FAQ: Why did the silica membrane on my Monarch Genomic DNA Column (NEB #T3017) dislodge during my genomic DNA prep?

Monarch Genomic DNA Columns were designed without a retaining ring in order to prevent contamination from buffer carryover and ensure maximum purity of eluted DNA. When the protocol is carried out as specified, the membranes are held in place and should not dislodge. However, the membrane can expand and dislodge under very specific conditions:

  • The column is loaded more than once
  • The lysed sample or the wash buffer is allowed to sit on the membrane for too long
  • The column is vortexed
  • The input amounts are exceeded significantly

      Accordingly, we recommend that the protocol is followed as specified and that the column is never reloaded or vortexed.