Identification of 11 sea cucumber species by species-specific PCR method

A species-specific PCR (polymerase chain reaction) method was developed to identify the 11 sea cucumber species, even in highly processed food samples such as frozen or dried sea cucumbers (beche-de-mer). Universal primers were used for the amplification of 16S rRNA gene in each species. The alignment of the obtained sequences was the basis for the design of 11 species-specific reverse primers located in the 16S rRNA gene region. The developed species-specific PCR method was successfully applied to authenticate species of commercial sea cucumber products. Therefore, this method really provides a simple, fast and reliable protocol for the accurate identification of sea cucumber species, and also can be very useful for correct labeling of commercial products, traceability, and protection of the consumer's rights.

► 16S rRNA gene of sea cucumbers was employed for eleven sets of species-specific primer design.
► The method assigned each individuals to one species.
► Both frozen and dried products could be detected.
► This method showed good accuracy and sensitivity.