✅   Introducing NOMAD: A Field-Deployable Workflow for Rapid, On-Site Microbiome Analysis of Raw Bovine Milk Using Full-Length 16S rRNA Sequencing

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Raw bovine milk hosts a diverse microbiota that profoundly influences dairy product quality, safety, and shelf-life. However, current surveillance methods are time-intensive and often lack the taxonomic resolution needed for effective risk mitigation. To address this, we developed NOMAD (Nanopore-based On-site Microbiome Analysis of Diversity), a field-deployable workflow for rapid, high-resolution characterization of the raw milk microbiome using full-length 16S rRNA gene sequencing via Oxford Nanopore Technologies. Milk samples collected from a commercial dairy operation were processed using eight DNA extraction protocols, with Method 4 (incorporation of EDTA and TE buffer) emerging as the optimal approach for microbial richness and DNA yield.

BioRxiv     Oct 01, 2025