On-site genetic analysis for species identification using lab-on-a-chip

Wimbles, R, Melling, LM, Cain, B, Davies, N, Doherty, J, Johnson, B and Shaw, KJ (2021) On-site genetic analysis for species identification using lab-on-a-chip. Ecology and Evolution, 11 (4). pp. 1535-1543. ISSN 2045-7758

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Abstract

© 2020 The Authors. Ecology and Evolution published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd This paper presents a microfluidic device capable of performing genetic analysis on dung samples to identify White Rhinoceros (Ceratotherium simum). The development of a microfluidic device, which can be used in the field, offers a portable and cost-effective solution for DNA analysis and species identification to aid conservation efforts. Optimization of the DNA extraction processes produced equivalent yields compared to conventional kit-based methods within just 5 minutes. The use of a color-changing loop-mediated isothermal amplification reaction for simultaneous detection of the cytochrome B sequence of C. simum enabled positive results to be obtained within as little as 30 minutes. Field testing was performed at Knowsley Safari to demonstrate real-world applicability of the microfluidic device for testing of biological samples.