METHODS FOR PREPARATION OF NUCLEIC ACID-CONTAINING SAMPLES USING CLAY MINERALS AND ALKALINE SOLUTIONS

摘要

The present invention provides a rapid and highly effective method for the preparation of biological samples for detection of both DNA and RNA target molecules. The method comprises treatment of the sample with a clay mineral followed by lysis of the sample with an alkaline solution. The method is particularly suited for preparing complex biological samples, such as blood or plasma, for the simultaneous detection of DNA and RNA targets. Samples prepared by the method of the invention may be directly used as targets in PCR amplification. The method of the invention may conveniently be coupled with further steps and devices to perform molecular analyses for diagnostic and other applications.

主权项

1. A method for treating a nucleic acid-containing sample for analysis of nucleic acids, the method comprising the steps of:
a) contacting the sample with a clay mineral; b) mixing the sample and the clay mineral until the clay mineral is evenly dispersed in the sample; c) substantially removing the clay mineral from the sample; d) contacting the sample with an alkaline solution at a pH suitable for lysis of cell and viral particles to form a nucleic acid solution; e) and, optionally, contacting the nucleic acid solution with an acidic solution suitable for neutralizing the pH of the nucleic acid solution.