eDNA metabarcoding enables the mapping of a complete species list from a variety of environmental samples, such as water and soil. With a single sample, the technique allows for the identification of multiple species across various taxonomic groups using universal primers developed by Sylphium. Instead of species-specific primers, these universal primers target the same DNA region for all species within a particular taxonomic group.
Using eDNA metabarcoding for water samples has several advantages, including the ability to generate a comprehensive species list for the entire fish, amphibian, reptile and mammal population in a water body. The technique requires only a single water sample, making it an easy and non-invasive method for monitoring aquatic biodiversity. Additionally, eDNA metabarcoding has a high detection rate for rare and difficult-to-capture species, such as those that are nocturnal or cryptic in nature.
eDNA metabarcoding is also useful for analyzing soil samples. By extracting DNA from soil, it is possible to identify a wide range of organisms, including bacteria, fungi, and nematodes. This can provide important information about the diversity and health of soil ecosystems.
Overall, Sylphium eDNA metabarcoding is a powerful tool for environmental monitoring and biodiversity assessment, allowing for the rapid and non-invasive analysis of multiple species from a single sample.
The advantages of eDNA metabarcoding are:
- obtaining a complete species list with just one sample
- easy sampling
- high probability of detecting rare species
- detection of difficult-to-catch species
- no interference from vegetation
- low cost (see pricing)
- non-invasive sampling