How to sterilize mortar/pestle free of RNases - (Sep/12/2007 )

I am extracting RNA from frozen human liver tissue (Hepatoblastoma samples) and have had success so far. However, I need to re-use my pestles and am wondering which is the best way to sterilize them and have them free of RNases? I am thinking that autoclaving them, then wiping with RNaseZap and then rinsing twice with DEPC-water. Any thoughts???

Or does anyone know if you can buy sterile RNase-free disposable pestles and if so, what vendor?

Thanks

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Heat the mortar and pestle in a 200°C oven for 2 hours. Thats how I make all my glassware (and similar) RNAse free.

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What some people do in my lab is to put some alcohol in the mortar/pestle and flame it a couple of times.

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Thanks for the info. I don't have an oven in my lab. Do you think soaking them in 100% ethanol for about 1 hour, then wiping with RNaseZap, then rinsing twice with DEPC water would work to sterilize and have RNase-free?
Thanks

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Thanks for the information!

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You do not need to worry RNase contamination in your mortar/pestle, cause the tissue to be ground will have more RNases lol. But it is good to bleach it and then rinse with water to prevent DNA/RNA cross-contamination.

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