Plasmid DNA storage - (Dec/05/2008 )

Hi, I was wondering if anyone have any information regarding the kind of material(s) best
for storing plasmid DNAs at room temperature besides the eppendorf tubing material. I tried
storing the DNAs in glass vials in presence of both water and glycerol and found the DNAs
starting to degrade within 3 weeks at room temperature. Any info or leads on this would
be greatly appreciated. Thanks so much!

The tube material matters far less than the buffer used to store the DNA. Plasmid DNA should be stored in TE (10 mM tris-hcl pH 7.5, 1 mM EDTA). Assuming reasonable quality of the DNA, this should be stable at room temperature for many months or years. Avoid excessive freeze/thaw cycles.
You could also store it precipitated (final wash stage of an ethanol precipitation in 70% ethanol). I'd add 1 mM EDTA to the ethanol wash for long term storage.