Alternative preservatives of insect DNA for citizen science and other low-cost applications

The prevention of DNA degradation is an important consideration for researchers intending to conduct molecular analyses of specimens captured in the field. This is especially true for projects that utilize public participation in science, also known as citizen science, where standard methods of preservation may be inaccessible to those who are collecting specimens. This study examines the efficacy of alternative “household” products, specifically alcohol based instant hand sanitizer and both propylene glycol and ethylene glycol based automobile antifreeze as compared to 95% ethyl alcohol and pure propylene glycol, at maintaining the integrity of usable genetic material in field captured insect specimens. Xylosandrus crassiusculus ambrosia beetles underwent short term exposures (two or seven days) to each preservative. DNA was then extracted and a real-time qPCR was performed. Amplification was observed in all treatment groups. Electrophoresis of the amplified product indicated successful amplification of the target gene (arginine kinase), which was verified via sequencing of the amplified control. No statistically significant differences were found among the cycle threshold values of any treatment. These results suggest that alternative preservatives, such as alcohol based instant hand sanitizer and automobile antifreeze, can successfully preserve DNA for short-term storage and indicates that these “household” products may serve as effective substitutes for traditional, high concentration preservatives for use in citizen science projects or by professionals who do not have access to traditional means of preservation in the field.