A Two-Dimensional DNA Barcode System for Circulation Regulation of Traditional Chinese Medicine

Abstract

Circulation regulation of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) is challenging because of the complex varieties of TCM. As a matter of public health, the quality of TCM should be monitored. In our study, a two-dimensional DNA barcode system was constructed for circulation regulation of TCM. This system consisted of DNA barcode sequences and the cross-platform conversion of DNA barcode information. A total of 109 samples belonging to five medicinal materials, namely, Lini Semen, Sesami Semen Nigrum, Cannabis Semen, Ricini Semen, and Abutili Semen, were used for the construction of the system. Firstly, the sequences were obtained according to the DNA barcoding standard operating procedure (SOP). Secondly, the sequences were converted into quick response code (QR Code) images based on the open source PHP QR code. Finally, the species information was captured by scanning the QR code image using a mobile terminal and submitted to the system for confirmation. This combination of QR code and DNA barcode allows for the transfer of DNA sequence information across different platforms and provides standard QR code images for each TCM species. This study provides the theoretical basis for the application of two-dimensional DNA barcode technology for circulation regulation of TCM. This novel system allows for the effective monitoring of quality and promotes the modernization and internationalization of TCM.