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A Rapid and Efficient Loop-Mediated Isothermal Amplification (LAMP) Assay for the Authentication of Food Supplements Based on Maitake (Grifola frondosa)

Summary

This research developed a quick and accurate DNA-based test to verify if food supplements actually contain genuine Maitake mushroom as claimed on their labels. The test can detect very small amounts of Maitake DNA and distinguish it from other mushroom species, helping prevent fraud in the supplement industry. Impacts on everyday life: • Helps consumers know they are getting genuine Maitake supplements they paid for • Protects against fraudulent or mislabeled mushroom products in the marketplace • Enables better quality control throughout the supplement production process • Makes testing of supplements faster and more reliable • Could lead to similar tests for other valuable mushroom supplements

Background

Grifola frondosa (Maitake) is an edible fungus with nutraceutical properties widely used in traditional medicine. The increased use of Maitake in food supplements has created a need for accurate authentication methods since morphological identification is not feasible in formulated supplements. The world production of mushrooms with nutraceutical value has reached $18 billion, with China being the main producer covering 75% of global production.

Objective

To develop and validate a rapid diagnostic tool based on loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) for detecting G. frondosa in food supplements. The study aimed to create a specific and sensitive method that could authenticate Maitake ingredients in various commercial supplement formulations.

Results

The LAMP assay showed high specificity for G. frondosa with no cross-reactivity to other fungal species. The limit of detection was 0.62 pg/μL in water and 0.70 pg/μL in supplement matrix. The method successfully detected G. frondosa in 9 out of 10 tested commercial supplements, with detection times ranging from 7-35 minutes depending on product formulation. One product labeled as containing Maitake was found to actually contain Boletus sp. instead.

Conclusion

The developed LAMP assay provides a rapid, specific and sensitive method for authenticating G. frondosa in food supplements. The technique can detect less than 1 pg of Maitake DNA without cross-amplification and is suitable for processed products. This novel molecular approach can be applied to prevent food fraud and adulteration in Maitake-based supplements.
  • Published in:Food Analytical Methods,
  • Study Type:Laboratory Method Development,
  • Source: 10.1007/s12161-022-02235-0
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