Devices, processes, and kits for the extraction of nucleic acids from biological samples are disclosed. The devices comprise a first port, a second port, and a binding chamber intermediate and in fluid communication with the first port and the second port. The binding chamber comprises an unmodified flat glass surface effective for binding a heterogeneous population of nucleic acids. The first port, second port, and binding chamber define a continuous fluid pathway that is essentially free of nucleic acid-specific binding sites.