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Nucleic Acid Purification

The need for high quality, highly pure DNA and RNA is important for a wide variety of research and clinical applications. These nucleic acids are being isolated from a variety of sources such as cells (including bacterial cells), PCR reactions, restriction enzyme digestions and agarose gel matrices, to name a few. Purification methods optimized for various sample types have emerged over time. Modifications are made periodically to improve sample quality and yield, reduce processing time, and to ensure compatibility with existing workflows and equipment.

When isolating nucleic acids from cells, the first step is to disrupt the cell membrane to release the DNA. This is often done using chaotropic salts, alkaline denaturation, or detergents. Next, the soluble components of the cell lysate must be separated from the cellular debris and other insoluble materials. Centrifugation and vacuum filtration are frequently used to accomplish this separation, but magnetic clearing has gained wide acceptance more recently. Lastly, the nucleic acids must be separated from the other soluble materials in the lysate, including proteins.

Once the DNA is in solution, regardless of whether it originated from cells or from an enzymatic reaction, there are many different methods that can be employed to isolate it from other soluble components.

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FAQs for Nucleic Acid Purification

Protocols for Nucleic Acid Purification

Tools & Resources

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Troubleshooting Guides

Troubleshooting Guide for DNA Cleanup and Plasmid Purification

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Usage Guidelines

Back to basics: Important things to keep in mind when purifying plasmids and DNA fragments

Dos and Don'ts of Plasmid Minipreps

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Usage Guidelines for the Monarch Plasmid Miniprep Kit (#T1010) When Working with Low Copy Plasmids

Legal Information

This product is covered by one or more patents, trademarks and/or copyrights owned or controlled by New England Biolabs, Inc (NEB).

While NEB develops and validates its products for various applications, the use of this product may require the buyer to obtain additional third party intellectual property rights for certain applications.

For more information about commercial rights, please contact NEB's Global Business Development team at [email protected].

This product is intended for research purposes only. This product is not intended to be used for therapeutic or diagnostic purposes in humans or animals.

Videos

Post-lysis Tips for Optimal Results using the Monarch Genomic DNA Purification Kit

After lysing your sample during your DNA extraction workflow, follow these tips to ensure that your purified gDNA is high-quality, intact, and free from contaminants.
Tips for Handling and Storing Tissue Samples Prior to DNA Extraction

Successful genomic DNA extraction from tissues requires proper handling and storage upfront of purification. Follow our guidelines to ensure isolation of high quality, high molecular weight gDNA.
Monarch Plasmid Miniprep Kit protocol

Learn how to do a plasmid miniprep using the Monarch Plasmid Miniprep Kit.
Monarch DNA Gel Extraction Kit protocol

Learn how to extract DNA from agarose gels using the Monarch DNA Gel Extraction Kit.
Monarch® PCR & DNA Cleanup Kit Protocol

Learn how to isolate DNA from your enzymatic reactions, including PCR, using the Monarch PCR & DNA Cleanup Kit (5 µg).
Tips for using the Monarch Plasmid Miniprep Kit

Optimize your plasmid miniprep results with these quick tips for using the Monarch Plasmid Miniprep Kit.
Tips for using the Monarch DNA Gel Extraction Kit

Optimize your DNA gel extractions with our quick tips for using the Monarch DNA Gel Extraction Kit.
Tips for using the Monarch® PCR & DNA Cleanup Kit

Optimize your DNA isolation from PCR and other enzymatic reactions with our quick tips for using the Monarch PCR & DNA Cleanup Kit.
How to recycle your Monarch Kit components

Learn how you can easily recycle all of the components in your Monarch Kits.