Development and Evaluation of Automated Gene Collector – ATGC-12S for Environmental DNA Sample Archive at Aquatic Environments

This paper describes the development and evaluation of ATGC (Automated Gene Collector)-12S, a fully automated, compact, and field-based instrument for in situ archiving of eDNA (environmental DNA) samples. By combining a high-precision pump and 3D-printed manifolds, an in-situ instrument capable of highly quantitative filtration of seawater samples and preservative addition for DNA preservation was completed. Forward and reverse fluid line washing procedure promises the avoidance of cross contamination risks. The performance of ATGC-12S is under filed evaluation towards integration with DNA extraction and analysis capability in future.