Quantitative and qualitative validations of a sonication-based DNA extraction approach for PCR-based molecular biological analyses.

The aim of this study was to comprehensively validate the sonication-based DNA extraction method, in hope of the replacement of the so-called 'standard DNA extraction method' - the commercial kit method. Microbial cells in the digested sludge sample, containing relatively high amount of PCR-inhibitory substances, such as humic acid and protein, were applied as the experimental alternatives. The procedure involving solid/liquid separation of sludge sample and dilution of both DNA templates and inhibitors, the minimum templates for PCR-based analyses, and the in-depth understanding from the bias analysis by pyrosequencing technology were obtained and confirmed the availability of the sonication-based DNA extraction method.