Abstract: Methods are disclosed for isolating nucleic acids from formalin-fixed paraffin embedded (FFPE) tissue samples. Each of tissue samples contains paraffin and a target biological tissue or material, and the method includes the steps of: adding a first reagent and a second reagent to the FFPE tissue sample, the first reagent dissolving the paraffin material and the second reagent lysing the biological tissue; mixing the first reagent, the second reagent, and the FFPE tissue sample to form a first mixture; (2) heating the first mixture at 50-80° C. for 30-90 minutes; and then heating the first mixture at 80-95° C. for 30-90 minutes to fractionize the first mixture to form an aqueous phase and an oil phase; (3) collecting an aqueous solution from the aqueous phase; and (4) isolating nucleic acids from the aqueous solution. The method improves the efficiency and convenience of isolating nucleic acids from FFPE tissue samples.

Abstract: An integral-type reaction cartridge includes a plurality of reaction containers and at least a separation container. The plural reaction containers and the separation container are integrally formed of plastic and lined along a first direction. The separation container has a first end, a second end opposing the first end, and a hollow accommodating space between the first and second ends, wherein the first end is an open end, the second end is a closed end, and the accommodating space tapers from the first end to the second end. The accommodating space has a first side and a second side along the first direction, as well as a third side and a fourth side along a second direction perpendicular to the first direction. Near the second end, at least one of the first side and the second side has a greater slope than the third side and the fourth side.

Abstract: Disclosed are a chaotropic agent; a reagent including a chaotropic agent and a lithium salt; a reagent kit including a chaotropic agent; a chaotropic agent, a reagent, a reagent kit, and a method for isolating a nucleic acid by use of a magnetic cellulose material; a method for binding a nucleic acid to a magnetic cellulose material; a method for isolating a nucleic acid; and a method for purifying a chromosome DNA. It is required that each of the chaotropic agents, the reagents, and the reagent kits works with at least one solid-phase, magnetic cellulose-containing carrier to isolate a nucleic acid from non-nucleic acid substances. In addition, each chaotropic agent includes an alcohol substance and a substrate solution for adjusting the alcohol substance to an appropriate concentration and thereby promoting binding of the nucleic acid in a sample to the magnetic cellulose.