[Study on a collagenase protocol to extract DNA from remnant feathers in edible bird's nest].

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: To establish a method for extracting genomic DNA from rudimental bird feather from the precious edible bird's nest (EBN) harvested from the swiftlet cave. METHODS: Observed the EBN using endoscopic and studied the influence of adding collagenase on the extracting yield of DNA. PCR amplification and sequencing for the extraction was also conducted. RESULTS: Collagenase was used in addition to protease K which could substantively increase the DNA yield. The DNA extracted by this method could be used for PCR and other molecular biology analyses. CONCLUSION: This method can be applied to identify the species types in biological products, especially for animal tissue materials that rich in collagen.