Subtraction hybridization in microplates: An improved method to generate strain-specific PCR primers

An improved subtraction hybridization technique was developed and evaluated . The hybridization is performed in a microplate with the subtractor-DNA im mobilized in the plate while the probe-DNA is in solution. After hybridizat ion the probe-specific DNA can easily be removed from the microwell and sub mitted to further analysis. This new technique has been successfully applie d to generate several strain-specific PCR-primers for Lactococcus lactis su bsp. lactis, Pediococcus spec., Saccharomyces spec. and Listeria monocytoge nes.