Multiplex-PCR method application to identify duck blood and its adulterated varieties

Area of Science:

• Food Science
• Molecular Biology
• Forensic Science

Background:

• Duck blood is a common food ingredient, but its authenticity is often compromised by adulteration with other animal bloods.
• Detecting adulteration is crucial for food safety, regulatory compliance, and consumer protection.
• Existing methods for identifying blood sources can be time-consuming or lack specificity.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and validate a Multiplex-PCR method for distinguishing duck blood from common adulterants.
• To establish a rapid, accurate, and sensitive technique for verifying the authenticity of duck blood products.
• To assess the prevalence of adulteration in locally sourced duck blood samples.

Main Methods:

• Genomic DNA extraction from duck blood and potential adulterants using a high-throughput method.
• Design of specific primers targeting the cytochrome b gene for multiplex PCR.
• Optimization of the Five-plex PCR reaction system and conditions for specificity, repeatability, and sensitivity.

Main Results:

• The developed Multiplex-PCR (Five-plex) method demonstrated high specificity, repeatability, and sensitivity.
• Analysis of nine local duck blood samples revealed instances of adulteration.
• The method successfully identified counterfeit animal blood in duck blood products.

Conclusions:

• The Multiplex-PCR system provides an accurate and efficient tool for detecting adulterated animal blood in duck blood products.
• This technology effectively identifies counterfeit products and confirms the authenticity of genuine duck blood.
• The findings highlight the need for stringent quality control in the duck blood market.