TECHNIQUES FOR THE EXTRACTION, ISOLATION, AND PURIFICATION OF NUCLEIC ACIDS

This chapter provides and overview of different techniques for the extraction, isolation and purification of nucleic acids. Mechanical and non-mechanical means of cell lysis are described. This is followed by discussions on the methods of nucleic acids purification from cell debris and other interfering components. The techniques covered are membrane filtration, chromatography, solid phase extraction, affinity purification, and electrophoresis. A brief discussion on automated high throughput DNA purification systems is also included. Finally, a few examples of sample preparation on microchips, as they lead to the development of Μ-TAS (Micro-total analytical systems) are presented.