Detection of chicken and turkey meat in meat mixtures by using real-time PCR assays

In this study, TaqMan-based real-time Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) techniques were developed for the detection of chicken and turkey meat in raw and heat-treated meat mixtures. Primers and TaqMan probe sets were designed to amplify 86 bp and 136 bp fragments for the chicken and turkey species, respectively, on the mitochondrial NADH dehydrogenase subunit 2 gene. In the results, it was possible to detect each species at the level of 0.1 pg template DNA with the TaqMan probe technique without any cross-reactivity with nontarget species (bovine, ovine, donkey, pork, and horse) while the detection level was 1 pg template DNA using conventional PCR. The TaqMan probe assays used in this study allowed the detection of as little as 0.001% level of both species in the experimental meat mixtures, prepared by mixing chicken and turkey meat with beef at different levels (0.001% to 10%). In conclusion, TaqMan probe assays developed in this research are promising tools in the specific identification and sensitive quantification of meat species even in the case of heat-treated meat products, and suitable for a rapid, automated, and routine analysis.     

PCR assay for the identification of animal species in cooked sausages

A species-specific PCR assay was developed for the detection of low levels of pork, horse and donkey meat in cooked sausages. Oligonucleotid primers were designed for amplification of species-specific mitochondrial DNA sequences of each species and detected the presence of 0.01 ng of template DNA in water. When applying the assay to DNA extracts from sausages samples that were prepared from binary meat mixtures, it was possible to detect each species when spiked in any other species at the 0.1% level. In conclusion, it can be suggested that this assay can be used to determine mislabelled and/or fraudulent species substitution in comminuted meat products.     

基于TaqMan实时荧光PCR检测鲜肉及加工肉制品中的驴源性成分

根据出入境检验检疫行业标准SN/T 3730.4—2013《食品及饲料中常见畜类品种的鉴定方法 第4部分：驴 成分检测 实时荧光PCR法》合成引物和探针,利用TaqMan实时荧光聚合酶链式反应（polymerase chain reaction, PCR）技术检测鲜肉及加工肉制品中的驴源性成分。首先对13 种不同动物鲜肉组织的DNA进行驴源性成分特异 性检测,然后对驴源性DNA模板原液进行梯度稀释,检测方法灵敏度,最后在加工肉制品中检测方法的适用性。 结果表明：本研究建立的方法特异性强,除驴肉外,牛、羊、猪、马、骆驼、鹿、狗、兔、鸡、鸭、鸽子、鹌鹑 12 种动物鲜肉组织均无特异性扩增;方法的灵敏度较高,驴组分DNA的检出限可达100 fg/μL,灵敏度可达0.01%; 方法的适用性较广,可以用于加工肉制品中驴源性成分的检测。     

The detection of horse and donkey using real-time PCR

We have developed real-time PCR assays specific for horse and donkey, applicable to the detection of low levels of horse or donkey meat in commercial products. Primers, designed to the mitochondrial cytochrome b gene, were 3′ mismatched to closely related and other commercial species. Amplification of non-target species DNA was prevented by truncation of primers at the 5′ position, thereby conferring complete specificity. Both assays were highly sensitive and detected the presence of 1 pg of donkey template DNA or 25 pg of horse template DNA when assessed using dilutions of DNA in water. Model food samples, spiked with horse or donkey muscle and commercial products containing horse, were successfully tested for the presence of horse or donkey, demonstrating the applicability of the assays to food products.     

Duplex PCR approach for the detection and quantification of donkey,horse and mule in raw and heat‐processed meat products

Donkey‐related products have been paid more attention for their high nutritional value to human beings. Due to donkey resource scarcity, coupled with gradually increasing market demand, adulterated donkey meat products with other low‐cost animal meat, especially with the similar species horse and mule, are often found in market. Therefore, detection of species fraud in donkey meat products is important for consumer protection and food industries. In this study, a simple and highly specific duplex PCR method, based on the simultaneous amplification of fragments of the mitochondrial ATP synthase subunit 8/6 and ND2, was developed and optimised for the identification of horse, donkey and mule species in raw and heat‐processed meat products. To the best of our knowledge, it was the first time for this strategy applied to these three genetically related animal meat products differentiation to date. The duplex PCR generated a 153‐bp and 83‐bp amplification products for horse and donkey, respectively. While for mule, both of the two length amplification products are appeared on the agarose gel. Target meat species could be detected at a level of 1%, and the results indicated that the duplex PCR assay could be used in the authentification of donkey‐related products with high specificity, cost‐effectiveness and simplicity.     

Detection of Raw Pork Targeting Porcine-Specific Mitochondrial Cytochrome B Gene by Molecular Beacon Probe Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction

Pork identification in raw meat using real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was developed. Total DNA from meat samples were successfully extracted and found to be of high quality and produced clear PCR products. Porcine-specific molecular beacon probe and primers that amplifies 119 bp of the cytochrome b gene fragment of swine (Sus scrofa domestica) was used. Analysis of data showed that the C _q (quantification cycle) from 10 ng/μl porcine DNA is (18.70 ± 0.12 to 19.08 ± 0.06). Meanwhile, the other samples exhibited negative result, which confirmed the specificity of the primers. The method also showed that the limit of detection of pork was 0.0001 ng. Based on the regression analysis of the standard curve, the 96% efficiency of real-time PCR was achieved with high correlation coefficient (r ² = 0.9989). Sensitivity of the assay in discriminating pork as low as 0.1% (w/w) pork in pork–beef mixtures was also obtained. Reproducibility of the assay was successfully validated by applying sample and experimental replicates in every assay being conducted. Thus, this methodology could serve as a fast and sensitive method for detection of pork for meat species verification.     

Species-specific multiplex real-time PCR assay for identification of deer and common domestic animals

A multiplex real-time PCR method for discriminating deer and common domestic species, including cattle, goat, horse, donkey, pig, and chicken was developed. Species-specific primer pairs were designed and used to produce different size DNA fragments with diverse melting temperature (T _m ) values. The specificity and sensitivity of these primer pairs were separately confirmed using simplex real-time PCR analysis. Multiplex real-time PCR analysis was performed using combined primers, yielding distinct melting curve profiles for each species. The sensitivity limit of the multiplex PCR method was evaluated. Trace DNA of other species in deer DNA could be identified. Common deer products, including blood, meat, and antler were tested using this multiplex PCR method and different species of deer and domestic animals were identified. The rapid multiplex real-time PCR assay described herein is a specific, sensitive, and reliable method for high-throughput authentication of deer and domestic animal products.     

Application of the novel Droplet digital PCR technology for identification of meat species

The authenticity and traceability of meat products are issues of primary importance to ensure food safety. Unfortunately, food adulteration (e.g. the addition of inexpensive cuts to minced meat products) and mislabelling (e.g. the inclusion of meat from species other than those declared) happens frequently worldwide. The aim of this study was to apply a droplet digital PCR assay for the detection and quantification (copies μL⁻¹) of the beef, pork, horse, sheep, chicken and turkey in meat products. The analysis conducted on commercial meat showed the presence of traces of DNA from other animal species than those declared. We show that the method is highly sensitive, specific and accurate (accuracy = 100%). This method could be adopted by competent food safety authorities to verify compliance with the labelling of meat products and to ensure quality and safety throughout the meat supply chain, from primary production to consumption.     

实时荧光PCR定量检测肉制品中猪源性成分

为了准确可靠地对肉制品中猪源性成分进行定量检测,通过生物信息学方法筛选到猪细胞核单拷贝基因(carcinoembryonic antigen-related cell adhesion molecule 2-like,CACA).以CACA基因为扩增靶标,设计了特异性引物、TaqMan探针,建立了基于实时荧光定量PCR...     

Practical Molecular Detection Method of Beef and Pork in Meat and Meat Products by Intercalating Dye Based Duplex Real-Time Polimerase Chain Reaction

In this study, a rapid, specific, and low-cost duplex-detection technique of pork and beef was developed by a real-time polimerase chain reaction assay based on fluorescence. Deoxyribonucleic acid was extracted from variable mixtures of pork and beef in sausage and industrial products to develop the duplex assay using the GIDAGEN^® Multi-Fast DNA Isolation Kit. Identification of genomes was accomplished in the same tube by their distinctive melting peak, which was 87.5°C for pork and 80.5°C for beef, respectively. The detection limit of the method was 0.01 ng/µL deoxyribonucleic acidor 0.001% target pork and beef in sausage. The results showed that the intercalating dye based duplex real-time polimerase chain reaction is a potentially sensitive, reliable, and practical assay for the detection of meat species adulterated with beef and pork.     

基于便携式荧光定量PCR仪定量检测驴肉中掺假鸭肉

为建立快速方便的驴肉制品分子鉴定方法,本文以驴肉和常见的掺假肉类(鸭肉)为研究对象,筛选特异性引物和TaqMan探针,利用便携式Mini8 Plus实时荧光定量PCR仪进行灵敏度和特异性实验,通过绘制扩增标准曲线及确定驴肉和鸭肉的质量与DNA比值常数,对不同掺入比例(加入定量的鸭肉制成含量分别为20%、40%、60%、80%)的模拟样品和实际驴肉样品进行检测。结果显示,该方法对驴、鸭肉均具有良好的特异性,可以与马、猪、山羊、梅花鹿、牛、鸡、狗肉明显区分;对驴源性DNA成分的检出限为0.01 ng/μL,鸭源性DNA成分的检出限为0.1 ng/μL,对驴肉与鸭肉混合物中鸭肉成分的灵敏度为0.1%(w/w);所建立的标准曲线线性关系良好,驴肉DNA扩增标准曲线:y=-3.584x+27.003,R²=0.9982;鸭肉DNA扩增标准曲线:y=-3.538x+30.907,R²=0.9991;采用已建立的方法对35份驴肉样本进行市场试点调查,发现6份(17.1%)驴肉样本中含有鸭肉成分。以上研究结果说明,该实时荧光定量PCR方法可用于驴肉产品中其他...     

Species identification in meat products using real-time PCR

One of the most convenient methods for the identification of animal species in processed meat products is the examination of DNA sequences. Real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) techniques are particularly suitable because even small fragments of DNA formed during heat processing of the meat can be amplified and identified. A real-time PCR method has been developed and evaluated for the identification of processed meat products. In test mixtures containing beef, pork, horse, mutton, chicken and turkey, it was possible to identify these species down to a level of 0.05%. By adjusting the number of cycles, it was possible to detect levels as low as 0.01% of these species. Cross-reactivity between these species was not found, except for pure horsemeat (250 ng DNA) in the assay for turkey meat. Cross-reactivity of deer, roe, ostrich, kangaroo, goat, domestic duck, mallard, goose, pigeon, guinea fowl, quail and pheasant was also investigated and it was found that amounts as high as 250 ng DNA of these species in the reaction vial did not result in (false) positive signals except for amounts higher than 125 ng deer DNA and higher than 50 ng pigeon DNA in the determination of chicken and beef, respectively. More than 150 meat samples were examined using DNA hybridization and real-time PCR. A comparison of the results showed a better performance of the real-time procedure compared to DNA hybridization.     

Species identification in meat products using real-time PCR.

One of the most convenient methods for the identification of animal species in processed meat products is the examination of DNA sequences. Real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) techniques are particularly suitable because even small fragments of DNA formed during heat processing of the meat can be amplified and identified. A real-time PCR method has been developed and evaluated for the identification of processed meat products. In test mixtures containing beef, pork, horse, mutton, chicken and turkey, it was possible to identify these species down to a level of 0.05%. By adjusting the number of cycles, it was possible to detect levels as low as 0.01% of these species. Cross-reactivity between these species was not found, except for pure horsemeat (250 ng DNA) in the assay for turkey meat. Cross-reactivity of deer, roe, ostrich, kangaroo, goat, domestic duck, mallard, goose, pigeon, guinea fowl, quail and pheasant was also investigated and it was found that amounts as high as 250 ng DNA of these species in the reaction vial did not result in (false) positive signals except for amounts higher than 125 ng deer DNA and higher than 50 ng pigeon DNA in the determination of chicken and beef, respectively. More than 150 meat samples were examined using DNA hybridization and real-time PCR. A comparison of the results showed a better performance of the real-time procedure compared to DNA hybridization.     

Species identification in meat products using real-time PCR

One of the most convenient methods for the identification of animal species in processed meat products is the examination of DNA sequences. Real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) techniques are particularly suitable because even small fragments of DNA formed during heat processing of the meat can be amplified and identified. A real-time PCR method has been developed and evaluated for the identification of processed meat products. In test mixtures containing beef, pork, horse, mutton, chicken and turkey, it was possible to identify these species down to a level of 0.05%. By adjusting the number of cycles, it was possible to detect levels as low as 0.01% of these species. Cross-reactivity between these species was not found, except for pure horsemeat (250 ng DNA) in the assay for turkey meat. Cross-reactivity of deer, roe, ostrich, kangaroo, goat, domestic duck, mallard, goose, pigeon, guinea fowl, quail and pheasant was also investigated and it was found that amounts as high as 250 ng DNA of these species in the reaction vial did not result in (false) positive signals except for amounts higher than 125 ng deer DNA and higher than 50 ng pigeon DNA in the determination of chicken and beef, respectively. More than 150 meat samples were examined using DNA hybridization and real-time PCR. A comparison of the results showed a better performance of the real-time procedure compared to DNA hybridization.     

TaqMan probe real‐time polymerase chain reaction targeting the ATPase 6 gene for the detection of pork adulteration in meat and meatballs

We developed an assay for detecting pork adulteration in meat and meatballs using real‐time polymerase chain reaction involving specific primers and a TaqMan probe targeting the porcine mitochondrial (mt) ATPase 6 gene. We proved the specificity of the probe by showing no amplification from DNA isolated from six different meat‐providing species: cattle, dog, mouse, chicken, goat, and horse. On the contrary, DNA isolated from pork was positive for amplification, with a Ct (threshold cycle) of 18.69 using a standard amount of DNA template (50 ng). The presence of matrix and food processing steps in meatball sample had no influence on the specificity of the probe. The developed technique also has a good repeatability (CV, coefficient of variation = 3.86% for meat and 5.07% for meatballs), showing good linearity and sensitivity, with a limit of detection up to 5 pg of pork total DNA, which equivalent to approximately 6.8 copies of pork mtDNA. In addition, the analysis of spiked pork in beef meatballs showed that the method could determine up to 1% pork contamination. Moreover, the system was successfully applied to detect pork adulteration in commercial meatballs by detecting the presence of pork DNA in two samples.     

实时荧光聚合酶链式反应法检测食品中猫源性成分

根据猫线粒体烟酰胺腺嘌呤二核苷酸氧化还原酶亚基1（ND1）基因中的保守序列设计猫特异性引物和TaqMan探针,建立食品中猫源性成分的实时荧光聚合酶链式反应（polymerase chain reaction,PCR）检测方法。通过实时荧光PCR反复验证,结果表明,引物和TaqMan探针对猫源性成分的特异性良好,检测灵敏度可达1 pg,适用于食品中猫源性成分的快速鉴定。通过对随机抽取的市售肉制品的检测,尚未发现掺有猫源性成分的行为。     

可视化LAMP检测常见肉制品中猪肉成分

根据GenBank中公布的猪线粒体色素细胞b基因序列设计6 条特异性环介导等温扩增（loop-mediated isothermal amplification,LAMP）引物,通过简化线粒体DNA提取步骤,优化反应体系,以常见的牛、羊、鸡、鸭、马、驴肉为阴性对照验证该方法的特异性,掺假率梯度稀释以验证该LAMP法的最低检测限,建立常见肉制品中猪肉成分的可视化LAMP检测方法。结果表明：该方法提取目的基因操作简单、稳定,该可视化LAMP检测法以4-(2-吡啶偶氮)-间苯二酚钠盐为指示剂,能准确检测出常见肉类中猪肉是否掺杂,检测结果肉眼可见,灵敏度为10 pg/μL。     

4种动物源性成分多重real-time PCR检测方法的建立及其在驴肉制品检测中的应用

建立一种同时快速检测驴、马、猪及鸭源性成分的四重实时聚合酶链式反应(real-time polymerase chain reaction,real-time PCR)方法。分别以4种源性成分的Nad5、ATpase6、ATP8、cytb基因为靶基因设计特异性引物和Taq Man探针,以18S r RNA基因为内参基因,建立多重real-time PCR方法,并对该方法进行方法学验证,同时对不同掺入比例模拟样品、不同加工工艺模拟样品和实际驴肉样品进行检测。结果显示,该方法具有高通量、特异性强、灵敏度高等优点。当Ct值≤35.0时,方法对16种非目标源性具有良好特异性;灵敏度可检测到质量浓度为2×10^-4 ng/μL的模板DNA;对生肉的检出限为肉含量的0.001%,对熟肉制品的检出限为肉含量的0.01%;对100份实际样品进行检测,结果与标准方法一致,说明建立的多重real-time PCR法可用于肉及肉制品中常见掺假源性成分的检测。     

Detection of meat species using TaqMan real-time PCR assays

Species-specific real-time PCR (TaqMan) assays were developed for detection of beef, pork, lamb, chicken and turkey. Assays were developed around small (amplicons <150 base pairs) regions of the mitochondrial cytochrome b (cytb) gene. Speciation was achieved using species-specific primers. For detection purposes, two TaqMan probes were developed; the first was specific to the mammalian species (beef, lamb and pork), the second to the poultry species (chicken and turkey). Normal end-point TaqMan PCR conditions were applied; however, PCR was limited to 30 cycles. Applying the assays to DNA extracts from raw meat admixtures, it was possible to detect each species when spiked in any other species at a 0.5% level. The absolute level of detection, for each species, was not determined; however, experimentally determined limits for beef, lamb and turkey were below 0.1%.     

Swine-Specific PCR-RFLP Assay Targeting Mitochondrial Cytochrome B Gene for Semiquantitative Detection of Pork in Commercial Meat Products

Verification of pork adulteration in commercial meat products is increasingly important for the authentication of Halal labels in processed foods. Here, we documented a PCR–restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) assay with high precision and reproducibility for the tracing of porcine DNA in commercial meat products. The assay combined the species-specific primers to selectively amplify a short fragment (109 bp) of porcine cytochrome b gene from a heterogeneous background of genomic DNAs followed by RFLP analysis to authenticate real amplicon. The analysis of PCR products and restriction digests was automated in a chip-based capillary electrophoresis incorporated in Agilent 2100 bioanalyzer. The swine specificity of the assay was checked with 11 different meat-providing animal and fish species. Model experiments, mimicking the processed foods, were performed in binary and ternary mixtures after mechanical grinding and prolonged autoclaving. Finally, four types of the most popular finished meat products (meatball, streaky beacon, frankfurter, and burger) which are prevalent in the Malaysian food market were analyzed in order to verify the assay performance. The assay was sensitive enough to detect 0.0001 ng of swine DNA in pure formats and 0.01% (w/w) spiked pork in extensively processed ternary mixture of pork, beef, and wheat flour.