DNA Barcoding Meets Nanotechnology: Development of a Universal Colorimetric Test for Food Authentication

Food trade globalization and the growing demand for selected food varieties have led to the intensification of adulteration cases, especially in the form of species substitution and mixing with cheaper taxa. This phenomenon has huge economic impact and sometimes even public health implications. DNA barcoding represents a well‐proven molecular approach to assess the authenticity of food items, although its use is hampered by analytical constraints and timeframes that are often prohibitive for the food market. To address such issues, we have introduced a new technology, named NanoTracer, that allows for rapid and naked‐eye molecular traceability of any food and requires limited instrumentation and cost‐effective reagents. Moreover, unlike sequencing, this method can be used to identify not only the substitution of a fine ingredient, but also its dilution with cheaper ones. NanoTracer is a rapid, universal test for the genetic authentication of any food. Unlike standard DNA barcoding technologies, which are based on sequencing, it requires only simple instrumentation and detects both the complete substitution and the dilution/mixing of food ingredients. It can be used along the whole food supply chain to effectively prevent food frauds.