Rapid extraction of nucleic acids for quick diagnosis
Nucleic acids have several practical applications in Analytical Sciences as they can be used as biorecognition molecules (e.g. aptamer) in the design of sensors and even extraction phases. However, this post deals with those methods that are aimed to determining nucleic acids in samples of different origin (usually biosamples). Among these applications, we can highlight paternity tests, the study of genetic diseases, the identification of the virus or bacteria behind an infection or the certification of the origin of a meat in a processed food. Whatever the application is. the extraction of nucleic acids of the system under study is the initial (and usually) critical step. The conventional extraction procedure, which is based on the use of silica particles as extractant, involves several steps like extraction or clean-up that makes the process tedious, especially if we consider that the particles should be separated from the sample or washing solutions by centrifugation. The use o...