? How to destroy DNA chemically (to reuse DNA columns)

[Dennis J. Templeton]

In a previous article, bl275 at cleveland.Freenet.Edu (Dan Diaz) says:

>
>In a previous article, djt2 at po.CWRU.Edu (Dennis J. Templeton) says:
>
>>Well, the old cheapskate (me) has broken down and bought a bunch of
>>silica-based columns for DNA column purification (plasmid).  We went with
>>those from Machery Nagel (Nucleobond) bought in the US from The Nest Group.
>>These are similar to the Qiagen columns, but the Nest Technical support was
>>more informative and they were a little cheaper.
>
>I am confused.  Qiagen columns are DEAE anion exchangers and yet you say
>they are similar to a silica column?

Both columns are anion exchangers (subtly different) on a silica matrix.

>
>Second point: sounds like you are wasting time and effort and taking a
>potentially hazardous (in time and money) risk in trying to re-use columns.
>Qiagen columns are not *that* expensive.  Spend the extra money and sleep
>well at night.  Sure as hell beats troubleshooting.
>

You have a point, but our use here will consume ca $6000 per year.  Here's
a comparison: would you throw away 10 FPLC columns a year at $600 each to
sleep better at night?  maybe you or some would.  This is a variation of
the "kit mentality" theme discussed here several times.  I think there are
valid arguments on both sides of the discussion.