Silica Spin Columns
The Miraprep protocol allows for some pretty insane purification yields.
What are they and why do we use them? What types are there?
Silica spin columns are used for the miniprep (ethanol lysis) purification of plasmid DNA, as well as for RNA purification. There are a variety of miniprep columns available, with different grades that will purify different sized fragments of DNA. Check that the brand of column that you are using will be appropriate for the size of plasmid/fragment that you plan to purify. 'Universal’ columns do exist, but may not be optimal as a specific grade of column. Grading systems are brand specific, so there isn’t a universal rule set to share here.
Silica spin columns can be used with a plastic collection tube to push liquids through in a centrifuge, or with a vacuum manifold to pull liquids through. Either way, the aim is to catch the DNA/RNA in the silica filter and selectively elute into a new volume.
Miniprep can occur via vacuum pressure or via centrifugation. https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-018-23766-9
When do you use?
For miniprep!
How do you use?