Abstract: A method of detection and identification of one or more microorganism/s in a biological sample comprising the following steps: (a) extracting DNA from the microorganism/s; and (b) amplifying the extracted DNA and indicating the level of extracted DNA in a quantitative PCR; wherein the quantitative PCR is performed using the primer pair of SEQ ID NO. 1 and 2 together with the probe of SEQ ID NO. 7, and/or the primer pair of SEQ ID NO. 3 and 4 together with the probe of SEQ ID NO. 8.

Abstract: A method of determining of the presence or absence of a target RNA component in a sample, the method comprising steps of: (a) contacting the sample with a composition comprising (i) a quaternary ammonium compound or a precursor thereof, which should extract/release the nucleic acid from the sample; (b) optionally storing and/or transporting the composition obtained in step (a); (c) contacting the composition obtained in step (a) with a composition comprising a proteinaceous washing agent, e.g. BSA or casein for stabilizing the RNA for transport and/or storage; and (d) using the composition obtained in step (c) in an amplification method, e.g. RT-PCR.

Abstract: A method of extracting DNA and/or RNA from a cell or capsid, the method comprising steps of: (a) contacting a composition comprising the cell or capsid with a composition comprising (ii) a quaternary ammonium compound or a precursor thereof; and (b) contacting the composition obtained in step (a) with a composition comprising a proteinaceous washing agent.

Abstract: A method of detection and identification of one or more microorganism/s in a biological sample comprising the following steps: (a) extracting DNA from the microorganism/s; and (b) amplifying the extracted DNA and indicating the level of extracted DNA in a quantitative PCR; wherein the quantitative PCR is performed using the primer pair of SEQ ID NO. 1 and 2 together with the probe of SEQ ID NO. 7, and/or the primer pair of SEQ ID NO. 3 and 4 together with the probe of SEQ ID NO. 8.

Abstract: A method (e.g. high resolution melting analysis) of determining of the presence or absence of a target nucleic acid in a sample, e.g. a biological sample, the method comprising steps of:?(a) contacting the sample with a composition comprising?(i) a quaternary ammonium compound, e.g. 3-(trimethoxysilyl) propyl-dimethyl octadecyl ammonium chloride (3-TPAC) or a precursor thereof, in order to release the nucleic acids from said sample; and?(b) contacting the sample with a probe which is capable of interacting with the nucleic acid sequence; and?(c) observing and/or measuring a property of the sample, e.g. fluorescence from a dsDNA binding dye.

Abstract: A method of inducing competence in cells, the method comprising contacting the cell with a composition comprising a quaternary ammonium compound including a silicon-containing functional group and a hydrocarbyl-saccharide compound.

Abstract: There is described a method of extracting DNA and/or RNA from a cell or capsid, the method comprising contacting the cell or capsid with a composition comprising a quaternary ammonium compound including a silicon-containing functional group. The quaternary ammonium compound may be of general formula (I) or a derivative salt thereof wherein L is a linking group; each of R1, R2, R3, R4, R5 and R6 is independently selected from H or an optionally substituted alkyl, alkenyl, aryl or alkoxy group; and n is 0 or 1. A PCR promoting agent may be provided. The method may be one of 1 detecting and/or diagnosing a disease or medical condition.

Abstract: A method of determining the presence or absence in a sample of a biomarker, the method comprising: (a) linking an antigen to colloidal gold to provide a gold-antigen species; (b) contacting the gold-antigen species with the sample; (c) adding a diagnosis agent to the sample; and (d) observing the color of the sample.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a cleaning preparation, namely to a cleaning, disinfecting, sanitizing and sterilizing preparation. Said preparation comprises a mixture of cationic microbiocides and non-ionic surfactants.

Abstract: A method of treating a grass-carrying surface, the method comprising applying to the g carrying surface: (a) a compound of formula (I): or a derivative salt thereof wherein L is a linking group; each of R1, R2 and R3 is independently selected from an optionally substituted alkyl, alkenyl, aryl or alkoxy group; R4 is oxygen or an optionally substituted alkyl, alkenyl or aryl group; each of R5 and R6 is an optionally substituted alkyl, alkenyl or aryl group; and n is 0 or 1; (b) at least one cationic biocide; (c) a hydrocarbyl saccharide compound; and (d) a nonionic surfactant.

Abstract: A plant treatment method comprising contacting the plant with: (a) a compound of formula (I): or a derivative salt thereof wherein L is a linking group; each of R1, R2 and R3 is independently selected from an optionally substituted alkyl, alkenyl, aryl or alkoxy group; R4 is oxygen or an optionally substituted alkyl, alkenyl or aryl group; each of R5 and R6 is an optionally substituted alkyl, alkenyl or aryl group; (b) at least one cationic biocide; (c) a hydrocarbyl saccharide compound; and (d) a non-ionic surfactant.