Abstract:
A method of isolating nucleic acid from a sample is provided that includes contacting a sample that includes nucleic acid with a solid support, wherein the surface of the solid support includes groups that can complex with the nucleic acid, in the presence of a solution that includes an oligoethylene glycol having 10 or fewer ethylene oxide-units and a salt comprising a monovalent or divalent metal ion, whereby soluble nucleic acid in said sample binds to the surface of the support; separating the solid support with bound nucleic acid from the sample; and eluting the bound nucleic acid from the solid support, thereby isolating nucleic acid from the sample. Also provided is a method of washing nucleic acids bound to a solid support that includes providing a solid support, wherein nucleic acid molecules are bound to the surface of the solid support; and washing the solid support with a solution that includes an oligoethylene glycol having 10 or fewer ethylene oxide units.