Capture of genomic DNA on glass microscope slides

It is well known that DNA strands bind to silica surfaces in the presence of high concentrations of chaotropic salts. We developed simple methods to evaluate binding and recovery of DNA on flat glass microscope slides and compared their properties with commercially available silica "spin columns". Surprisingly, genomic DNA was recovered efficiently from untreated glass slides. Binding and elution times from glass slides were optimized in experiments with DNA samples of various sizes and defined buffers. Average DNA recovery from 500 ng of input genomic DNA varied from 25 to 53% for the glass slide protocol. Yields were comparable to those of spin columns. Human serum albumin and plasma components decreased DNA binding to glass several-fold in a concentration-dependent manner. These results support the concept of using flat glass slides as DNA purification surfaces in microfluidic devices for PCR sample preparation.