Nanogold-Lateral Flow Assay for Ginseng DNA Differentiation

Different ginseng species, such as <i>Panax ginseng</i> and <i>Panax quinquefolius</i>, have various medicinal and economic values. Industrially and commercially, it is important to differentiate them. We have adopted the DNA hybridization method based on a single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) found in the ginseng DNA. The ginseng DNA samples were placed on a nitrocellulose membrane, and hybridization of the target sample with the probes immobilized on the membrane occurred, resulting in red spots for unaided eye visualization. We managed to demonstrate a spot test and then a lateral flow assay. Genomic DNAs were extracted from ginseng root samples and DNA amplification was used to generate the PCR products that flank the SNP site. We conclude that ginseng DNA can be differentiated based on a DNA lateral flow assay, detecting ~3 ng (in 1 μL) of PCR amplicons.