Method and device for purifying nucleic acids

Abstract

A devise for isolating nucleic acids which reduces the transfer of contaminants during nucleic acid isolation methods which is composed of two vessels which are linked by a closing element in which a material that binds nucleic acids is placed. The nucleic acid can for example be bound to the material by tipping the device.

What is claimed is:  
     
         1 . A device for isolating nucleic acids from a sample comprising: 
 (a) a first vessel, capable of holding the sample, having an opening,    (b) a closing element comprising a nucleic-acid-binding, liquid-permeable material, wherein the closing element comprises means for attaching the closing element to a second vessel on a side facing away from the first vessel, and    (c) a second vessel capable of applying an underpressure.    
     
     
         2 . A method of testing a nucleic acid sample comprising: 
 (a) transferring a sample from a first vessel through a nucleic acid binding, liquid-permeable material to a second vessel; and    (b) testing the sample, wherein the first vessel has an opening, the second vessel is capable of applying an underpressure, the first vessel is attached to a closing element, the second vessel is connected to the closing element on a side facing away from the first vessel, and the closing element comprises the nucleic-acid-binding, liquid-permeable material.    
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 2 , further comprising eluting nucleic acids from the nucleic-acid-binding material.  
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 2 , further comprising contacting the sample in the first vessel with the material by rotating the first vessel before transferring the sample thorough the material.