Here, it is presented a rapid and efficient method to obtain good quality DNA from small samples of arthropod tissues generating low quantities of hazardous wastes. This new method was compared with another homemade protocol using phenol and other two commercial kits. The quality of DNA obtained was checked by spectrophotometer and evaluated by an AFLP assay. Low shearing DNA was obtained from all samples and the best readings were observed to DNA recollected with the new method. The AFLP assay indicated that DNA obtained with all methods were suitable for use in molecular biology techniques sensitive to contaminants. However, homemade protocols were more efficient in recollect DNA than commercial kits, without lose any quality of samples. Also, they were less time and fund consuming, with costs ten times cheaper than commercial kits. The quicker, less pollutant and cheaper protocol was the one described here (USD 0.52 per sample).
arthropod DNA; high quality DNA; molecular biology; AFLP
