The basic process for isolating plant DNA or RNA is similar to isolating nucleic acids from tissue or bacteria but there are some significant differences. The main challenge is the need to deal with the plant cell walls; since they are tougher than bacterial or eukaryotic cell walls they need to be physically disrupted, usually through grinding or bead beating. The samples are then run through a nucleic acid extraction protocol to yield intact DNA or RNA usually involving either spin columns or magnetic beads. This article will focus on the benefits of using magnetic beads in plant nucleic acid extraction.
Magnetic bead technology functions by affinity interactions between ligands that coat the beads and their specific targets. One of the advantages of using magnetic beads in purifying DNA or RNA is that the large surface area of the beads allows for the highly efficient binding of nucleic acids, meaning better binding and washing efficiency than you get with filter-based methods like purification columns. Another key advantage of beads over columns is that they can be used for samples of varying viscosities.
Adding automation to a magnetic bead purification protocol is a way to take your nucleic acid purification even further. Protocols using magnetic beads are very easy to automate, and doing so adds a level of reproducibility beyond what you can achieve doing everything manually.
If you’re looking to automate your system, here are some things to look for in an automated or semi-automated purification system:
- Are you looking for an open system that integrates with the magnetic particle purification kit you already have so that you don’t need to change your adjusted reagents?
- How easy to use is the instrument you’re considering? Would it require one or two highly trained dedicated users, or could anyone in the lab easily operate it? Your specific needs will vary, so be sure to choose a system that serves those needs.
- What kind of software comes with the system? Again, is it easy to use? Can you make the modifications you need to protocols already loaded in?
- What is your throughput? Magnetic beads are very conducive to high throughput since they are so efficient. If your throughput is high, you want to be sure to choose a system that can handle it.
- Finally and most importantly, is this automated system suitable for plant work? Unfortunately not all are, so be sure that the one you choose is optimized for plant DNA and RNA extraction.
Purifying nucleic acids with magnetic beads clearly has a lot of advantages, whether automated or not. But what are some pitfalls you might face with plant samples? The biggest one relates to sample homogenization. If your samples aren’t disrupted it doesn’t matter how great your protocol is, you will not get consistent results. The homogenization step of your protocol needs to disrupt the structures of the plant tissue to get a high yield of nucleic acids in the end. And finally, make sure you take the time to optimize the purification protocol for your specific sample material.
If you’re looking for efficiency, scalability, and flexibility in your plant DNA or RNA purification, you should consider whether magnetic bead technology is right for your needs.
Related Products from: Thermo Fisher Scientific