Universal Reference Material for DNA-based quantitative measurements

This project aims to develop and supply a multi-target, synthetic, candidate DNA reference material (RM) suitable for use as a positive control or calibration set for DNA-based quantitative measurements. These measurement methods would include quantitative PCR (qPCR), digital PCR (dPCR) and other DNA amplification methods, such as Rolling Circle Amplification, Loop Mediated Isothermal Amplification and Recombinase polymerase amplification. The candidate RM will be suitable for multiple purposes through method and device development, validation and routine surveillance phases, with consistent reporting in copy number concentrations.

The National Measurement Institute (NMI) team, lead by Dr Kate Griffiths, will consult with researchers representing different sectors working within this CRC, to identify DNA targets of significance for surveillance. These targets may identify microbes that have acquired resistance to antibiotics, herbicides, fungicides or pesticides or genetic constructs that facilitate the sharing of resistance phenotypes. This way the candidate RM will be tailored to the needs of this CRC. It will be designed and tested at the NMI, with single concentration and calibration sets quantified by dPCR and returned to the CRC researchers for implementation. Different concentrations can be provided to suit the limit of detection for the various methods and devices being developed. This will allow data collected from across the CRC to be directly comparable, including method sensitivities.

National Measurement Institute (NMI)

Twelve months