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Review
. 2006 Dec;73(3):495-504.
doi: 10.1007/s00253-006-0675-0. Epub 2006 Oct 25.

Magnetic particles for the separation and purification of nucleic acids

Sonja Berensmeier  1
Affiliations
Review

Magnetic particles for the separation and purification of nucleic acids

Sonja Berensmeier. Appl Microbiol Biotechnol. 2006 Dec.

Abstract

Nucleic acid separation is an increasingly important tool for molecular biology. Before modern technologies could be used, nucleic acid separation had been a time- and work-consuming process based on several extraction and centrifugation steps, often limited by small yields and low purities of the separation products, and not suited for automation and up-scaling. During the last few years, specifically functionalised magnetic particles were developed. Together with an appropriate buffer system, they allow for the quick and efficient purification directly after their extraction from crude cell extracts. Centrifugation steps were avoided. In addition, the new approach provided for an easy automation of the entire process and the isolation of nucleic acids from larger sample volumes. This review describes traditional methods and methods based on magnetic particles for nucleic acid purification. The synthesis of a variety of magnetic particles is presented in more detail. Various suppliers of magnetic particles for nucleic acid separation as well as suppliers offering particle-based kits for a variety of different sample materials are listed. Furthermore, commercially available manual magnetic separators and automated systems for magnetic particle handling and liquid handling are mentioned.

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Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
Schematic procedure for nucleic acid purification by magnetic bead technology (illustration by chemagen Biopolymer-Technology AG, Germany)
Fig. 2
Fig. 2
chemagic Magnetic Separation Module I consisting of (A) separation head with magnetizable rods [here 12-well format for large (50 ml) volumes; 96-well format for MTPs also available], (B) electro magnet, (C) chemagic dispenser for parallel filling of all required buffer solutions (accessory) and (D) tracking unit. The principle functionality regarding separation and resuspension of magnetic beads is shown in the scheme
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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MeSH terms