High-Throughput Culture and DNA Isolation Methods for Aspergillus fumigatus

Curr Protoc. 2025 Apr;5(4):e70112. doi: 10.1002/cpz1.70112.

Abstract

Aspergillus fumigatus is an opportunistic human fungal pathogen that is widely spread in the environment. The need to screen a large number of environmental or clinical isolates for phenotypic and/or genotypic purposes can be challenging and time consuming when using the protocols that are currently available. We have developed a novel approach that allows one to inoculate cultures, grow individual A. fumigatus isolates, and subsequently isolate DNA of sufficient quality for PCR and/or whole genome sequencing, all in a 96-well format. Compared to currently available methods, our protocols reduce both cost and labor significantly and are compatible with any experimental setup that uses a 96-well format. © 2025 The Author(s). Current Protocols published by Wiley Periodicals LLC. Basic Protocol 1: 96-well-format mini slant culture and preparation of spore suspension for Aspergillus fumigatus Basic Protocol 2: PCR-quality DNA isolation Basic Protocol 3: High-purity DNA isolation after mini mycelial mat culture.

Keywords: 96‐well format; Aspergillus fumigatus; genotyping; large‐scale fungal screening; phenotyping.

MeSH terms

  • Aspergillus fumigatus* / genetics
  • Aspergillus fumigatus* / growth & development
  • Aspergillus fumigatus* / isolation & purification
  • DNA, Fungal* / genetics
  • DNA, Fungal* / isolation & purification
  • High-Throughput Screening Assays* / methods
  • Humans
  • Polymerase Chain Reaction / methods
  • Spores, Fungal / genetics

Substances

  • DNA, Fungal