Here, we present a new approach for increasing the rate and lowering the cost of identifying, cataloging, and monitoring global biodiversity. These advances, which we call Closed-Tube Barcoding, are one application of a suite of proven PCR-based technologies invented in our laboratory. Closed-Tube Barcoding builds on and aims to enhance the profoundly important efforts of the International Barcode of Life initiative. Closed-Tube Barcoding promises to be particularly useful when large numbers of small or rare specimens need to be screened and characterized at an affordable price. This approach is also well suited for automation and for use in portable devices.
Keywords: Closed-Tube Barcoding; LATE-PCR; Lights-On/Lights-Off probes; Pan-phylum probes; Sondes noir et blanc (« Lights-On/Lights-Off probes »); codage à barres en tube fermé (« Closed-Tube Barcoding »); fluorescent signatures; signatures en fluorescence; sondes pan-spécifiques.