Abstract: Magnetic beads that include polyvalent ligands comprising various carbohydrates are described. Methods for fabricating such magnetic beads are also provided as well as methods of their use to capture and enrich pathogen cell population for subsequent culture, lysis and identification.

Abstract: The present teachings relate to the extraction of nucleic acid from solid materials. Provided are useful compositions, methods and kits for obtaining nucleic acids from a solid biological sample or an adhesive material having a biological material adherent or embedded within the adhesive substrate. The extracted nucleic acid can be used in downstream applications such as genotyping, detection, quantification, and identification of the source of the biological material.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an electrophoresis apparatus having a filling/refilling system and methods of using the same. The electrophoresis apparatus comprises a first buffer chamber comprising a solid portion, at least one inlet channel in said solid portion, and at least one outlet channel in said solid portion, wherein said at least one inlet channel is in fluid communication with at least one inlet port, said at least one outlet channel is in fluid communication with at least one outlet port and said at least one inlet channel is in fluid communication with said at least one outlet channel. The electrophoresis apparatus also comprises a plurality of capillaries having first ends, second ends, and intermediate portions disposed between said first ends and said second ends, wherein said first ends extend into said first buffer chamber and are in fluid communication with said at least one inlet channel and said at least one outlet channel.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an electrophoresis apparatus having a plurality of capillaries arranged in a plane such that a curving contour is formed by the intersection points of each of the capillaries with the plane. The apparatus may be used to determine the sequence of nucleic acids. The present invention also relates to methods of using the electrophoresis apparatus and methods of making the electrophoresis apparatus.