A simple and rapid technique for the isolation of DNA from microalgae

A simple method for the purification of PCR- quality DNA from microalgae is presented. This method uses the detergent dodecyltrimethylammonium bromide coupled with cell breakage by agitation in the presence of glass beads and chloroform. A final purification step involves a commercial cartridge system. The procedure requires only about 1-2 mL of algal culture and can be completed in about 20 min. DNA suitable for PCR has been obtained from several algal lineages using this method, including numerous green algae and stramenopiles.