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

• Main Authors: Ryan Wimbles, Louise M. Melling, Bradley Cain, Naomi Davies, Jason Doherty, Bridget Johnson, Kirsty J. Shaw
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Wiley 2021-02-01
• Series: Ecology and Evolution
• Subjects: conservation genetics; identification; lab‐on‐a‐chip; microfluidics; rhinoceros
• Online Access: https://doi.org/10.1002/ece3.7053
• ISSN: 2045-7758

Abstract 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.