DNA extraction from Cannabis sativa using the Omni Bead Ruptor 12 bead mill homogenizer for sample preparation

Plant genetics has been studied for centuries dating back to Mendel and the crossbreeding of orchids to get different phenotypic flowers. As time continued, it was discovered that genes were responsible for these features. Scientists now look at the plant’s DNA to discover genes for different characteristics like chlorophyll production, water absorption, seed formation, etc. As plants are a complex matrix including chlorophyll and starches, it’s important to obtain pure DNA for genetic studies. 

One plant in particular, hemp, has been a main focus in the market recently. Hemp, a strain of Cannabis sativa, is being studied not only for its industrial uses, but for its nutritional and medicinal uses too. Cannabis growing and cultivation is important for plant geneticists to look for what strains can produce different cannabinoids and terpenes to support the market. 

Herein, we evaluated the OMNI Bead Ruptor 12 for homogenization of the plant sample prior to DNA purification.

Table 1: Hemp processing parameters and average DNA concentrations