Novel Biosensor Detects Genetically Modified Corn and Soybean

Sep 17, 2025

By Steve Koppes

The continually expanding toolkit from Mohit Verma’s laboratory at Purdue University now includes a portable, paper-based biosensor for identifying genetically modified (GM) corn and soybean. The GM crop biosensor, based on a method called loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP), offers a fast and less expensive alternative to the point-of-need molecular tools already on the market.

“Farmers can use it whenever they need it,” said Bilal Ahmed, a postdoctoral research associate in agricultural and biological engineering at Purdue. Ahmed, Verma, and four co-authors from Purdue and the Bayer Crop Science Division describe their device in the journal Biosensors and Bioelectronics. Bayer Crop Science U.S. funded the project.

Verma, associate professor of agricultural and biological engineering, and his team have previously developed assays for rapidly detecting highly pathogenic avian influenza, fecal contamination on produce farms, bovine respiratory disease, and COVID-19.

Verma disclosed the innovation to the Purdue Innovates Office of Technology Commercialization, which has applied for a patent to protect the intellectual property. OTC exclusively licensed the technology to Krishi, Inc., which specializes in rapid and easy-to-use molecular diagnostics. Verma serves as the company’s chief technology officer.

Source : purdue.edu

Video: Why Port Infrastructure is Key to Growing Canada's Farms and Economy

Grain Farmers of Ontario (GFO) knows that strong, modern port infrastructure is vital to the success of Canada’s agriculture. When our ports grow, Ontario grain farmers and Canadian farms grow too—and when we grow, Canada grows.

In this video, we highlight the importance of investing in port infrastructure and how these investments are key to growing Ontario agriculture and supporting global trade. The footage showcases the strength of both Ontario’s farming landscapes and vital port operations, including some key visuals from HOPA Ports, which we are grateful to use in this project.

Ontario’s grain farmers rely on efficient, sustainable ports and seaway systems to move grain to markets around the world. Port investments are crucial to increasing market access, driving economic growth, and ensuring food security for all Canadians.

Why Port Infrastructure Matters:

Investing in Ports = Investing in Farms: Modernized ports support the export of Canadian grain, driving growth in agriculture.

Sustainable Growth: Learn how stronger ports reduce environmental impact while boosting economic stability.

Global Trade Opportunities: Improved port and seaway systems help farmers access new global markets for their grain.

Stronger Communities: Investment in ports means more stable jobs and economic growth for rural communities across Ontario and Canada.

We are proud to support the ongoing investment in port infrastructure and to shine a light on its vital role in feeding the world and securing a prosperous future for Canadian agriculture.

Special thanks to HOPA Ports for providing some of the stunning port footage featured in this video.