Vegetos
(An International Journal of Plant Research & Biotechnology)
(eISSN: 2229-4473)
An optimized droplet digital PCR (ddPCR) protocol for gene expression studies in plant system and viral load estimation in waste water system
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Research Articles | Published: 15 June, 2026
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Keywords: ddPCR, Method, Gene expression, Plant, Virus
Abstract
Droplet digital PCR (ddPCR) has emerged as a powerful and precise molecular tool for quantifying nucleic acids, offering higher sensitivity and absolute quantification compared to traditional qPCR. This study presents a standardized and optimized droplet PCR protocol designed for two distinct applications: gene expression analysis in plants and viral detection in water systems. For plant-based studies, the protocol ensures accurate quantification of target transcripts, addressing challenges such as low-abundance gene detection and inconclusive variability in expression levels. In water systems, the protocol enables highly sensitive detection of viral pathogens, improving environmental surveillance and risk assessment. Methodological optimizations, including RNA extraction, cDNA synthesis, primer design, and reaction conditions, are detailed to enhance reproducibility and efficiency. The protocol’s robustness was validated through case studies demonstrating its effectiveness across different sample types. This standardized approach provides a reliable framework for researchers conducting gene expression analysis in plants and pathogen monitoring in environmental water samples, contributing to advancements in both agricultural biotechnology and public health.
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Author Information
Biological Sciences and Technology Division, Centre for Infectious Diseases, CSIR-North East Institute of Science and Technology, Jorhat, India