Effect of eight storage modes on DNA preservation

Abstract

Proper storage procedures are essential for specimens that are to be used for future molecular studies. We tested the performance of eight storage modes for specimens of Balaustium sp. (Acariformes: Erythraeidae) collected on the same day and all fixed in 95% ethanol. In tests after 8 months of storage, all four treatments based on ethanol generated good quality DNA, irrespective of ethanol concentration (75 or 95%) or storage temperature (ambient or -20 °C). Fixation in ethanol and continued dry and cold storage performed adequately, but storage in Koenike’s fluid, clearing in lactic acid prior to ethanol storage, and use of a lysis buffer, did not generate adequate DNA.