Portable molecular diagnostic for on-site microbial water quality monitoring
“Portable next generation sequencing and qPCR devices can revolutionize our ability to describe and manage biotechnological processes and microbial hazards anywhere in the world, including in the water, food and drinks industries, the health services, agriculture and beyond.”
This training provides valuable insights into how the microbial communities in water samples, and related hazards, can be assessed in near real-time using a portable tool box which includes a field deployable qPCR and memory stick sized DNA sequencing device from Oxford Nanopore Technology. This sequencing device enables the screening of hundreds of thousands of bacteria in a single analysis, while portable qPCR assays help in validating the screening data in real-time.
The training will be provided by Prof David Werner and Dr Kishor Acharya, experts from Newcastle University, UK.
Who is the course aimed at?
This course aims to inspire and equip delegates with a range of backgrounds with the advanced knowledge and hands-on skills needed to use portable molecular diagnostic tools in the water, sanitation, agricultural and food safety sector in both developed and developing countries, working with government bodies, universities, international agencies, water regulators, sanitation and hygiene experts and NGOs. To take full advantage of the offering, course delegates should have theoretical understanding of the basic concepts in microbiology.
Training Date: 13th – 16th September, 2021
Venue: Newcaste University, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 7RU, United Kingdom
Course Objectives
By the time you’ve finished this training, you’ll have completed:
- Hands-on training in the analysis of water microbiomes using next generation sequencing and qPCR assays
- Training in the basic skills for bioinformatic data interpretation and microbial hazard assessment
- Training in the use of a portable tool box to investigate microbial water quality
You’ll also be able to:
- Apply portable technologies to describe and manage microbial hazards anywhere in the world, including in the water, food and drinks industries, the health services, agriculture and beyond
- Use your initiative in acquiring and using related information
- Confidently and critically discuss relevant issues, and produce innovative solutions to problems
Course Outline
The training is delivered over 4 days, and the following activities will be conducted:
- Water Sampling
- On-site water quality monitoring
- Filtration
- Faecal indicator bacteria count using plating
- DNA extraction
- Library preparation (PCR, PCR product clean-up, DNA quantification, pooling)
- 16S rRNA gene quantification by qPCR
- DNA sequencing (16S rRNA amplicon sequencing) using a portable sequencing device
- Sequencing data analysis and interpretation to understand waterborne diseases and related health burdens.
Course Fee: £400
Registration Deadline: 31st August, 2021
To book your place contact: cpd.sage@newcastle.ac.uk
For any enquiries please contact Dr. Kishor Acharya (email: Kishor.acharya@ncl.ac.uk) or Prof David Werner (david.werner@ncl.ac.uk)
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