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Optimal liquid-based DNA preservation for DNA barcoding of field-collected fungal specimens

Summary

This research compares two liquid preservation solutions for storing fungal samples collected in the field. RNAlater and DESS both work well for preserving fungal DNA, but RNAlater performs better when samples are dried before DNA extraction. The study helps researchers choose the best method for preserving and studying wild fungi in natural ecosystems.

Background

Preserving fungal tissue DNA in field conditions is essential for molecular ecological research but challenging due to environmental factors that degrade DNA. While freezing is conventional, it is impractical in remote field settings, making liquid-based preservation solutions like RNAlater and DESS attractive alternatives for stabilizing nucleic acids under field conditions.

Objective

This study systematically compares RNAlater and DESS liquid-based preservation solutions for their effectiveness in maintaining macrofungi DNA integrity during field collection and storage. The research evaluates both controlled laboratory conditions and real-world field collections to determine which method best preserves DNA quality and quantity.

Results

In controlled experiments, both preservation methods showed viability with no significant differences in DNA metrics. In field-collected samples, RNAlater demonstrated superior performance with 77.5% PCR success rate compared to 40.5% for DESS, with significantly better DNA quality and quantity, particularly when samples underwent overnight drying before extraction.

Conclusion

Both RNAlater and DESS are effective DNA preservation methods for macrofungi, but RNAlater is recommended when a drying step is included in DNA extraction protocols. Researchers can choose between these cost-effective, reliable methods based on specific needs, logistical constraints, and laboratory procedures.
  • Published in:Heliyon,
  • Study Type:Comparative Experimental Study,
  • Source: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e36829; PMID: 39281619
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