FAQ
1. What is the Nuquantic eDNA device?
The Nuquantic eDNA device is a portable field-ready environmental DNA (eDNA) capture system designed to filter liquid samples, capturing eDNA onto a filter where they can be persevered or stored, eliminating the need to transport samples back to a laboratory.
2. What does eDNA mean?
Environmental DNA (eDNA) refers to genetic material shed by organisms into their environment through skin cells, mucus, waste, scales, pollen, or other biological material. Scientists use eDNA to detect species presence without physically capturing organisms.
3. How does the device work?
The device pulls liquid sample through a filter using a negative-pressure pumping system, allowing DNA suspended in the water to be captured on the filter for preservation and down stream analysis.
4. Why use field-based filtration instead of collecting water samples?
Field-based filtration offers several advantages:
- DNA is collected on a filter at the site and can be preserved immediately with buffer
- Prevents degradation of sample during transport
- Eliminates weight and delays caused by transporting liquid samples
- Improves sample integrity for downstream analysis
5. What environments can the device be used in?
The system is designed for aquatic monitoring applications including but not limited to:
- Rivers and streams
- Lakes and reservoirs
- Wetlands
- Marine environments
- Aquaculture systems
- Waste water systems
6. How many filtration channels does the device support?
The system includes three independent pump channels, allowing simultaneous filtration workflows or multiple sample processing configurations
7. What filters are compatible with the device?
The device supports multiple commercially available filter options including
- Luer- compatible filters
- Disc filters
- Syringe filters
Check out our filter page to learn more about filters that have been tested with the device and flow volume.