Nucleic Acids Isolation for Molecular Diagnostics: Present and Future of the Silica-based DNA/RNA Purification Technologies

ABSTRACT At present, most commercial kits for nucleic acid isolation are silica-based. In this regard, new strategies are under development with the aim of optimizing nucleic acid purification silica-based protocols. This review aims to summarize the evolution of such strategies and highlight the current necessities to be solved by new purification methods based on silica materials. In addition, it will perform a survey of the purified DNA/RNA quality and quantity for a subsequent technique. This information is of vital importance to consider for the success of molecular diagnostics. The text was designed to guide scientists and engineers in choosing suitable DNA/RNA purification techniques for research or bioprocessing applications.