Magnetic particles for separation and purification of nucleic acids

Prior to the use of modern technologies, nucleic acid separation was a time- and work-consuming process based on several extraction and centrifugation steps, limited by small yields and low purities, and not suited for automation and up-scaling. During recent years, however, specifically functionalised magnetic particles have been developed. With an appropriate buffer system, such particles allow for quick and efficient purification of nucleic acids directly after cell disruption. In addition, the new approach provides for easy automation as well as isolation of nucleic acids from larger sample volumes.