Comparison of extraction methods of total microbial DNA from freshwater
Author(s): P. Li, S.F. Yang, B.B. Lv, K. Zhao, M.F. Lin, S. Zhou, X. Song and X.M. Tang
The demand for molecular analysis of aquatic microbial communities in freshwater has highlighted the need for efficient methods of DNA extraction. The centrifugation method and filtration-membrane method are 2 widely used methods for extracting DNA. The objective of this study was to compare the extraction efficiency of 3 methods, including the centrifugation method, filtration-membrane method, and modified filtration-membrane method, by evaluating the quantity and purity of DNA extracts obtained from water. DNA extraction was analyzed by agarose gel electrophoresis, ultraviolet-spectroscopy, restriction enzyme digestion, and polymerase chain reaction. The results showed that the modified filtration-membrane method was the most efficient for extracting microbial DNA from freshwater with high integrity and purity and is suitable for molecular applications.