I need to send few powdered leaf samples crushed using liquid nitrogen for flow cytometric analysis.Will the DNA get damaged if it's not packed in ice?
@ Aswathi, I think instead of liquid nitrogen you may do it under -20 degree Celsius. Please have a look of the attached file.
Aswathi A.P < Can I send leaf samples crushed and powdered in liquid nitrogen for ploidy analysis without icepacks? >
Are you going to send ground plant powder (in liquid N2)? What kind of container you are going to use to hold the N2? In the lab, a specific container is needed to hold liquid N2. If you use a common plastic tube to hold it, the liquid N2 will evaporate and ruin your DNA sample. Besides, the 'smoke' release from your liquid N2-containing tubes will freak out the workers in the post office. Liquid nitrogen is a hazardous material, and not allow to send without an appropriate container (1). See link 'SHIPPING CRYOGENIC LIQUIDS SAFELY' (2).
(1)https://www.ccohs.ca/oshanswers/chemicals/cryogenic/cryogen1.html#:~:text=Cryogenic%20liquids%20are%20liquefied%20gases,state%20at%20very%20low%20temperatures.&text=All%20cryogenic%20liquids%20are%20gases,in%20pressure%20can%20liquefy%20them.
(2) https://www.lion.com/lion-news/june-2014/shipping-cryogenic-liquids-safely#:~:text=For%20liquid%20nitrogen%20shippers%2C%20two,in%20simplifying%20the%20shipping%20process.&text=The%20receptacle%20must%20contain%20no,porous%20material%20in%20the%20receptacle.%E2%80%9D
Here is one example, specific tubes are used for liquid nitrogen (with biological material) shipment.
CryoCube Disposable Liquid Nitrogen Transport (6 x 2.0mL Vials)
Item#: 20902359
Like dry shippers, the Chart MVE CryoCube™ provides a safe cryogenic shipping option for your embryos, semen or any other biological samples without compromising temperature or hold time. Fully charged in two hours, this unit keeps a constant temperature of -150°C for 5 days and is safe for international shipping, in any orientation. The CryoCube is ideal for individuals or facilities that have an occasional need to ship samples anywhere in the world. Best part is, this item is disposable so no need to worry about getting your cryoshipper back once your samples have reached their destination. ($199)
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