Abstract: Novel kits and methods for recovering nucleic acids and proteins from a biological sample having the steps of mixing a biological sample with a nucleic acid binding solution and contacting the mixture with a first porous silica compound configured to reversibly bind a nucleic acid are disclosed herein. The fluid remainder of the mixture is gathered for protein extraction. The first silica compound is contacted with a nucleic acid elution solution which causes a majority of the nucleic acid bound to the first porous silica compound to unbind and enter the solution phase. The solution is collected, which contains isolated nucleic acid. The fluid gathered for protein extraction is mixed with a protein binding solution and contacted with a protein binding porous silica compound configured to reversibly bind a protein. The fluid remainder is separated from the protein binding porous silica compound.

Abstract: A novel method for recovering nucleic acids and proteins from a biological sample having the steps of mixing a biological sample with a nucleic acid binding solution and contacting the mixture with a first porous silica compound configured to reversibly bind a nucleic acid. The fluid remainder of the mixture is gathered for protein extraction. The first silica compound is contacted with a nucleic acid elution solution which causes a majority of the nucleic acid bound to the first porous silica compound to unbind and enter the solution phase. The solution is collected, which contains isolated nucleic acid. The fluid gathered for protein extraction is mixed with a protein binding solution and contacted with a protein binding porous silica compound configured to reversibly bind a protein. The fluid remainder is separated from the protein binding porous silica compound.

Abstract: A solid-phase extraction pipette (20) is provided for extracting substances comprising: a generally hollow body (29) having an inlet (21), a stem (22), and an elastic chamber (28); a first extraction media (27) arranged within the hollow body; and a first fit (24) contained within the hollow body and configured to prevent the first extraction media from exiting the body. The body may be made of a transparent material such as low density polyethylene. The chamber may be configured for movement from a first expanded form having a first volume to a second contracted form having a second volume less than the first volume.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for enzymatic decontamination by inactivation of Hazardous agents are provided. Hazardous agents of microbial and chemical origin can be neutralized by H2O2. The methods described herein provide for enzymatic production of H2O2 in situ using oxidoreductase enzymes that use oxygen as an acceptor and their alcohol substrates. The enzymatically produced H2O2 and corresponding aldehydes have potent antimicrobial properties. The enzymatically produced H2O2 also can detoxify chemical agents in situ. The decontaminating power of the oxidoreductase enzymes that use oxygen as an acceptor may be amplified by addition of reagents, such as acetyl donors or base catalysts that, in the presence of H2O2, yield peroxy acid derivatives and hydroperoxy anions. Such derivatives can neutralize biological and chemical agents, thus providing a broadly applicable decontamination method.