The escalating loss of global biodiversity has become a worldwide concern, with approximately 25% of animal and plant species facing the threat of extinction, intensifying the need for effective conservation methods. A critical component of effective conservation management is the ability to detect the presence/absence of specific species, enabling well-informed management decisions.
Environmental DNA (eDNA), genetic material naturally released by species into their environment, such as skin, hair, and faeces, offers a valuable tool for determining the presence/absence of a target species in the environment. My research, focusing on freshwater fish species in Ireland, involves developing assays that can detect eDNA in collected water samples through filtration and DNA extraction.
The assays I utilise, known as RPA-CRISPR-Cas Assays, combine recombinase polymerase amplification (RPA), an isothermal amplification method, with the CRISPR-Cas system to achieve accurate detection of the target species. Presence or absence results are then obtained through fluorescence signal output or the use of lateral flow assay (LFA) test strips, a recent advancement in assay performance. The inclusion of LFA test strips not only enhances the assay’s ultimate objective of offering a user-friendly, non-invasive method for monitoring fish species in their natural habitats but also provides the platform to shift from laboratory-based assessments to on-site applications, aligning with the overall goal of my research.
The assay has been fully developed for the detection of Esox lucius, commonly known as the Northern Pike, with several other species in the pipeline.
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