illustra plasmidPrep Mini Spin Kit uses a simple plasmid DNA purification protocol involving a modified alkaline lysis procedure and a novel silica-based membrane to achieve highly efficient plasmid DNA purification. The typical plasmid DNA yield from a fresh 1.5 ml culture of E. coli containing a high copy number plasmid is approximately 9 ug. Instead of organic solvents, the kit contains chaotropic salts to denature protein components and promote selective binding of DNA to the novel silica membrane. The kit contains spin columns prepacked with a novel silica membrane, suspension, lysis, and neutralization buffers containing chaotropic salts, wash and elution buffers, microcentrifuge collection tubes, a full protocol booklet, and a detachable, quick reference protocol card.