Collaborative Research: The Environmental Sample Processor (ESP): A Device for Detecting Microorganisms In Situ Using Molecular Probe Technology

该合同为正在进行的环境样品处理器（ESP）仪器开发项目提供资金。ESP是一种新型仪器，可以自动收集离散的水样，浓缩微生物，并自动应用DNA（或其他）分子探针，从而能够在地下原位捕获特定物种，并对其进行鉴定和定量。该仪器将基于DNA探针阵列的检测结果实时传输到岸上进行处理、解释和传播。此外，ESP档案离散样本核酸，显微镜和毒素分析，以验证从探针阵列的实时数据，以及促进发现在实验室的分析。在这个为期三年的项目中，PI的建议是：1)构建第二代互联网可访问ESP (2G ESP)；2)改进ESP中用于检测特定物种的DNA探针阵列；3)开发适用于ESP的实时毒素检测技术；4)在加州蒙特利湾对2G ESP进行现场测试。强调确定引起广泛经济关注和/或已知对人类和野生动物健康产生负面影响的特定有害、有害或有毒藻类物种。

This award provides funds to enhance the on-going Environmental Sample Processor (ESP) instrument development program. The (ESP) is a novel instrument that collects discrete water samples autonomously, concentrates microorganisms and automates application of DNA (or other) molecular probes to enable identification and quantification of particular species captured in situ, subsurface. The instrument transmits results of DNA probe array based assays in real- time to a shore based location for processing, interpretation and dissemination. In addition, the ESP archives discrete samples for nucleic acid, microscopic and toxin analyses for verifying real- time data from the probe arrays as well as facilitating discovery based analyses in the laboratory. In this three year project, the PI's propose to: 1) construct a second generation, internet- accessible ESP (2G ESP); 2) refine DNA probe arrays used in the ESP for detecting specific species; 3) develop toxin detection techniques that are applicable for use on the ESP in real-time; and 4) conduct field tests of the 2G ESP in Monterey Bay, California. Identification of specific nuisance, harmful or toxic algal species that pose widespread economic concerns and/or are known to negatively impact the health of humans and wildlife is emphasized.