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Comparison of destructive and non-destructive DNA extraction methods for the metabarcoding of arthropod bulk samples
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  • Ameli Kirse,
  • Sarah J. Bourlat,
  • Kathrin Langen,
  • Björn Zapke,
  • Vera Zizka
Ameli Kirse
Zoological Research Museum Alexander Koenig Leibniz Institute for Animal Biodiversity

Corresponding Author:[email protected]

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Sarah J. Bourlat
Zoological Research Museum Alexander Koenig Leibniz Institute for Animal Biodiversity
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Kathrin Langen
Zoological Research Museum Alexander Koenig Leibniz Institute for Animal Biodiversity
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Björn Zapke
Zoological Research Museum Alexander Koenig Leibniz Institute for Animal Biodiversity
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Vera Zizka
Zoological Research Museum Alexander Koenig Leibniz Institute for Animal Biodiversity
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Abstract

DNA metabarcoding is routinely used for biodiversity assessment, especially targeting highly diverse groups for which limited taxonomic expertise is available. Various protocols are currently in use, although standardization is key to its application in large-scale monitoring. DNA metabarcoding of arthropod bulk samples can be either conducted destructively from sample tissue, or non-destructively from sample fixative or lysis buffer. Non-destructive methods are highly desirable for the preservation of sample integrity but have yet to be experimentally evaluated in detail. Here, we compare diversity estimates from 14 size sorted Malaise trap samples processed consecutively with three non-destructive approaches (one using fixative ethanol and two using lysis buffers) and one destructive approach (using homogenized tissue). Extraction from commercial lysis buffer yielded comparable species richness and high overlap in species composition to the ground tissue extracts. A significantly divergent community was detected from preservative ethanol-based DNA extraction. No consistent trend in species richness was found with increasing incubation time in lysis buffer. These results indicate that non-destructive DNA extraction from incubation in lysis buffer could provide a comparable alternative to destructive approaches with the added advantage of preserving the specimens for post-metabarcoding taxonomic work.
21 Mar 2022Submitted to Molecular Ecology Resources
05 Apr 2022Submission Checks Completed
05 Apr 2022Assigned to Editor
23 Apr 2022Reviewer(s) Assigned
31 May 2022Review(s) Completed, Editorial Evaluation Pending
21 Jun 2022Editorial Decision: Revise Minor
07 Jul 2022Review(s) Completed, Editorial Evaluation Pending
07 Jul 20221st Revision Received
25 Jul 2022Editorial Decision: Accept
18 Aug 2022Published in Molecular Ecology Resources. 10.1111/1755-0998.13694