Biology Laboratory Research Articles

CRISPR/Cas9 gene targeting plus nanopore DNA sequencing with the plasmid pBR322 in the classroom.

Both nanopore-based DNA sequencing and CRISPR/Cas-based gene editing represent groundbreaking innovations in molecular biology and genomics, offering unprecedented insights into and tools for working with genetic information. For students, reading, editing, and even writing DNA will be part of their everyday life. We have developed a laboratory procedure that includes (i) the biosynthesis of a guide RNA for, (ii) targeting Cas9 to specifically linearize the pBR322 plasmid, and (iii) the identification of the cutting site through nanopore DNA sequencing. The protocol is intentionally kept simple and requires neither living organisms nor biosafety laboratories. We divided the experimental procedures into separate activities to facilitate customization. Assuming access to a well-equipped molecular biology laboratory, an initial investment of approximately $2,700 is necessary. The material costs for each experiment group amount to around $130. Furthermore, we have developed a freely accessible website (https://dnalesen.hs-mittweida.de) for sequence read analysis and visualization, lowering the required computational skills to a minimum. For those with strong computational skills, we provide instructions for terminal-based data processing. With the presented activities, we aim to provide a hands-on experiment that engages students in modern molecular genetics and motivates them to discuss potential implications. The complete experiment can be accomplished within half a day and has been successfully implemented by us at high schools, in teacher training, and at universities. Our tip is to combine CRISPR/Cas gene targeting with nanopore-based DNA sequencing. As a tool, we provide a website that facilitates sequence data analysis and visualization.

Abstract PO4-04-08: Design and Development of the APIS ESR1 Mutations Kit to Detect Eleven Mutations Relevant to Acquired Endocrine Therapy Resistance

Abstract Introduction: Estrogen receptor 1 (ER/ESR1) mutations have arisen as key biomarkers for endocrine therapy resistance in ER positive (ER+) breast cancer (BC) patients: detecting these mutations is key to guiding researchers to better understand acquired resistance during treatment. Ongoing clinical trials, which explore the prevalence of ESR1 mutations under various treatments, commonly use next-generation sequencing (NGS)-based assays. However, the NGS panels available are costly, can have long turnaround times and require specialist equipment and software. Research use only digital PCR assays are also available but have similar drawbacks to NGS. A targeted qPCR-based assay is more time and cost effective, and does not require specialist equipment. Here, we demonstrate the APIS ESR1 Mutations Kit, a targeted, sensitive, and robust qualitative qPCR assay able to detect eleven ESR1 mutations across ESR1 exons 5 (E380Q), 7 (S463P) and 8 (P535H, L536R, L536Q, L536H, L536P, Y537C, Y537S, Y537N and D538G). The assay is designed to assess circulating-free DNA (cfDNA) samples, reducing the need for invasive procedures in clinical settings and can make use of standard cfDNA extraction kits. Therefore, the APIS ESR1 Mutations Kit provides the flexibility for researchers in any conventional molecular biology laboratory to explore ESR1 mutations with high sensitivity and specificity. Methods: The APIS ESR1 Mutations Kit provides all components and controls required to assess samples. For kit development, mutation-specific DNA fragments were spiked into wildtype background DNA (either cfDNA extracted from pooled healthy donor plasma, human genomic DNA, or DNA fragments); the Limit of Blank (LoB) and Limit of Detection (LoD) were determined using these samples. To determine linearity, a dilution series of DNA fragments ranging from 5 to 10,000 copies per reaction was assessed. All PCR runs were performed using a QuantStudio™5 Dx (ThermoFisher) instrument. Results: The performance studies showed the APIS ESR1 Mutations Kit can detect D538G at 0.4 % mutant allele frequency (MAF) and Y537S at 0.06 % MAF. All other mutations can be detected at ≤ 1.0 % MAF. By using clamp and blocking technologies, each design is mutation specific, enabling identification of specific amino acid mutations. In addition, the assays can perform in high wild-type backgrounds, enabling lower limit of blanks with ≥95% confidence and threshold cut-offs to enhance the sensitivity of the assay. The linearity of each target is within 90-110% from 50 to 10,000 copies per reaction. Conclusions: The ESR1 Mutations Kit demonstrated high sensitivity and performance as a qualitative qPCR assay to detect eleven ESR1 mutations. Table. Mutations detected with the APIS ESR1 Mutations Kit Citation Format: Anna Gasior, Colette Whitfield, Anita Campbell, Christine Hoy, Sally Holdsworth, Jesse Mukose, Ryan Nana, Sahar Shammakhi, Benjamin Scales, Joanna Gorniak. Design and Development of the APIS ESR1 Mutations Kit to Detect Eleven Mutations Relevant to Acquired Endocrine Therapy Resistance [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2023 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2023 Dec 5-9; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2024;84(9 Suppl):Abstract nr PO4-04-08.

Emergence and evolution of standardization systems in medical biology laboratories

Abstract Introduction The history of standardization relating to the activities of medical laboratories traces the development of quality system standards in the world, and their evolution. Content In this study, we have included the key benchmarks that represent the stages of the quality system’s evolution in recent decades. Accreditation of medical laboratories has become compulsory in most countries, regarding national or international standards. International acknowledgment of the effectiveness of the results delivered to the many stakeholders, particularly patients and prescribers, is conferred through the use of standards. Summary The ISO 15189 standard represents the latest and most specific international standards for medical laboratories of all types. Outlook More research is necessary to study if laboratory practices reflect the evolution of standards within the medical laboratory field.

Control of non-conformities in the pre-analytical process in the clinical biology laboratory

Control of non-conformities in the pre-analytical process in the clinical biology laboratory

The freeze-thaw cycle exacerbates the ecotoxicity of polystyrene nanoplastics to Secale cereale L. seedlings.

In the context of global climate change, recurrent freeze-thaw cycles (FTC) and concurrent exposure to polystyrene nanoplastics (PSNPs) directly impact crop growth and indirectly affect resilience to abiotic stress. In January 2023, experiments at the Environmental Biology Laboratory, Jilin University, Changchun, China, exposed rye seedlings to 100 nm PSNPs at concentrations of 0, 10, 50, and 100 mg/L for seven days, followed by three FTC. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) demonstrated that PSNPs migrated from the roots to the leaves, with FTC significantly exacerbating their accumulation within plant tissues. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) observations showed that FTC disrupted normal cell division, and combined stress from NPs damaged plant organs, particularly chloroplasts, thereby substantially inhibiting photosynthesis. FTC delayed plant phenological stages. Under combined stress, malondialdehyde (MDA) accumulation in plant tissues increased by 15.6%, while hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) content decreased. Simultaneously, the activities of peroxidase (POD) and catalase (CAT) increased by 34.2% and 38.6%, respectively. Molecular docking unveiled that PSNPs could bind to the active center of POD/CAT through hydrogen bonding or hydrophobic interactions. The Integrated Biomarker Response (IBR) index highlighted FTC as a crucial determinant for pronounced effects. Moreover, an apparent dose-dependent effect was observed, with antioxidant enzyme activities in rye seedlings induced by low pollutant concentrations and inhibited by high concentrations. These results indicate that FTC and PSNPs can disrupt plant membrane systems and cause severe oxidative damage. Overall, this study provides compelling scientific evidence of the risks associated with NPs exposure in plants subjected to abiotic stress.

Epidemiological aspects and resistance profile of bacteremia in the region of Marrakech

Introduction: bacteremia in hospitals is a major public health problem that can lead to mortality and morbidity. The aim of our study is to establish the bacteriological profile of bacteremia and the state of antibiotic resistance in order to optimize probabilistic antibiotherapy at the Avicenna military hospital in Marrakech. Materials and methods: This is a descriptive retrospective study spanning a period of 5 years (January 2019 - December 2023), conducted in the laboratory of bacteriology-virology and molecular biology of the Avicenna Military Hospital in Marrakech, on the all bacteria isolated from blood cultures in hospitalized patients. Results: During this period, we collected 839 blood cultures, 140 of which resulted to isolate a bacterium. The predominant causative organism was Staphylococcus aureus (27%), The resistance profile of the strains was as follows: 3.57% for methicillin for Staphylococcus aureus and 50% for staphylococcus coagulase negative. Regarding Enterobacteria; 30.28% were producing ESBL, ciprofloxacin resistance was involved in 41.8% of Enterobacteria while all strains were sensitive to kanamicin. The resistance of Acinetobacter baumanii was 100% to ciprofloxacin, and 91% to ticarcillin, ceftazidime, imipenem and amikacin while remaining 100% sensitive to colistin. Conclusion: surveillance of bacteria’s epidemiological characteristics and their antibiotic susceptibility profile should be continuous for appropriate adaptation of initial empirical treatment of bacteraemia.

Observation of Equipment and Personal Protective Equipment in The Biology Laboratory

This observation aimed to understand the laboratory regulations, assess the availability of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) in the laboratory, evaluate management practices, examine the completeness of laboratory equipment and materials, and observe the arrangement of laboratory space, equipment, and materials. This research was conducted in the basic biology laboratory at a university in East Kalimantan. The method employed in this research involved interviewing laboratory assistants and observing the laboratory conditions. The observations indicated that Laboratory A and B had complete personal protective equipment. However, there were some differences. For instance, the equipment and materials were complete in Laboratory A, whereas in Laboratory B, they were incomplete because the laboratory was newly built. Another difference was in the usage of the laboratories; Laboratory A was used for practical sessions, seminars, and classroom activities, while Laboratory B was solely utilized for practical exams. For future researchers, it is suggested that laboratories be explored for both practical sessions and classroom activities, rather than just classroom spaces.

Assessment of Cow Urine as a Nutrient Medium for Indoor Cultivation of Spirulina sp.

This study aims to explore the feasibility of utilizing cow urine as an economical alternative nutrient source for microalgae cultivation. By leveraging its mineral content and cost-effectiveness, this research investigates the potential to reduce production expenses associated with nutrient mediums, thus enhancing the value proposition of microalgae-derived products on a commercial scale. In order to assess its efficacy, cow urine was gathered, diluted, and introduced into our Spirulina-modified medium. This concoction was subjected to 8 hours of daily light exposure. Following an 18-day incubation period, we analysed the biomass quantity, specific growth rate, density, chlorophyll level, and total carotenoid content. In the Aquatic Biology laboratory at VNSGU, an experiment was conducted utilizing five distinct concentrations (0.2 ml, 1 ml, 2 ml, 3 ml, and 4 ml in 200 ml) over an 18-day period. The control flask (0 ml) did not contain cow urine. In our current investigation, Spirulina cultivated in a cow urine extract at a concentration of 0.2 ml/200 ml exhibited a dry weight of 0.034±0.0029 g, a specific growth rate of 0.0016±0.00015, and a carotenoid content of 4.683±0.015. The density of Spirulina peaked at 0.0052±0.00005 with a concentration of 1 ml/200 ml of cow urine extract. Across various concentrations of cow urine extract, including 2 ml/200 ml (8.022±0.016 mg/L), 0.2 ml/200 ml (2.191±0.021 mg/L), and 4 ml/200 ml (0.631±0.020 mg/L), Spirulina exhibited higher levels of chlorophyll a, b, and c compared to the control medium in indoor culture setups.

Outbreak Of Fowlpox In Commercial Brown Pullets Previously Vaccinated With Fowlpox Vaccine In Zaria, Kaduna State, Nigeria

Fowlpox is a contagious viral disease of poultry, ranked as the third most important cause of mortality in Nigerian indigenous chickens.  The present study confirms an outbreak of fowlpox in a flock of 500 Isa brown, 11-weeks-old pullets in Zaria, Kaduna State, Nigeria. The  pullets were managed under deep litter system and previously vaccinated with live attenuated vaccine (ABIC biological laboratories Ltd.  Israel) at 8-weeks old. They had gross lesions suggestive of cutaneous fowlpox on skin of the head region with 58% morbidity but  persistent low mortality rate of 13.8%. Fowlpox virus was isolated from the cutaneous lesions using chorioallantoic membrane (CAM)  inoculation in 9 to 11-day-old embryonated chicken eggs based on the presence of opaque-white pock lesions, then confirmed by Agar  Gel Immuno Diffusion test using homologous known fowlpox virus (antigen) and antisera. Specific antibodies to fowlpox virus were quantified from the sera of the chickens using an indirect ELISA (Abbkine, Inc, China). The case was managed using; Intramuscular  injection of oxytetracycline (TLA), topical applications of oxytetracycline spray as well as oral administrations of Doxygen® and vitamins.  Apparently healthy chickens were revaccinated against fowlpox and the pen was thoroughly cleaned, washed, and disinfected. This report  had shown an occurrence of vaccine failure, alongside a promising management option and highlighted the significance of  vaccination with strict biosecurity measures in the control of fowlpox in Nigeria. 

Spontaneity and Control: Friedrich Hayek, Stafford Beer, and the Principles of Self-Organization

Friedrich Hayek, the Austrian economist, and Stafford Beer, best known for engineering socialist Chile's CYBERSYN project, met exactly once, at the 1960 Symposium on the Principles of Self-Organization, hosted by the Biological Computer Laboratory at the University of Illinois. Independently, in the decade that followed, Beer and Hayek each sought to apply the principles of self-organization to the design of economic institutions. They were joined in the belief that the full enjoyment of human liberty would require a self-organizing world economy. To understand why, this article delves into the explanatory logic and intellectual history of “self-organization.” I use points of convergence between Beer's thought and Hayek's to reframe a key moment in the history of neoliberalism.

Optical fiber-based open source low cost portable spectrometer system

This article explores the development of a small, compact fiber-based spectrometer system designed to overcome the limitations of standard spectrometers, such as the high cost and restricted accessibility.Operated by a Raspberry Pi, the fiber-based spectrometer system uses the increased computing power to provide versatile modes of operation and powerful data processing, while maintaining a small size. Specifically crafted for basic chemistry and biology lab setups, where fibers allow measurements in different conditions, and customization enables fluorescence, light scattering, and absorption measurements.The system is adaptable and versatile, offering ease of modification and adaptation for a broad range of applications.

Knowledge, attitudes and practices in biosafety and biosecurity in medical biology laboratories in Togo, 2021

IntroductionFaced with the emergence of pandemics and the omnipresence of gaps in the process of controlling elements likely to impact the implementation of biosafety and biosecurity measures, the evaluation of the related determinants becomes an urgent necessity.MethodsThe subject addressed in this study was primarily aimed at exploring the current situation of knowledge, attitudes and practices of biosafety and biosecurity as well as the associated factors in medical biology laboratories in Togo in 2021. A cross-sectional study with an analytical focus among laboratory professionals was conducted using a structured questionnaire. Statistical tests were performed using Epi Info 7.2.3.0 (2019) and Stata 13 (2013) software.ResultsOf the 322 participants, 49.1% had good knowledge while 62.4% and 77.6% had good attitudes and practices respectively. In 23.4% (25/107) of the laboratories, the staff surveyed ate their meals in the manipulation room, of which 80.0% (20/25) were in the public sector. Although the results showed that respondents who had received prior training in this area had higher score on the knowledge component (p = 0.03), this intervention had no direct effect on the attitude (p = 0.91) or practice (p = 0.84) scores. Trained participants were significantly more likely to have good knowledge. Regional disparity was noted on the knowledge and practice components and several gaps were identified.DiscussionBiosafety and biosecurity remain a challenge in medical biology laboratories in Togo. Based on the gaps identified, training, substantial improvement of the working environment, and provision of resources to achieve optimal and sustainable biosafety and biosecurity practices in Togo are required.

The novel pre-rRNA detection workflow "Riboprobing" allows simple identification of undescribed RNA species.

Ribosomes translate mRNA into proteins and are essential for every living organism. In eukaryotes both ribosomal subunits are rapidly assembled in a strict hierarchical order, starting in the nucleolus with transcription of a common precursor ribosomal RNA (pre-rRNA). This pre-rRNA encodes three of the four mature rRNAs which are formed by several, consecutive endonucleolytic and exonucleolytic processing steps. Historically, Northern Blots are used to analyze the variety of different pre-rRNA species, only allowing rough length estimations. Although this limitation can be overcome with Primer Extension, both approaches often use radioactivity and are time consuming and costly. Here we present "Riboprobing" a reverse transcription-based workflow extended by linker ligation for easy and fast detection and characterization of various pre-rRNA species and their 5` as well as 3` ends. Using standard molecular biology lab equipment, our technique allows reliable discrimination of pre-rRNA species not resolved by Northern Blotting (e.g.: 27SA2, 27SA3 and 27SB). The method can be successfully used for analysis of total cell extracts as well as purified pre-ribosomes for a straightforward evaluation of the impact of mutant gene versions or inhibitors. In the course of method development, we identified and characterized a hitherto undescribed aberrant pre-rRNA, arising from LiCl inhibition. This pre-rRNA fragment spans from processing site A1 to E, forming a small RNP that is lacking most early joining assembly factors. This finding expands our knowledge of how the cell deals with severe pre-rRNA processing defects and demonstrates the strict requirement for the 5'ETS for the assembly process.

GASTROPOD DIVERSITY AS A BIO-INDICATOR OF AQUATIC POLLUTION IN SIRONJONG GADANG ISLAND PESISIR SELATAN DISTRICT

This study aims to determine the diversity of gastropods and water conditions on Sironjong Gadang Island, Pesisir Selatan Regency. This research was conducted in August 2022 in the waters of Sironjong Gadang Island and the Marine Biology Laboratory and Marine Chemistry Laboratory of the Department of Marine Science, Universitas Riau. The method used in this research is the survey method, which is direct observation of the research area and sampling and measurement of water quality parameters in the field. The results of the study found gastropod species consisting of 4 (four) families, 4 (four) genera, and 8 (eight) species. The diversity value (H') was at a moderate level of diversity. The highest gastropod density was found at Station I, with a density value of 16.33 ind/m², and the lowest density was found at Station III, with a density value of 13.89 ind/m². The highest relative density was Monodonta labia species, with a relative density value of 27.6%, while the lowest relative density was Haustrum-scoring species, with a relative density value of 3.3%. Temperature 28-29˚C; salinity 25-27 ppt; pH 7.91-7.95; brightness 1.55-2.65 m. The sediment type at Station I was dominated by muddy gravel, Station II was dominated by sandy gravel, and Station III was defeated by sandy gravel with a total sediment organic matter content of 6.10-10.05%.

Neq2X7: a multi-purpose and open-source fusion DNA polymerase for advanced DNA engineering and diagnostics PCR

Thermostable DNA polymerases, such as Taq isolated from the thermophilic bacterium Thermus aquaticus, enable one-pot exponential DNA amplification known as polymerase chain reaction (PCR). However, properties other than thermostability - such as fidelity, processivity, and compatibility with modified nucleotides - are important in contemporary molecular biology applications. Here, we describe the engineering and characterization of a fusion between a DNA polymerase identified in the marine archaea Nanoarchaeum equitans and a DNA binding domain from the thermophile Sulfolobus solfataricus. The fusion creates a highly active enzyme, Neq2X7, capable of amplifying long and GC-rich DNA, unaffected by replacing dTTP with dUTP in PCR, and tolerant to various known PCR inhibitors. This makes it an attractive DNA polymerase for use, e.g., with uracil excision (USER) DNA assembly and for contamination-free diagnostics. Using a magnification via nucleotide imbalance fidelity assay, Neq2X7 was estimated to have an error rate lower than 2 ∙ 10−5 bp−1 and an approximately 100x lower fidelity than the parental variant Neq2X, indicating a trade-off between fidelity and processivity – an observation that may be of importance for similarly engineered DNA polymerases. Neq2X7 is easy to produce for routine application in any molecular biology laboratory, and the expression plasmid is made freely available.

Bacteriological Profile of Common Lab Contaminants Responsible for Spoilage in Biological Laboratory

In biological laboratories, contamination can arise from various sources, including airborne particles, equipment, reagents, and human error. Common contaminants responsible for spoilage in biological laboratories include bacteria, fungi, virus etc. Bacteria are ubiquitous in the environment and can contaminate laboratory samples, cultures, and media. There is a possibility of transferring microorganisms from one laboratory to the other during the course of activities that involves moving of materials. In this present work we had been identify three bacterial species like Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumonia, Enterococcus Sp. which responsible for lab spoilage. Therefore measures like cleaning of lab, using protective gears, autoclaving of glassware needed to minimize lab contamination.

Development of an Undergraduate Cell Biology Laboratory to Assess Pigmentation and Cell Size in a Zebrafish Model of Uveal Melanoma.

This study outlines a 2-week laboratory module for an authentic cell biology undergraduate research experience that uses zebrafish (Danio rerio), a popular model organism for research. Previous research has indicated that course-based undergraduate research experiences such as this one increase student confidence, active learning, and retention. During this research experience, students investigate variations in pigmentation in the caudal fins of wild type (WT) and transgenic fish [Tg(mitfa:GNAQQ209L)]. The transgenic fish express a hyperactive Gα protein, GNAQQ209L, under the melanocyte-specific mitfa promoter, offering insights into uveal melanoma, a common eye cancer. Students specifically analyze the black pigmented cells, melanophores, within the caudal fin. We determined that the transgenic zebrafish have increased pigmentation in their caudal fins, but smaller melanophores. These results suggest there are more melanophores in the Tg(mitfa:GNAQQ209L) fish compared to the WT. Future undergraduate research could investigate these cellular differences. This research experience imparts microscopy and image analysis skills and instills the ability to grapple with large datasets, statistical tests, and data interpretation in alignment with biology education principles. Post-laboratory surveys reveal students attain confidence in the above skills and in handling animals, along with a deeper appreciation for model organism research and its relevance to cancer cell biology.

Prevalence of Ecto-Parasitic Fauna in Silver Catfish (Bagrusbajad) from Zobe Reservoir, Katsina State

Fish parasitic infections inflict a most importanteconomic concern on fish farming industries. Helminthic infestations can cause a variety of fitness difficulties as well as economic sufferings for fishing populations. Prevalence of ecto-parasites fauna in silver catfish Bagrusbayad from Zobe reservoir, Katsina Nigeriawas inspected to comprehend the healthiness conditionof the fish, possibledanger to their existence as well asprotection of consumption of fish from the water body.The current study was undertaken between August and October, 2023 to determine the prevalence of fish ecto-parasites of Bagrusbajad and the associated risk factors in Zobereservoir Dutsin-Ma, Katsina  State,  Nigeria.  A total number of108  fish  samples  were  collected  and examined from Zobe reservoir. The fish was identified as well as separated based on their sex before being transferred live to the Fish Biology laboratory, Federal University Dutsin-Ma, Katsina State for additional evaluation. Out of 108 fish samples from Zobe, 88 were male and 20 were female. Fish parasites recovered  and  their  prevalence  among  Bagrusbajad obtained  from  Zobe reservoir includes; Tricodinaspp 17 (68%), and Gyrodactylusspp 8 (32%). The prevalence of parasites recovered from the fish species in this study was low. In conclusion, Bagrusbajad from Zobe reservoir were infected by parasites that are of economic importance. The findings suggest that the observed parasitic infections may adversely affect Bagrusbajad and if not well managed, could also infect human beings who consume the fish. It is therefore recommended that communities along the reservoir should desist from activities likely to increase parasite load, also, the part organs of harvested fishes from the study area should be discarded rather than consume  to prevent zoonotic diseases.

Development of Biology Laboratory Equipment Catalog Media as a Learning Resource for Class X Students of State High School 3 Majene

Educators play a very important role in developing learning tools that are interesting and appropriate to students' needs. The aim of this research is to determine the validity, practicality and effectiveness of biology laboratory equipment catalog media products as a student learning resource. The development model used in this research is the Analysis, Design, Development, Implementation and Evaluation (ADDIE) model. Product trials were carried out on a limited scale with research subjects consisting of 25 class X MIPA 3 students and 2 biology teachers at SMA Negeri 3 Majene. Validity data for catalog media was obtained from media expert validators and material experts, practicality data was obtained from the results of questionnaire analysis of teacher and student responses to catalog media, while effectiveness data was obtained from data analysis of students' cognitive learning outcomes. The results of data analysis on the validity of the media catalog show a validity level of 4.2 which is included in the valid category, while the results of analysis of practicality data based on teacher and student response questionnaires are 96.2% and 80.7% in the very practical category as well as analysis results based on learning outcomes tests Cognition was obtained at 72% in the effective category. This research and development shows that the biology laboratory equipment catalog media is valid, practical and effective for use as a student learning resource

A lab-centric, workflow-based data management system for environmental DNA research

The adoption of environmental DNA approaches as a standard tool for biodiversity monitoring leads to the increase in the number of eDNA-based species occurrence records; however, considerable disparity remains in the nature and quality of associated information, much of it unpublished and/or poorly parametrised. A robust system for tracking biological materials from their point of origin through laboratory analyses is required to connect inferred taxon occurrences with analytical history and provenance data. The bulk of eDNA research is currently driven by small-scale operations where the tasks of digitisation, organisation and cross-referencing field records with laboratory analytical data and biomaterial sample location, are often performed manually and disconnected. We present an integrative, full-stack data management solution that provides a structured ontological concept, a minimalist data schema for eDNA research and a software application prototype designed to facilitate real-time digitisation, parsing, annotation and archival of eDNA data. The system tracks the provenance and analytical history of biological samples through a structured hierarchy of events, linked with associated digital file attachment archives, such as images and raw sequence files, and with inferred taxonomic occurrence records. The data entry process is compartmentalised and incorporated into the corresponding stages of standard operations used in fieldwork, biological collection management and laboratory analysis. Resulting data records can be integrated into various output formats required for large-scale analytics, publication and/or submission to global data aggregators. The prototype is implemented on the Microsoft 365 platform as a relational database (Access) linked to cloud-based data tables (SharePoint) and a set of associated data conversion spreadsheets (Excel). The system is designed primarily around the data management needs of small research labs; however, it is scalable to larger institutions and inter-institutional academic networks.