DNA Purification

DNA purification is a step in the sample preparation workflow that eliminates enzymes, salts and other contaminants from lysed samples and products of PCR prior to applications like cloning and sequencing. It also removes unwanted PCR artifacts like primer dimers and nucleotides not integrated. DNA purification is a critical process in molecular biology that requires careful planning to ensure top-quality, reliable results.

The process of purifying DNA is accomplished in various ways. The most common methods for DNA isolation include many steps, including leukocyte separation or red blood cell lysis, to eliminate inhibitors of heme proteins click for source of the PCR reaction. They also include deproteinization, RNAse treatment as well as precipitation with isopropanol and ethanol, and finally DNA elution. The majority of these protocols require the use of specially designed equipment, like an electrophoresis device and biosafety cabinets because of the dangerous intercalating dyes used in the gel electrophoresis.

Other DNA purification methods use spin columns or plates with 96 wells that separate particles that are contaminated by adhering to the surface. These techniques can be very laborious, especially when dealing with large quantities of samples or when the columns have to be manually filled with new chemicals.

Dipsticks decrease the number of sample processing steps from six to three. They bind nucleic acid using a waxy substance made of cellulose and release them when in contact with water. This method is particularly effective in low-resource settings, such as remote field sites and teaching labs. Its simplicity and speed (30 seconds for each sample) makes it ideally suited for diagnostic molecular applications like diagnosis, genotype screening, and heterozygosity testing.