Natural Resources DNA Profiling and Forensic Centre (NRDPFC)

Trent University, Peterborough, Ontario
What the facility does

Automated DNA extractions, microsatellite DNA profiling, forensic DNA analysis of fish and wildlife, food traceability

Areas of expertise

The Centre has high-throughput robotic equipment for DNA extractions and DNA profiling of fish and wildlife samples. The applications range from forensics to wildlife and fish management and conservation. The research programs develop DNA markers for different species for individual, population and species identification. We also develop markers to trace food products from farm to fork and to assess the composition of mixed meats. Users of the Centre include the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources, Parks Canada, Environment Canada, and the Canadian Food Inspection Agency.

Research services
  • DNA extraction
  • DNA sequencing
  • Microsatellite DNA profiling
  • Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNP) profiling
  • Wildlife and fish forensic DNA analyses
  • Individual, species  and population identification
  • Food traceability
  • Conservation and landscape genomics
Sectors of application
  • Agriculture, animal science and food
  • Defence and security industries
  • Environmental technologies and related services
  • Fisheries and aquaculture
  • Life sciences, pharmaceuticals and medical equipment
  • Ocean industries
  • Policy and governance
  • Professional and technical services (including legal services, architecture, engineering)

Specialized lab

Equipment

Function

Ancient DNA Laboratory

Clean laboratory

Isolation and analysis of DNA from ancient sources

Automation Laboratory

Robotic arms and liquid handlers for DNA extractions and analyses

High throughput DNA analyses of wildlife, agricultural and food samples

Biohazard Indigenous Level 3 Laboratory

Containment laboratory

Laboratory for wildlife pathogens such as rabies virus

Species DNA banks

Automated DNA freezers

Storage of DNA samples from a range of species including the highly endangered North Atlantic right whale

  • Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources
  • Environment Canada
  • Parks Canada
  • Canadian Wildlife Service
  • Department of Fisheries and Oceans
  • Canadian Food Inspections Agency
  • Newfoundland Natural Resources
  • Quebec Natural Resources
  • World Wildlife Fund
  • Toronto Zoo
  • New England Aquarium
  • Centre of Excellence for Goat Research and Innovation
  • Royal Botanical Gardens
  • Maple Leaf Foods
  • Chicken Farmers of Canada
  • Maxxam Analytics

Title

URL

Eastern Wolf Survey

http://easternwolfsurvey.ca/

DNA Forensic Lab

http://forensicdna.ca/