DNA extraction protocol for comprehensive microbiome analysis across diverse substrates
A refined DNA extraction protocol optimized for diverse substrates, including challenging soil and vertebrate intestine samples, offering comprehensive microbiome analysis. The protocol provides high yield and is adaptable for food testing, ensuring accurate organism detection.
Overview
Wageningen University and Research Centre presents a cutting-edge DNA extraction protocol designed to address the challenges of extracting DNA from a wide range of substrates, including challenging soil types and vertebrate intestines. This protocol has been optimized to yield high-quality DNA and RNA for comprehensive microbiome analyses, making it ideal for applications in environmental science and food safety testing. The protocol is user-friendly, cost-efficient, and capable of providing a complete picture of microbial communities, including gram-positive bacteria, fungal spores, and nematode eggs.
Technical specifications
Key features:
- Optimized for high-yield DNA and RNA extraction from diverse substrates, including humic acid-rich soils and vertebrate intestines
- Capable of processing samples with extreme pH levels, from very high (>pH10) to very low (<pH3)
- Suitable for microbiome analysis in food testing, with potential adjustments for specific substrate needs
- Employs long-read nanopore sequencing for a comprehensive overview of microbial communities
- Ensures reduced extraction biases by using mock communities for protocol validation
Technology readiness level
This DNA extraction protocol is at Technology Readiness Level 6, having been validated in relevant environments. The protocol is poised for further optimization and validation, particularly in food safety applications, to ensure its effectiveness across a broad range of microbiological testing scenarios.
About Wageningen University and Research
Wageningen University & Research is a life sciences–focused public university combined with mission-driven research institutes, integrating fundamental, applied, and field-based R&D at scale. On Wageningen Campus, companies co-locate with WUR teams and use shared pilot plants, advanced analytical labs, and controlled‑environment facilities for rapid prototyping. Being in the Food Valley cluster provides tight links to global corporates, SMEs, and startups through living labs and a strong regional talent pipeline. Research is backed by competitive funding from the Dutch Research Council, European Union programs, and national ministries, alongside significant contract research for industry. A dedicated technology transfer office and campus incubators streamline IP, licensing, and spin‑out formation for corporate partners and entrepreneurs.
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