Assessing the degradation of environmental DNA and RNA based on genomic origin in a metabarcoding context

Molecular tools of species identification based on eNAs (environmental nucleic acids; environmental DNA [eDNA] and environmental RNA [eRNA]) have the potential to greatly transform biodiversity science. However, the ability of eNAs to obtain “real-time” biodiversity estimates may be complicated by the differential persistence and degradation dynamics of the molecular template (eDNA or eRNA) and the barcode marker used. Here, we collected water samples over a 28-day period to comparatively assess species detection using eDNA and eRNA metabarcoding of two distinct barcode markers—a mitochondrial mRNA marker (COI) and a nuclear rRNA marker (18S)—following complete removal of Arthropoda taxa in a semi-natural freshwater system. Our findings demonstrate that Arthropoda community composition was largely influenced by marker choice, rather than molecular template, individual microcosm, or sampling time point. Furthermore, although eRNA may capture similar species diversity as the established eDNA method, this finding may be marker-dependent. Although we found little to no difference in decay rates observed among sample groups (COI eDNA, COI eRNA, 18S eDNA, 18S eRNA), this result is likely due to limitations in the ability of eNA-based metabarcoding to provide a strong correlation between true eNA copy numbers present in the environment and final read counts obtained (following the metabarcoding workflow). Collectively, our findings provide further support for the use of multi-marker assessments in metabarcoding surveys to unravel the broadest taxonomic diversity possible, highlight the limitations of eNA metabarcoding methods in providing accurate decay rate estimates, as well as establish the need for further comparative studies using both metabarcoding and single-species detection methods to assess the persistence and degradation dynamics of eNAs for a diverse range of taxa

Application of Modified Atmosphere Packaging and Active/Smart Technologies to Red Meat and Poultry: A Review

This paper reviews the current advances in modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) of red meat and poultry products. This type of packaging results in shelf-life prolongation by inhibiting microbial growth and promoting oxidative stability, compared to those packaged aerobically. High O 2 modified atmosphere packaging results in the desirable red colour, but it also enhances both lipid and pigment oxidation and promotes the growth of aerobic spoilage microorganisms. The presence of high levels of CO 2 in modified atmosphere packages inhibits microbial growth but can also cause meat discoloration through oxidation. Low O 2 MAP atmospheres limit microbial growth but change the colour of meat to purple. The use of CO gives promising results due to its positive effects on colour and microorganism growth inhibitions which result in shelf-life prolongation during wider distribution of case-ready products. The use of MAP can lead to an effective growth reduction of pathogenic microorganisms like Listeria sp. and Salmonella sp. The combination of MAP and vacuum with other treatments can be an effective tool in delivering safe minimally processed foodstuffs. In response to the changes in consumer demand and market trends, the area of active and intelligent/smart packaging is becoming more and more important. These relatively new technologies are capable of providing better results regarding product safety and shelf-life prolongation as well as communicating information on several quality characteristics of packaged food during transportation and storage. © 2012 Springer Science+Business Media, LLC