Automated homogenization and DNA extraction from murine GI tract tissue, cultures, and mock community for 16S sequencing

The microbiome network affects human homeostatic functions, including digestion, cognition, and immunity. This research area delves into better understanding the microbe population and both positive and negative profiles that may correlate with different disease states.

In this application note, we discuss in detail the performance and selection recommendation of bead media/composition/sizes for bead mill homogenization on the Omni Bead Ruptor Elite on lysis efficiency of common microorganisms in culture and DNA extraction from flash-frozen mouse gastrointestinal tissues. Lastly, we assess homogenization efficiency into an automated nucleic acid extraction on the chemagic 360 instrument for 16S sequencing from a mock community standard. The results from this proof-of-concept study indicate a reliable and robust workflow that could easily be extended into liquid and semi-solid sample types common to microbiome studies, including stool.