Before this article, it is worth reviewing how PCR works in microbiology.
Two different molecular approaches: DNA vs. RNA
Both traditional real-time PCR and AiGOR™ are genetic material amplification techniques, but they differ in which molecule they use as a target. Traditional PCR amplifies DNA, a stable molecule that persists even in cells already inactivated by heat. AiGOR™ is built on RNA, a molecule that degrades much faster after cell death, which in theory allows detection to be oriented toward active microorganisms.
What is AiGOR™?
AiGOR™ is TAAG's RNA-based molecular detection platform, designed for environmental monitoring and finished product analysis in the food industry, including the detection of pathogens such as Salmonella and Listeria monocytogenes.
Comparison: turnaround times
TAAG reports turnaround times with AiGOR™ on the order of 3 to 9 hours depending on the matrix, without a prior enrichment step, versus the 24 hours or more typically required by a traditional PCR workflow with selective enrichment. (Information not independently confirmed: exact times must be validated case by case with TAAG and depend on the matrix analyzed.)
Comparison: interpreting false positives
By focusing on RNA instead of DNA, AiGOR™ aims to reduce false positives caused by genetic material remaining from already inactivated microorganisms (for example, after cooking or pasteurization), a known issue with DNA-based PCR technologies. This does not eliminate the need for validation: it remains a molecular detection technology, subject to the same general considerations regarding CFU as the regulatory reference method in many schemes.
When does each approach make sense?
Traditional DNA-based PCR remains widely validated and accepted as a reference in many regulatory frameworks. RNA-based technologies such as AiGOR™ can add value in contexts where distinguishing active from inactive cells is critical for decision-making — for example, rapid product release or verification of the effectiveness of a heat treatment — always validating the method for the specific matrix and regulatory objective.
Conclusion
The difference between traditional PCR and RNA-based technologies such as AiGOR™ essentially comes down to which molecule is amplified and what that means for distinguishing living from dead cells. Neither fully replaces the other today: the choice depends on the matrix, the regulatory objective and the level of validation required.
About TAAG
Talk to TAAG about whether AiGOR™ fits into your environmental monitoring and finished product verification workflow.
Frequently asked questions
Does AiGOR completely replace traditional culture?
Not necessarily; many plants use it as a rapid screening tool and keep traditional culture for regulatory confirmation when applicable regulations require it.
Why does RNA better reflect living cells?
Because RNA degrades quickly after cell death, unlike DNA, which can persist stably even in already inactivated cells.
Is AiGOR validated by external bodies?
Specific validations and their scope must be confirmed directly with TAAG, since this article does not independently verify particular certifications of the technology.