The Evolution of DNA Typing in Agri-Food Chain

Abstract

Background: DNA typing has revolutionised not only diagnostics and forensics but also how we can analyse food. A number of techniques have been successfully applied for DNA analysis of plant-derived food however, unlike forensics, no method has become universally employed. Methods: A keyword-based search was performed using the ISI-Web of Science database to look for research articles on DNA testing in agri-food chain. After screening and eligibility check, the systematic review was performed focusing on the techniques used to detect DNA polymorphisms. Results: The collection and summarization of the eligible peer-reviewed empirical evidence indicated that PCR-based methods are the predominant technical approach for DNA testing in agri-food chain. Simple Sequences Repeats are the preferred DNA molecular markers. In recent years, DNA-sequencing is expanding, with the DNA barcoding representing the most popular option for species identification. Hypothesis-free NGS approaches are limited. Conclusions: The choice of the approach is mainly dictated by the aim of the genetic analysis (e.g. to distinguish plant species or varieties) and the need of quantitative information, more than the features of the food product or beverages. The importance of new technologies (e.g. NGS-based) is growing but their use remains narrow compared to the diagnostic sector.