| There is a pressing need for tools that enable easy determination of environmental DNA (eDNA) for assessing biodiversity and microorganisms in water. Once specific eDNA probes or panels of probes have been identified as being of interest for regular monitoring, deployment of portable sensing systems that enable near point-of-sampling readouts are desirable. We will create a generic low-cost portable platform that can be adapted to detect specific eDNA strands of interest. We have developed electrochemical DNA sensors using redox-active intercalating coordination compounds that not only provide clear amperometric signals upon hybridization as part of DNA detection, but also act as signal enhancers for impedance and open circuit potential measurements. In this project we will develop an array of electrochemical DNA sensors, microfluidically coupled with sample preparation modules so that a panel of eDNA probes can be quantified from water samples. Training will be provided, as required, on synthesis of coordination compounds, electrochemical sensing, microfluidics, DNA amplification and digestion methods, as well as effective interdisciplinary communication. |