Author(s): Takeshi Watanabe; Marie Hayashi Strand; Yuki Kadowaki; Nobutaka Maki; Toshihiro Hamada; Kosuke Ikeda; Takashi Fukuzawa; Toshinori Ohashi; Hideyuki Doi

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Abstract: Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) is a biological technique used to amplify copies of DNA and is commonly used within qualitative and quantitative analysis of environmental DNA (eDNA). In this study, we developed and tested a real-time mobile PCR device to detect eDNA of freshwater fish species. This PCR device is not only more compact (approx. 200x100x50mm) than the standard PCR device, but it also shortens the usual DNA detection process to a fourth of its time duration. This was achieved by pairing a small fluorescence detector with a miniature plastic board containing a micro-channel, into which the eDNA sample can be injected and amplified. Using high-speed PCR reagents and species-specific primers, we can then detect the presence of the targeted fish species from the eDNA sample in less than 15 minutes (excluding the time for pretreatment). Although until now eDNA testing was only made possible in laboratories using large, stationary equipment, with this new device, eDNA can be detected rapidly on-field.

DOI:

Year: 2018