A microwave-based method for nucleic acid isolation from environmental samples.
OBJECTIVE
A simple and rapid method was described for DNA isolation directly from activated sludge or other environmental sources, including soil and sediments.


RESULTS
The present method is based on microwave thermal shock and provides DNA suitable for further analysis. It is also effective for RNA extraction.


CONCLUSIONS
The protocol is effective, easy, fast and does not require the use of expensive equipment or reagents.


CONCLUSIONS
The described method can be applied to difficult substrates in environmental microbiology studies.
Orsini
M
M
Institute of Hygiene, Catholic University Medical School, Rome, Italy.
Romano-Spica
V
V
D004269:DNA, Bacterial / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D004271:DNA, Fungal / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D004783:Environmental Microbiology; D020459:Genes, rRNA; D019015:Geologic Sediments / Q000382:microbiology; D008872:Microwaves; D012329:RNA, Bacterial / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D012336:RNA, Ribosomal, 16S / Q000235:genetics; D012722:Sewage / Q000382:microbiology; D012988:Soil Microbiology
D004269:DNA, Bacterial; D004271:DNA, Fungal; D012329:RNA, Bacterial; D012336:RNA, Ribosomal, 16S; D012722:Sewage