A Sorbent Technology for eDNA Collection and Concentration for Aquaculture Pathogen Detection

Disease outbreaks are being increasingly recognized as a significant constraint to aquacultureproduction and trade and are affecting economic development. Monitoring fish health for earlydetection of diseases is paramount to secure a safe and sustainable aquaculture industry.Environmental DNA (eDNA) is a promising tool that has not yet delivered its disruptive potentialfor aquaculture health monitoring. While sensitive and reliable eDNA detection techniques suchas PCR are widely available the major limitation today is the quality and reliability of eDNAsampling and purification techniques in aquaculture environments. During Phase I wedemonstrated the technical feasibility of a novel nanosorbent that captures 20 times more eDNAthus eliminating false results is 5 times faster and 80% less expensive. In this Phase II we will(1) conduct additional research to understand the sample volume needed for a reliable detection ofaquatic pathogens (2) develop a housing/delivery system for the nanosorbent to build a workingprototype that simplifies and streamlines the eDNA workflow and (3) conduct an independenttesting and validation of the prototype by academic and industry partners. The new technology isexpected to significantly enhance fish health monitoring thus enabling a better management ofsustainable and productive fisheries and aquaculture and improving food safety and security.Such development would also trigger a wide adoption of the eDNA technology by public and privatestakeholders and a rapid growth of the eDNA testing market. In addition the proposedtechnology would empower citizen science programs for bioconservation and monitoring ofaquatic invasive species.