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Drosophila tissue homogenization - need help (Jun/02/2009 )

I'm trying to extract proteins and RNAs from adult whole Drosophilas. At the moment I'm using an IKA ultra turrax blender, which is not a tissue homogenizer per se. I would really appreciate if someone could give advice on the best methods on homogenizing Drosophila tissues. Thanks a lot in advance.

-abbas-

abbas on Jun 2 2009, 05:57 AM said:

I'm trying to extract proteins and RNAs from adult whole Drosophilas. At the moment I'm using an IKA ultra turrax blender, which is not a tissue homogenizer per se. I would really appreciate if someone could give advice on the best methods on homogenizing Drosophila tissues. Thanks a lot in advance.


Abbas,

I wish to be helpful and would like to let you know that AquaRNA extracts both proteins and RNAs from the same specimen and unlike using other methods you don't have a hard time to solubilize the final protein pellet for Western. As far as homogenization goes, I think your turrax would work, and you could use disposible bits or rinse the bits with bleech between each fly. We give out 1-ml trial samples if asked.

Cheers,
AquaPlasmid

-AquaPlasmid-

AquaPlasmid on Jun 3 2009, 04:48 PM said:

Abbas,

I wish to be helpful and would like to let you know that AquaRNA extracts both proteins and RNAs from the same specimen and unlike using other methods you don't have a hard time to solubilize the final protein pellet for Western. As far as homogenization goes, I think your turrax would work, and you could use disposible bits or rinse the bits with bleech between each fly. We give out 1-ml trial samples if asked.

Cheers,
AquaPlasmid


Thanks for the reply. I rinsed the blender with 70% ethanol between each homogenization. Is bleach better than using ethanol?

-abbas-

abbas on Jun 3 2009, 12:59 PM said:

AquaPlasmid on Jun 3 2009, 04:48 PM said:

Abbas,

I wish to be helpful and would like to let you know that AquaRNA extracts both proteins and RNAs from the same specimen and unlike using other methods you don't have a hard time to solubilize the final protein pellet for Western. As far as homogenization goes, I think your turrax would work, and you could use disposible bits or rinse the bits with bleech between each fly. We give out 1-ml trial samples if asked.

Cheers,
AquaPlasmid


Thanks for the reply. I rinsed the blender with 70% ethanol between each homogenization. Is bleach better than using ethanol?


Yes, bleach! In my hands only bleach rinse can prevent cross-contamination.

-AquaPlasmid-