Nondestructive Seed Genotyping via Microneedle-Based DNA Extraction

Traditional methods for seed genotyping remain labor-intensive, time-consuming, and cost-prohibitive outside of large-scale breeding programs. Here, we present a handheld microneedle (MN)-based seed DNA extraction platform for rapid, nondestructive, and in-field DNA isolation from crop seeds for instant marker analysis. Using soybean seeds as a case study, we demonstrated the use of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) MN patches for the successful extraction of DNA from softened soybean seeds. This extraction technology maintained high seed viability, showing germination rates of 82% and 79%, respectively, before and after MN sampling. The quality of MN-extracted DNA was sufficient for various genomic analyses, including PCR, LAMP, and whole genome sequencing. Importantly, this MN patch method also allowed for the identification of specific genetic differences between soybean varieties.