Recovery of DNA, RNA and protein from gels with microconcentrators

The use of a new product, Microcon/Micropure (a centrifugal ultrafiltration device combined with a microporus insert), for the purification of DNA, RNA, peptides and proteins from gels is described. Using this system, DNA can be recovered from agarose gel in concentrated, contamination-free form in only 15 min. Results of studies on the effects of fragment size and various pretreatment of the gel slice on DNA recovery are presented. The Microcan/Micropure combination can also be used for the recovery of macromolecules from polyacrylamide gels. Optimized protocols for the recovery of RNA, oligonucleotides and proteins from polyacrylamide gels using a crush and elute method, along with a study of critical parameters, are presented.