PHOSPHOLIPID
EXTRACTION
REAGENTS:
CHCl3:MeOH (2:1)
0.9% NaCl
METHOD:
-
Obtain 2 litres of cells in late log phase.
-
Centrifuge down and remove pellet to a glass container (corex
tube) using a spatula.
-
Add 20 fold the pellet volume of CHCl3:MeOH (2:1)
and agitate vigorously.
-
Centrifuge at 9000 x g for 20 minutes @ 4oC. Decant
CHCl3 phase. It should be monophasic, but if it isn't, remove
the bottom layer. (Avoid sucking up any precipitate or material floating
on the lower phase.)
-
Add one fifth of the bottom layer volume of 0.9%NaCl. Mix
vigorously. Recentrifuge as above. Discard upper phase and precipitate
on interface.
-
Repeat step 5.
-
Reduce volume of CHCl3 to 1-2ml by evaporating
under nitrogen.
Phosphlipids can be quantitated by phosphate assay and identified by thin
layer chromatography. Store at -20ºC or preferably -70ºC.
Updated 01 December 2000.