Mr Ryo Iwamoto1, Mr Tomohiro Kuroita1, Dr. Qianqian Wu2, Prof. Toshifumi Minamoto2
1Advansentinel Inc, Osaka, Japan, 2Kobe University, Graduate School of Human Development and Environment, Kobe, Japan
Biography:
Ryo Iwamoto is the Director of the R&D division at AdvanSentinel, a joint venture company between Shionogi and Shimadzu. With a strong background as a molecular biologist, Ryo has dedicated years to advancing wastewater surveillance, developing highly sensitive detection methods. By merging his expertise in wastewater surveillance and the eDNA field, he is committed to contributing to the field in innovative ways.
Abstract:
Environmental DNA (eDNA) analysis has emerged as a crucial tool for non-invasive biodiversity monitoring, enabling the determination of species distribution and abundance without disrupting ecosystems. Traditional eDNA concentration methods, such as filtration with peristaltic pumps, are labor-intensive and require transporting sampled water. Although advancements such as the use of Sterivex aim to streamline processing, they still face efficiency challenges, particularly in highly turbid waters.
Maximizing eDNA extraction is paramount for accurate monitoring, demanding efficient DNA capture, extraction, and preservation. Although progress has been made in extraction and preservation, enhancing DNA capture efficiency has remained largely underexplored. This research introduces QuickConc, a novel nucleic acid capture method employing cationic substances to enhance the interaction between silica and eDNA. This method utilizes dispersible glass fiber sheets, significantly boosting binding efficiency and subsequently enhancing sensitivity. This facilitates a rapid, power-free on-site filtration process with high DNA yields.
Comparative analyses, conducted using water samples from rivers, seas, and ponds, demonstrated that QuickConc consistently outperforms traditional glass fiber filter and Sterivex in terms of eDNA yield. It also yielded higher amounts of eDNA for specific fish species. Metabarcoding analyses using the MiFish revealed that QuickConc detected a higher number of fish species in river water compared to other methods. In sea water, the number of fish species detected was comparable to other methods. QuickConc represents a substantial advancement in eDNA analysis, offering a more reliable, efficient, and field-applicable approach to biodiversity monitoring and informing conservation strategies.