LAUSR

Abstract Saffron (Crocus sativus), one of the most expensive herbs in China, has been subject to various types of adulteration as a consequence of its high price and limited production. The present work describes a sensitive, efficient and simple technique for on-site saffron identification. Recombinase polymerase amplification (RPA) in combination with a universal lateral flow immunoassay strip (saffron RPA-LFD) was employed for rapid visual detection of saffron. This assay was able to detect saffron in less than 15 min at 37 °C. This assay was highly sensitive with detection limits of 1 pg genomic DNA, and highly specific, with no cross-reaction with common saffron adulterants. This proposed simple and sensitive assay is well-suited for rapid molecular detection of saffron, with results in the form of the presence (positive bands) or absence (no positive bands) of bands.