Abstract: A system and method for interrogating objects containing a nucleic acid taggant including a sample collection device for obtaining a sample containing a nucleic acid taggant from an object. The at least one taggent includes at least one predetermined nucleic acid sequence. A reagent contacts the sample. A polymerase chain reaction (PCR) device for device for receiving the sample and amplifying the at least one nucleic acid sequence contained in the sample to produce a PCR sample solution. A Nucleic Acid Lateral Flow (NALF) device has a sample receiving end for receiving the PCR sample solution and having an indication end. The indication end includes a first test area and at least one control area. The first test area provides a visual indication upon the detection of a first predetermined nucleic acid sequence carried in the PCR sample solution.

Abstract: Methods for marking cellulosic products, including cellulosic fibers such as lyocell and cellulosic films, including methods for marking such products with a detectable nucleic acid marker to identify and validate the origin or authenticity of the products or items manufactured using such products. Detectably-marked cellulosic products marked with nucleic acid markers for authentication, validation and tracking are also provided.

Abstract: This invention pertains to methods for generating large quantities of DNA security markers by combinatorial variation techniques using polymorphic fragment length DNA for unique identification security marker applications such as explosive ink used in dye/smoke pack and cash carrying boxes.

Abstract: A material for indelibly and uniquely marking an article for identification purposes includes a mixture including between about 1% and 10% by weight fluorescent identifier, DNA, and the remainder including predominantly a solvent.

Abstract: The invention provides methods for stably binding and immobilizing deoxyribonucleic acid onto objects and substrates. The method includes exposing the deoxyribonucleic acid to alkaline conditions, and contacting the deoxyribonucleic acid to the object or substrate. The alkaline conditions are produced by mixing the deoxyribonucleic acid with an alkaline solution having a pH of about 9.0 or higher, and contacting the deoxyribonucleic acid to the substrate. The immobilized DNA can be used as a taggant and can be used in combination with other detectable taggants, such as optical reporters. Methods for authentication of a DNA marked object are also provided.

Abstract: The invention provides methods for increasing the recoverability of taggants from an object. The methods include the steps of incorporating a taggant into a solution; mixing the solution including the taggant with a perturbant to form a first perturbant taggant solution; mixing the first perturbant taggant solution with a polymer to form a second perturbant taggant polymer solution; and applying the second perturbant taggant polymer solution to at least a portion of the object to form a taggant-coated object. Methods for authentication of a taggant marked object are also provided.

Abstract: This invention provides compositions that have a light emitting reporter linked to biomolecules, preferably, nucleotide oligomers. The light reporter particles are silylated and functionalized to produce a coated light reporter particle, prior to covalently linking the biomolecules to the light reporter particle. The light reporter particles of the invention can be excited by a light excitation source such as UV or IR light, and when the biomolecule is DNA, the attached DNA molecule(s) are detectable by amplification techniques such as PCR.

Abstract: This invention pertains to methods for generating large quantities of DNA security markers by combinatorial variation techniques using polymorphic fragment length DNA for unique identification security marker applications such as explosive ink used in dye/smoke pack and cash carrying boxes.

Abstract: A method for authenticating a textile material that is initiated by selecting a unique nucleic acid marker having a specific length and a specific sequence. A media that causes the unique nucleic acid marker to adhere to a fibrous material is then selected. The method then proceeds to generate a nucleic acid marker mixture by mixing the media with the nucleic acid marker. The nucleic acid marker mixture is then applied to the fibrous material. A marked fibrous material is produced by marking the fibrous material with the nucleic acid marker. The textile material is manufactured with the marked fibrous material. The textile material is then authenticated by detecting the unique nucleic acid marker with primers that are specific to the unique nucleic acid. In an alternative embodiment, the media is used as a topical treatment for the fibrous material.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and kits for identifying nucleotides at a variant site in a target molecule by forming fluorescence resonance energy transfer labeled product. The location and type of fluorescent labels in the labeled product provide strong signals and relatively high spectral purity that facilitate detection. Utilizing various secondary labels and different combinations of acceptor and donor labels, certain methods permit multiple analyses to be conducted simultaneously and at high throughput. The methods can be used in a variety of applications such as analyzing point mutations and single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). In addition, the methods have utility in other applications in which specific sequence information is of value, including detection of pathogens, paternity disputes, prenatal testing and forensic analysis.

Abstract: Genetic polymorphisms are identified in the human UGT2B4, UGT2B7 and UGT2B15 genes that alter UGT2B activity. Nucleic acids comprising the polymorphic sequences are used to screen patients for altered metabolism for UGT2B substrates, potential drug-drug interactions, and adverse/side effects, as well as diseases that result from environmental or occupational exposure to toxins. The nucleic acids are used to establish animal, cell and in vitro models for drug metabolism.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and kits for determining the identity of a nucleotide at a variant site on a target nucleic acid. The methods begin with the template-dependent amplification of a target sequence under defined conditions to achieve selective incorporation of a nucleotide analog at the variant site. Amplification product is then subjected to limited degradation to create products having allele-specific sizes, which are subsequently separated on the basis of size. Finally, the number of products and their sizes is to assessed to determine the identity of the nucleotide(s) at the variant site and the genotype of the organism from which the target was obtained.

Abstract: The present invention provides systems and methods for transferring small volume liquid samples between a microtiter plate or block having wells arranged in a given configuration to a plate or block having wells arranged in a differing configuration. In particular, the present invention provides systems and methods for transferring such liquid samples between a standard rectangular microtiter sample reaction/storage block having wells arranged in straight rows and a circular microchannel plate (MCP) having wells arranged in an arc. The system comprises a plurality of moveable arms, wherein each arm is adapted to hold a fluid sample dispensing tube having a distal end. The arms are positionable so that the distal ends of the held tubes can simultaneously access wells arranged in a substantially straight row, such as wells in a standard rectangular 96, 384, 1536 or 3456 well microtiter block. This allows the tubes to extract or aspirate the liquid from the wells.

Abstract: The present invention provides microfluidic systems and associated methods which allow material samples to be injected into an analysis channel independently of analysis techniques to reduce time required for testing. Such systems include an injector comprising channels which allow sample material to be loaded and injected into the analysis channel without interruption of analysis of the samples. Loading of the sample is performed within the microfluidic system without crossing or entering the analysis channel. The sample is then injected into the analysis channel at a desired time for testing or analysis. Thus, preparation time is significantly reduced so that overall testing time is largely dependent on actual analysis time. This is of particular import when a large number of samples are to be analyzed.

Abstract: A microcapillary channel having two opposite sides, wherein the opposite sides have different lengths over a straight portion of the channel.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and kits for determining the identity of a nucleotide at a variant site in a target nucleic acid of interest, including, for example, point mutations and single nucleotide polymorphisms. The methods involve conducting template-dependent extension reactions in the presence of a mixture of nucleotides that include at least one labeled extendible nucleotide and at least one labeled non-extendible nucleotide that are selected to be complementary to the nucleotides that potentially occupy the variant site. The particular labeled nucleotide incorporated into the extension products is characteristic of the nucleotide at the variant site.