Sanger Tree of Life Sample Homogenisation: Covaris cryoPREP®Automated Dry Pulverizer v1
Juan Pablo Narváez-Gómez, Haddijatou Mbye, graeme oatley, Naomi Park, Michelle Strickland, Caroline Howard
Abstract
This protocol describes the procedure for cryogenic homogenisation of tissue samples using the Covaris cryoPREP® Automated Dry Pulverizer CP02. The protocol is designed for DNA and/or RNA extraction aimed at long-read sequencing or RNA-Seq applications. The method is particularly effective for disrupting tissues with a mass exceeding 25 mg across all taxonomic groups studied in the Tree of Life Programme. However, it is not advisable for samples smaller than this, due to inherent tissue loss during processing. Additionally, the technique has limitations when applied to fibrous plant tissues and samples rich in polysaccharides (e.g., macroalgae and molluscs), where it may result in either insufficient disruption or excessive tissue loss. The resultant sample is compatible with any Sanger Tree of Life DNA and RNA extraction protocols as well as Hi-C library preparation.