How can I keep my centrifuge tubes endotoxin-free?

In order to avoid recontamination of plasmid DNA after initial endotoxin removal, we recommend using only new plasticware which is certified to be pyrogen- or endotoxin-free. Endotoxin-free or pyrogen-free plasticware can be obtained from many different suppliers. Endotoxins adhere strongly to glassware and are difficult to remove completely during washing. Standard laboratory autoclaving procedures have little or no effect on endotoxin levels. Moreover, if the autoclave has previously been used for bacteria, the glassware will become extensively contaminated with endotoxin molecules. Heating glassware at 180°C overnight is recommended to destroy any attached endotoxin molecules. For further reading on endotoxin removal, please refer to the scientific literature (e.g. Weary M. and Pearson F., 1988. A manufacturer's guide to depyrogenation. Biopharm 1, 22-29).

General information on endotoxins, which can be efficiently eliminated with QIAGEN's EndoFree Plasmid Kits, is available online at our Plasmid Resource Center.