Edible insects are becoming popular as new foods or alternatives in many countries around the world. In Korea, six insect species have recently been approved for edible use. However, few analytical methods provide accurate information about the presence of insect species in processed foods. In this study, we developed a real-time PCR assay based on a TaqMan probe that can be performed to detect six edible insect species allowed in Korea. Six sets of real-time PCRs were designed to detect Bombyx Mori, Gryllus bimaculatus, Tenebrio molitor, Trypoxylus dichotomus, Protaetia brevitarsis, and Oxya chinensis. The designed insect specific primer pair and probe target the mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase subunit I gene. The specificity of each primer pair and probe was verified using various non-target insects and crustaceans and no cross-reactivity was obtained against the non-target species. The limit of detection of these assays was 1 to 0.1pg of each insect DNA. The real-time PCR developed in this study is a specific and sensitive method for identifying edible insects in various food samples.

Development of real-time PCR method for six edible insects approved in Korea

2019 Spring National Meeting

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