A solid substrate for biological sample storage under dry-state and elution of biomolecules is provided. The dry, solid substrate comprises a surface modified with a plurality of hydrophilic groups; and the substrate is comprised of one or more protein denaturing agents impregnated therein under a substantially dry state. A method for elution of biomolecules from biological samples is also provided. The compositions disclosed herein provide for enhanced elution and recovery of biomolecules, such as nucleic acids, from the sample. The sample is disposed on a substrate, dried to a substantially dry state; eluted from the biological sample dried on the substrate by rehydrating the substrate in an elution buffer.