Storing DNA
We’ve been storing both DNA and RNA for extended periods, and in our case, the key was minimizing freeze-thaw cycles and making sure the samples were aliquoted in small, single-use volumes. For RNA, we always use RNase-free water and tubes—one overlooked mistake early on nearly compromised a whole batch. For DNA, it’s more forgiving, but we still aim for consistent -20°C storage in buffered solutions. We source most of our long-term sample prep materials, like RNase inhibitors, from https://gentaur.co.uk, and they've held up well under our usage conditions. I’d also recommend sealing tubes tightly and avoiding repeated opening—even tiny amounts of condensation can affect purity over time.
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I usually break it down by categories—reagents vs equipment. For reagents like kits or antibodies, I look for suppliers established for years (especially those distributing across Europe and the US) that promise fast delivery and attractive pricing. When choosing equipment—say test tubes, pipette tips, balances, centrifuges—I evaluate material types (glass vs plastic), disposability, volume precision, durability. It matters that a supplier addresses both basic consumables and scientific-grade measuring devices in one place.