Development of Loop-Mediated Isothermal Amplification (LAMP) Assays for the Rapid Authentication of Three Swimming Crab Species

Abstract

Blue swimming crab meat is easily adulterated by other crab meats with a lower price. A potential authentication method is required to prevent mislabeling. LAMP assays were established to identify the meat of blue swimming crab, crucifix crab, and three spotted swimming crab. The primers were designed using PrimerExplorer V5. The specificity of the LAMP assay was tested compared to the PCR method. The sensitivity was conducted at the DNA concentrations of 0.4–50 ng/reaction. The results demonstrated that both LAMP and PCR could discriminate all species of crabs. LAMP showed a superior sensitivity to PCR in the three spotted swimming crab, while a similar result between LAMP and PCR was obtained in blue swimming crab. No changes in the detection efficacy were attained when boiled and steamed crab meats were applied. Therefore, the LAMP assay developed could potentially be applicable to detect the adulteration or mislabeling of raw or cooked crab meat in markets.