youPCR colormetric assays from Medicinal Genomics

This was a really fun experiment. I enjoyed learning about the LAMP PCR (Loop-mediated isothermic amplification)(Polymerase Chain Reaction) technology that allows for colormetric, or visual spectrum analysis of DNA amplification. The possible uses of this technology are endless, especially for specific assays in regions where access to technology is limited. Typically, a machine that can heat and cool rapidly is required, as well as an imaging method, such as an agarose gel and UV light.
I enjoyed how easy this assay was to execute. I really like that the assay was relatively short, and required only two steps, one for the leaf lysis, the other for the DNA amplification. The Loop amplification process allows for amplification to happen endlessly at one temperature by looping the primers. If the primers detect the target DNA sequence, they will amplify that sequence. When enough DNA accumulates, it will change the pH of the tube, and the color indicator will change from pink to peach or yellow. I really liked that anyone could do this assay. 
Upon completing this assay, I had several concerns and one was the positive control for the leaf lysis step. Typically in a lab we measure the amount of DNA extracted. That serves as a control for the presence of DNA. In the absence of this, genes that are always present can be amplified, or the background DNA can be measured when using quantitative PCR, aka real time PCR. The good thing was that the company sells positive controls to make sure your assay worked, regardless of the quality or presence of DNA. 
My results were great, nothing I tested was positive for Fusarium, Botrytis, or Powdery Mildew. The negative controls were all negative. The positive control showed yellow, or positive. All in all, I would say this is a great assay for a grower or Caregiver to run routinely in house. I hesitate to run this as an official assay though for customers because of the lack of internal controls. Contact me if you need help running this assay or others offered by Medicinal Genomics.