Abstract: The disclosed invention pertains to improved oligonucleotide manufacturing methods, including novel support compositions that are optionally labeled, their methods of preparation and use. The compositions and methods are particularly well suited for high throughput oligonucleotide manufacturing in that the automated support recognition facilitates loading of the wells with the proper supports. In addition, the labeled supports can be used to confirm that each well of a multi-well plate, such as a 96 or 384 well plate, was properly loaded.

Abstract: This invention pertains to methods for cloning microRNA (miRNA) and other small ribonucleic acid (RNA) species from relevant cell sources.

Abstract: The invention can be used to purify and extract a target oligonucleotide from a gel substrate. The current invention extracts the target oligonucleotide so quickly that burn-off against the positive electrode is greatly reduced, yielding high optical density and purity. The need for an osmotic membrane or heavy salt/light salt barrier to capture the oligonucleotide is eliminated. The invention does not require a high salt concentration and therefore does not require a desalting column that is time-consuming and reduces yield.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for evaluating the accuracy of an oligonucleotide sample, specifically a sample containing a variety of oligonucleotides of potentially varying size and sequence. The method provides a fingerprint that can be used to evaluate the accuracy of a multi-oligonucleotide sample whether or not the sample contains differing oligonucleotides that have the same or about the same molecular weight.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for detecting the presence of ribonuclease enzymes, more specifically to methods that provide for a visual detection assay. The methods entail contacting a test sample suspected of containing ribonuclease activity with a substrate containing a ribonuclease-sensitive internucleotide linkage flanked directly or indirectly by a fluorescence reporter group and a dark quencher, such that if a ribonuclease activity is present in the sample, the ribonuclease-sensitive internucleotide linkage is cleaved and the fluorescence reporter group emits a visually detectable signal. The present invention further provides novel nucleic acid compositions used as substrates for such assays and encompasses kits for performing the methods of the invention.