A Robust Method for Effective Metatranscriptomic RNA Extraction from Puerto Rico's Planktonic Communities Using Low-Cost, Easily-Sourced Material

The application of metatranscriptomics to the study of plankton communities requires a robust method for the commensurate extraction of RNA from all species of the assemblage. Existing protocols for cell lysis have proven inadequate for meeting this need when applied to the dinoflagellate-rich waters of coastal Puerto Rico. Here we outline the use of an airbrush for a novel approach to effective cell wall disruption of plankton via extreme exposure to the third and fourth derivatives of position. We include procedures for pre-lysis handling of coastal phytoplankton, including collection of samples from embayments of southwestern Puerto Rico.