A first prototype of an Invertebrate Chip: Development and Assessment of a DNA microarray as an analytical tool to identify selected marine invertebrates

A prototype microarray to identify marine invertebrates was developed. 15 invertebrates belonging to crustacea, mollusca and annelida were collected from the North Sea, Adriatic and the Mediterranean Sea. To extract DNA from different tissues 21 methods were checked and FTA Elute was found out to be the best. Oligonucleotide probes were designed from 16S and COI genes. Two genes are amplified from single DNA template by simplified multiplex PCR. Specificity and sensitivity of the captures was checked and having probes from both genes on the same chip increased the accuracy of detection. Environmental application was checked by analysing gut content of demersal fish and the results were validated by metagenomics and microscopy.