I'm working with psyllids, and I'm trying to extract only fat body cells, free of hemolymph. Alternately, I'm looking for a method to separate the two, perhaps by centrifugation. The end goal is to extract fat body RNA. However, I'm concerned that the fat body cells will break, as they are extremely delicate. Any ideas or literature suggestions are greatly appreciated!
You have probably thought of this, but I wonder if you could use layered fluids that somehow differ in density without creating an osmotic pressure differential. For instance could you use something that has a very large molecule, but still diffuses in, water or a isotonic saline solution to increase its density. Maybe this would work best under mild centrifugation rather than in a modern ultra centrifuge where the large molecules might sink. (I hope this idea is not too crazy. I am just brain storming here.) Good luck.
For starters you could try with any handy insect for development before using valuable research specimens.
However the following paper might touch on this challenge:
Article The physiology of blood trehalose and its function during fl...
I just read the article, and I will definitely have to try something like this! Thank you!
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