How to preserve samples extracted from RNA will not fail

In biological research, RNA, as an important carrier of genetic information, its completeness and stability are crucial to the accuracy of subsequent experimental results. However, RNA is very susceptible to environmental factors and degradation, resulting in experiment failure or inaccurate results. Therefore, how to effectively preserve the extracted RNA samples and prevent them from failing has become an important link in biological experiments that cannot be ignored.

Sample of RNA extraction

1. Storage temperature1. Short-term storage: If RNA needs to be used in a short period of time (such as 1 to 2 months), it can be stored in an environment of -20℃. However, it should be noted that if the sample has high purity and good integrity and trizol is added, it can also be stored overnight at 4°C. However, 4°C preservation is not the most recommended long-term preservation method because the risk of RNA degradation increases over time. 2. Long-term storage: For RNA samples that require long-term storage, an ultra-low temperature environment of -80°C is an ideal choice. This temperature can significantly reduce the degradation rate of RNA, thereby prolonging its shelf life. If laboratory conditions allow, deep and low temperature storage (-150~-196°C) can also be considered, but this method is usually used for samples that require long-term storage and are of special importance.

2. Prevent contamination and degradation1. Add RNA enzyme inhibitor: When preserving RNA, RNA enzyme inhibitors can be added to protect RNA from degradation of RNA enzymes. 2. Avoid repeated freeze-thawing: Repeated freeze-thawing will damage RNA and increase the risk of its degradation. Therefore, when preserving RNA, repeated freeze-thawing should be avoided as much as possible. If you need to use the same sample multiple times, consider aliquoting it into multiple small portions, taking only one portion at a time. 3. Use high-quality storage tubes: Choose high-quality storage tubes to store RNA to ensure its sealing and stability. Also, avoid using glass containers, as the glass containers may break at low temperatures.

3. Selection and marking of storage containers1. Selecting a suitable storage container: cryopreservation tubes are usually used to store RNA samples. These tubes are able to withstand low temperatures and remain sealed, preventing RNA from being contaminated and degraded. 2. Mark the storage container correctly: Use an oil marker to indicate the sample number, sample type, storage date and other information on the surface of the storage container. This information is crucial for subsequent experimental operations and sample tracking.

4. Preservation method of special samples1. Tissue samples: animal tissue, fungi and other samples should be quickly frozen with liquid nitrogen immediately after sampling and stored in a refrigerator of -80℃. If the conditions do not allow the use of liquid nitrogen quick freezing, consider storing the sample in RNAlater. But it should be noted that RNAlater is usually only suitable for fresh tissue samples and the tissue samples need to be chopped before use. 2. Cell sample: Cell samples usually need to be treated with TRIzol reagent before extracting RNA. The treated samples can be stored in a refrigerator of -80°C. For cell suspension samples, TRIzol reagent can be added directly and stored; for adherent cell samples, trypsin is needed to digest it into a single-cell suspension before adding TRIzol reagent. 3. Blood sample: Before extracting RNA, blood samples need to be isolated and treated with TRIzol reagent. The treated samples can also be stored in a -80°C refrigerator. If blood samples are required, ultra-low temperature transport can be carried out using dry ice or liquid nitrogen.

The storage of samples for extracting RNA requires comprehensive consideration of multiple factors, including storage temperature, prevention of contamination and degradation, selection and labeling of storage containers, and storage methods for special samples. The correct preservation method can effectively extend the shelf life of RNA samples and ensure its availability and accuracy in subsequent experiments.

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