Amplified fragment length polymorphism analysis of Listeria monocytogenes by Experion™ automated microfluidic electrophoresis

Fifty Listeria monocytogenes strains were genotyped by sAFLP and PCR products were separated by agarose gel and automated chip-based microfluidic electrophoresis. A high congruency of results was observed comparing the two techniques, although for some cultures a better separation of sAFLP fragments was achieved with microfluidic system, which proved to be a highly reliable and reproducible tool to improve the molecular typing of L. monocytogenes, requiring lower volumes of samples and reducing significantly analysis time.

► An automated chip-based microfluidic electrophoresis was evaluated for L. monocytogenes sAFLP. ► Results were compared with analysis based on agarose gel electrophoresis. ► Data from both electrophoresis methods were in agreement. ► Microfluidic electrophoresis was sensitive, accurate, reproducible, with shorter analysis time. ► The system represents a reliable tool for epidemiological surveillance of human listeriosis.