Environmental DNA (eDNA) Labs, Bonn

Our mission

The zbm environmental DNA (eDNA) labs at the Campus Poppelsdorf (Margarethe-Koenig-Synapse) are dedicated to the extraction of DNA from tissues as well as DNA traces from environmental samples (water, air, soil or plant surfaces) for the purpose of non-invasive DNA-based monitoring. The suite of four clean labs represents an amplicon-free zone (free of amplified DNA/PCR products) consisting of a sample preparation lab (P.3.R18) dedicated to processing soil or bulk samples (e.g. sieving, subsampling, drying, homogenizing), labs dedicated to DNA extraction from tissues and mixed samples (P.3.R15, P.3.R17), and an environmental DNA (eDNA) lab dedicated to the extraction of DNA traces from water samples, air samples or surfaces (P.3.R13). The three extraction labs feature an air lock, positive air flow, UV decontamination, and two laminar flow hoods, safeguarding precious samples from contamination during handling. The labs are equipped with pipetting robots (EpMotion 5075, EpMotion 96) and an automated DNA purification system (Kinfisher Flex). These instruments allow the parallel processing of 96 samples, saving time, significantly increasing efficiency and minimizing potential errors, and improving reproducibility, key factors for obtaining reliable results. The suite of eDNA labs can accommodate up to 15 users simultaneously.

Team

The eDNA lab team (Dr. Sarah Bourlat, Dr. Kathrin Langen and Nicole Fulgham-Scott) provides proper training following strict working procedures, including personal protective equipment and meticulous cleaning prior to lab access to prevent sample cross-contamination. The eDNA clean lab facility is novel at LIB and is already being used by staff and students for various in-house projects at LIB as well as work with stakeholders in the environmental monitoring sector.