Tarsi DNA extractions using chitinase

[Anna Tatarko]

Hi all,

Hope this is okay to ask here. Just curious if anyone has experience using chitinase to improve DNA extraction yield from bee tarsi. 

I'm trying a homebrew DNA extraction method that uses SPRI beads (after this method), but am getting low concentrations of DNA, probably because their feet are so small and tough. We have thousands of bee feet to work through, so manually cutting/grinding isn't a great option. If anyone has used chitinase in DNA extractions and can advise, I hope you will email me directly!

Cheers,

Anna

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Anna Tatarko (she/her)

Postdoctoral Research Associate

Memmott Lab, University of Bristol

www.AnnaTatarko.com