Data from: Passive sampling of environmental DNA in aquatic environments using 3D-printed hydroxyapatite samplers

The study of environmental DNA released by aquatic organisms in their habitat offers a fast, non-invasive and sensitive approach to monitor their presence. Common eDNA sampling methods such as water filtration and DNA precipitation are time consuming, require difficult-to-handle equipment and partially integrate eDNA signals. To overcome these limitations, we created the first proof of concept of a passive, 3D-printed and easy-to-use eDNA sampler. We designed the samplers from hydroxyapatite (HAp samplers), a natural mineral with a high DNA adsorption capacity. The porous structure and shape of the samplers were designed to optimise DNA adsorption and facilitate their handling in the laboratory and in the field. Here we show that HAp samplers can efficiently collect genomic DNA in controlled set-ups, but can also collect animal eDNA under controlled and natural conditions with yields similar to conventional methods. However, we also observed large variations in the amount of DNA collected even under controlled conditions. A better understanding of the DNA-hydroxyapatite interactions on the surface of the samplers is now necessary to optimise the eDNA adsorption and to allow the development of a reliable, easy-to-use and reusable eDNA sampling tool.对水生生物在其栖息地释放的环境DNA（environmental DNA, eDNA）开展研究，为监测物种存在提供了一种快速、非侵入且灵敏度优异的手段。常规的eDNA采样方法，如水体过滤与DNA沉淀法，往往耗时较长，需要操作难度较高的设备，且仅能部分回收环境中的eDNA。为克服上述局限，我们首次构建了被动式、3D打印且操作简便的eDNA采样器的概念验证方案。我们以羟基磷灰石（hydroxyapatite, HAp）制备该采样器——这是一种天然矿物，具备极高的DNA吸附能力。采样器的多孔结构与外形经过优化设计，以提升DNA吸附效率，并便于实验室与野外场景下的操作。本研究证实，HAp采样器不仅可在受控实验环境中高效收集基因组DNA，还可在受控与自然环境中采集动物eDNA，其回收率与传统方法相当。不过我们也观察到，即便在受控条件下，采集到的DNA量仍存在较大波动。当前仍需进一步阐明采样器表面DNA与羟基磷灰石的相互作用机制，以优化eDNA吸附效果，进而开发出可靠、易用且可重复使用的eDNA采样工具。