Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of isolating nucleic acid from a blood sample, said method comprising: (a) selectively isolating leucocytes from said sample by binding said leucocytes to a solid support by means of a binding partner specific for leucocytes; (b) lysing said isolated leucocytes; and (c) binding nucleic acid released from said lysed cells to said solid support. Kits for isolating nucleic acid from samples form further embodiments of the invention.

Abstract: Methods of reversal of the binding between a biotin compound and a biotin-binding compound are disclosed. A method of reversibly releasing a biotinylated moiety from a streptavidin (or avidin) coated support is shown as an example. The strong interaction between streptavidin or avidin-biotin is made much weaker by using a combination of modified streptavidin or avidin and modified biotin like desthiobiotin or a derivative thereof like DSB-X Biotin. A protein, such as an antibody may be biotinylated with the modified biotin. When this protein is isolated by binding the modified biotin to the modified streptavidin or avidin bound to an solid surface, it may be released under very gently and very rapid conditions by addition of free biotin. In contrast to proteins obtained by the prior art release methods the protein obtained using the previously available release methods, the proteins obtained using the methods disclosed herein will maintain their native conformation.

Abstract: Polymer particles having a multi-block vinylic polymer attached to their surface are disclosed. The particles can be used in a variety of purification and detection methods.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of amine-functionalised vinyl polymer particles which process comprises suspension polymerizing minostyrene together with at least one other vinylic monomer and optionally a crosslinking agent.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of isolating nucleic acid from a sample, said method comprising contacting said sample with a detergent and a solid support, whereby soluble nucleic acid in said sample is bound to the support, and separating said support with bound nucleic acid from the sample. Where the method of the invention is used to isolate DNA, it may conveniently be couple with a further step to isolate RNA from the same sample.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of isolating nucleic acid from a sample, said method comprising contacting said sample with a detergent and a solid support, whereby soluble nucleic acid in said sample is bound to the support, and separating said support with bound nucleic acid from the sample. Where the method of the invention is used to isolate DNA, it may conveniently be couple with a further step to isolate RNA from the same sample.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of coated polymer particles containing superparamagnetic crystals, said process comprising reacting porous, surface-functionalized, superparamagnetic crystal-containing polymer particles of diameter 0.5 to 1.8 ?m with at least one polyisocyanate and at least one diol or at least one epoxide.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of isolating nucleic acid from a sample, said method comprising contacting said sample with a detergent and a solid support, whereby soluble nucleic acid in said sample is bound to the support, and separating said support with bound nucleic acid from the sample. Where the method of the invention is used to isolate DNA, it may conveniently be couple with a further step to isolate RNA from the same sample.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of coated polymer particles containing superparamagnetic crystals, said process comprising reacting porous, surface-functionalized, superparamagnetic crystal-containing polymer particles of diameter 0.5 to 1.8 ?m with at least one polyisocyanate and at least one diol or at least one epoxide.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of amine-functionalized vinyl polymer particles which process comprises suspension polymerizing aminostyrene together with at least one other vinylic monomer and optionally a crosslinking agent.

Abstract: The invention provides electroconductive particles comprising a styrene copolymer core and an external gold coating, characterised in that as said copolymer core is used a styrene copolymer comprising less than 50 wt. % styrene residues.

Abstract: Enzymes or catalytic fragments thereof reversibly inactivated by attachment to an immobilizing moiety which may comprise a magnetic particle are activated by release from the immobilizing moiety. The enzyme or fragment may be in the form of a fusion protein that is attached to the immobilizing moiety via a pair of affinity binding partners such that the enzyme or fragment is reversibly inactivated, and release of the fusion protein from the immobilizing moiety activates the enzyme or fragment. Enzymes include DNA polymerases, DNA ligases, Reverse transcriptases and RNA polymerases. The enzyme or fragment may be thermostable, and the fusion protein can be bound to the immobilizing moiety via a heat-labile linkage. Activation of the reversibly inactivated immobilized enzyme or fragment has particular utility in PCR and analogous nucleic acid amplification techniques.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of improving the binding of a series of consecutive nucleotide bases to a complementary target nucleic acid molecule in a sample, wherein said method comprises at least the step or steps of binding a complementary modular oligonucleotide of at least two parts (modules) including said nucleotide bases to adjacent stretches of said target nucleic acid molecule in said sample, especially methods of detection/isolation, particularly in the isolation of primer extension products and methods in which the modular oligonucleotide is a primer, modular oligonucleotides themselves and their use in methods of the invention.

Abstract: The process includes the steps of: a) contacting a liquid containing mRNA with an insoluble support having DNA probes attached thereto via the 5' -terminus thereof whereby the MRNA is hybridized to said probes and hence to said support; b) removing said liquid; and c) adding enzymes and nucleotides in solution whereby the probe functions as a primer to produce single stranded cDNA on the mRNA probe. The probe DNA may be oligo-dT or a specific DNA sequence, such as one that is complementary to a conserved region in a class of mRNA molecules. The insoluble support comprises magnetic particles which are monodisperse polymer particles comprising superparamagnetic iron oxide, a coating to reduce non-specific binding and a substituent for attaching an oligonucleotide.

Abstract: A method of amplifying target DNA is disclosed wherein said DNA is first amplified by PCR, the amplified DNA then being contacted with a single stranded linearised plasmid vector having terminal regions which are complementary to terminal regions of the PCR amplified DNA, whereby a cyclic product is formed comprising single stranded sequences from said target DNA and said vector and two double stranded regions from the overlapping terminal regions of the vector and the PCR amplified DNA; the cyclic product then being introduced into a host organism. Two-stage PCR may be performed and site-specific mutagenesis may be effected between PCR amplification and formation of the cyclic product. The single-stranded linearised plasmid vector and/or the target DNA may be immobilised. Kits are disclosed for performing various aspects of the method which can be used in a method of diagnosis wherein the target DNA is characteristic of a physiological condition.

Abstract: Monodisperse, superparamagnetic particles carrying a plurality of molecules of an oligonucleotide are disclosed and may be used inter alia for sequencing single-stranded nucleic acids. The oligonucleotide may be covalently attached or affinity bonded to the particles either by their 3' or 5' termini. The particles have a specific gravity in the range 1.1-1.8 and are 1-10 microns in diameter. A kit for the isolation or processing of target nucleic acid is also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of cleaving an antigen/anti-antigen or hapten/anti-hapten linkage joining two particles comprising reacting said linkage with a secondary antibody, or fragment thereof, binding to said anti-antigen or anti-hapten, and a kit for performing such a method. The method of the invention has particular utility in the separation of cells.

Abstract: The present invention provides modified IgG3 containing human constant regions which has a shorter total-hinge region compared with normal human IgG3. Also described is a method for assaying an antibody against a specific antigen or hapten for its effectiveness in complement activation in an animal species, wherein the antibody is contacted with the immobilized antigen or hapten to form an immobilized antibody/antigen or hapten complex which is then contacted with complement from the relevant animal species, followed by assay of components of the complement complex thereby formed; whereby the extent and nature of complement activation by the antibody in the sample may be determined.

Abstract: A method and device are provided for separating magnetized particles from biological fluids. Cells such as cancer cells coated with magnetized particles can be separated from uncoated healthy cells. A fluid mixture of cancer cells, healthy cells and magnetizable particles is introduced into a container such as a disposable blood bag which is attached in a cassette on an underlying plane magnetic plane that provides a magnetic field. Incubation is carried out during which the cancer cells become coated with the magnetizable particles. The magnetic field pulls the coated cells down towards the bottom of the bag and anchors them, and uncoated healthy cells are removed from the bag. The separated uncoated healthy cells may be advanced through a final separation unit where any loose magnetizable particles are removed. There is provided means for adjusting vertical distance between the cassette and the magnetic plane and for agitating fluid within the container attached to the cassette.