Using QIAamp spin columns for extraction from fingerprint powders

[Rachieeve]

Hi,

I'm new to the forum, and hoped somebody could maybe lend me some advice

I am conducting a series of DNA transfer studies and need to extract from fingerprint powders, including metallic, aluminium etc. Problem is i don't have access to Chelex/centricon methods and i am trying to adopt a suitable protocol to extract a small amount of the powder via the spin columns?

Could anyone recommend a suitable process... i was considering lysis overnight, my concern is that the spin column might not remove all the powder, leading to inhibition of my PCR...

Thanks for your time

[admin]

I would call Qiagen about this.

Most DNA columns are quite good at removing contaminants, but I have not heard of metals in powder - in solution would be fairly good at removing them - how thick is your powder? Does it dissolve in solution?

[Rachieeve]

Hi,

Thanks for the advice, I did speak with tech services at Qiagen and got some advice, microcolumns, and suspending for lysis for about 1-3 hours. The powder won't dissolve sadly.. but will give it a whorl!

Will be running it tomorrow, so I've got my fingers crossed!!

Thanks again for the response!

[pawlaQQ]

Hello,
That's my first post and in advance I'm sorry for any language mistakes.

I'm doing similar experiment where I'm contaminating saliva stains with two powders aluminium and magneta flake. Extracting with QIAamp method and Chelex. The question is: Do you have any practical or theoretical knowledge about the mechanism of possible inhibition of that kind? any links and articles would be great as well.

I used standard protocol for extraction from buccal swabs ( spin protocol)


and 20% Chelex for chelex extraction with no additional incubation and no proteinase K


thank you in advance