Many microcentrifuge tubes are designated as both "RNase-free" and "non-sterile."
What does this mean exactly? I can't imagine something could truly be both RNase-free and non-sterile.
Is it good enough for RNA work? Is it truly inadequate for work requiring sterility like tissue culture?
An example of this would be:
https://www.fishersci.com/shop/products/fisherbrand-premium-microcentrifuge-tubes-1-5ml-natural-1-5ml-o-d-x-l-10-8-x-40-6mm/05408129
Hello Gen Gi
You have a valid question. I think this RNase free means the company has sterilized radially but for the purpose of tissue culture, you should undergo double autoclave with these microcentrifuge tubes prior to using because when you open the packet of the tubes, it is already exposed to other contamination.
Best regards.
Dear Gen Gi,
The exact defnition of something being RNAse free and non-sterile, means that the absence of RNAse has been validated but after sterilization the SAL value of the product did not met the requirement of 1/1000000.
You can use these tubes for RNA work, because they are RNAse free. For cell culture, I would advice an additional sterilization of these tubes. These tubes are non-sterile, meaning that there are micro-organisms present. Cells cultures are verry fragille and easily contaminated.
Best regards.
I, as a rule, NEVER autoclave any of the tubes I am using for molecular biology applications...especially RNA work. Autoclaving can introduce many unwanted things to tubes including RNases. There is no point to autoclave tubes for RNA work, sterility is only required for tissue culture applications. Non-sterile tubes mean that the tubes haven't been gamma irradiated before sale...so what? They are RNase-free which is what counts. Just observe good RNA practice when using the tubes and you'll be fine.
- Badges
- Science topic
- Similar topics
- Biological Science
- Molecular Biology
- Biomolecules
- Nucleic Acids
- RNA