Researchers from University of Wisconsin-Madison evaluated the efficacy of a
new DNA isolation technique for plant tissues in terms of yield and purity
of isolated DNA. The technique is based on MagnaCel paramagnetic cellulose
particles (PMC), a method applied on forensic sciences which requires small
amount of DNA. A comparative assessment of PCM with two other DNA isolation
technique methods, silica column technique (DNeasy Plant Mini Kit) and
cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) method in terms of yield and purity of
isolated DNA was conducted in 25 plant species.

The findings of the assessment show that PCM obtain twice higher DNA yield
compared to CTAB and DNeasy and produces consistent DNA purity based on its
absorbance ratios of 260:280 and 260:230 nm. These results provide evidence
that PCM is more efficient and can be a useful tool in DNA isolation
especially under low DNA concentrations.

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