The biobank collection currently consists of roughly 150.000 DNA extracts and 3000 tissue samples, stored at low temperatures for optimized preservation. It also has physical specimens, the molecular voucher specimens, the sources of DNA extracts.
What the Naturalis biobankis for
The purpose of the biobank collection is scientific. By storing DNA extracts and tissue samples, they can be used for new research or the verification of older research. The molecular voucher specimens are the physical reference of DNA extracts. They can be used for linking morphological characteristics to genetic data. They can also be used for further DNA extraction.
Collectionmanagement
Both the DNA extracts and the tissue samples are stored in our -80℃ freezers, to preserve the quality of the DNA. We currently have seven of these freezers at Naturalis, each large enough for roughly 1.000.000 samples. The molecular voucher specimens are stored at room temperature, in 96% ethanol.
Largeinfrastructures
The scientific infrastructure projects at Naturalis work closely together. They share one biobank.
ARISE aims to recognize all multicellular species in the Netherlands by all means, including DNA. The extracts used for making the DNA barcode library are stored in the biobank, together with a physical voucher where possible.
In the project Biodiversity Genomics Europe Naturalis contributed to genetic knowledge of European biodiversity, among other things by DNA barcoding of museum-specimens. The extracts are stored here.
eDentity aims to monitor Dutch biodiversity with DNA from water, air and soil samples. By resolving which species shed the so-called eDNA, we have a new view of Dutch biodiversity. monitort de Nederlandse biodiversiteit met behulp van DNA uit water-, grond- en luchtmonsters. Part of these DNA extracts will be stored as a reference.
ARISE: knowing Nature in the Netherlands
Biodiversity Genomics Europe: BGE
eDentity: a national eDNA infrastructure
Informationfrom the biobank
Sequence data is available through BOLD
We are also connected to the Global Genome Biodiversity Network.
