The present invention relates to a method for purifying nucleic acids from a sample containing nucleic acids, the method comprising at least the following steps: a. bringing the sample containing nucleic acids into contact with a nucleic acid binding phase comprising protonatable groups, wherein the protonatable groups have a pKs value of 9 to 12; b. binding the nucleic acids to the nucleic acid phase at a pH (binding pH) that is at least one pH unit less than the pKs value of at least one of the protonatable groups; c. eluting the nucleic acids at a pH greater than the binding pH but at least one pH unit less than the pKs value of at least one of the protonatable groups. Also disclosed are corresponding kits and nucleic acid binding phases that can be used for purifying nucleic acids.
