Compositions and methods for simple sample extraction

22) A method for extracting and purifying nucleic acids from a biological sample, the method comprising:

• a) providing a multi-layered composition for the extraction and isolation of nucleic acids from the biological sample, the multi-layered composition comprising:
• i) a reaction vessel in which layers of the multi-layered composition are assembled;
• ii) an uppermost layer within the reaction vessel comprising a concentrated semi-solid lysis paste;
• iii) an intermediate layer comprising a low-temperature meltable wax;
• and
• iv) a lower wash layer comprising an aqueous gel;
• b) layering a biological sample above the uppermost layer thereby forming solubilized lysis paste, wherein the solubilized lysis paste further comprises a plurality of metal oxide coated magnetic particles;
• c) heating the reaction vessel to initiate melting of the intermediate layer resulting in density inversion characterized by the melting intermediate layer and rising through the solubilized concentrated semi-solid paste thereby mixing the biological sample, the solubilized concentrated semi-solid lysis paste and the plurality of metal oxide coated magnetic particles thereby resulting in the binding of nucleic acids within the biological sample to the metal oxide coated particles;
• d) positioning a magnet around or adjacent to the reaction vessel thereby attracting metal oxide coated particles and bound nucleic acids;
• e) moving the magnet thereby driving the migration of attracted metal oxide coated particles and bound nucleic acids at least partially through the aqueous gel thereby removing extraction contaminants.