Instant and Multiple DNA Extraction Method by Microneedle Patch for Rapid and on-Site Detection of Food Allergen-Encoding Genes

DNA-based detection methods are highly promising for risk assessment in the food sector, such as tracing the existence of food allergens. However, due to the complexity of food matrices, cumbersome protocols are often needed to isolate the DNA components, which hinder the achievement of rapid and on-site detection. Herein, an instant and multiple DNA extraction method was developed based on the poly(vinyl alcohol) microneedle (MN) patch. With simple press and peel-off operations within 1 min, samples suitable for DNA-based analysis such as polymerase chain reaction (PCR) could be collected. By further combining with the recombinase polymerase amplification assay, rapid screening of the allergenic risks in complex samples such as shrimp ball and cheesecake could be achieved within 30 min. The MN-based DNA extraction method not only was a potential alternative to the traditional DNA extraction method but provided a transformative approach in realizing rapid, on-site detection of foodborne hazards in collaborating with fast DNA-based assays.