Five swine mt-genome-specific DNA markers suitable for biosensor application in
terms of specificity and lengths were developed. Theoretical studies showed that all the probes
contained at least 10% mismatches with closely related species. DNA markers bearing this
extent of polymorphism should be better at discriminating species in biosensing devices,
which are highly sensitive in discriminating even single-base mismatches (single nucleotide
polymorphism). To support the theoretical studies, a swine-specific hybrid nanobioprobe
was constructed by the covalent integration of an 18-nucleotide swine probe to a 3-nm gold
nanoparticle. The probe successfully detected and quantified the presence of 1% pork DNA in
extensively autoclaved pork-beef binary admixtures. No cross-species detection was recorded
in a model experiment with four most common meat species, suggesting that the hybrid nanobioprobe
could be used for the analysis of pork adulteration in halal and kosher meats and
meat products.