DNA extraction from agarose gels (Spin-column)

Contributed by Matt Lewis <hop2kin@yahoo.co.uk>

These are excellent for extracting DNA if you can afford them. They cost 1–2 US$ each. Manufacterers include Qiagen, Sigma, Novagen

• Dissolve the gel-slice in 3 volumes of chaotropic agent at 50C for 10 minutes
• Apply the solution to a spin-column and spin for 1 minute (the DNA remains in the column)
• Wash the column by passing 70% ethanol through (the DNA remains in the column, salt and impurities are washed out)
• Elute the DNA in a small volume (30µL) of water or buffer, spin to collect.

This method is based, with permission, on an original protocol available here.