Technology
EnPrint has developed a suite of state-of-the-art molecular methods that may be applied to the separation of micro-organisms in a range of complex systems. These tools may be used for the accurate and rapid identification of groups that are both difficult to identify by traditional taxonomy and used as common environmental indicators. The technique allows simple accurate measurement of the abundance of target organisms. These methods offer a high throughput approach, while removing the subjectivity and mis-identification issues associated with the traditional approach.
The primary application for these tools is the environmental water monitoring market, where they have been validated for near-coastal water. Other potentially exploitable applications requiring separation and identification of types of microorganism from complex samples include food storage and medicine.
The image displayed illustrates a phylogenetic tree of near-coastal biotic indices**, with both target and non-target types. The EnPrint process separates the required target species and provides a relative abundance of each target, excluding the non-targets.
Definition of Biotic Index:
**Biotic indices Indicator species, when used as a guide to the level of a particular abiotic factor. For example, the presence of certain invertebrate groups in freshwater can be awarded a score that indicates the quality of the water.
A Dictionary of Zoology 1999 document.write("MICHAEL ALLABY"); MICHAEL ALLABY
EnPrint has completed the current beta-testing phase of development. The picture here shows results of the validation exercise, to demonstrate the very high correlation between traditional, morphological analysis and the EnPrint molecular analysis. This exercise is based upon analysis of preserved historical samples, collected as part of the programme of monitoring in Scotland’s near coastal waters.
Although not formally accredited, we work to the required standards, and can seek accreditation under the ISO 17025:2005 standard and MCERTS scheme at our clients’ request.
