 480)
  
• foodproof® Listeria Genus Detection System, Hybridization Probes (LC 480)
  
• foodproof® Listeria monocytogenes Detection System, Hybridization Probes (LC 480)
  
• foodproof® E. coli O157 Detection System, Hybridization Probes (LC 480)
  
• foodproof® GMO Screening Kit Hybridization Probes (LC 480)
  

The existing foodproof® GMO Maize quantification kit and the unique foodproof® kit for the simultaneous detection of Enterobacteriaceae and E. sakazakii in a single reaction can be used on both the microplate-based LightCycler® 480 and the carousel-based LightCycler® 1.x, 2.0 instruments.

The foodproof® product range are all 'real-time' PCR (RT-PCR) kits, a newer variation of the PCR technique, suitable for the detection of bacteria, viruses and other organisms, and allows the 'online' monitoring of the reaction process during the amplification process. This is a major advantage over 'standard' PCR kits which require laborious and time-consuming post-PCR steps such as gel electrophoresis to analyse the reactions.

In order to achieve valid PCR results, correct sample preparation which eliminates substances inhibitory to the Taq Polymerase enzyme is necessary. For all foodproof® RT-PCR kits, quick and easy-to use sample preparation kits are available. For most pathogens assays, short sample preparation kits (foodproof® ShortPrep I or II, or III kits) can be used. Using these kits, PCR assay time is reduced to only 30 minutes with less handling steps so that the overall testing time takes only about 1 to 1.5 hours. To detect the presence of bacteria, an enrichment time of 18 - 24 h is required, thus the time to result is shortened by several days compared to standard methods.

foodproof® real-time PCR products have the following benefits:

• High Efficiency
  Relative detection limit is 1-10 bacteria / 25 g or ml sample. Due to the reliable real-time PCR technology (excluding SYBR Green technology), there is no need for confirmation of your results.
  


• High Speed
  Optimise your costs with less than 24 hour time to result including pre-enrichment
  


• Convenience
  Kit includes all reagents necessary for detection as well as positive-, negative- and internal amplification controls for diagnostic quality assurance
  


• Superior Safety
  All foodproof® real-time PCR detection kits contain Uracil-N-Glycosylase to prevent carry-over contaminations of previous generated PCR products in the lab.
  

The foodproof® product line extends Merck's unique and innovative range for rapid and convenient automated or manual detection and confirmation of important food pathogens, such as Salmonella, Listeria spp., Listeria monocytogenes, E. coli O157, pathogenic Campylobacter, and other pathogens. All these rapid tests fit perfectly to Merck's comprehensive range of high-quality granulated dehydrated culture media.

For further information about the wide range of products available from Merck KGaA / EMD Chemicals for the growth, detection, isolation and identification of food- and waterborne pathogens and other microorganisms, please contact your local Merck organization or EMD Chemicals (for USA and Canada).

Ordering Information

Products for TaqMan-based instruments

Cat. Number	Product Description
1.20454	foodproof® Brucella Detection System, TqM Probes
1.20455	foodproof® E. coli O157 Detection System, TqM Probes
1.20457	foodproof® Listeria Genus Detection System, TqM Probes
1.20458	foodproof® Listeria monocytogenes Detection System, TqM Probes
1.20459	foodproof® Salmonella Detection System, TqM Probes

Products for LightCycler 480 instrument

Cat. Number	Product Description
1.20461	foodproof® E.coli 0157 Detection Kit , Hybridization Probes ( LC 480 )
1.20462	foodproof® GMO Screening Kit, Hybridization Probes (LC 480 )
1.20463	foodproof® Listeria Genus Detection Kit, Hybridization Probes (LC 480)
1.20464	foodproof® Listeria monocytogenes Detection Kit, Hybridization Probes (LC 480)
1.20465	foodproof® Salmonella Detection kit, Hybridization Probes (LC 480)
1.20447	foodproof® Enterobacteriaceae plus E. sakazakii Kit, Hybridization Probes (LC 2.0, 480)
1.20448	foodproof® GMO Maize Quantification Kit, Hybridization Probes (LC 1.x, 2.0, 480 )

Foodproof® is a trademark of Biotecon Diagnostics
LightCycler® is a trademark of Roche Diagnostics
TaqMan® is a trademark of Roche Diagnostics