Using Droplet Digital™ PCR to Monitor Environmental Contaminants in Water

For more info, visit http://www.bio-rad.com/yt/15/QX200-DropletDigitalPCR Researchers Yiping Cao and John Griffith of the Southern California Coastal Water Research Project (SCCWRP) describe their work using Bio-Rad's Droplet Digital PCR (ddPCR™) platform to determine variations in water quality from coastal watersheds to the ocean. Environmental monitoring for genetic targets such as pathogens, invasive species, or other biological activity requires the ability to detect small target concentrations within complex, nonuniform samples. Droplet Digital PCR assays are much more tolerant than real-time qPCR assays to the presence of PCR inhibitors commonly found in environmental samples, which can sometimes skew qPCR measurements. Getting absolute quantification rather than relative measurements also yields more uniform data when working with multiple monitoring agencies in multiple locations. In addition, the QX200™ System allows for multiplexing that enables richer and more meaningful analysis of each environmental sample. SCCWRP is a public agency formed in 1969 to conduct coastal environmental research and suggest management strategies. SCCWRP is a unique organization because it not only conducts research, but also coordinates diverse sectors, builds consensus among experts, and pays special attention to technology transfer. While it began with a mandate to investigate regional coastal impacts from wastewater discharge, SCCWRP has grown to examine a diverse array of water quality and aquatic habitat issues, spanning coastal watersheds, urban stormwater, wetlands, beaches, bays, and the marine shelf. The Droplet Digital PCR System allows for the quantification of target DNA with unrivaled precision by partitioning samples into 20,000 nanoliter-sized droplets. After PCR on a thermal cycler, PCR-positive and PCR-negative droplets are counted to provide absolute quantification of the target DNA. The QX200 System, Bio-Rad's second-generation digital PCR system, provides absolute quantification of target DNA or RNA molecules using EvaGreen or TaqMan hydrolysis probes, yielding unmatched sensitivity and precision for a wide variety of applications. The QX200™ Droplet Digital PCR System, Bio-Rad's second-generation digital PCR system, provides absolute quantification of target DNA or RNA molecules using EvaGreen or TaqMan hydrolysis probes, yielding unmatched sensitivity and precision for a wide variety of applications. http://www.bio-rad.com/en-us/product/qx200-droplet-digital-pcr-system?WT.mc_id=yt-dbc-ww-qx200-20141015-S5SvaPxwXiU We Are Bio-Rad. Our mission: To provide useful, high-quality products and services that advance scientific discovery and improve healthcare. At Bio-Rad, we are united behind this effort. These two objectives are the driving force behind every decision we make, from developing innovative ideas to building global solutions that help solve our customers' greatest challenges. Connect with Bio-Rad Online: Website: http://www.bio-rad.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/1613226/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/biorad/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/BioRadLifeSci Instagram: @BioRadLabs Snapchat: @BioRadLabs