The Department of Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Life Sciences, Azabu University conducted "environmental DNA analysis" training using the latest mobile real-time PCR device in collaboration with industry and academia as an advanced educational initiative in the environmental field.
In recent years, "environmental DNA analysis" has been attracting attention in the field of environmental science.Environmental DNA analysis refers to an epoch-making technique for identifying the existence and type of an organism by detecting DNA derived from an organism existing in an environmental sample such as water of a river or lake.Since it is possible to analyze the organism itself without capturing or destroying it, there is a growing movement to apply it to surveys at sites such as environmental assessment.However, conventional genetic testing equipment is large and expensive, and it takes a long time to test, so its use for education has been limited.
Therefore, Azabu University will collaborate with Pacific Consultants Co., Ltd. and Gophoton Co., Ltd. from FY2020 to practice a rapid environmental DNA analysis method using the mobile real-time PCR device PicoGene® PCR1100 manufactured by Nippon Sheet Glass Co., Ltd. developed by both companies. Promote preparations for incorporation into. Environmental DNA analysis was introduced for the first time in the "Biodiversity Fieldwork Exercise" in June 2021.
In the "Biodiversity Fieldwork Exercise", three water tanks (mixture of killifish, medaka, and medaka) are prepared for medaka fish that inhabit widely in Japan, and students draw water from each tank. An experiment was conducted to discriminate the species of medaka fish by collecting them and performing real-time PCR analysis.By explaining and practicing the handling of micropipettes immediately before class, even students who have no experience in molecular biology experiments can participate smoothly, and the reaction time of PCR is 3 minutes, which is the ultra-high-speed analytical ability of the device, and the reaction is real-time. I was able to get the experimental results during the class time while chasing after.
In the Department of Environmental Science, we will enhance fieldwork education for field surveys, utilize the environmental DNA analysis technology implemented in this training in field surveys, and utilize it for more practical education and research.
