RPA-based point-of-need detection assay for the invasive Mediterranean fanworm Sabella spallanzanii

The Mediterranean fanworm Sabella spallanzanii was first sighted in New Zealand 2009 (most likely introduced via hull fouling) and has spread across multiple coastal locations. species presents significant risks to ecological, economic, societal values, therefore is subject targeted surveillance 11 major ports marinas, that were identified as high-risk marine biosecurity sites. Great effort financial resources are put into bi-annual diving surveys include removal of individuals contain population growth spread. In context, sensitive molecular detection techniques gain great interest being increasingly tested for the Australia. However, conventional PCR assays from environmental DNA (eDNA) samples requires specific laboratory scientific expertise, which restricts applicability this approach by practitioners or citizen scientists. order provide end-users with a fast, easy, highly way detect S. at site interest, recombinase polymerase amplification assay (RPA) designed read-out lateral flow detection. RPA generates within 20 minutes 39°C, makes it possible run hand-held. Because this, an excellent tool point-of-need application surveillance. Here we present results successful silico vitro validation newly .