Rapid plant DNA and RNA extraction protocol using a bench drill

Plant DNA and RNA extraction methods are well established, with a wide range of protocols, depending on the purposes of each laboratory/research. Nowadays, quick, inexpensive and easy plant DNA and RNA extraction methods are highly sought after. We developed an optimized protocol for plant DNA and RNA extraction that uses an inexpensive bench drill and plastic bags and does not require liquid nitrogen. DNA from leaves and RNA from leaves and roots of banana, pineapple, citrus, papaya, passion fruit and cassava, were extracted using a basic cetyltrimethylammonium bromide method. Both nucleic acids were quantified and evaluated for quality based on agarose gel electrophoresis. The DNA and RNA extractions were successful for all species, and RNA quality in pellets was maintained after storage at room temperature for three weeks. This protocol can reduce costs considerably in laboratories with ongoing routine activities of DNA and RNA extraction for genetic diversity and gene expression analyses, where other conventional methods have not been successful due to explant, condition of samples and quantity and quality of nucleic acids. This is especially relevant for many laboratories in developing countries where the cost and availability of liquid nitrogen may be a constraint

Microencapsulation by spray drying of emulsified green coffee oil with two-layered membranes

The aim of this work was to produce microparticles of green coffee oil by spray drying using emulsions stabilised by lecithin and chitosan through electrostatic layer-by-layer deposition technique. The emulsions were prepared using only corn syrup and the modified starch Hi-Cap 100 and the combination of the corn syrup with the Hi-Cap 100 or modified starch Snow-Flake at a 50:50 ratio. The feed emulsions were characterised for stability, droplet size, ζ-potential and optical microscopy. The microparticles obtained after the drying process were characterised regarding encapsulation efficiency, moisture content, water activity, particle size distribution, microstructure, in vitro sun protection factor and lipid oxidation by Rancimat. The emulsions stabilised by lecithin–chitosan were highly stable, with droplet size ranged from 1.35 to 3.70 μm and ζ-potential varied from − 2.24 to + 40.40 mV. All microparticles presented high encapsulation efficiency values, above 86%. The microparticles produced with the modified starches showed spherical shape without cracks or holes and those produced with only corn syrup showed some holes and cracks that caused lower oxidative stability. Microparticles produced with Hi-Cap 100 and corn syrup/Hi-Cap 100 stabilised by lecithin–chitosan exhibited the highest oxidative stability among the microparticles. The sun protection factor of microparticles ranged from 1.52 to 2.45, close to the pure green coffee oil.61236245CONSELHO NACIONAL DE DESENVOLVIMENTO CIENTÍFICO E TECNOLÓGICO - CNPQCOORDENAÇÃO DE APERFEIÇOAMENTO DE PESSOAL DE NÍVEL SUPERIOR - CAPESFUNDAÇÃO DE AMPARO À PESQUISA DO ESTADO DE SÃO PAULO - FAPESP302745/2010-6; 474107/2010-8Sem informação2010/51697-3; 2009/54137-