We are proud to be the developers of GPSponge®, an innovative technology that is currently playing a vital role in international wildlife conservation and public health research.

A recent groundbreaking study, published in Emerging Microbes & Infections, has utilized our technology to achieve a scientific milestone: the first detection of environmental DNA (eDNA) from tuberculosis in free-ranging eastern lowland gorillas and chimpanzees in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

The Challenge Diagnosing diseases like tuberculosis in the wild has historically been a massive challenge. Traditional clinical tests often require anesthesia, which is dangerous for the animals and nearly impossible to perform in remote rainforest environments.

Our Solution: How GPSponge® Works In this study, researchers used our pre-hydrated sponges to collect samples non-invasively by rubbing surfaces such as gorilla nests, feces, and park ranger equipment.

GPSponge® was developed in collaboration with researchers from VISAVET-UCM and IREC-UCLM to provide a complete solution for environmental sampling. Its key features include:

• Pathogen Inactivation: It neutralizes pathogens within the sample, ensuring safe and secure transport.
• Nucleic Acid Preservation: It stabilizes DNA and RNA, meaning samples do not need to be processed immediately—an essential feature for field work in remote locations.
• Non-Invasive & High Quality: It avoids the need to handle or bleed animals while providing high-quality genetic material compatible with various purification systems.
• Ease of Use: It is an affordable, practical tool that ensures reproducible results even in complex environments.

The study revealed that 26% of the analyzed environmental samples contained Mycobacterium tuberculosis DNA, providing clear evidence of transmission between humans and great apes. These findings are crucial for developing new conservation strategies under the “One Health” approach.

We are honored to provide the tools that help scientists track “invisible” threats and protect our planet’s most endangered species.

 

Study: https://doi.org/10.1080/22221751.2026.2645874

GPSponge® : https://geneticpcr.com/gpsponge-kit/