What is environemental DNA ?
Environmental DNA (eDNA) is a complex mixture of DNA traces that different organisms have left in the environment (Taberlet et al. 2012*). Soil, sediment, feces or water are environmental samples that can be used to analyze eDNA.
The "eDNA metabarcoding" approach represents an innovative solution for biodiversity analyses. It is based on the analysis of target DNA fragments from environmental samples, and provides taxonomic or functional information on a given ecosystem.
A recent book** from the Alpine Ecology Laboratory presents the applications and potential of this methodology as well as its advantages and limitations for biodiversity analyses and species monitoring.
metabarcoding
eDNA
soil sampling
* Taberlet P, Coissac E, Hajibabaei M, Rieseberg LH. (2012) Environmental DNA. Molecular Ecology 21, 1789-1793.
** Taberlet P, Bonin A, Zinger L, Coissac E. (2018) Environmental DNA For Biodiversity Research and Monitoring. Oxford university Press.
diet analysis
Who are we?
Eva BELLEMAIN
Presidente and Co-founder
"After a master's degree in Cellular and Molecular Biology in 2001, I completed a doctorate thesis on the genetics of the Scandinavian brown bear and continued my research experience with post-doctorates in Panama and Norway, in the field of population genetics and phylogeography, before specializing in environmental DNA from 2007.
Today, I am glad to apply my skills and experience to better evaluate and manage biodiversity."
Marie PIERRON
CEO and Co-founder
"After studies in Genetics and Molecular Biology in 2012, followed by various experiences in biotechnology companies, I developed skills in field sampling and analysis of rare and degraded DNA in the laboratory. What drives me today is to have a real impact on the environment and species conservation and a company where people come first."
Aurélie BONIN
CEO
"My fascination for nature originates from my childhood. During my Ph.D. in 2006, I approached biodiversity in terms of evolution. From 2012, my integration into a pioneering research team in eDNA methodological developments has given a more ecological dimension to my work. At a time of biodiversity crisis, I am committed to contribute to the knowledge of species and their preservation. I believe eDNA is a great tool to achieve this goal."
Camille SESSEGOLO
Bioinformatician
" After my master degree in bio-informatic I completed a PhD thesis on developement of bioinformatics methods and transcriptomic data analysis in 2021.
I chose to give my work a more ecological dimension and I am pleased to work on metabarcoding
data analysis, statistics and more general methodological R&D aspects for Argaly now.
Today, having an impact on the preservation of biodiversity and the environment in general is a real motivation in my work."
Céline MODUGNO
Executive assistant
" Little girl from Belledonne, I live in the nature since my childhood.
My studies and my character naturally led me to organisation and to management.
With a B.T.S. Commercial Action in 1999, over 15 years of experience in supporting business owner and recent professional certification of assistant accountant, I am happy, today, to help to manage a company in alignment with my values."
Héloïse ARCHAMBEAU
Laboratory responsible
" Passionate about biology since the beginning of my studies, I had the chance to discover molecular ecology during one internship. This experience opened my eyes to the capabilities of molecular biology tools to study ecosystems. Following experiences that allowed me to develop skills in molecular biology, I wanted to apply them to projects of interest for a better knowledge and protection of the environment.
That's why I'm happy to work at ARGALY today."
Alessia GUERRIERI
Project leader
" I came to ARGALY with a multidisciplinary background in environmental sciences and technology and after a PhD thesis on the evolution of ecosystems following glacier retreat. I now invest my knowledge in molecular ecology, bioinformatics and statistical analyses in biodiversity conservation and management projects, as well as in the methodological development of the eDNA metabarcoding tool. My goal is to have a real impact on the environment through more efficient and adapted monitoring strategies."
Joséphine RENAUDIN
Technicienne de laboratoire
" After obtaining a degree in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, my objective was to apply my knowledge for the benefit of biodiversity. Close to nature and sensitive to its fragile balance, being able to participate in projects to understand and preserve biodiversity is gratifying and seems natural to me. My contribution to this cause, through the analysis of samples collected in the field, motivates me. I find my convictions and my values today in my work at ARGALY."
Our partners
Since the emergence of ARGALY in november 2017, the LECA (Laboratory of Alpine Ecology of Grenoble) is present as a support, shares its experience and new technologies.
The company is supported in its growth and development of innovation by Le Village by CA, within a stimulating ecosystem in which companies, SMEs and start-ups, entrepreneurial support structures, industry players and investors cooperate
ARGALY is part of the UPGE (Union Professionnelle du Génie Ecologique) network, which brings together companies in the ecological sector with the common goal of protecting biodiversity, and the AGRONOV network, an association promoting innovation in agroecology.
Our laboratory
Since October 2019, ARGALY has its own laboratories in Alpespace (Sainte-Hélène-du-Lac, FRANCE).
With a total surface of 75 m², our labs are divided into four rooms to perform the different analysis steps (DNA extraction, amplification, preparation for sequencing). Each room is equipped with differential pressure in order to guarantee optimal working conditions and avoid contaminations.