IMPROVED NUCLEIC-ACID ORGANIC EXTRACTION THROUGH USE OF A UNIQUE GEL BARRIER MATERIAL

A novel density barrier material, Phase Lock Gel(TM), has been formula ted and optimized for use in enhancing the separation between aqueous and organic phases during organic extraction/ centrifugation of nuclei c acids. Phase Lock Gel is inert, stable to heating, compatible with m ost enzymatic reactions of nucleic acids without sacrificing subsequen t downstream applications, and can be easily and conveniently used wit h most plasmid DNA, genomic DNA, phage DNA and RNA organic extraction protocols. Use of Phase Lock Gel as an aqueous/organic phase barrier m aterial can decrease processing time and improve nucleic acid recovery from organic extraction purifications by as much as 30%, all while mi nimizing user exposure to volatile organics.