Automated technology for rapid marine eDNA sampling and detection

HJ Science & Technology has developed a novel approach for concentration and purification of environmental DNA (eDNA) in ocean water.  The method is highly amenable to automation and autonomous operation, significantly reduces the required sample volumes, and is highly efficient for both intracellular and extracellular DNA detection. Our proposed phase I technology will leverage this method to develop fully automated eDNA concentration and purification, with integrated downstream detection and analysis. The overall Phase I technical goal is to combine and automate the procedures for concentration and purification of eDNA in ocean water with qPCR detection of target sequences in order to determine the feasibility of the proposed technology for autonomous operation in an unmanned underwater vehicle. If successful, the proposed marine eDNA technology will have capability for autonomous operation and detection sensitivity equivalent to traditional laboratory-based methods for eDNA analysis. We will also design the Phase II prototype with performance and physical specifications including reduction in size, power consumption, and consumables. Successful development of the proposed marine eDNA sampling and analysis technology will enable remote monitoring of the biological communities and human uses of the world's ocean, which is currently very challenging.