Some countries can only receive plasmids in the form of DNA on filter paper or in a tube.
DNA on filter paper
If you are receiving plasmids in this format, Addgene provides you with two spots of DNA for each plasmid (10–50 ng of DNA in total). The paper can be stored at room temperature for up to two weeks, or at 4 °C for more than two weeks. We recommend you recover your plasmids within two weeks.
To recover your plasmid:
- To recover the plasmid, use a clean razor blade to cut out one of the circles containing your DNA.
- Immerse the circle in 30 µL of TE and pipette to mix.
- After waiting for at least 10 minutes, use 2 µL to transform competent bacteria.
DNA suspension in tubes
If you are receiving plasmids in this format, Addgene provides you with 10–50 ng of DNA for each plasmid. The tube can be stored at 4 °C for up to two weeks.
Your plasmid has to be transformed into bacteria and purified before use. Please follow the steps below:
- Use 2 µL to transform into bacteria. Read our bacterial transformation page for more details on performing transformations.
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Follow manufacturer instructions for transformation into competent cells. You can find the recommended strain and growth instructions on the plasmid webpage.
- Plate on an appropriate antibiotic agar plate and grow overnight.