DNA purification is an important step in a process of sample preparation which removes enzymes, salts and other contaminants from lysed samples or PCR products prior to further applications such as cloning or sequencing. It also eliminates unwanted PCR-induced adversities like primer dimers and nucleotides not integrated. DNA purification in molecular biological research is a critical step that requires careful planning to ensure quality, reliable results.
There are numerous approaches to the purification of DNA. The traditional DNA isolation methods contain a number of steps, including leukocyte separation or red blood cell lysis to remove inhibitors of heme protein of the PCR reaction. They also include deproteinization, treatment of RNAse and precipitation of isopropanol and alcohol, and finally DNA elution. The majority of these protocols require the use of specific equipment, such as an electrophoresis system as well as a biosafety cabinet due to the hazardous intercalating dyes that are used in the electrophoresis gel.
Other DNA purification techniques use spin columns or 96-well filter plates to Artificial gene synthesis separate out contaminated particles by adsorbing them to the surface of the plate or column. These methods can be time-consuming especially when you have an abundance of samples or if the columns have to be filled manually.
Dipsticks reduce the number sample processing steps from six to three. They bind nucleic acids using waxy cellulose and then release them when in contact with water. This approach is particularly useful in low-resource settings, like remote field sites as well as teaching laboratories. Its simplicity and speed (30 seconds for each sample) makes it highly suitable for diagnostic molecular applications such as disease detection as well as genotype screening and heterozygosity testing.