Abstract: Embodiments generally relate to a PCR wherein a magnetic field is focused in a localized area and also to the possibility of a cyclic transfer of heat. According to at least one embodiment of the invention, a magnetic field gradient is constructed along the direction of flow and the transfer of heat is carried out in a manner perpendicular to the direction of flow. Suitable things are provided therefore. The magnetic field is, in particular, focused by Mumetal® which is arranged on both sides of the flow channel and the temperature is controlled by way of Peltier elements, cooling bodies, and thermal coupling plates.

Abstract: The single nucleotide polymorphism analysis involves the utilization of a DNA hybridization process as well as the use of a DNA chip. A liquid DNA sample to be analyzed is guided over a DNA chip in a defined time course. After successful hybridization, the temperature is modified in a defined manner under low stringency conditions such that scavenger/target DNA hybrids are melted, whereby the melting of the scavenger/target DNA hybrids is detected and evaluated according to the temperature. In addition to the DNA chip, at least one device is provided that controls and regulates the temperature, and another device is provided that controls a lateral flow of liquid against the surface of the DNA chip. Factors for matching hybrids and mismatching/single point mismatching hybrids can be detected and evaluated using appropriate measuring device(s).

Abstract: Electrochemical transducer arrays are already known from the prior art. According to the invention, the transducer array is provided with at least one flexible, planar metal substrate on which at least one flexible insulator having a firm connection between the metal surface and the insulator surface is disposed. The metal substrate and the insulator disposed thereon are structured in such a manner as to give metal areas which are electrically insulated the one from the other and which serve as sensor areas. The metal substrate used is self-contained so that the structured metal areas can be contacted from the lower side.

Abstract: A PCR process for DNA amplification with thermocyclisation of the corresponding reagents is disclosed, in which total integration of all substances and process steps is achieved in a closed, single-use unit (so-called cartridge) in which the reagents are stored in a storage-stable form at room temperature. According to the process, the water-soluble reagents are covered by a water-insoluble medium, then the DNA to be amplified is supplied and the water-insoluble medium is eliminated, so that the water-soluble reagents are dissolved and PCR can start. In the corresponding arrangement, a test unit designed as a single-use produce (a so-called cartridge) has at least one micro-channel or micro-cavity for receiving a PCR reagent. The PCR reagents in the form of a mixture which can be dried at a negligible vapour pressure and forms a storage-stable substance substance at room temperature adhere to the walls of the micro-channel or micro-cavity and form a thin film covered by an insoluble medium.

Abstract: A device is disclosed for extracting a smear sample. The device includes a cavity, into which a sample carrier carrying a smear sample can be introduced. Liquid can be introduced into the cavity through at least one liquid feed connected to the cavity, and the liquid can be removed from the cavity through at least one liquid discharge connected to the cavity.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for processing a sample which stores processing reagents required for processing in a dry form. The processing reagents are covered by a biologically degradable medium or embedded in said biologically degradable medium.

Abstract: A radically crosslinkable liquid composition is for producing a polyacrylamide-based hydrogel layer. The composition includes at least one comonomer with reactive linker groups and at least one optional softener in addition to the monomer precursor of the polyacrylamide, the crosslinking agent, and the radical initiator(s).

Abstract: In order to follow the change in concentration of a redox-active substance, potential suitable for a reducing process or oxidation process are applied to the working electrode of a measuring device. The potential of the working electrode is pulsed and measuring phases and relaxation phases are alternately produced, the pulse lengths of the measuring phase and relaxation phase being predetermined in a suitable manner. In this manner, a rapid relaxation of the concentration gradient is forced electrochemically so that the measurement can be carried out on simple transducer arrays. The device includes a transducer array in addition to a suitable potentiostat. The transducer array may include a planar metal substrate on which at least one flexible insulator having a firm connection between the metal surface and the insulator surface is located. The array is generated by suitably structuring the substrate.

Abstract: In order to avoid problems caused by baseline drift, it is expedient in a method of an embodiment of the present application not to measure a signal rise in a detection space, but to allow a certain time period to elapse in order to enrich a detectable product (enrichment phase), then to measure a first detection signal, and to measure the baseline signal as second detection signal only after rinsing out the detection space and removing the enriched product. In at least one embodiment, the enriched product is not detected from a signal rise with reference to a baseline, but from a signal difference of first and second detection signals.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for determining the concentration of nucleic acids in a sample in a microfluidic device. In at least one embodiment, the method includes a) introducing the sample into a first chamber, b) carrying out a number of cycles of an amplification reaction to be carried out in cycles for amplifying nucleic acids, c) transferring a defined volume which is a fraction of the volume of the first chamber and which has amplified nucleic acids into a second chamber and replacing the transferred defined volume with fresh reagents for the amplification reaction, d) determining the concentration of the amplified nucleic acids in a second chamber equipped with an element to determine concentrations, and e) repeating steps b)-d) until a concentration of the amplified nucleic acids which is within a range is determined in the second chamber. An arrangement is further disclosed.

Abstract: A MHD pump, in an example embodiment, includes a fluid channel, an electrode pair that generates an electric field in the fluid channel, and an electromagnet that generates a magnetic field, the magnetic field lines of which intersect the electric field lines of the electric field. The fluid channel is defined in an exchangeable cassette.

Abstract: Embodiments generally relate to a PCR wherein a magnetic field is focused in a localised area and also to the possibility of a cyclic transfer of heat. According to at least one embodiment of the invention, a magnetic field gradient is constructed along the direction of flow and the transfer of heat is carried out in a manner perpendicular to the direction of flow. Suitable things are provided therefore. The magnetic field is, in particular, focused by Mumetal® which is arranged on both sides of the flow channel and the temperature is controlled by way of Peltier elements, cooling bodies, and thermal coupling plates.

Abstract: At least one embodiment of the invention relates to an arrangement for thermocyclisation of a substance. At least one embodiment of the invention also relates to a method for the thermocyclisation of a substance, including: the controllable valves automatically close the PCR chamber after the test fluid has been introduced into the PCR-chamber, and the properties for the memory metal or bimetal elements are used for closing the valves when a predetermined temperature has been exceeded. As a result, the mechanical actuator, which is used to actuate the valves, is thermally coupled to the heating/cooling element in order to carry out the thermocyclisation.

Abstract: The single nucleotide polymorphism analysis involves the utilization of a DNA hybridization as well as the use of a DNA chip. A liquid DNA sample to be analyzed is guided over a DNA chip in a defined time course. After successful hybridization, the temperature is modified in a defined manner under low stringency conditions do that scavenger/target DNA hybrids are melted, whereby the melting of the scavenger/target DNA hybrids is detected and evaluated according to the temperature. In addition to the DNA chip, at least one device is provided for controlling or regulating temperature, and a device is provided for the lateral flowing against of the surface of the DNA chip. Factors for matching hybrids and mismatching/single point mismatching hybrids can be detected and evaluated using appropriate measuring device(s).

Abstract: A DNA isolation method by removal of constituents, interfering with a subsequent PCR is disclosed. According to an embodiment of the method, all substances and method steps are fully integrated into a closed unit (cartridge) for single use, which allows entry of a DNA-containing sample and DNA-binding substrates are used for isolating the released DNA. In particular, when the method is applied to DNA isolation from whole blood by disruption of white blood cells, the reagents, required for carrying out the cell disruption and other reactions, are stored in a form which is stable at room temperature. For disrupting the white blood cells and for DNA isolation, a dry stored lysis reagent is dissolved in an aqueous solution and brought into contact with the white blood cells.

Abstract: Solid matter in a cavity is used to produce a solution of at least one solid matter in a solvent. The solid matter which is soluble in the solvent in initially covered and/or surrounded in the cavity by a medium which is insoluble in a solvent, such that dissolving of the solid matter is prevented. Subsequently the solvent is guided to the cavity and the medium which is insoluble in the solvent is treated in such a manner that contact is made between the solvent and the soluble solid matter, enabling the solid matter to dissolve in the solvent. Solutions including two or more solid matter can be produced in an advantageous manner.

Abstract: A process and a kit for detecting a plurality of target nucleic acids are disclosed. In at least one embodiment, the process and/or kit includes using primers coupled to a semi-solid phase support.

Abstract: A module for processing a biological sample for an analysis test is disclosed. The processing module includes, in at least one embodiment, an interface at which the processing module can be connected to a cartridge with a lab-on-a-chip, in which cartridge the analysis steps are carried out. A biochip kit is also disclosed. In at least one embodiment, the biochip kit includes one or more processing modules which are intended for different sample materials and which can be connected to the same cartridge type.

Abstract: A DNA-Chip includes a flat carrier and an array of spots containing probe molecules (oligonucleotides) which are arranged on said carrier. Each spot is associated with a microelectrode arrangement for impedance spectroscopic detection of binding events occurring between the probe molecules and target molecules (DNA fragments) applied by way of an analyte solution. In order to increase the sensitivity or the binding specific measuring effects of the biochip, the electrode arrangement is at least partially embedded in a hydrophilic reaction layer containing probe molecules and which is permeable to target molecules.

Abstract: A DNA chip includes a carrier and a microarray of spots containing immobilised catcher molecules which are arranged on the carrier. Each spot contains a microelectrode system for the impedance spectroscopic detection of binding events occurring between the catcher molecules and target molecules of an analyte solution applied to the spots. The microelectrode system has a pair of polarisation electrodes in order to produce an alternating electromagnetic field and a pair of sensor electrodes for measuring a voltage drop in the analyte.