Comparison of Plant Genomic DNA Extraction Kits Using the Proofman‐LMTIA Amplification Assay

ABSTRACT Introduction The extraction of DNA is the basis of molecular biology research. The quality of the extracted DNA is one of the key factors for the success of molecular biology experiments. Objective To select a suitable DNA extraction method for Chinese medicinal herbs and seeds. Methods In this experiment, four commercial DNA extraction kits were used to extract the genomic DNA (gDNA) from the Pinellia ternata (Thunb.) Breit. powder; Arisaema amurense Maxim. powder as well as the seeds of Glycine max (L.) Merr. On the one hand, the concentration and purity of DNA extracted by these four kits were compared. On the other hand, nucleic acid amplification experiments were performed on three samples extracted by each of the four kits by Proofman‐LMTIA methods, which is a novel nucleic acid isothermal amplification technique. The concentration and purity of DNA extracted by different kits were used to determine which methods were suitable for the dry powder of Chinese herbal medicines and seeds. The efficiency of the amplification curve to show whether the extracted DNA can be used in nucleic acid amplification experiments. Results The results showed that the Proofman‐LMTIA methods were of high specificity and the optimal reaction temperatures were 63, 59, and 59°C for P. ternata (Thunb.) Makino; A. amurense Maxim. and G. max (L.) Merr., respectively. The concentration and purity of the gDNAs extracted with all kits were within the acceptable ranges; meanwhile, the amplification of the gDNA extracted by Kit II was of the highest efficiency. Conclusion In this experiment, the principle, concentration, purity, and time taken for extracting DNA with four kits were compared. The automated extraction kit based on the magnetic method is suitable for extracting DNA from Chinese medicinal herbs and seeds. The extracted DNA is suitable for nucleic acid amplification detection.