Seeds, nuts, and other plant matrices are inherently resistant to fast and consistent sample preparation for downstream analysis. Large seeds, specifically, have unique challenges that typically require time consuming pre-processing steps and/or intensive cleaning procedures to reduce cross carryover between samples. These traditional methods can hinder high throughput workflows. Additionally, standard protocols for DNA or other analyte purification methods require powdered matrices prior to mixing with an aqueous buffer that is compatible with chosen downstream extraction. This process can be labor intensive, inexact, and time consuming.
In this application note, we discuss a sample preparation method for large seeds, using the Omni Bead Ruptor™ 96 bead mill homogenizer, that allows samples to be processed in both buffered and dry conditions which results in high integrity and quantity DNA. This method can prepare samples with a high degree of throughput and is compatible with automated DNA extraction using the chemagic™ 360 nucleic acid extractor.
Table 1: Concentration and purity data from DNA extracted using dry grinding and liquid homogenization methods.