Abstract: Provided are methods and compositions for negatively and positively selecting for different size nucleic acid (e.g., DNA or RNA) fragments on borosilicate glass fiber membranes, silica and metal oxide surfaces such that only those fragments falling within a desired size range are obtained.

Abstract: Provided are methods and compositions for isolating protein or other biomolecules from biological or environmental samples. The isolated biomolecules are substantially free of contaminants.

Abstract: Provided are methods and compositions for isolating protein or other biomolecules from biological or environmental samples. The isolated biomolecules are substantially free of contaminants.

Abstract: Provided are methods and compositions for negatively and positively selecting for different size nucleic acid (e.g., DNA or RNA) fragments on borosilicate glass fiber membranes, silica and metal oxide surfaces such that only those fragments falling within a desired size range are obtained.

Abstract: Provided are methods and compositions for isolating protein or other biomolecules from biological or environmental samples. The isolated biomolecules are substantially free of contaminants.

Abstract: The invention provides methods and compositions, e.g., kits, for removing contaminants from nucleic acids in a sample, e.g., environmental or biological samples such as soil, food, plant, animal, microorganism or water samples. The invention provides methods and compositions for isolating nucleic acids from environmental and biological samples in a scaleable process free of contaminating substances that inhibit PCR and other downstream applications. Exemplary sample types include soil, water, plant and food. The methods and compositions of the invention can be used for isolating and/or detecting nucleic acids from prokaryotic and eukaryotic organisms and for detecting multiple types of organisms in a sample. Thus, the methods and compositions of the invention are useful for detecting organisms pertaining to agriculture, forensics biology and/or combating bioterrorism.

Abstract: The present invention contemplates a system for rapidly isolating nucleic acids. The system comprises an insoluble silica matrix and a buffered aqueous salt solution containing salt at a concentration of at least 3 molar and a buffering agent at a concentration sufficient to provide a buffering capacity corresponding to that which either tris(hydroxymethyl)aminomethane or phosphate ion at a concentration of 0.1 to 1 molar would provide in the solution. Methods of using the system are also contemplated.

Abstract: The present invention contemplates a system for rapidly isolating nucleic acids. The system comprises an insoluble silica matrix and a buffered aqueous salt solution containing salt at a concentration of at least 3 molar and a buffering agent at a concentration sufficient to provide a buffering capacity corresponding to that which either tris(hydroxymethyl)aminomethane or phosphate ion at a concentration of 0.1 to 1 molar would provide in the solution. Methods of using the system are also contemplated.

Abstract: The present invention contemplates a system for rapidly isolating nucleic acids. The system comprises an insoluble silica matrix and a buffered aqueous salt solution containing salt at a concentration of at least 3 molar and a buffering agent at a concentration sufficient to provide a buffering capacity corresponding to that which either tris(hydroxymethyl)aminomethane or phosphate ion at a concentration of 0.1 to 1 molar would provide in the solution. Methods of using the system are also contemplated.