HMW gDNA extraction from pure archaeal cultures for long-read sequencing

This protocol can be used to extract High Molecular Weight gDNA from bacterial and archaeal cultures, resulting in gDNA suitable for long-read sequencing. It was optimized for Ignicoccus but also tested with Staphylothermus and Thermococcales. Cell lysis is based on a combination of enzymatic digestion, chemical disruption using sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS), and gentle mechanical disruption via freeze-thaw cycles, reducing DNA fragmentation. The protocol includes two paths, one which was optimized for the archaeal clades mentioned above, and one for samples rich in complex polysaccharides and protein contaminants.