Abstract: A method is disclosed for isolating both free and protein-associated DNA from bodily fluids, such as urine, saliva, serum, tears, sweat, cerebral spinal fluid, and plasma. The method comprises as a first step concentrating and isolating both the free DNA and the proteins present in the bodily fluid. The proteins are then digested in order to release the formerly protein-associated DNA from the isolated proteins. Lastly, the free and formerly protein-associated DNA can be isolated and purified.

Abstract: The invention disclosed is particularly directed to a process for the purification of DNA, and is especially useful for the isolation of biologically active plasmid DNA. The process is initiated by binding the DNA to silicon carbide particles, either in the presence or absence of chaotropic agents. The bound DNA is subsequently eluted from the resin in low salt buffer or water. The resulting purified DNA is substantially free of proteins and is shown to be biologically active. The scope and diversity of the process is demonstrated here since this process can be used for the isolation of RNA and genomic DNA as well as the purification of PCR products and isolation of DNA from agarose gel slices.