Abstract: The present invention relates to methods, kits, and compositions for purifying small RNA molecules. In particular, the present invention provides methods for purifying small RNA molecules from a sample containing both small RNA molecules and larger RNA molecules using a compaction agent and a RNA binding matrix, as well as compositions and kits for practicing such methods. In certain embodiments, the compaction agent comprises a plurality of metal-amine-halide molecules.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods, kits, and compositions for generating purified RNA samples and purified DNA samples. In particular, the present invention provides methods for generating a purified RNA or DNA sample from a sample containing both DNA and RNA molecules using a binding matrix that preferentially binds DNA or RNA in the presence of an acidic dilution buffer, or using a binding matrix that comprises acid zeolites, as well as compositions and kits for practicing such methods.

Abstract: A network of buoyant particles for clearing lysates of biological material, the network including two or more buoyant particles covalently linked together, wherein the network ranges in size from approximately 30 microns to approximately one centimeter along the network's longest dimension. The buoyant particles may have a silica surface. The network may have a density less than about 1.2 g/cm3. Methods of making the network of buoyant particles and methods of isolating target biological material using buoyant particles or a network of buoyant particles are also described.

Abstract: Methods are disclosed for using paramagnetic particles to concentrate or harvest cells. Methods are also disclosed for clearing a solution of disrupted biological material, such as a lysate of cells or a homogenate of mammalian tissue. Methods are also disclosed for using paramagnetic particles to isolate target nucleic acids, such as RNA or DNA, from a solution cleared of disrupted biological material using the same type or a different type of paramagnetic particle. Kits are also disclosed for use with the various methods of the present invention. Nucleic acids isolated according to the present methods and using the present kits are suitable for immediate use in downstream processing, without further purification.