Patent Publication Number: US-2016222373-A1

Title: Universal column

Description:
This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 12/715,555, filed Mar. 2, 2010, which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/156,589, filed on Mar. 2, 2009. The entire texts of the above-referenced disclosures are specifically incorporated herein by reference without disclaimer. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     Chromatography is used for the purification of a wide range of compounds. There remains a need, however, for improved chromatography columns that incorporate features to provide versatility and improved efficiency. The instant disclosure provides a new highly versatile universal column and improved purification methods that address this need. 
     SUMMARY 
     In one illustrative embodiment, the column assembly includes a body having an upper section, a reservoir section, and a lower section. A reservoir is formed in the body adjacent the reservoir section and is arranged to store a binding matrix. A top coupling member is disposed adjacent the upper section, and the top coupling member has a top passage in flow communication with the reservoir. The reservoir section may or may not comprise a void. For example, a portion of, or the entire, reservoir section may be comprised of a binding matrix or other porous material that facilitates flow communication. The top coupling member is configured to couple to a syringe or a reservoir adapter. An inner projection is formed adjacent the lower section, the inner projection having a bottom passage in flow communication with the reservoir, the inner projection being sized to connect to a vacuum manifold. An outer projection surrounds a portion of the inner projection, and the outer projection is sized to engage a centrifuge tube (e.g., a 1.5 to 2.0 ml microcentrifuge tube). Therefore, the column assembly can be coupled to a syringe, a reservoir adapter, a vacuum manifold, or a centrifuge tube to enable fluid to pass through the binding matrix. 
     In a further embodiment, the reservoir section, the inner projection, and the outer projection are cylindrical. An outer diameter of the outer projection may be smaller than an outer diameter of the reservoir section. Specifically, an outer diameter of the outer projection may be between about 4 mm and 11 mm. For example, outer diameter of the outer projection may be about 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 or 11 mm. 
     In a still further embodiment, a bottom portion of the inner projection may axially extend beyond a bottom portion of the outer projection. In certain aspects, the outer projection may extend between about 4 mm to about 35 mm from the reservoir and the inner projection may extend between about 6 mm to about 35 mm from the reservoir. For example, the outer projection may extend about 14 mm from the reservoir and the inner projection may extend about 18 mm from the reservoir. In one more embodiment, an inner projection and the outer projection may be integrally formed. 
     In another embodiment, the column assembly may also include a support structure within the reservoir arranged to support the binding matrix. Specifically, the support structure may comprise a plurality of support ribs, the support ribs being integrally formed with a bottom portion of the reservoir. 
     In a further embodiment, the top coupling member may include at least two mating tabs extending radially from a top portion of the top coupling member. 
     In one more embodiment, the body may be formed from a thermoplastic polymer. Moreover, the thermoplastic polymer may be formed from polypropylene, polystyrene, or a mixture of polypropylene and polystyrene. 
     In yet another embodiment, the top coupling member may be ultrasonically welded to a top portion of the reservoir section. The skilled artisan will recognize, however, that the top coupling member may be coupled the top portion of the reservoir by other mechanisms, such as by screwing, gluing or snapping the members together. 
     A further embodiment of the column assembly includes a body having an upper section, an intermediate section, a reservoir section, and a lower section. A reservoir is formed within the reservoir section and arranged to store a binding matrix. The reservoir section is sized to engage a centrifuge tube (e.g., a 1.5 to 2.0 ml microcentrifuge tube). A collar is disposed adjacent the intermediate section, and the collar has an interior portion in flow communication with the reservoir. A top coupling member is disposed adjacent the upper section, and the top coupling member has a top passage in flow communication with the interior portion of the collar. The top coupling member is configured to couple to a syringe or a reservoir adapter. Additionally, a bottom coupling member is disposed adjacent the lower section, the bottom coupling member having a bottom passage in flow communication with the reservoir. The bottom coupling member is sized connect to a vacuum manifold. Therefore, the column assembly can be coupled to a syringe, a reservoir adapter, a vacuum manifold, or a centrifuge tube to enable fluid to pass through the binding matrix. 
     In a still further embodiment, the reservoir section is cylindrical. The collar may also be cylindrical, and an outer diameter of the reservoir section may be smaller than an outer diameter of the collar. The bottom coupling member may also be cylindrical, and an outer diameter of the bottom coupling member may be smaller than an outer diameter of the reservoir section. The outer diameter of the reservoir section may be between about 4 mm and 11 mm. For example, the outer diameter of the reservoir section may be may be about 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 or 11 mm. In certain further aspects, the reservoir section may have a length of between about 4 mm and about 35 mm (e.g., about 14 mm). 
     In one more embodiment, the collar, the reservoir section, and the bottom coupling member may be integrally formed. 
     In another embodiment, the column assembly may also include a support structure within the reservoir arranged to support the binding matrix. Specifically, the support structure may comprise a plurality of support ribs, the support ribs being integrally formed with a bottom portion of the reservoir. 
     In a still further embodiment, the top coupling member may include at least two mating tabs extending radially from a top portion of the top coupling member. 
     In a further embodiment, the body may be formed from a thermoplastic polymer. Moreover, the thermoplastic polymer may be formed from polypropylene, polystyrene, or a mixture of polypropylene and polystyrene. 
     In another embodiment, the top coupling member may be ultrasonically welded to a top portion of the reservoir section. Alternatively or additionally, the top coupling member may be coupled the top portion of the reservoir by other mechanisms, such as by screwing, gluing or snapping the members together. 
     In one more embodiment, the reservoir section may include a tapered portion integrally formed with a bottom portion of the reservoir section and a top portion of the bottom coupling member, the tapered portion having an interior portion that is in flow communication with the bottom passage. 
     In a further embodiment there is provided a method for separating a compound from impurities comprising: (i) loading a sample that comprises a compound and impurities onto a column as described herein (e.g., see  FIGS. 1 and 2 ) wherein the column comprises a binding matrix; (ii) incubating the column under conditions wherein the compound binds to the column matrix; (iii) removing impurities from the column under conditions wherein the compound remains bound to the column matrix. 
     In certain aspects, the loading (i) and incubating (ii) steps of the method are performed simultaneously under conditions wherein the compound binds to the matrix. Moreover, in some cases, the loading (i), incubating (ii) and removing impurities (ii) steps may be performed simultaneously. For example, sample comprising a compound and impurities may be passed through a column under conditions wherein the compound binds to the column matrix and one or more impurities flow through the column. 
     In a further embodiment, a method for separating a compound from impurities further comprises (iv) removing the compound from the column eluting the compound from the column to provide a purified compound. For example, the removing step (iv), in some aspects, comprises applying an elution buffer to the column under conditions in which the compound is released from the matrix and collecting the elution buffer comprising the compound. Moreover, in some embodiments, the step of removing impurities from the column (iii), further comprises washing the column matrix one or more times with a wash buffer wherein the compound remains bound to the column matrix. 
     Alternatively or additionally, there is provided a method for separating a compound from impurities comprising: (i) loading a sample that comprises a compound and impurities onto a column as described herein wherein the column comprises a binding matrix; (ii) incubating the column under conditions wherein one or more impurities binds to the column matrix; (iii) removing compound from the column under conditions wherein one or more impurities remain bound to the column matrix. 
     A used herein a “compound” refers to a molecule or a complex of molecules. For example, a compound may be a protein, a protein complex, a carbohydrate, a nucleic acid, a lipid or a complex thereof such as a cell or virus. In certain aspects, the compound is a nucleic acid such as a DNA (e.g., plasmid DNA) or a RNA molecule. For example, methods for purifying nucleic acids which may used in the context of the current disclosure are described in U.S. Publication No. 20070015169, incorporated herein by reference. 
     As used herein a “sample” refers to a solution or suspension that comprises a compound (e.g., an aqueous solution). For example, the sample is, in certain aspects, a body fluid (e.g., a blood, saliva or urine sample), a cell preparation or a cell lysate. It is contemplated that cell lysates may be from eukaryotic cells, such as mammalian cells or from prokaryotic cells such as gram-negative bacteria (e.g.,  E. coli ). 
     In certain aspects, methods disclosed herein concern loading a sample (comprising impurities), a wash buffer or an elution buffer onto a column and then removing said buffer or impurities. The skilled artisan will recognize that gravity may be used to allow a solution applied to a column to pass through the column. However, in some cases, a force is applied to move the solution though the column. For example, a positive pressure can be applied to the top of a column. One example of a procedure to apply a positive pressure to the top of a column is “push” a solution or suspension through a column by depressing the plunger of a syringe connected to the column. In another example, a negative pressure can be applied to the bottom of a column to move a solution through the column. For instance, vacuum source (e.g., a vacuum manifold or a syringe, wherein the plunger is pulled back) can be applied to “pull” a solution through the column. Alternatively or additionally, a column may be spun in centrifuge to move a solution through the column. Thus, in some cases, removing the sample or one or more impurities in step (iii) comprises at least one procedure selected from the group consisting of spinning the column in centrifuge, applying a positive pressure to the top of the column and applying a negative pressure to the bottom of the column. Likewise, a wash buffer is, in certain aspects, can be removed by spinning the column in centrifuge, by applying a positive pressure to the top of the column or by applying a negative pressure to the bottom of the column. Moreover, collecting the elution buffer which comprises the compound can comprise spinning the column in centrifuge, applying a positive pressure to the top of the column or applying a negative pressure to the bottom of the column (e.g., collecting the elution buffer and compound in a syringe). Thus, the skilled worker will recognize that, in certain aspects, a purification method according to the instant disclosure may employ only a syringe to move solutions through the column. In certain cases, methods disclosed herein do not employ a procedure involving a centrifuge or a centrifugation step. 
     In a further embodiment, there is provided a purification kit comprising a universal column as described herein and one or more additional components selected from the group consisting of: a preparative buffer, an elution buffer, a wash buffer, a reservoir adapter (e.g., a reservoir adapter comprises a filter), a syringe, a centrifuge tube, a microcentrifuge tube, a collection tube, a nuclease, and an instruction manual for use of the kit. For example, the preparative buffer may be a cell lysis buffer or neutralization buffer. In certain aspects, kit components may be packaged together in a box or crate. In some cases, a kit comprises a plurality of columns such as 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50 or more columns packaged together with other elements of the kit. 
     Other features and advantages of the invention will be better understood by reference to the detailed description of illustrative embodiments that follow. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING 
       The following drawings are part of the present specification and are included to further demonstrate certain aspects of the present invention. The invention may be better understood by reference to the drawings in combination with the detailed description of specific embodiments presented herein. 
         FIG. 1A : A front view of a column assembly of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 1B : A top view of the column assembly of  FIG. 1A . 
         FIG. 1C : A longitudinal cross-sectional view of the column assembly of  FIGS. 1A and 1B  taken along line  1 C- 1 C in  FIG. 1B . 
         FIG. 2A : A front view of another illustrative embodiment of a column assembly of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 2B : A top view of the column assembly of  FIG. 2A . 
         FIG. 2C : A longitudinal cross-sectional view of the column assembly of  FIGS. 2A and 2B  taken along line  2 C- 2 C of  FIG. 2B . 
         FIG. 3A : A front view of an illustrative embodiment of a column assembly of the present disclosure coupled to a syringe; 
         FIG. 3B : A front view of an illustrative embodiment of a column assembly of the present disclosure coupled to a vacuum manifold; 
         FIG. 3C : A front view of an illustrative embodiment of a column assembly of the present disclosure coupled to a reservoir adapter; 
         FIG. 3D : A front view of an illustrative embodiment of a column assembly of the present disclosure coupled to a reservoir adapter, wherein the reservoir adapter is secured inside a tube; 
         FIG. 3E : A front view of an illustrative embodiment of a column assembly of the present disclosure coupled to a microcentrifuge tube which is shown in cross section. 
         FIG. 3F : A front view of an illustrative embodiment of a column assembly of the present disclosure coupled to a microcentrifuge tube; 
         FIG. 4A : A front view of an illustrative embodiment of a column assembly of the present disclosure; and 
         FIG. 4B : A lateral cross-sectional view of the column assembly of  FIG. 4A . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     The following is a detailed description of the invention provided to aid those skilled in the art in practicing the present invention. Those of ordinary skill in the art may make modifications and variations in the embodiments described herein without departing from the spirit or scope of the present invention. 
     The Column Assembly 
     Referring to  FIGS. 1A-1C , an illustrative embodiment of a column assembly  10  includes a body  12  having an upper section  14 , a reservoir section  16 , and a lower section  18 . A reservoir  20  is formed in the body  12  adjacent the reservoir section  16  and is arranged to store a binding matrix  22 . A top coupling member  24  is disposed adjacent the upper section  14 , and the top coupling member  24  has a top passage  26  in flow communication with the reservoir  20 . The top coupling member  24  is configured to couple to a syringe  28  ( FIG. 3A ) or a reservoir adapter  29  ( FIG. 3C ). An inner projection  30  is formed adjacent the lower section  18 . The inner projection  30  has a bottom passage  32  in flow communication with the reservoir  20 , and the inner projection  30  sized and configured to connect to a vacuum manifold  34  ( FIG. 3B ). An outer projection  36  surrounds a portion of the inner projection  30 , and the outer projection  36  is sized and configured to engage a centrifuge tube  38  ( FIG. 3E ). The body  12  is preferably formed from a plastic material. For example, the body  12  may be formed from a thermoplastic polymer, such as polypropylene, polystyrene, or a mixture of polypropylene or polystyrene. Other materials may also prove suitable. 
     The reservoir section  16  of the body  12  of column assembly  10  includes the reservoir  20 . The reservoir section  16  may have a circular cross-sectional shape such that an exterior surface  40  of the reservoir section  16  has a cylindrical shape having an outer diameter  42  perpendicular to a longitudinal axis  44  of the reservoir section  16 . However, the reservoir section  16  may have any suitable cross-sectional shape, including, for example, a polygon or an oval. The reservoir section  16  may also have an interior surface  46  at least partially defining the reservoir  20  within the reservoir section  16 , and the interior surface  46  may have an inner diameter  48  perpendicular to the longitudinal axis  44 . Additionally, the reservoir section  16  may have a top portion  50  and a bottom portion  52  longitudinally opposite the top portion  50 . As used herein, the term “diameter” is used to describe both the actual diameter of a designated element having a circular cross-sectional shape and also the diameter of a circle generally circumscribing as much of a cross-sectional perimeter of an element having a non-circular cross-sectional shape as possible. 
     Referring still to  FIGS. 1A-1C , the upper section  14  of the body  12  of column assembly  10  additionally includes the top coupling member  24 . The top coupling member  24  may include a base portion  54  and a top projection  56  extending away from the base portion  54 . The base portion  54  may have the general shape of a disk having an outer diameter approximately equal to the outer diameter  42  of the reservoir section  16 . The base portion  54  may have a flange, or planar bottom surface  58 , configured to mate with the top portion  50  of the reservoir section  16  and a planar top surface  60  opposite the bottom surface  58 . The top projection  18  may extend from the top surface  60  of the base portion  54  in the direction of the longitudinal axis  44  of the reservoir section  16 . The top projection  56  may have an interior surface  62  and an exterior surface  64  having an outer diameter  66  perpendicular to the longitudinal axis  44 . The top projection  56  may also have a top portion  68  and a bottom portion  70 , the bottom portion  70  being proximate to the top surface  60  of the base portion  54 . An aperture  72  may be disposed on a top surface  74  of the top projection  56 , and the aperture  72  and the interior surface  62  of the top projection  56  may form the top passage  26 . The top passage  26  may extend longitudinally through the top coupling member  24  such that, when the top coupling member  24  is secured to the reservoir section  16 , the top passage  26  is in flow communication with the reservoir  20 . 
     Referring primarily now to  FIG. 1C , the top coupling member  24  may include a reservoir projection  76  to assist with centering the top coupling member  24  to the reservoir section  16  during assembly. The reservoir projection  76  may extend away from the base portion  54  in a direction opposite the top projection  56  such that the reservoir projection  76  is received into the reservoir  20 . Accordingly, an exterior surface  78  of the reservoir projection  76  may have an outer diameter  80  sized to be slightly smaller than the inner diameter  48  of the reservoir section  16  such that the exterior surface  78  mates with the interior surface  46  of the reservoir section  16 . The reservoir projection  76  may also include an interior surface  82 , the interior surface  82  having an inner diameter  84  that is dimensioned such that fluid flow through the top passage  26  is not obstructed by the reservoir projection  76 . The top coupling member  24  may be secured to the reservoir section  16  by any method known in the art, such as ultrasonic welding, adhesive bonding, interference fitting, other device, or any combination thereof. For instance, the bottom surface  58  of the base portion  54  may be ultrasonically welded to the top portion  50  of the reservoir section  16 . Preferably, a fluid-permeable binding matrix  22  having a diameter approximately equal to the inner diameter  48  of the reservoir section  16  is inserted or formed into the reservoir  20  prior to securing the top coupling member  24  to the reservoir section  16 . 
     The top coupling member  24  may also include a pair of mating tabs  86  that extend radially from the top portion  68  of the top projection  56 , as shown in  FIGS. 1A-1C . The mating tabs  86  are configured to be compatible with a mating connection, such as a Luer-Lok® and/or Luer-Slip® mating system commonly used to provide leak-free connections between medical or laboratory instruments. Preferably, the mating tabs  86  may be used to couple the top coupling member  24  to a syringe  28 , as illustrated in  FIG. 3A , or to a hollow, cylindrical reservoir adapter  29 , as illustrated in  FIG. 3C . 
     Referring again to  FIGS. 1A and 1C , the lower section  18  of the body  12  of column assembly  10  includes an inner projection  30  and an outer projection  36  coupled to the bottom portion  52  of the reservoir section  16 . The lower section  18  may be integrally formed with the reservoir section  16 , or may be secured to the reservoir section  16  by any method used in the art, such as ultrasonic welding, adhesive bonding, or interference fitting. The inner projection  30  and the outer projection  36  may both extend longitudinally away from the reservoir section  16  in the same direction as the longitudinal axis  44  of the reservoir section  16 . The inner projection  30  may have a circular cross-sectional shape such that an exterior surface  90  of the inner projection  30  has a cylindrical shape having an outer diameter  92  when perpendicular to the longitudinal axis  44  of the reservoir section  16 . However, the inner projection  30  may have any suitable cross-sectional shape, including, for example, a polygon or an oval. The inner projection  30  may also include an interior surface  84  having an inner diameter  96 , as well as a top portion  98  and a bottom portion  100 . An aperture  102  formed on a bottom surface  104  of the inner projection  30  and the interior surface  94  may define a bottom passage  32  extending through the lower section  18  such that the bottom passage  32  is in flow communication with the reservoir  20 . 
     The outer projection  36  of the lower section  18  may be secured to or integrally formed with the reservoir section  16  and may extend longitudinally in the same direction as the longitudinal axis  44  of the reservoir section  16 . The outer projection  36  may also include an exterior surface  106  having an outer diameter  108  and an interior surface  110  having an inner diameter  112  such that a gap  114  is formed between the interior surface  110  and the exterior surface  90  of the inner projection  30 , as shown in  FIG. 1C . Conversely, the outer projection  36  may be integrally formed with the exterior surface  90  of the inner projection  30  such that there is no gap between the between the interior surface  110  and the exterior surface  90  of the inner projection  30 . The outer projection  36  may also include a top portion  116  and a bottom portion  118  longitudinally opposite the top portion  116 . As illustrated in  FIGS. 1C and 3E , the outer diameter  108  of the outer projection  36  is smaller than the outer diameter  42  of the reservoir section  16  and is dimensioned to be received into a standard microcentrifuge tube  38 , such as an Eppendorf® tube, such that the exterior surface  106  of the outer projection  36  mates with an interior surface  120  within the microcentrifuge tube  38 , and a top surface  122  of the microcentrifuge tube  38  mates with, or abuts to, a reservoir shoulder  124  formed by the bottom portion  52  of the reservoir section  16  extending past the exterior surface  106  of the outer projection  36 . In one embodiment, the outer diameter  108  of the outer projection  36  may be between about 4 mm and 11 mm (e.g., about 8.9 mm), and the outer diameter  42  of the reservoir section  16  may be approximately 12.5 mm to accommodate a standard microcentrifuge tube  38 . Moreover, the bottom portion  100  of inner projection  30  should project beyond the bottom portion  118  of the outer projection  36  to allow the coupling of a vacuum manifold  34  ( FIG. 3B ) to be secured to the bottom portion  100  of the inner projection  30  without obstruction by the bottom portion  118  of the outer projection  36 . In one embodiment, the distance between the bottom portion  100  of the inner projection  30  and the bottom portion  118  of the outer projection  36  is approximately 4 mm. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 1C, 4A, and 4B , the reservoir structure  16  of the body  12  of column assembly  10  may also include a support structure  126  within the reservoir  20  arranged to support the binding matrix  22 . The support structure  126  may include a plurality of support ribs  128  disposed within the reservoir  20  proximate to the bottom portion  52 . Each of the plurality of support ribs  128  may be integrally formed with the reservoir section  16 . Each of the plurality of support ribs  128  may have a planar top surface  130  that is approximately normal to the longitudinal axis  44  of the reservoir section  16 , the plurality of top surfaces  130  being configured to support the binding matrix  22  within the reservoir  20 . The plurality of support ribs  128  may form a symmetrical array around the bottom passage  32  when viewed along the longitudinal axis  44  of the reservoir section  16  such that the bottom passage  32  is not obstructed. In one embodiment, the support ribs may be arrayed in 45 degree intervals. 
     When it is desired to draw a fluid through the binding matrix  22  supported within the reservoir  20  of the column assembly  10 , several methods can be employed. First, a syringe  28  containing a fluid can be coupled to the top projection  56  of the top coupling member  24  using a mating connection, e.g., Luer-Lok® coupling mechanism described above and shown in  FIG. 3A . The column assembly  10  may also be coupled to a reservoir adapter  29  in the same manner, as illustrated in  FIG. 3C . Second, the column assembly  10  may be coupled to a vacuum manifold  34  by inserting a stopcock  132  into the bottom passage  32  of the inner projection  30 , as illustrated in  FIG. 3B . However, an adapter, such as a tube (not shown), may be used to couple the stopcock  132  to the inner projection  30 . Finally, the column assembly  10  can be coupled to a microcentrifuge tube  38  as previously described and as shown in  FIG. 3E , and the microcentrifuge tube  38  can then be inserted into a centrifuge (not shown). 
     Referring now primarily to  FIG. 2A , a second embodiment of a column assembly  200  includes a body  202  having an upper section  204 , an intermediate section  206 , a reservoir section  208 , and a lower section  210 . A reservoir  212  is formed within the reservoir section  208  and arranged to store a binding matrix  22 . The reservoir section  208  is sized and configured to engage a centrifuge tube  38  ( FIG. 3E ). A collar  214  is disposed adjacent the intermediate section  206 , and the collar  214  has an interior portion  216  in flow communication with the reservoir  212 . A top coupling member  218  is disposed adjacent the upper section  204 , the top coupling member  218  having a top passage  220  in flow communication with the interior portion  216  of the collar  214 . The top coupling member  218  is configured to couple to a syringe  28  or a reservoir adapter  29 . Additionally, a bottom coupling member  222  is disposed adjacent the lower section  210 , the bottom coupling member  222  having a bottom passage  223  in flow communication with the reservoir  212 . The bottom coupling member  222  is sized and configured to connect to a vacuum manifold  34 . The body  202  may be formed from a plastic material. For example, the body  202  may be formed from a thermoplastic polymer, such as polypropylene, polystyrene, or a mixture of polypropylene or polystyrene. Other materials may also prove suitable. 
     As illustrated in  FIGS. 2A-2C , the reservoir section  208  the body  202  of column assembly  200  includes the reservoir  212 . The reservoir section  208  may have a circular cross-sectional shape such that an exterior surface  224  of the reservoir section  208  has the shape of a cylinder, as illustrated in  FIGS. 2A and 2B . However, the reservoir section  208  may have any suitable cross-sectional shape, including, for example, a polygon or an oval. The exterior surface  224  may have an outer diameter  226  when viewed perpendicular to a longitudinal axis  228  of the reservoir section  208 . The reservoir section  208  may also have an interior surface  230  at least partially defining the reservoir  212 , and the interior surface  230  may have an inner diameter  234  when viewed perpendicular to the longitudinal axis  228 . Additionally, the reservoir section  208  may have a top portion  236  and a bottom portion  238  longitudinally opposite the top portion  236 . The outer diameter  226  of the reservoir section  208  is dimensioned to be received into a standard microcentrifuge tube  38  ( FIG. 3E ) such that the exterior surface  224  of the reservoir section  208  mates with an interior surface  120  of the microcentrifuge tube  38 , and a top surface  130  of the microcentrifuge tube  38  abuts or mates with a reservoir shoulder  240  formed at the interface between the reservoir section  208  and the collar  214 , as shown in  FIG. 3F . Accordingly, the outer diameter  226  of the reservoir section  208  may be between about 4 mm and 11 mm (e.g., about 8.9 mm) to accommodate a standard microcentrifuge tube  38 . 
     As shown in  FIGS. 2A and 2C , the bottom portion  238  of the reservoir section  208  may include a mating portion  242 . The mating portion  242  may include a tapered surface  244  extending from the exterior surface  224  of the reservoir section  208  to a bottom coupling member  222 , as illustrated in  FIG. 2A . Alternatively, the mating portion  242  may include a planar surface (not shown) normal to the longitudinal axis  228  of the reservoir section  208 . The mating portion  242  of the reservoir section  208  may include a support structure  245  within the reservoir  212  arranged to support the binding matrix  22 . The support structure  245  may include a plurality of support ribs  246 , which may be substantially identical to the plurality of support ribs  128  previously described. The plurality of support ribs  246  may be disposed within the reservoir  212  proximate to the bottom portion  238 , as shown in  FIG. 2C . Each of the plurality of support ribs  246  may be integrally formed with the reservoir section  208 . In one embodiment, each of the plurality of support ribs  246  have a planar top surface  248  that is approximately normal to the longitudinal axis  228  of the reservoir section  208 , the plurality of top surfaces  248  being configured to support the binding matrix  22  within the reservoir  212 . The plurality of support ribs  246  may form a symmetrical array around a bottom passage  223  when viewed along the longitudinal axis  228  of the reservoir section  208  such that the bottom passage  223  is not obstructed. In one embodiment, the support ribs  246  will be arrayed in 45 degree intervals, as shown in  FIG. 4B . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 2A and 2C , the intermediate section  206  the body  202  of column assembly  200  includes a collar  214  integrally formed with the top portion  236  of the reservoir section  208 . The collar  215  may also be secured to the top portion  236  of the reservoir section  208  by any method known in the art such as those previously mentioned. The collar  214  may have a top portion  250  and a bottom portion  252  longitudinally opposite the top portion  250 . The collar  214  may have any suitable cross-sectional shape, including, for example, a polygon or an oval. The collar  214  may also have an exterior surface  254  having an outer diameter  256 . The outer diameter  256  of the collar  214  is larger than the outer diameter  226  of the reservoir section  208 , forming the reservoir shoulder  240  proximate to the bottom portion  252  of the collar  214  as described above. The collar  214  may have an interior surface  258  having an inner diameter  260 , the interior surface  258  at least partially defining an interior portion  262  that is in flow communication with the reservoir  212 . The collar  214  may also have an opening  264  proximate to the top portion  250 . 
     As illustrated in  FIGS. 2A-2C , the body  212  of column assembly  200  may also include a top coupling member  218  having a base portion  266  and a top projection  271  extending away from the base portion  266 . The base portion  266  may have the general shape of a disk having an outer diameter approximately equal to the outer diameter  256  of the collar  214 . The base portion  266  may have a planar bottom surface  268  configured to mate with the top portion  250  of the collar  214  and a planar top surface  270  opposite the bottom surface  268 . The top projection  271  may extend from the top surface  270  of the base portion  266  along the longitudinal axis  228  of the reservoir section  208 . The top projection  271  may have an interior surface  272  and an exterior surface  274  having an outer diameter  276  when viewed along the longitudinal axis  228 . The top projection  271  may also have a top portion  278  and a bottom portion  280 , the bottom portion  280  being proximate to the top surface  270  of the base portion  266 . The top projection  271  may also include a pair of mating tabs  282  that extend radially from the top portion  278  of the top projection  271 , the mating tabs  282  being functionally identical to the mating tabs  74  of the column assembly  10  previously described. An aperture  284  may be disposed on a top surface  286  of the top projection  271 , and the aperture  284  and the interior surface  272  of the top projection  271  form a top passage  220 . The top passage  220  may extend longitudinally through the top coupling member  218  such that, when secured to the collar  214 , the top passage  220  is in flow communication with the reservoir  212  via the interior portion  216  of the collar  217 . The top coupling member  218  may be secured to the collar  214  by any method known in the art, such as ultrasonic welding, adhesive bonding, interference fitting, or any combination thereof. For instance, the bottom surface  268  of the base portion  266  may be ultrasonically welded to the top portion  250  of the collar  214 . 
     Referring again to  FIGS. 2A and 2C , the lower section  210  of the body  202  of the column assembly  200  may include the bottom coupling member  222  extending away from the reservoir section  208  along the longitudinal axis  228  of the reservoir section  208 . The bottom coupling member  222  may be integrally formed with the mating portion  242  of the reservoir section  208 , or may be secured to the mating portion  242  by any method known in the art, such as ultrasonic welding, adhesive bonding, interference fitting, or any combination thereof. The bottom coupling member  222  may have a circular cross-sectional shape such that an exterior surface  290  of the bottom coupling member  222  has a cylindrical shape. However, the bottom coupling member  222  may have any suitable cross-sectional shape, including, for example, a polygon or an oval. The exterior surface  290  of the bottom coupling member  222  may have an outer diameter  292 . An interior surface  294  of the bottom coupling member  222  may have an inner diameter  296 . The outer diameter  292  of the bottom coupling member  222  may be smaller than the outer diameter  226  of the reservoir section  208 . An aperture  298  formed on a bottom surface  300  of the bottom coupling member  222  and the interior surface  294  may define a bottom passage  223  extending through the bottom coupling member  222  such that the bottom passage  223  is in flow communication with the reservoir  212 . 
     Similar to the column assembly  10  that was previously described, the column assembly  200  also allows a liquid to be drawn through the binding matrix  22  using any of several methods. First, as was the case with the column assembly  10 , a syringe  28  containing a fluid can be coupled to the top projection  271  of the top coupling member  218  of column assembly  200  using a mating connection, e.g., a Luer-Lok® coupling mechanism described above and shown in  FIG. 3A . The column assembly  200  may also be coupled to a reservoir adapter  29  in the same manner, as illustrated in  FIG. 3C . Second, the column assembly  200  may be coupled to a vacuum manifold  34  by inserting the stopcock  132  into the bottom passage  223  of the bottom coupling member  222 , as illustrated in  FIG. 3B . However, an adapter (not shown), such as a tube, may also be used to couple the stopcock  132  to the bottom passage  223  of the bottom coupling member  222 . Finally, the column assembly  200  can be coupled to the microcentrifuge tube  38  as described above and as shown in  FIG. 3F , and the microcentrifuge tube  38  can be inserted into a centrifuge (not shown). 
     While various embodiments have been described above, this disclosure is not intended to be limited thereto. Variations can be made to the disclosed embodiments that are still within the scope of the appended claims. 
     The term “about” as used herein means greater or lesser than the value or range of values stated by 10 percent, but is not intended to designate any value or range of values to only this broader definition. Each value or range of values preceded by the term “about” is also intended to encompass the embodiment of the stated absolute value or range of values. 
     Column Binding Matrices 
     A column binding matrix according to current disclosure (e.g., binding matrix  22  of  FIG. 1C ) may be composed of a solid or semi-solid (e.g., gel) matrix which allows fluid to pass through the matrix. The skilled artisan will recognize that in certain aspects a matrix is highly porous so as to maximize surface area exposed to buffer solutions and thereby the binding capacity of the matrix. A matrix can be made of various materials. Commonly used materials are dextran, cellulose, agarose and copolymers of styrene and vinylbenzene in which the divinylbenzene both cross-links the polystyrene strands and contains the charged groups. Some specific varieties of binding matrices are detailed below. 
     Siliceous Matrix 
     In certain specific embodiments, the binding matrix is a siliceous material (formed primarily of SiO 2 ) such glass fiber or silica beads. There are number of commercial providers of siliceous matrices, such as, for example, type GF/A, GF/B, GF/C, GF/D and GF/F matrices produced by Whatman. Such matrices are of particular use in the purification of nucleic acid molecules. Purification of DNA and RNA using these siliceous matrix materials has been previously described by Marko et al. (1987), Rikaken (1984) and Xuan et al. (1984). 
     Ion Exchange Matrix 
     Ion-exchange chromatography relies on the affinity of a substance for the matrix exchanger, which affinity depends on both the electrical properties of the material and the relative affinity of other charged substances in the buffer solution. Hence, bound material can be eluted by changing the pH, thus altering the charge of the material, or by adding competing materials, such as salts. The conditions for release vary with each bound molecular species because different substances have different electrical properties. In general, to obtain optimal separation, the methods of choice for elution are either continuous ionic strength gradient elution or stepwise elution. For an anion exchange matrix, either pH and ionic strength are gradually increased or ionic strength alone is increased. For a cation exchange matrix, both pH and ionic strength are increased. The actual choice of the elution procedure is usually a result of trial and error and of considerations of stability. For example, for unstable materials, it is best to maintain fairly constant pH. 
     An ion exchanger is a solid that has chemically bound charged groups to which ions are electrostatically bound; it can exchange these ions for ions in aqueous solution. Ion exchangers can be used in column chromatography to separate molecules according to charge; actually other features of the molecule are usually important so that the chromatographic behavior is sensitive to the charge density, charge distribution, and the size of the molecule. 
     The principle of ion-exchange chromatography is that charged molecules adsorb to ion exchangers reversibly so that molecules can be bound or eluted by changing the ionic environment. Separation on ion exchangers is usually accomplished in two stages: first, the substances to be separated are bound to the matrix, using conditions that give stable and tight binding; then the column is eluted with buffers of different pH, ionic strength, or composition and the components of the buffer compete with the bound material for the binding sites. 
     An ion matrix or exchanger is usually a three-dimensional network that contains covalently linked charged groups. If a group is negatively charged, it will exchange positive ions and is a cation exchanger. A typical group used in cation exchangers is the sulfonic group, SO 3   − . If an H +  is bound to the group, the exchanger is said to be in the acid form; it can, for example, exchange on H +  for one Na +  or two H +  for one Ca 2+ . The sulfonic acid group is a strongly acidic cation exchanger. Other commonly used groups are phenolic hydroxyl and carboxyl, both weakly acidic cation exchangers. If the charged group is positive—for example, a quaternary amino group—it is a strongly basic anion exchanger. The most common weakly basic anion exchangers are aromatic or aliphatic amino groups. Table 1 gives the composition of many ion exchangers. 
     The total capacity of an ion exchanger measures its ability to take up exchangeable groups per milligram of dry weight. This number is supplied by the manufacturer and is important because, if the capacity is exceeded, ions will pass through the column without binding. 
     
       
         
           
               
               
               
               
             
               
                 TABLE 1 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 Matrix 
                 Exchanger 
                 Functional Group 
                 Tradename 
               
               
                   
               
             
            
               
                 Dextran 
                 Strong Cationic 
                 Sulfopropyl 
                 SP-Sephadex 
               
               
                   
                 Weak Cationic 
                 Carboxymethyl 
                 CM-Sephadex 
               
               
                   
                 Strong Anionic 
                 Diethyl-(2- 
                 QAE-Sephadex 
               
               
                   
                   
                 hydroxypropyl)- 
               
               
                   
                   
                 aminoethyl 
               
               
                 Cellulose 
                 Weak Anionic 
                 Diethylaminoethyl 
                 DEAE-Sephadex 
               
               
                   
                 Cationic 
                 Carboxymethyl 
                 CM-Cellulose 
               
               
                   
                 Cationic 
                 Phospho 
                 P-cel 
               
               
                   
                 Anionic 
                 Diethylaminoethyl 
                 DEAE-cellulose 
               
               
                   
                 Anionic 
                 Polyethylenimine 
                 PEI-Cellulose 
               
               
                   
                 Anionic 
                 Benzoylated- 
                 DEAE(BND)- 
               
               
                   
                   
                 naphthoylated, 
                 cellulose 
               
               
                   
                   
                 deiethylaminoethyl 
               
               
                   
                 Anionic 
                 p-Aminobenzyl 
                 PAB-cellulose 
               
               
                 Styrene-divinyl- 
                 Strong Cationic 
                 Sulfonic acid 
                 AG 50 
               
               
                 benzene 
                 Strong Anionic 
                   
                 AG 1-Source15Q 
               
               
                   
                 Strong Cationic + 
                 Sulfonic acid + 
                 AG 501 
               
               
                   
                 Strong Anionic 
                 Tetramethylammonium 
               
               
                 Acrylic 
                 Weak Cationic 
                 Carboxylic 
                 Bio-Rex 70 
               
               
                   
                 Strong Anionic 
                 Trimethylamino- 
                 E. Merk 
               
               
                   
                   
                 ethyl 
               
               
                   
                 Strong Anionic 
                 Trimethylamino 
                 Toso Haas TSK-Gel- 
               
               
                   
                   
                 group 
                 Q-5PW 
               
               
                 Phenolic 
                 Strong Cationic 
                 Sulfonic acid 
                 Bio-Rex 40 
               
               
                 Expoxyamine 
                 Weak Anionic 
                 Tertiary amino 
                 AG-3 
               
               
                   
               
            
           
         
       
     
     The available capacity is the capacity under particular experimental conditions (i.e., pH, ionic strength). For example, the extent to which an ion exchanger is charged depends on the pH (the effect of pH is smaller with strong ion exchangers). Another factor is ionic strength because small ions near the charged groups compete with the sample molecule for these groups. This competition is quite effective if the sample is a macromolecule because the higher diffusion coefficient of the small ion means a greater number of encounters. Clearly, as buffer concentration increases, competition becomes keener. 
     The porosity of the matrix is an important feature because the charged groups are both inside and outside the matrix and because the matrix also acts as a molecular sieve. Large molecules may be unable to penetrate the pores; so the capacity will decease with increasing molecular dimensions. The porosity of the polystyrene-based resins is determined by the amount of cross-linking by the divinylbenzene (porosity decreases with increasing amounts of divinylbenzene). With the Dowex and AG series, the percentage of divinylbenzene is indicated by a number after an X—hence, Dowex 50-X8 is 8% divinylbenzene 
     Ion exchangers come in a variety of particle sizes, called mesh size. Finer mesh ion exchange resins have an increased surface-to-volume ratio and therefore increased capacity and decreased time for exchange to occur for a given volume of the exchanger. On the other hand, fine mesh produces a slow flow rate, which can increase diffusional spreading. 
     There are a number of choices to be made when employing ion exchange chromatography as a technique. The first choice to be made is whether the exchanger is to be anionic or cationic. If the materials to be bound to the column have a single charge (i.e., either plus or minus), the choice is clear. However, many substances (e.g., proteins, viruses), carry both negative and positive charges and the net charge depends on the pH. In such cases, the primary factor is the stability of the substance at various pH values. Most proteins have a pH range of stability (i.e., in which they do not denature) in which they are either positively or negatively charged. Hence, if a protein is stable at pH values above the isoelectric point, an anion exchanger should be used; if stable at values below the isoelectric point, a cation exchanger is required. 
     The choice between strong and weak exchangers is also based on the effect of pH on charge and stability. For example, if a weakly ionized substance that requires very low or high pH for ionization is chromatographed, a strong ion exchanger is called for because it functions over the entire pH range. However, if the substance is labile, weak ion exchangers are preferable because strong exchangers are often capable of distorting a molecule so much that the molecule denatures. The pH at which the substance is stable must, of course, be matched to the narrow range of pH in which a particular weak exchanger is charged. Weak ion exchangers are also excellent for the separation of molecules with a high charge from those with a small charge, because the weakly charged ions usually fail to bind. Weak exchangers also show greater resolution of substances if charge differences are very small. If a macromolecule has a very strong charge, it may be impossible to elute from a strong exchanger and a weak exchanger again may be preferable. In general, weak exchangers are more useful than strong exchangers. 
     The Sephadex and Bio-gel exchangers offer a particular advantage for macromolecules that are unstable in low ionic strength. Because the cross-linking in the support matrix of these materials maintains the insolubility of the matrix even if the matrix is highly polar, the density of ionizable groups can be made several times greater than is possible with cellulose ion exchangers. The increased charge density introduces an increased affinity so that adsorption can be carried out at higher ionic strengths. On the other hand, these exchangers retain some of their molecular sieving properties so that sometimes molecular weight differences annul the distribution caused by the charge differences; the molecular sieving effect may also enhance the separation. 
     Small molecules are best separated on matrices with small pore size (i.e., the underlying support matrix has a high degree of cross-linking) because the available capacity is large, whereas macromolecules need large pore size. However, except for the Sephadex type matrices, most ion exchange media do not afford the opportunity for matching the porosity with the molecular weight. 
     The cellulose ion exchangers have proved to be the most effective for purifying large molecules such as proteins and polynucleotides. This is because the matrix is fibrous, and hence all functional groups are on the surface and available to even the largest molecules. In many cases, however, beaded forms such as DEAE-Sephacel and DEAE-Biogel P are more useful because there is a better flow rate and the molecular sieving effect aids in separation. 
     Selecting a mesh size has attendant difficulties. Small mesh size improves resolution but decreases flow rate, which increases zone spreading and decreases resolution. Hence, the appropriate mesh size is usually determined empirically. 
     Buffers themselves consist of ions, and therefore, they can also exchange, and the pH equilibrium can be affected. To avoid these problems, the rule of buffers is adopted: use cationic buffers with anion exchangers and anionic buffers with cation exchangers. Because ionic strength is a factor in binding, a buffer should be chosen that has a high buffering capacity so that its ionic strength need not be too high. Furthermore, for best resolution, it has been generally found that the ionic conditions used to apply the sample to the column (starting conditions) should be near those used for eluting the column. 
     Affinity Matrices 
     Affinity chromatography employing an affinity matrix is used to separate molecules or complexes by selective adsorption onto and/or elution from a solid medium, generally in the form of a column. The solid medium is usually an inert carrier matrix to which is attached a ligand having the capacity to bind, under certain conditions, the required protein or proteins in preference to others present in the same sample, although in some cases the matrix itself may have such selective binding capacity. The ligand may be biologically complementary to the protein to be separated, for example, antigen and antibody, or may be any biologically unrelated molecule which by virtue of the nature and steric relationship of its active groups has the power to bind the protein. Examples of commonly used affinity chromatography include immobilized metal affinity chromatography (IMAC), sulfated affinity chromatography, dye affinity chromatography, and heparin affinity. In another example, the chromatographic medium may be prepared using one member of a binding pair, e.g., a receptor/ligand binding pair, or antibody/antigen binding pair (immuno affinity chromatography). 
     The support matrices commonly used in association with protein-binding ligands employed in affinity chromatography include, for example, polymers and copolymers of agarose, dextrans and amides, especially acrylamide, or glass beads or nylon matrices. Cellulose and substituted celluloses are generally found unsuitable when using dyes, since, although they bind large amounts of dye, the dye is poorly accessible to the protein, resulting in poor protein binding. Other support matrices also may be used. Exemplary affinity chromatographic techniques are discussed in further detail below. 
     Immobilized metal affinity chromatography (IMAC), also known as metal chelate affinity chromatography (MCAC), is used primarily in the purification of polyhistidine tagged recombinant proteins. This is achieved by using the natural tendency of histidine to chelate divalent metals. Placing the metal ion on a chromatographic support allows purification of the histidine tagged proteins. This is a highly efficient method that has been employed by those of skill in the art for a variety of protein purification methods. 
     The high efficiency of the IMAC method is based on the interaction of a covalently bound chelating ligand immobilized on a chromatographic support with histidine-containing proteins. In this method, the metal ion must have a high affinity for the support. Commonly used as the supporting matrix are iminodiacetic acid derivatives. 
     Those of skill in the art are referred to U.S. Pat. No. 4,431,546 which describes in detail methods of metal affinity chromatographic separation of biological or related substances from a mixture. The chromatographic media described in the aforementioned patent comprise binding materials which have a ligand containing at least one of the groups anthraquinone, phthalocyanine or aromatic azo, in the presence of at least one metal ion selected from the group Ca 2+ , Sr 2+ , Ba 2+ , Al 3+ , Co 2+ , Ni 2+ , Cu 2+  or Zn 2+ . In IMAC techniques used herein, the ligand may be linked directly to the matrix or via a spacer arm. The process may be performed at atmospheric pressure or under pressure, especially high pressure (100-3500 psi). 
     As with all the chromatographic techniques, the nature of the contact, washing and eluting solutions for IMAC depends on the substance to be separated. Generally the contact solution is made up of the substance to be separated and a metal salt dissolved in a buffer solution, while the washing solution comprises the same metal salt dissolved in the same buffer. The eluting solution, may be a buffer solution, either alone or containing a chelating agent or it may be an alkali metal salt or a specific desorbing agent. Alternatively the eluting solution may be a mixture of two or more of these solutions or two or more of these solutions used consecutively. 
     The most common chelating group used in this technique is iminodiacetic acid (IDA). It is coupled to a matrix such as Sepharose™ 6B, via a long hydrophilic spacer arm. The spacer arm ensures that the chelating metal is fully accessible to all available binding sites on a protein. Affiland (Ans-Liege, Belgium) is one exemplary commercial source of immobilized iminodiacetic acid (IDA), nitrilotriacetic acid (NTA) and a pentadentate chelator (PDC) ligand for IMAC. Briefly, immobilized IDA is a tridentate ligand at physiological pH, NTA is a pentadentate ligand at basic pH and a tridentate ligand at pH 8.0. In the presence of the electron donor cross-linkers, immobilized IDA forms octahedral complexes with polyvalent metal ions including Cu 2+ , Zn 2+ , Ni 2+  and Co 2+ . This column has a selective binding for histidine-containing proteins. The elution of histidine-containing proteins uses a high concentration of Imidazole. 
     The IDA matrix is supplied bound to a number of underlying matrices e.g., Sepharose, and the like. The ISA-matrix is degassed and then applied to a column and washed with 10 volumes of distilled water. The bivalent or trivalent cation is then applied to the washed matrix in a distilled water at a concentration 5 mg/ml in distilled water, at a flow rate of 50 ml/cm 2 /hour, until saturation. The metal chelate affinity matrix is then equilibrated with an appropriate buffer e.g., Tris 50 mM, AcOH pH 8.0. The equilibrated column is then ready for use. 
     Fractogel® EMD chelate iminodiacetic acid is an IMAC matrix supplied by VWR International, Merck (Poole, Dorset, U.K.). TALON™ resin is a durable IMAC resin that uses cobalt ions for purifying recombinant polyhistidine-tagged proteins (Clontech, Palo Alto, Calif.). 
     Another common chelating group for IMAC applications is tris(carboxymethyl)-ethylenediamine (TED). TED gels show stronger retention of metal ions and weaker retention of proteins relative as compared to IDA-based matrices. TED matrices form a complex (single coordination site) whereas IDA matrices form a chelate (multiple coordination sites). The most commonly used metals for IMAC are zinc and copper; however, nickel cobalt, and calcium have also been used successfully. 
     Suitable immobilized metal affinity media include, Chelating Sepharose Fast Flow (Amersham Biosciences AB, Uppsala Sweden), HiTrap Chelating Media (Sigma-Aldrich, St. Louis, Mo.), and TSKgel Chelate-5PW (Sigma-Aldrich, St. Louis, Mo.). 
     Sulfated affinity chromatography uses oligosaccharide (generally cellulose) resins as support matrices. These resins are derivatized with a sulfate compound. The sulfated affinity chromatographic medium attracts certain surface proteins or contaminants that are attracted to sulfate. Prussak, U.S. Pat. No. 5,447,859, describes the use of sulfated affinity media in the purification of viruses. Suitable sulfated affinity media include, Matrex Cellufine Sulfate Affinity Media (Millipore, Bedford, Mass.), and Sterogene Sulfated Hi Flow (Carlsbad, Calif.) 
     Dye affinity chromatography employs a matrix which comprises a dye bound to the underlying column matrix. Proteins have been successfully isolated using this chromatographic technique which relies on an interaction between the protein and the dye molecule. The mechanism by which such interactions occur are not well known but it is thought that some dyes mimic cofactors and/or substrates of the proteins being retained by the column. 
     A variety of dye affinity media are available for dye-affinity chromatography, including but not limited to MIMETIC Red™ 2 A6XL, MIMETIC Red™ 3 A6XL, MIMETIC Blue™ 1 A6XL, MIMETIC Blue™ 2 A6XL, MIMETIC Orange™ 1 A6XL, MIMETIC Orange™ 2 A6XL, MIMETIC Orange™ 3 A6XL, MIMETIC Yellow™ 1 A6XL, MIMETIC Yellow™ 2 A6XL, and MIMETIC Green™ 1 A6XL (Affinity Chromatography Ltd., Freeport, Great Britain). These media are 6% cross-linked agarose beads, 45-164 μm, to which a dye ligand is linked via a spacer arm. Those of skill in the art will understand that the above-discussed dye ligands are only an exemplary list and other dye ligands are widely available for dye-affinity chromatography. For example, other available dye-affinity chromatography media include but are not limited to Fast Flow Blue Sepharose 6 (Amersham Biosciences AB, Uppsala Sweden), Fast Flow Q-Sepharose (Amersham Biosciences AB, Uppsala Sweden), Blue Trisacryl (Ciphergen Biosystems, Fremont, Calif.), and Blue Sepharose FF (Amersham Biosciences AB, Uppsala Sweden). Selective triazinyl protein-binding dyes such as Procion Scarlet™ MX-G; Procion Yellow™ H-A; Procion Turquoise™ MX-G; Procion Red™ MX-5B; Procion Blue™ MX-R; Procion Red™ MX-2B; Procion Yellow™ MX-6G also may be used in a dye affinity chromatographic method of the present invention. 
     Proteins bind to dye ligands under physiological conditions (slightly alkaline pH and salt concentration of approximately 150 mM), obviating the need to adjust pH and ionic strength of the CCL prior to application to these chromatographic media. The bound proteins can be eluted using increased salt concentration, increased pH, denaturing agents, or combinations thereof. 
     Any of the chromatography steps (dye affinity or other chromatography) discussed herein may be carried out this step in the cold (e.g., 4°-10° C.) to minimize the likelihood of bacterial contamination, however, for large scale production of viral preparations as described herein the steps also may be conducted at room temperature. Methods for determining the binding specificity of dye-ligand affinity media and elution conditions suitable for protein binding are known in the art and include the use of commercially available assay kits (e.g., PIKSI™ test kit available from Affinity Chromatography Ltd.). See, for example, Kroviarski et al.,  J. Chromatography  449:403-412 (1988) and Miribel et al.,  J. Biochem. Biophys. Methods,  16:1-16 (1988). Of course, those of skill in the art will be able to make dye affinity media simply by adhering a selected dye to a given matrix such as agarose, dextrans, cellulose and amides, glass beads, nylon matrices, styrene-divinyl-benzene, and the like. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 4,016,149 and Baird et al.,  FEBS Letter , Vol. 70 (1976) page 61, describe solid media wherein the ligands are mono-chloro-triazinyl dyes and are bound to dextran or agarose matrices by substitution at the chloride group. While binding in alkaline buffered media results in low protein binding capacity, it is possible to increase the dye binding by cyanogen bromide activation of the agarose matrix. However, cyanogen bromide activation has serious disadvantages, especially for industrial and biological use. 
     U.K. Patent No. 2,015,552 describes a method of achieving useful controlled levels of dye binding without the use of cyanogen bromide, by a process comprising reacting a protein-binding ligand material containing chlorotriazinyl or related groups with an aqueous suspension of a non-cellulosic matrix containing free hydroxy or amino groups in the presence of an alkali metal hydroxide at least pH 8, and subsequently washing the resulting solid medium to remove unreacted dye. 
     Protein-binding ligands described in U.K. Pat. No. 2,015,552 include material containing a mono or dichloro triazinyl group or related group, in particular, the so-called triazinyl dyes such as those sold under the trade marks “Cibacron” and “Procion”. These are normally triazinyl derivatives of sulphonated anthraquinones, phthalocyanines or polyaromatic azo compounds discussed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,623,625, incorporated herein by reference. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 4,623,625 discusses that different triazinyl dyes bound to an agarose matrix are specific for different proteins in a given extract. It may be useful in the present invention to apply the CCL to a dye affinity chromatography medium made with a selected dye to remove a specific set of contaminating proteins. Alternatively, the CCL may be applied to a succession of dye affinity chromatographic media each of a different selected dye, in a suitable buffer at a pH between pH 5.6-6.0 and containing about 5 to 20 mg/ml protein. 
     Immunoaffinity column chromatography involves the preparation of a column media in which the matrix of the chromatographic medium is linked to an antibody or an antigen, that can specifically bind the target species (i.e., antigen or antibody, respectively) from a complex mixture. Immunoaffinity chromatography is specific for the species of interest being isolated and may be performed under mild conditions. Immunoaffinity purification techniques are well known in the art (see, Harlow, et al.,  Antibodies: A Laboratory Manual , Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press: 511-552 (1988)). 
     Heparin affinity media is another commonly used affinity chromatography. Heparin has two properties that facilitate its use in chromatographic techniques. It can act as an affinity ligand, for example, in its interaction with coagulation factors, or heparin can function as a high capacity cation exchanger, due to its anionic sulfate groups. Gradient elution with salt is most commonly used in both cases to elute the bound species from the column. Suitable heparin affinity media include but are not limited to Heparin Sepharose 6 Fast Flow (Amersham Biosciences AB, Uppsala Sweden), HiTrap Heparin HP (Amersham Biosciences AB, Uppsala Sweden), and Cellufine Heparin (Millipore, Bedford, Mass.). 
     Other chromatographic media commonly used in affinity chromatography include e.g., hydroxyapetite media (e.g., BioRad MacroPrep Ceramic Hydroxyapatite). Such media may also be useful in the methods of the present invention. 
     Size Exclusion Matrices 
     Size exclusion chromatography, otherwise known as gel filtration or gel permeation chromatography, relies on the penetration of macromolecules in a mobile phase into the pores of stationary phase particles. Differential penetration of the macromolecules is a function of the hydrodynamic volume of the particles. Size exclusion media exclude larger molecules from the interior of the particles while the smaller molecules are accessible to this volume. The order of elution can be predicted by the size of the protein as a linear relationship exists between elution volume and the log of the molecular weight of the protein being eluted. 
     Hydrophobic Interaction Matrices 
     Certain proteins are retained on affinity columns containing hydrophobic spacer arms. This observation is exploited in the technique of hydrophobic interaction chromatography (HIC). Hydrophobic adsorbents now available include octyl or phenyl groups. Hydrophobic interactions are strong at high solution ionic strength, as such the CCL samples need not be desalted before application to the adsorbent. Elution is achieved by changing the pH or ionic strength or by modifying the dielectric constant of the eluant using, for instance, ethanediol. A recent introduction is cellulose derivatized to introduce even more hydroxyl groups. This material (Whatman HB1, Whatman Inc., New Jersey, USA) is designed to interact with proteins by hydrogen bonding. Samples are applied to the matrix in a concentrated (over 50% saturated, &gt;2M) solution of ammonium sulphate. Proteins are eluted by diluting the ammonium sulphate. This introduces more water which competes with protein for the hydrogen bonding sites. 
     A further detailed description of the general principles of hydrophobic interaction chromatography media may be found in U.S. Pat. No. 3,917,527 and in U.S. Pat. No. 4,000,098. The application of HIC to the purification of specific proteins is exemplified by reference to the following disclosures: human growth hormone (U.S. Pat. No. 4,332,717), toxin conjugates (U.S. Pat. No. 4,771,128), antihemolytic factor (U.S. Pat. No. 4,743,680), tumor necrosis factor (U.S. Pat. No. 4,894,439), interleukin-2 (U.S. Pat. No. 4,908,434), human lymphotoxin (U.S. Pat. No. 4,920,196) and lysozyme species (Fausnaugh, J. L. and F. E. Regnier,  J. Chromatog.  359:131-146 (1986)) and soluble complement receptors (U.S. Pat. No. 5,252,216). Suitable hydrophobic interaction chromatography media include, Pharmacia&#39;s phenyl-Sepharose, and Tosohaas&#39; butyl, phenyl and ether Toyopearl 650 series resins. 
     In certain aspects, methods and kits for chromatographic purification employing a column described herein are provided. Embodiments described below concern elements for use in such methods and/or for inclusion in such a purification kit. 
     Buffer and Solution Formulation 
     In certain embodiments, chromatographic purification methods described herein employ solutions such as sample solutions or suspensions, binding buffers, washing buffers and/or elution buffers. As used herein a “binding buffer” refers to a buffer formulated to allow a compound (or, in some cases, one or more impurities) to bind to a binding matrix in a column in a given temperature range. In certain aspects, a sample may be comprised in a solution or suspension which acts as a binding buffer or a solution may be added to the sample to facilitate binding to a column matrix. A “wash buffer” refers to a buffer formulated to allow a compound (or a substantial amount of the compound) to remain bound to a binding matrix in a column in a given temperature range. Moreover a wash buffer may be formulated to allow elution of one or more contaminants from the column binding matrix, while not substantially eluting the bound compound. An “elution buffer” means to a buffer formulated to cause release of a compound from a binding matrix in a given temperature range so that the compound can be eluted through the column. The skilled artisan will recognize buffer may be formulated in various ways that affect the ability of compounds and/or impurities and contaminants to bind to a column binding matrix. For example, buffers may be an aqueous buffer formulated with different concentrations of salts, detergents, chaotropic agents, viscosity altering agents or other additives. Moreover, the skilled worker will recognize that other factors such as temperature and turbulence in fluid flow will affect the binding characteristic of a column binding matrix and buffer formulations may be adjusted to compensate for these factors. In certain aspects other buffers such as preparative buffers are described herein. Preparative buffers may be used to solubilize or concentrate components for purification from, for example, cells, solid objects, body fluids and complex mixtures such as soils. 
     pH Buffering Agents 
     In certain aspects buffer solutions for use according to the disclosure may comprise one or more agents to regulate or buffer pH of the solution. For example, some common pairs of buffering agents for use in chemical applications include but are not limited to HCl/sodium citrate, citric acid/sodium citrate, acetic acid/sodium acetate, Na 2 HPO 4 /NaH 2 PO 4 , and Borax/sodium hydroxide. Buffering agents that are more commonly used in biological applications include TAPS (3-{[tris(hydroxymethyl)methyl]amino}propanesulfonic acid), Bicine (N,N-bis(2-hydroxyethyl)glycine), Tris (tris(hydroxymethyl)methylamine), Tricine (N-tris(hydroxymethyl)methylglycine), HEPES (4-2-hydroxyethyl-1-piperazineethanesulfonic acid), TES 7(2-{[tris(hydroxymethyl)methyl]amino}ethanesulfonic acid), MOPS (3-(N-morpholino)propanesulfonic acid), PIPES (piperazine-N,N′-bis(2-ethanesulfonic acid)), Cacodylate (dimethylarsinic acid) and MES (2-(N-morpholino)ethanesulfonic acid). The choice of a buffering agent (or combination of buffer agents) for any particular application will depend on the desired pH range for the solution and can be readily determined by a person of skill in the art. 
     Salts 
     Salts are agents that may be used in aqueous buffer solutions to alter the ionic strength of the solution. In certain aspects, specific salts may be added to solution to alter the concentration of particular anions and cations in the solution and alter the binding properties of the matrix in contact with the solution. Some common salt-forming cations include, but are not limited to, ammonium (NH 4   + ), Calcium (Ca 2   + ) Iron (Fe 2   +  and Fe 3   + ), Magnesium (Mg 2   + ) and Sodium (Na + ). Common salt-forming anions include, but are not limited to, Acetate CH 3 COO − , Carbonate CO 3   2− , Chloride Cl − , Citrate HOC(COO − )(CH 2 COO − ) 2 , Hydroxide OH − , Nitrate NO 3   − , Nitrite NO 2   − , Phosphate PO 4   3−  and Sulfate SO 4   2− . 
     Detergents 
     Detergents are amphipathic molecules with an apolar end of aliphatic or aromatic nature and a polar end which may be charged or uncharged. Detergents are more hydrophilic than lipids and thus have greater water solubility than lipids. They allow for the dispersion of water insoluble compounds into aqueous media and are used to isolate and purify proteins in a native form. In certain aspects, detergents may be used in preparative buffer, for example for lysing cell membranes. One of skill in the art would be familiar with the wide range of detergents available for lysing cells. Detergents can be denaturing or non-denaturing. The former can be anionic such as sodium dodecyl sulfate or cationic such as ethyl trimethyl ammonium bromide. These detergents totally disrupt membranes and denature the protein by breaking protein-protein interactions. Non denaturing detergents can be divided into non-anionic detergents such as Triton® X-100, bile salts such as cholates and zwitterionic detergents such as CHAPS. Zwitterionics contain both cationic and anion groups in the same molecule, the positive electric charge is neutralized by the negative charge on the same or adjacent molecule. Moreover, detergents may be used in binding, washing or elution buffers. 
     Denaturing agents such as SDS bind to proteins as monomers and the reaction is equilibrium driven until saturated. Thus, the free concentration of monomers determines the necessary detergent concentration. SDS binding is cooperative i.e. the binding of one molecule of SDS increase the probability of another molecule binding to that protein, and alters proteins into rods whose length is proportional to their molecular weight. 
     Non-denaturing agents such as Triton® X-100 do not bind to native conformations nor do they have a cooperative binding mechanism. These detergents have rigid and bulky apolar moieties that do not penetrate into water soluble proteins. They bind to the hydrophobic parts of proteins. Triton® X100 and other polyoxyethylene nonanionic detergents are inefficient in breaking protein-protein interaction and can cause artifactual aggregations of protein. These detergents will, however, disrupt protein-lipid interactions but are much gentler and capable of maintaining the native form and functional capabilities of the proteins. 
     In certain aspects detergents used in preparative o buffers are removed prior to chromatographic purification. Dialysis, for instance, can be employed with detergents that exist as monomers. Dialysis is somewhat ineffective with detergents that readily aggregate to form micelles because they micelles are too large to pass through dialysis. Ion exchange chromatography can be utilized to circumvent this problem. The disrupted protein solution is applied to an ion exchange chromatography column and the column is then washed with buffer minus detergent. The detergent will be removed as a result of the equilibration of the buffer with the detergent solution. Alternatively the protein solution may be passed through a density gradient. As the protein sediments through the gradients the detergent will come off due to the chemical potential. 
     Often a single detergent is not versatile enough for the solubilization and analysis of the milieu of proteins found in a cell. The proteins can be solubilized in one detergent and then placed in another suitable detergent for protein analysis. The protein detergent micelles formed in the first step should separate from pure detergent micelles. When these are added to an excess of the detergent for analysis, the protein is found in micelles with both detergents. Separation of the detergent-protein micelles can be accomplished with ion exchange or gel filtration chromatography, dialysis or buoyant density type separations. 
     Triton®X-Detergents 
     This family of detergents (Triton®X-100, X114 and NP-40) have the same basic characteristics but are different in their specific hydrophobic-hydrophilic nature. All of these heterogeneous detergents have a branched 8-carbon chain attached to an aromatic ring. This portion of the molecule contributes most of the hydrophobic nature of the detergent. Triton®X detergents are used to solubilize membrane proteins under non-denaturing conditions. The choice of detergent to solubilize proteins will depend on the hydrophobic nature of the protein to be solubilized. Hydrophobic proteins require hydrophobic detergents to effectively solubilize them. 
     Triton®X-100 and NP-40 are very similar in structure and hydrophobicity and are interchangeable in most applications including cell lysis, delipidation protein dissociation and membrane protein and lipid solubilization. Generally 2 mg of detergent is used to solubilize 1 mg membrane protein or 10 mg detergent/1 mg of lipid membrane. Triton®X-114 is useful for separating hydrophobic from hydrophilic proteins. 
     Brij® Detergents 
     These are similar in structure to Triton®X detergents in that they have varying lengths of polyoxyethylene chains attached to a hydrophobic chain. However, unlike Triton®X detergents, the Brij® detergents do not have an aromatic ring and the length of the carbon chains can vary. The Brij® detergents are difficult to remove from solution using dialysis but may be removed by detergent removing gels. Brij®58 is most similar to Triton®X100 in its hydrophobic/hydrophilic characteristics. Brij®-35 is a commonly used detergent in HPLC applications. 
     Dializable Nonionic Detergents 
     η-Octyl-β-D-glucoside (octylglucopyranoside) and η-Octyl-β-D-thioglucoside (octylthioglucopyranoside, OTG) are nondenaturing nonionic detergents which are easily dialyzed from solution. These detergents are useful for solubilizing membrane proteins and have low UV absorbances at 280 nm. Octylglucoside has a high CMC of 23-25 mM and has been used at concentrations of 1.1-1.2% to solubilize membrane proteins. 
     Octylthioglucoside was first synthesized to offer an alternative to octylglucoside. Octylglucoside is expensive to manufacture and there are some inherent problems in biological systems because it can be hydrolyzed by β-glucosidase. 
     Tween® Detergents 
     The Tween® detergents are nondenaturing, nonionic detergents. They are polyoxyethylene sorbitan esters of fatty acids. Tween® 20 and Tween® 80 detergents are used as blocking agents in biochemical applications and are usually added to protein solutions to prevent nonspecific binding to hydrophobic materials such as plastics or nitrocellulose. Generally, these detergents are used at concentrations of 0.01-1.0% to prevent nonspecific binding to hydrophobic materials. 
     The difference between these detergents is the length of the fatty acid chain. Tween® 80 is derived from oleic acid with a C18 chain while Tween® 20 is derived from lauric acid with a C12 chain. The longer fatty acid chain makes the Tween® 80 detergent less hydrophilic than Tween® 20 detergent. Both detergents are very soluble in water. 
     The Tween® detergents are difficult to remove from solution by dialysis, but Tween® 20 can be removed by detergent removing gels. The polyoxyethylene chain found in these detergents makes them subject to oxidation (peroxide formation) as is true with the Triton® X and Brij® series detergents. 
     Zwitterionic Detergents 
     The zwitterionic detergent, CHAPS, is a sulfobetaine derivative of cholic acid. This zwitterionic detergent is useful for membrane protein solubilization when protein activity is important. This detergent is useful over a wide range of pH (pH 2-12) and is easily removed from solution by dialysis due to high CMCs (8-10 mM). This detergent has low absorbances at 280 nm making it useful when protein monitoring at this wavelength is necessary. CHAPS is compatible with the BCA Protein Assay and can be removed from solution by detergent removing gel. Proteins can be iodinated in the presence of CHAPS and CHAPS has been successfully used to solubilize intrinsic membrane proteins and receptors and maintain the functional capability of the protein. 
     Chaotropic Agents 
     In certain aspects buffer formulations may comprise chaotropic agents such as urea, guanidinium chloride or lithium perchlorate. For example, methods for purification of nucleic acid molecules may employ a binding buffer formulated with a chaotropic agent that faculties nucleic acid binding to a silica matrix. In certain aspects the chaotropic agent is formulated to at concentration sufficient to denture most biological molecules (e.g., 6M or greater Urea, 6M or greater guanidinium chloride or about 4.5M or greater lithium perchlorate). 
     EXAMPLES 
     The following examples are included to demonstrate certain embodiments of the invention. It should be appreciated by those of skill in the art that the techniques disclosed in the examples which follow represent techniques discovered by the inventors to function well in the practice of the invention, and thus can be considered to constitute preferred modes for its practice. However, those of skill in the art should, in light of the present disclosure, appreciate that many changes can be made in the specific embodiments which are disclosed and still obtain a like or similar result without departing from the concept, spirit and scope of the invention. More specifically, it will be apparent that certain agents which are both chemically and physiologically related may be substituted for the agents described herein while the same or similar results would be achieved. All such similar substitutes and modifications apparent to those skilled in the art are deemed to be within the spirit, scope and concept of the invention as defined by the appended claims. 
     Example 1 
     Isolation of Plasmid DNA Using a Vacuum Manifold 
     The following procedure is performed at room temperature. Ensure that the 7× lysis Buffer has not precipitated during shipping. To completely resuspend the buffer, incubate the bottle at 30-37° C. for 30 minutes and mix by inversion. 
     1. Add 6 ml of bacterial culture to a 50 ml conical tube. (Alternatively, centrifuge up to 35 ml of bacterial culture in a 50 ml conical tube for 10 minutes at 3,400×g. Discard the supernatant. Add 6 ml of TE or water to the bacterial cell pellet and completely resuspend by vortexing or pipetting.) 
     2. Add 1 ml of 7× lysis Buffer to 1-5 samples and mix by inverting the tube 4-6 times. Proceed to step 3 within 2 minutes. (Excessive lysis can result in denatured plasmid DNA. If processing a large number of samples, we recommend working with groups of five or less at a time. Continue with the next set of five samples after the first set has been neutralized and mixed thoroughly.) 
     3. Add 3.5 ml of cold Neutralization Buffer (with RNase A) and mix thoroughly. Invert the sample an additional 2-3 times to ensure complete neutralization. 
     4. Lock the reservoir adapter ( 78  in  FIG. 3C ) with filter to the top of the universal column and attach the assembly onto a vacuum manifold ( FIG. 3B  illustrates the universal column attached to a vacuum manifold). 
     5. Add the entire buffer mixture into reservoir adapter (e.g., the blue Zymo-Midi Filter™ column), let the cell debris float to the surface and turn on the vacuum until all of the liquid has passed completely through the column assembly. 
     6. Remove and discard the reservoir adapter from the top of the universal column. 
     7. Add 600 μl of Endo-Wash Buffer to the universal column and turn on the vacuum until all of the liquid passes completely through the column. 
     8. Add 600 μl of Zyppy™ Wash Buffer and turn on the vacuum until all of the liquid passes completely through the column. Repeat this step. 
     9. Vacuum for an additional 2 minutes to remove all residual Zyppy™ Wash Buffer. Alternatively, the three washes (steps 7-9) can be performed by either:
         (i) placing the universal column (e.g., column  10  of  FIGS. 1A-1C ) into a collection tube and centrifuging at 11,000×g for one minute (see, e.g.,  FIG. 3E-F ) (Empty the collection tube after each wash to prevent contamination of the spin column or   (ii) pushing the wash buffer through the universal column by attaching the column to a syringe and applying pressure (see, e.g.,  FIG. 3A ).       

     10. Transfer the universal column into a clean 1.5 ml microcentrifuge tube then add 150 μl of Zyppy Elution Buffer to the center of the column (Elution Buffer contains 0.1 mM EDTA; if required, pure water can also be used to elute the DNA). Incubate at room temperature for one minute, then centrifuge at 11,000×g for 30 seconds to elute the plasmid DNA. Alternatively, the DNA may be eluted by applying the elution buffer to the column, at room temperature for one minute and pushing the wash buffer through the universal column by attaching the column to a syringe and applying pressure. The eluted DNA may be captured in a microcenterfuge tube or other convenient storage container. 
     Example 2 
     Isolation of Plasmid DNA Using a Centrifuge 
     1. Add 6 ml of bacterial culture to a 50 ml conical tube. (Alternatively, centrifuge up to 35 ml of bacterial culture in a 50 ml conical tube for 10 minutes at 3,400×g. Discard the supernatant. Add 6 ml of TE or water to the bacterial cell pellet and completely resuspend by vortexing or pipetting.) 
     2. Add 1 ml of 7× Lysis Buffer to 1-5 samples and mix by inverting the tube 4-6 times. Proceed to step 3 within 2 minutes to avoid excessive lysis and plasmid denaturation. 
     3. Add 3.5 ml of cold Neutralization Buffer (with RNase A) and mix thoroughly. The sample will turn cloudy when the neutralization is complete and a precipitate will form. Invert the sample an additional 2-3 times to ensure complete neutralization. 
     4. Lock the reservoir adapter ( 78  in  FIG. 3C ) with filter to the top of the universal column and position the assembly into a clean 50 ml conical tube (see, e.g.,  FIG. 3D ). 
     5. Add the entire buffer mixture into reservoir adapter (e.g., the blue Zymo-Midi Filter™ column), place the cap on the conical tube, and centrifuge at 500×g for 6 minutes. 
     6. Remove and discard the reservoir adapter from the top of the universal column. 
     7. Transfer the universal column to a collection tube (see, e.g.,  FIG. 3E-F ). 
     8. Add 600 μl of Endo-Wash Buffer to the universal column and centrifuge in a microcentrifuge at 11,000×g for 30 seconds. Discard the flowthrough. 
     9. Add 600 μl of Zyppy™ Wash Buffer a centrifuge in a microcentrifuge at 11,000×g for 1 minute. Discard the flowthrough and repeat this step. Alternatively, the three washes (steps 8-9) can be performed by either:
         (i) attaching the to the universal column to a vacuum manifold and allowing the buffer from each wash to passes completely through the column (vacuum for an additional 2 minutes to remove all residual buffer) or   (ii) pushing the wash buffer through the universal column by attaching the column to a syringe and applying pressure (see, e.g.,  FIG. 3A ).       

     10. Transfer the universal column into a clean 1.5 ml microcentrifuge tube then add 150 μl of Zyppy Elution Buffer to the center of the column (Elution Buffer contains 0.1 mM EDTA; if required, pure water can also be used to elute the DNA). Incubate at room temperature for one minute, then centrifuge at 11,000×g for 30 seconds to elute the plasmid DNA. Alternatively, the DNA may be eluted by applying the elution buffer to the column, at room temperature for one minute and pushing the wash buffer through the universal column by attaching the column to a syringe and applying pressure. The eluted DNA may be captured in a microcenterfuge tube or other convenient storage container. 
     REFERENCES 
     Each of the foregoing documents is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety:
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