Detection and Identification of Kratom (Mitragyna speciosa) and Marijuana (Cannabis sativa) by a Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction High-Resolution Melt Duplex Assay, |
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Authors: | Ashley F. Cowan M.S.F.S. Kelly M. Elkins Ph.D. |
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Affiliation: | Chemistry Department, Forensic Science Program, Towson University, 8000 York Rd, Towson, MD, 21252 |
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Abstract: | Mitragyna speciosa (MS), a plant commonly known as kratom, is a widely used “legal high” opiate alternative for pain relief. DNA extracted from MS and 26 additional plant species was amplified by PCR using primers targeting the strictosidine beta-D-glucosidase (SGD) and secologanin synthase 2 (SLS2) genes and detected by high-resolution melt curves using three intercalating dyes. Amplicon sizes were confirmed using agarose gel electrophoresis. The observed melt temperatures for SGD and SLS2 were 77.08 ± 0.38°C and 77.61 ± 0.46°C, respectively, using SYBR® Green I; 80.18 ± 0.27°C and 80.59 ± 0.08°C, respectively, using Radiant™ Green; and 82.19 ± 0.04°C and 82.62 ± 0.13°C, respectively, using the LCGreen® PLUS dye. The SLS2 primers demonstrated higher specificity and identified MS DNA at 0.05 ng/μL. In a duplex reaction, SLS2 and tetrahydrocannabinoic acid synthase gene primers detected and differentiated MS and Cannabis sativa (CS) by melt peaks at 82.63 ± 0.35°C and 85.58 ± 0.23°C, respectively, using LCGreen® PLUS. |
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Keywords: | forensic science polymerase chain reaction high-resolution melt Mitragyna speciosa kratom Cannabis sativa marijuana duplex assay |
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