eDNA Metabarcoding

eDNA Metabarcoding

CD BioSciences offers cutting-edge eDNA metabarcoding services for accurate and efficient identification of species within diverse ecosystems. Our expertise empowers researchers, conservationists, and environmental managers with critical biodiversity data to inform decision-making and promote ecological sustainability.

Fig 1. eDNA Metabarcoding Process (Daniel Z.A., et al., 2019)

Introduction to eDNA Metabarcoding

Environmental DNA (eDNA) metabarcoding is a revolutionary molecular technique used to identify species present in an environment by analyzing DNA shed by organisms. This approach offers a powerful alternative to traditional biodiversity surveys, which can be time-consuming, invasive, and limited in their ability to detect elusive or rare species.

eDNA metabarcoding leverages the fact that organisms continuously release DNA into their surroundings through skin cells, feces, mucus, and other biological material. By extracting and analyzing this eDNA from environmental samples like water, soil, or sediment, we can gain a comprehensive understanding of the species inhabiting an ecosystem.

Technical Principles

eDNA metabarcoding workflow involves the following steps:

eDNA Collection: We employ rigorous sampling protocols tailored to your specific needs and target organisms. This ensures the collection of representative eDNA samples from the environment.
DNA Extraction and Purification: We utilize advanced laboratory techniques to extract DNA from the collected samples and purify it to remove potential inhibitors.
PCR Amplification: We use specific primers to amplify targeted DNA regions, typically mitochondrial or ribosomal genes, which contain unique sequences for different species. Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) is used to create millions of copies of these targeted regions.
High-Throughput Sequencing: The amplified DNA is sequenced using next-generation sequencing technologies, generating millions of DNA sequences. This allows us to capture the genetic diversity present in the sample.
Bioinformatic Analysis: We utilize sophisticated bioinformatic pipelines to process the sequencing data, filter out errors, cluster similar sequences, and compare them to reference databases for species identification.
Data Interpretation and Reporting: We provide detailed reports with comprehensive species lists, diversity indices, and statistical analyses tailored to your research questions.

Technical Features

Non-invasive: eDNA metabarcoding does not require the capture or handling of organisms, minimizing disturbance to ecosystems and enabling the study of sensitive or endangered species.
Highly Sensitive: It can detect the presence of species even when they are rare, elusive, or present in low abundance.

Comprehensive: It can identify a wide range of taxa from various groups, including bacteria, fungi, plants, and animals, providing a holistic view of biodiversity.
Efficient and Cost-Effective: It can be more efficient and cost-effective than traditional surveys, especially for large-scale or long-term monitoring projects.

Technical Classification

Targeted Metabarcoding: This approach focuses on specific taxonomic groups, such as fish, amphibians, or invertebrates, using primers designed to amplify DNA from those groups. It is ideal for projects with well-defined research questions and target organisms.
Universal Metabarcoding: This approach uses primers that can amplify DNA from a broad range of organisms, providing a comprehensive overview of biodiversity in a sample. It is suitable for exploratory studies and biodiversity assessments where the target species are unknown.
Quantitative Metabarcoding: This approach aims to estimate the relative abundance of different species in a sample by analyzing the number of DNA sequences associated with each species. It is useful for monitoring population trends and assessing the impact of environmental changes.

Application Filds

eDNA metabarcoding services can be applied to a wide range of fields, including:

Biodiversity Monitoring: Assess species richness, community composition, and changes in biodiversity over time in various ecosystems.
Conservation Biology: Monitor endangered species, detect population declines, identify critical habitats, and inform conservation strategies.
Fisheries Management: Assess fish stocks, identify bycatch species, and monitor the impact of fishing activities.
Invasive Species Detection: Detect the presence and spread of invasive species, facilitating early intervention and management.
Environmental Impact Assessment: Evaluate the impact of human activities, such as pollution, habitat alteration, or climate change, on biodiversity.
Paleoecology: Reconstruct past ecosystems and study ancient DNA preserved in sediments or ice cores.

Environmental Benefits

eDNA metabarcoding offers significant environmental benefits compared to traditional survey methods:
Reduced disturbance to ecosystems: By eliminating the need to capture or handle organisms, eDNA metabarcoding minimizes stress and disturbance to sensitive habitats and species.
Reduced carbon footprint: Compared to traditional surveys that often require extensive travel and fieldwork, eDNA metabarcoding can reduce the carbon footprint associated with biodiversity research.
Enhanced conservation efforts: By providing accurate and comprehensive biodiversity data, eDNA metabarcoding can inform conservation strategies and help protect endangered species and their habitats.

Our Services

As a leading bio-environmental company, we are proud to offer our state-of-the-art eDNA metabarcoding services, which stand at the forefront of biodiversity assessment and species identification. Our services are designed to meet the demands of ecological research, conservation efforts, and environmental monitoring. Here's an overview of what we provide:

Comprehensive Biodiversity Assessments: Utilizing eDNA Metabarcoding, we assess species richness and community composition across various ecosystems, including aquatic and terrestrial environments.
Habitat and Conservation Monitoring: We monitor changes in biodiversity over time, providing valuable data for habitat conservation and ecological restoration projects.
Invasive Species Detection: Our services include the early detection of invasive species, which is crucial for implementing timely management strategies.
Ancient Ecosystem Reconstruction: By analyzing sediment samples, we can provide insights into historical biodiversity and ecosystem dynamics.

Plant-Pollinator Interaction Studies: Our eDNA Metabarcoding services can reveal the complex interactions between plants and their pollinators, aiding in the conservation of these vital ecological relationships.
Diet Analysis: We use eDNA Metabarcoding to analyze the dietary content of predators, providing detailed information on their prey and foraging habits.
Pollution Response and Air Quality Monitoring: Our services extend to assessing the impact of pollution on biodiversity and monitoring air quality through eDNA analysis.

Distinctive Service Features

Non-Invasive Sampling: Our eDNA metabarcoding approach minimizes disturbance to ecosystems and species, making it an ethical choice for biodiversity monitoring.
High-Throughput Sequencing: We employ next-generation sequencing technologies to generate comprehensive data on species presence and biodiversity.

Expertise in Molecular Biology: Our team consists of experts in molecular biology and ecology, ensuring accurate and reliable results.
Advanced Computational Tools: We utilize cutting-edge bioinformatics tools to analyze and interpret the vast amount of data generated by eDNA Metabarcoding.

Contact Us

By choosing our eDNA metabarcoding services, you are leveraging the power of modern molecular biology to gain unprecedented insights into the biodiversity of your study area. Contact us today to discuss how we can assist with your ecological research needs.

How to Place an Order

Reference

Daniel Z.A., Noor M.A., et al "Environmental DNA (eDNA) Metabarcoding as a Sustainable Tool of Coastal Biodiversity Assessment" Universities as Living Labs for Sustainable Development 2019, 32:211-225.

Our products and services are for research use only and cannot be used for any clinical purposes.

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