Octadecylsilyl silica column method for extraction of messenger RNA.

We have developed a simple and rapid method for the purification of poly(A) tail-messenger RNA (mRNA) from total RNA by using a solid phase extraction column filled with a small amount of octadecylsilyl silica. The method is based on a hydrophobic interaction between the poly(A) tail and the octadecyl unit on the silica particle in a water/dimethyl sulfoxide mixed solution. By using this column, mRNA can be separated from 100 microg of total RNA in less than 10 min with high yields (>80%).