Improved Extraction of Biomolecules from Improved Extraction of Biomolecules from Plants, Animals, and Fungi with Plants, Animals, and Fungi with The PCT Shedder The PCT Shedder

The high content of fibrous material in many plant samples, as well as the presence of rigid cell walls, complicates the extraction of DNA and other biomolecules from plant tissues. To release target analytes, plant samples often require extensive and time consuming sample disruption, often accomplished by grinding with a mortar and pestle or by homogenizing with glass or metal beads. Such methods are often inefficient and may even be deleterious to the biomolecules. Here we describe a system for the efficient extraction of biomolecules from plants, animals, and fungi using The PCT Shredder and the Pressure Cycling Technology Sample Preparation System (PCT SPS). Initial disruption of plant tissue with The PCT Shredder followed by DNA extraction by pressure cycling technology (PCT) are carried out in the same processing container (PCT Shredder PULSE Tube). This method of extraction is safe, convenient, and efficient. Furthermore, the extracted DNA was far less sheared as compared to DNA extracted by bead beating. In addition to releasing longer DNA from plants, The PCT Shredder alone or in combination the PCT SPS has proven to effectively release DNA, RNA, and proteins from fungi and C. elegans . The PCT Shredder is also an effective tool for pre-processing tissues such as cardiac muscle, liver, and lung. The PCT Shredder is powerful enough to release organelles and yet still gentle enough to preserve the intact structure of mitochondria released from tissues.