We use molecular tools to detect species, characterize communities and generate information that supports research, environmental monitoring, environmental licensing and decisions about biodiversity.
Tell us what your project aims to achieve.
We will help define the approach.
Molecular approaches to different questions about biodiversity.
Biodiversity analyses for environmental studies, monitoring and conservation actions.
How can biodiversity be monitored within a development’s area of influence?
Depending on the study design, eDNA and metabarcoding can support monitoring; qPCR can investigate defined targets; and population genetics and genomics can address questions about connectivity.
Explore this context ↗Molecular tools integrated into the planning and delivery of your studies.
How can surveys be complemented to expand the information available?
We align the question and sampling plan to assess approaches such as eDNA, DNA barcoding or qPCR, with interpretation integrated into the consultancy’s study.
Explore this context ↗Information for environmental studies and programs at different project stages.
How can biodiversity be investigated in environments subject to different pressures?
The question guides the combination of eDNA and metabarcoding, targeted qPCR investigations or population studies, where appropriate to the study design.
Explore this context ↗Genetics applied to conservation, restoration and biodiversity monitoring.
How can evidence about species and communities guide action?
Detection using eDNA or qPCR, identification through DNA barcoding, and studies of population diversity and connectivity provide distinct, complementary evidence.
Explore this context ↗From the scientific question to molecular analysis and bioinformatic processing of results.
Which genetic approach is suitable for answering your question?
We discuss the suitability of qPCR, barcoding, metabarcoding or population genetics and genomics, connecting study design, analysis and bioinformatics.
Explore this context ↗A sample of water, soil, sediment or tissue carries genetic information. From sampling to bioinformatics, we turn that information into answers about biodiversity.
What you need to know, and with what level of precision.
Water, soil, sediment or tissue, collected according to the study design.
DNA is isolated from the sample in a controlled environment.
Metabarcoding, qPCR, barcoding or population markers, depending on the question.
Sequencing and bioinformatic processing.
Interpreted results, with methods and limitations made explicit.
The workflow is adapted to the approach: not every analysis involves sequencing.
The question guides the method. Interpretation takes the limitations of the analysis into account.
Explore the analytical workflowWe define the approach according to the objective, sample type and organisms of interest.
Select a question to explore the analysis and its deliverables. These are examples of possible applications; the scope is defined for each study.
Taxonomic groups, sample types and deliverables depend on the design, markers and available references. Failure to detect DNA does not establish that a species is absent.
Explore the approach Understand metabarcodingDoes threatened species Y still persist in this river stretch after construction?
Presence/absence refers to detection of the target under the assay conditions. Non-detection does not mean absolute absence; assay availability and validation must be assessed.
Explore the approachIs the morphological identification correct?
The level of identification possible depends on sample quality, the marker and available references.
Explore the approachWhat is the genetic diversity of the source population for a reintroduction?
Genetic connectivity does not directly measure the current movement of individuals. Inferences depend on the timescale, sampling and markers; an association alone does not demonstrate causation.
Explore the approachScope, curation and controls depend on the available data and metadata. Taxonomic resolution depends on the quality of sequences and references.
Explore the approachWe are a Brazilian company specializing in environmental genomics for biodiversity, working with environmental DNA (eDNA), qPCR, DNA barcoding, population genetics and genomics, and bioinformatics.
Our team brings together expertise in genetics, zoology and ecology to connect project questions with the possibilities of molecular analysis.
Meet MetaGen and the team ↗
Tell us what you need to investigate. MetaGen will help define the approach and scope of the analysis.
contato@metagen.com.br ↗+55 (31) 99550-0996+55 (31) 97175-2141+55 (31) 99212-8041qPCR is a targeted approach used when there is a defined target. Metabarcoding allows multiple taxa to be assessed from a sample. The choice depends on the project question and analytical scope.
No. Tell us about the study objective, environment and organisms of interest. An initial discussion helps define the scope and the most suitable molecular approach.
The choice depends on the question and study design. eDNA can complement other approaches. Its results must be interpreted in light of the sampling, markers used and reference databases.
Describe the project context and what you need to investigate. If known, include the type and number of samples, groups of interest and desired timeframe.