ICAR-CIFT Secures Patent for Novel Biosensor Technology to Authenticate Black Tiger Shrimp

The ICAR-Central Institute of Fisheries Technology (ICAR-CIFT), Kochi, has been granted a patent for a novel biosensor technology for the rapid and accurate authentication of Black Tiger Shrimp (Penaeus monodon), one of India's most valuable seafood export commodities. The innovation represents a significant advancement in seafood authentication and is expected to strengthen food safety, traceability, and consumer confidence while supporting the competitiveness of Indian seafood exports.

The patented technology employs a species-specific DNA nucleotide probe integrated with an electrochemical biosensor based on Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS). The biosensor enables rapid, sensitive, and highly specific identification of P. monodon, offering a practical alternative to conventional molecular techniques such as Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR), which require sophisticated laboratory infrastructure and longer analysis time.

Validation studies demonstrated that the biosensor accurately identifies P. monodon without cross-reactivity with other seafood species. The technology has also been shown to authenticate the species in a wide range of processed seafood products, including frozen, cooked, fried, and canned shrimp, making it suitable for routine quality assurance and regulatory applications.

Seafood mislabelling and species substitution have emerged as major challenges in the global seafood trade, affecting consumer confidence, market transparency, and regulatory compliance. As P. monodon commands a premium value in domestic and international markets, rapid and reliable authentication tools are essential to prevent food fraud and ensure product integrity. The patented biosensor technology addresses these challenges by providing a cost-effective and user-friendly platform for species authentication across the seafood value chain.

The technology is expected to benefit seafood processors, exporters, quality assurance laboratories, food safety regulators, inspection agencies, and certification bodies by enabling faster verification of shrimp authenticity and strengthening traceability systems. Its adoption can contribute to improved quality assurance, enhanced export competitiveness, and greater confidence among global buyers of Indian seafood.

The patented invention was developed by Dr. Lidiya Wilwet, Dr. Toms C. Joseph, and Dr. P. Muhamed Ashraf, scientists of ICAR-CIFT.