Sample Targeting
Sample Targeting - Related Videos
10:44
Generating Whole Bacterial Genomes from Clinical Samples using a Target Enrichment Workflow
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Cited by 1 •
2025
Here, we present a protocol to enable whole-genome sequencing of bacterial sexually transmitted infections from clinical samples using target enrichment. This novel, syndromic panel-based method overcomes challenges of abundant human DNA and low bacterial loads, facilitating genomic surveillance for Chlamydia trachomatis, Neisseria gonorrhoeae, Treponema pallidum, and Mycoplasma genitalium.
09:38
Physical Isolation of Endospores from Environmental Samples by Targeted Lysis of Vegetative Cells
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Cited by 17 •
2016
A method to single out bacterial endospores from complex microbial communities was developed to perform tailored culture or molecular studies of this group of bacteria.
04:11
Isolation of Endospores from an Environmental Sample by Targeted Lysis of Vegetative Cells
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2025
Source: Wunderlin, T., et al. Physical Isolation of Endospores from Environmental Samples by Targeted Lysis of Vegetative Cells. J. Vis. Exp. (2016)This video demonstrates a method to isolate endospores from an environmental sample containing both vegetative cells and various bacteria. The procedure involves filtration, mechanical disruption, and selective chemical treatment to weaken and lyse vegetative cells while preserving endospores. The final step isolates the resilient endospores through...
09:09
A Method for Targeted 16S Sequencing of Human Milk Samples
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Cited by 5 •
2018
A semi-automated workflow is presented for targeted sequencing of 16S rRNA from human milk and other low-biomass sample types.
02:30
Single Cell Sampling Using Laser Capture Microdissection: A Technique to Harvest Target Cells from a Heterogeneous Cell Population
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2023
This video describes the technique for obtaining a single cell from a heterogeneous cell population using laser capture microdissection. The single isolated cell can be used for further genomic studies or cancer research.
FAQs
Selection can rely on morphology, molecular markers, spatial location, or phenotype. These criteria allow researchers to distinguish the intended cells, tissue, region, or specimen from neighboring material before collection, measurement, or manipulation. Choosing a feature that matches the biological question helps align the sampled material with the measurement and reduces irrelevant background in downstream analysis.
In a heterogeneous sample, different cells or regions may contribute different signals. Directing analysis toward a defined target limits the contribution of surrounding material, making results easier to attribute to the selected biological component. At the same time, retaining spatial or cellular context can show where the target occurs, which strengthens interpretation of microscopy, molecular assays, and tissue studies.
Whole-specimen analysis can combine signals from multiple biological components, whereas targeted sampling focuses attention on a selected specimen, cell, tissue, or region. The targeted approach is useful when the research question concerns a particular phenotype, location, or molecularly distinguished population. It can improve precision, but the selection criteria must remain clear so conclusions are tied to the intended target.
First, researchers identify the biological feature that defines the target, such as morphology, a molecular marker, spatial location, or phenotype. They then locate and select the relevant specimen, cell, tissue, or region, direct collection or measurement toward it, and interpret the resulting data in relation to the surrounding material and original selection criterion.
In microscopy, targeting can focus observation on selected cells, tissues, or regions rather than surrounding material. For molecular assays, it can help direct collection toward biologically defined material before measurement. Across both settings, the approach supports more precise attribution of signals and can preserve spatial or cellular information that would be less interpretable if the target were not distinguished.
It is especially relevant when samples contain meaningful variation among cells, tissues, or regions. Applications described for this approach include studying disease mechanisms, developmental changes, and responses to treatment. By directing analysis toward selected biological material, researchers can examine these changes with greater attention to the relevant target while retaining context needed to interpret its role.
Clear targeting criteria make it easier to relate a result to the same type of biological material across measurements or experiments. Reduced unwanted background can improve interpretability, while attention to spatial or cellular context helps prevent isolated signals from being considered without their biological setting. Together, these benefits support results that are more representative and reproducible when target selection is appropriate.