Compositions and methods for sample preparation

Abstract

The invention relates generally to compositions and methods for disrupting cells (e.g., disrupting cellular and nuclear membranes). In particular, the invention provides modified solid surfaces (e.g., bead surfaces) and their use in disruption of cellular membranes (e.g., during cellular lysis procedures (e.g., for recovery of nucleic acid (e.g., DNA or RNA) from mechanical cell lysis)). Compositions and methods of the invention find use in a wide range of applications including molecular biology and medical science.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A method of isolating nucleic acid from a sample comprising:
 a) contacting the sample with a composition comprising a fluorinated organic group modified surface;   b) mechanically disrupting the sample; and   c) isolating nucleic acid from the disrupted sample.