Isolation of nucleic acids
View Patent ↗Provided herein is technology relating to isolating nucleic acids. In particular, the technology relates to methods and kits for extracting nucleic acids from problematic samples such as stool.
1. A system for removing an assay inhibitor from a crude sample preparation comprising a nucleic acid, the system comprising:
a) insoluble polyvinylpolypyrrolidone particles having a diameter of 100micrometers to 130 micrometers;
b) a spin filter comprising
i) a hollow body ( 1 );
ii) a bottom end ( 2 ); and
iii) an open top end ( 3 ) opposite the bottom end ( 2 ),
wherein the hollow body ( 1 ) and the bottom end ( 2 ) are both composed of the same porous filtering material, said porous filtering material having a nominal pore size of 20 micrometers; and
c) a collection vessel adapted to receive the spin filter.
2. The system of claim 1 , wherein said polyvinylpolypyrrolidone is in a premeasured form.
3. The system of claim 2 , wherein said polyvinylpolypyrrolidone is provided as a capsule or pressed tablet comprising a premeasured amount of polyvinylpolypyrrolidone.
4. The system of claim 1 , wherein the porous filtering material is polyethylene.
5. The system of claim 1 , wherein the bottom end ( 2 ) of said spin filter has a shape selected from the group consisting of a hemisphere, a disc, a cone, or a portion of an ellipsoid.
6. A kit for removing an assay inhibitor from a crude sample preparation comprising a nucleic acid, the kit comprising the following components:
a) insoluble polyvinylpolypyrrolidone particles having a diameter of 100micrometers to 130 micrometers, and provided as a capsule or pressed tablet comprising a premeasured amount of polyvinylpolypyrrolidone;
b) a spin filter comprising:
i) a hollow body ( 1 );
ii) a bottom end ( 2 ); and
iii) an open top end ( 3 ) opposite the bottom end ( 2 ),
wherein the hollow body ( 1 ) and the bottom end ( 2 ) are both composed of the same porous filtering material, said porous filtering material having a nominal pore size of 20 micrometers; and
c) a collection vessel adapted to receive the spin filter wherein said components are packaged together for storage, shipping and/or use.