eDNA frontiers

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Deployed by 4 companies

Environmental DNA | Biomonitoring Solutions

Page last modified

April 11 2024

A rapidly emerging technology transforming how biodiversity audits are done in environmental studies. Environmental DNA (eDNA) is ubiquitous in the environment and holds powerful biological information. By applying innovative molecular biological techniques it’s possible to target and identify rare organisms amongst entire communities across taxonomic groups simultaneously. Sampling can be from complex multi-species biological substrates such as water, biofoul, sediment or faecal material thereby removing the need to observe, collect and identify organisms leading to substantial time and money savings.

Pros & Limitations

Provides a rapid and simultaneous assessment of entire communities across taxonomic groups from an environmental sample

Delivers a wealth of information for studies of biodiversity, invasive marine species monitoring, environmental impacts, ecosystem health, food web dynamics, diet analysis

Uses unique ultra-clean environment for sample preparation – delivers confidence at uniquely low levels

Expertise in isolating and characterising eDNA from oil & gas structures

Uses powerful next generation sequencing with robust bioinformatic algorithms for species matching

No need to observe, collect and identify organisms from location

Broad range of assays; options for general identification, to specific tests for fish, marine mammals, sharks/rays, corals, crustaceans and many more

If species is unknown results will be classified in generic taxonomic units

Cannot provide species abundance measurements

Specification

Specification Title	Specification Description
Accuracy	Each DNA sample is sequenced and matched to databases leading to confirmed presence, unlike other qPCR methods. Ultra clean laboratory workspace provides unparalleled sensitivity.
Areas of Application	Oil and Gas \| Environment Impact Assessment \| Conservation and Biodiversity \| Port Monitoring and Shipping \| Invasive Species Detection \| Ecology Research
Capacity	Multiple levels of instrumental redundancy, cross training and dedicated resources to meet industry demands.
Collaboration	eDNA frontiers has a wide research collaboration experience with industry, government and academia, and continues to rapidly expand with a number of clients and partners in Australia and beyond.
Compliance	Maintains active biosecurity import permits and approved labs for handling of biological material, from overseas and contaminated areas. Quality Management System in place, with Standard Operating Protocols
Material	Encompasses multi-species biological substrates such as water, biofoul, sediment or faecal material.
Reporting	Total taxa to the lowest possible taxonomic level, presence/absence, basic statistics. Optional extra analysis of phylogenetic trees, CAP plots, PERMANOVA and more
Speed	Analysis time from sample to result is multiple weeks to months depending on sample type and project.
Suitability	Generic to specific tests available. Available range of ~20 assays that include general invasive marine species or eukaryote targeting assays, or specific organism targets (eg hard or soft coral assays).