In the Netherlands, to my knowledge, the cheapest type of ethanol (70%) is always denatured to make it unsuitable for human consumption. My concerns are that this might have an effect to DNA preservation and extraction. Does anyone have experience with this. It concerns fairly small newts and frogs species I need to preserve.
Thanks so much in advance! Tariq
If only small amounts are needed I would buy laboratory alcohol instead of denatured one. I would not worry that much about DNA decay by denatured alcohol but some of the chemicals, theoritically, may have an inhibitory effect on enzymes of later DNA work if you cannot get rid of them in the sample. If considerable savings are foreseen the chemicals used for denaturing need to be checked.
The compounds used for denaturing alcohol varies from country to country. Within the EU it is regulated (is there anything you do not find a regulation or directive for?) what can be added to ethanol (see Commission implementing Regulation (EU) No 162/2013 of 21 February 2013 amending the Annex to Regulation (EC) No 3199/93 on the mutual recognition of procedures for the complete denaturing of alcohol for the purposes of exemption from excise duty). At the end there is a list of chemicals permitted for each country, including the Netherlands.
Gábor
Use biological grade 95% ETOH or anhydrous and make your own 95% with distilled water. DNA quantity and quality is dependent on the proper fixation and preservation. Use sterile forceps and not fingers to transfer tissue. Do at least 1 full ETOH change after the initial fixation for long term storage. Freezer storage in sealed tubes with gaskets is best for longer term.
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