Open AccessThe detection of aquatic macroorganisms using environmental DNA analysis—A review of methods for collection, extraction, and detection
Author(s) -
Tsuji Satsuki,
Takahara Teruhiko,
Doi Hideyuki,
Shibata Naoki,
Yamanaka Hiroki
Publication year - 2019
Publication title -
environmental dna
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
ISSN - 2637-4943
DOI - 10.1002/edn3.21
Subject(s) - environmental dna , confusion , dna extraction , extraction (chemistry) , biology , computer science , biochemical engineering , ecology , engineering , polymerase chain reaction , biodiversity , genetics , chromatography , gene , psychology , chemistry , psychoanalysis
The field of environmental DNA (eDNA) analysis has rapidly developed over the past decade and the technique has become widely used for detecting aquatic macroorganisms in a variety of habitats. However, a variety of measurement protocols have been individually developed for different eDNA studies and this may lead to confusion for others who wish to incorporate eDNA analysis in their research. It is important therefore to synthesize the current status of—and future challenges to—the methodology of eDNA analysis. We here synthesized the protocols from total 438 published eDNA studies detecting aquatic macroorganisms were used to calculate the frequency of using each method in eDNA analysis steps. We found that the frequency of methods used converged to one or two methods for any analysis step. Furthermore, although the procedure with highest frequency is not always the best, it was shown that the eDNA collection by filtration and subsequent extraction/purification using a DNeasy Blood and Tissue DNA extraction kit (Qiagen, Hilden, Germany) or PowerWater DNA Extraction Kit (Qiagen) is the most common procedure. An understanding of the characteristics of commonly used methods can help those newly engaged in eDNA studies to understand the basic outline of eDNA analysis. Our review will be useful for the future improvement and development of analytical eDNA techniques of eDNA by sharing the recognition of methodological characteristic including advantages and disadvantages in major analytical techniques.