Molzym's PrestoSpin D columns consist of of a matrices for optimal binding of genomic or plasmid DNA. The matrices have an extremely high binding capacity in combination with Molzym's proprietary CCT technology of nucleic acid purification. According to this technology DNA binding occurs in the presence of multivalent cations. Magnesium, for instance, is complexed by the negatively charged phosphate backbone of nucleic acids and negatively charged surface groups on the matrix. Among the matrices used are silicates as well as carboxylated polyolefine fibres with binding capacities exceeding 120 µg DNA per column. A special feature of the matrices used is the passage of even viscous solutions without retention. After the initial binding of DNA, impurities like proteins, metabolites and salts are removed by two short washing steps. Finally, the bound nucleic acids are eluted with a buffer removing complexed multivalent cations (chelator, e.g. 0.2 mM EDTA). The eluates can be used directly for downstream applications, including sequencing, real time PCR, restriction or transfection.