Abstract: This invention features a biomolecule-bound substrate that includes a support made of an organic polymer and having an unmodified surface; and a plurality of unmodified biomolecules immobilized on the unmodified surface. The organic polymer is acrylic resin, polypropylene, polystyrene, polyethylene, polyvinyl chloride, polysulfone, polycarbonate, cellulose acetate, rubber, latex, polyethylene terephthalate, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene, acrylonitrile styrene, or a combination thereof. The substrate is formed by placing the unmodified biomolecules on the unmodified surface followed by ultraviolet irradiation.

Abstract: Specific nucleic acid sequences, e.g., SEQ ID NOs: 1–8, for detecting Escherichia coli. Also disclosed is a method of detecting Escherichia coli. The method includes providing a sample having a nucleic acid from an unknown microorganism; amplifying the nucleic acid with an upstream primer containing SEQ ID NO: 1 or 3 and a downstream primer containing SEQ ID NO: 2 or 4, each primer being 18–40 nucleotides in length; and detecting an amplification product. Detection of the amplification product, e.g., using SEQ ID NO: 5, 6, 7, or 8 as a probe, indicates the presence of Escherichia Coli.

Abstract: This invention relates to a biomolecule-bound substrate made of polymeric molecules, each of which contains a reacting group; and a plurality of biomolecules, each of which contains another reacting group. One of the two reacting groups is a substitute group and the other is a leaving group; and the biomolecules are covalently bonded to the solid support via a chemical ligation reaction between the two reacting groups.

Abstract: Specific nucleic acid sequences, e.g., SEQ ID NOs:2-8, for detecting Staphylococcus aureus. Also disclosed is a method of detecting Staphylococcus aureus. The method includes providing a sample having a nucleic acid from an unknown microorganism; amplifying the nucleic acid with a pair of primers, each containing an oligo-nucleotide selected from the Staphylococcus aureus gap regulator gene region (SEQ ID NO:1) and each having 14-40 nucleotides in length; and detecting an amplification product. Detection of the amplification product, e.g., using SEQ ID NO:2, 7, or 8 as a probe, indicates the presence of Staphylococcus aureus.

Abstract: Specific nucleic acid sequences, e.g., SEQ ID NOs:1-57, for simultaneous detection of seven most common viruses that cause respiratory infections in human, i.e., human parainfluenza virus 1, human parainfluenza virus 2, human parainfluenza virus 3, respiratory syncytial virus, influenza virus A, influenza virus B, and adenovirus. Also disclosed is a method of simultaneously detecting these viruses. The method includes providing a nucleic acid prepared from a sample suspected of containing a virus to be detected, amplifying the nucleic acid with a set of primers specific for one or more of the seven viruses, and detecting amplification products. Detection of an amplification product specific for any one of the seven viruses indicates the presence of that particular virus.

Abstract: This invention features a biomolecule-bound substrate that includes a support made of an organic polymer and having an unmodified surface; and a plurality of unmodified biomolecules immobilized on the unmodified surface. The organic polymer is acrylic resin, polypropylene, polystyrene, polyethylene, polyvinyl chloride, polysulfone, polycarbonate, cellulose acetate, rubber, latex, polyethylene terephthalate, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene, acrylonitrile styrene, or a combination thereof. The substrate is formed by placing the unmodified biomolecules on the unmodified surface followed by ultraviolet irradiation.