Abstract: Objective To establish a method for detecting 3 common toxigenic molds (Aspergillus, Penicillium, and Fusarium)
based on non-modified magnetic beads coupled with multiple real-time PCR (NMB-multiple qPCR). Methods The primers
and genus-specific probes were designed based on the rDNA sequences to develop a multiple real-time PCR using
non-modified magnetic bead to enrichment of fungal spores. The sensitivity, specificity and repeatability of this assay were
evaluated. Results The detection limit of this assay for spiked samples was 104 CFU/g, demonstrating a 10-fold greater
detection sensitivity of this assay than that of real-time PCR. The NMB-multiple qPCR assay also showed good specificity and
reproducibility and yielded comparable results with those by traditional colony counting method for spiked samples (P>0.05).
Conclusion NMB-multiple qPCR assay we established allows rapid and sensitive detection of common mycotoxigenic fungi in
paprika.