QUANTITATIVE DNA SLOT BLOT ANALYSIS - INHIBITION OF DNA-BINDING TO MEMBRANES BY MAGNESIUM-IONS

Titers of wild-type and recombinant adeno-associated viruses are routi nely determined by DNA slot blot analysis. The binding of viral DNA to nylon membranes was found to be inhibited by magnesium ions, which ar e critical components of the DNase I digestion carried out prior to sl ot blot analysis. Mg2+ ions also interfered with the adsorption of pla smid DNA to nylon and nitrocellulose membranes. These observations yie ld practical insights into the poorly understood mechanisms by which D NA molecules are retained on solid supports.