Analysis of environmental DNA (eDNA) can provide a deeper understanding of freshwater and saltwater ecosystems, but common methods for eDNA isolation can be lengthy and laborious, often involving overnight incubation steps. The NucleoSpin eDNA Water kit is designed to streamline eDNA isolation workflows by providing a versatile solution that can be applied to filtered or unfiltered samples, featuring a protocol that can be completed in a little over one hour.

The NucleoSpin eDNA Water workflow has been optimized for speed and simplicity without compromising the quality and purity of isolated DNA. Samples can be obtained by either filtration with round filters or filter cartridges. DNA is liberated from the filter by a strong lysis buffer. Alternatively, eDNA can be precipitated from <40 ml of unfiltered water (protocol included; requires additional buffer PREC). NucleoTrap Bead suspension efficiently binds the DNA, while minimizing carryover of contaminants. Following washing and drying steps, the bead suspension is transferred to a NucleoSpin XS column, from which pure eDNA is eluted. The purification workflow takes less than 70 min, while the full preparation time depends on the sampling and/or filtration setup.