A 96-well plate format for detection of marine zooplankton with the sandwich hybridization assay

The sandwich hybridization assay (SHA) is a ribosomal RNA (rRNA) targeted molecular method used to detect specific target organisms from diverse communities found in environmental water samples. This sensitive, robust assay is particularly useful for detecting zooplankton, including copepod grazers or reproductive propagules from broadcast spawning invertebrates. Herein, I describe the most basic application of this flexible methodology-a 96-well plate format for analysis of water samples in the laboratory. A microarray format SHA is also available and uses the same basic chemistry for remote, robotically mediated, in situ target detection. Traditionally produced only in the laboratory, preassembled SHA reagents and consumables are now also available for purchase.