From understanding genetic diversity in endangered species to monitoring the spread of diseases in livestock, DNA analysis provides valuable insights into animal health and population structures.
Collecting high-quality, contamination-free DNA samples from animals is critical for generating meaningful data. Buccal swabs are a reliable and straightforward tool that are commonly used for collecting zoological DNA samples. Swabs can be used to collect buccal cells, to take samples from an animal’s skin, or to sample animal faeces without disturbing the animal at all. Skin or faecal samples are often easier to collect than samples from inside an animal’s mouth!
This month’s blog explores the challenges of DNA sample collection from animals and explains how using Isohelix products will ensure you get the best results from your samples.
The Challenges of DNA Sample Collection from Animals
Working with animals, whether in the wild, in zoos, or in veterinary settings, brings unique difficulties. Not only do animals come in various shapes and sizes, but they also often inhabit remote, challenging environments, far removed from laboratory facilities.
For ethical and practical reasons, researchers prefer collection approaches that do not cause stress or harm to animals. Sample collection methods must be robust, reliable, and suited for use in diverse environments. Some donors may be reluctant to provide samples, so rapid and straightforward protocols are needed that make sampling as stress-free as possible for both the donor and the sampler!
Some examples of studies that require DNA sampling from animals include:
- Conservation Genetics: Tracking genetic diversity in threatened species
- Disease Ecology: Monitoring zoonotic disease outbreaks.
- Behavioural Research: Understanding social structures and mating patterns.
- Wildlife Forensics: Anti-poaching and illegal wildlife trade investigations.
Isohelix Products for Animal DNA Sample Collection and Processing
Zoological projects often involve rare or sensitive species. Isohelix has developed a range of products that are ideal for collecting DNA samples from animals, providing sample stability and consistency even in challenging field conditions. The Isohelix product portfolio includes products designed for maximum performance throughout all steps, from DNA collection and stabilization to sample processing and nucleic acid isolation.
Collecting DNA Samples from Animals Using Buccal Swabs
Buccal swabs are widely used for wildlife genetics, genotyping, and animal population studies. They are a simple method for the non-invasive collection of DNA from a wide range of birds, fish, reptiles, and mammals.
Isohelix buccal swabs are available in a range of different formats, all of which are designed to maximise nucleic acid yields and ensure safe sample collection and handling. Isohelix swabs offer significant advantages over other swab designs, utilizing a unique swab matrix that, when combined with a quick-release surface, maximizes the yields of nucleic acids.
Examples of Isohelix Swabs that can be used to collect samples from animals:
- SK-1S Isohelix Swab uses Isohelix’s unique swab matrix design to collect buccal or epithelial cell samples efficiently from larger animals. Following sampling, users simply snap the shaft just above the swab head and place it into the provided tube. Then, they seal the tube to contain the sample and prevent contamination.
- Mini DNA Isohelix Swabs use the same matrix material as the SK swabs, but the width of the swab has been reduced from 8mm to 6mm. The breakpoint has also been reduced compared to the SK swab, allowing it to be used in smaller tubes. Mini Swabs are ideal for taking samples from invertebrates and small mammals; for example, they are well-suited for mouse genotyping.
- SwabCatcher™ tubes ease Isohelix swab processing, using a unique cap design that automatically removes the swab. This format reducing handling time, and is automation friendly.
For product specifications and further details, see the Isohelix 2024-Swabs-Brochure.pdf
DNA Sample Stabilization
Isohelix stabilizing chemistries protect nucleic acids at ambient temperatures, which is essential for field researchers working without cold-chain infrastructure. Samples can then be safely shipped from the collection site to a laboratory for analysis.
Several stabilization options are available:
- Isohelix Dri-Capsules are silica gel capsules for the long-term stabilization of buccal DNA on a swab head before isolation. A silica gel capsule is placed in the collection tube with the swab, maintaining DNA integrity for up to three years.
- Rapi-Dri swab kit from Isohelix contains an easy to use buccal swab and a unique microporous moisture-wicking pouch that rapidly dries the swab, stabilizing the DNA on the swab matrix, where it is protected from degradation. pouch then acts as a sealed shipping unit for sample transport. Sample integrity can be maintained for up to three months at ambient temperature, even in particularly hot and humid environments.
- Including collection tubes prefilled with a nucleic acid stabilization reagent is a simple method of immediately stabilizing samples at the point of collection. Liquid stabilization reagents such as Isohelix BuccalFix DNA Stabilisation and lysis kit contain a buffer that has been specifically formulated to allow long term storage of swab samples at room temperature, enabling the subsequent isolation of high DNA yields and purity from the stabilized swabs.
- For faecal samples, buccal swabs can be used with Isohelix™ Stoolfix Gut DNA Microbiome Stabilization Kits to make acquiring stool samples easier whilst achieving maximum DNA yields and integrity. Faecal samples can be brushed with buccal swabs, to collect DNA from an animal’s microbiome and from gut epithelial cells from the animals, that are deposited on the sample as it passes through the digestive tract.
Summary
As zoological research becomes increasingly genomics-driven, the need for high-quality, field-ready collection tools will only grow. Isohelix’s products are trusted worldwide to deliver consistent, contamination-free results that empower conservationists, ecologists, and zoologists to answer critical questions about biodiversity and animal health.
Isohelix products can be used to collect DNA samples for sensitive downstream applications such as next generation sequencing and PCR.
Isohelix also offers flexibility to adapt collection methods for specific research needs, including endangered species monitoring or large-scale biodiversity projects.
To find a list of publications where Isohelix products have be used to collect DNA samples from animals including freshwater mussels, pigs, fish, mice, cats, dogs and elephants, CLICK HERE: PUBLICATIONS