Abstract: A data storage medium is disclosed comprising a solid support matrix including an optional stabilising reagent or reagents in a dry form, for use as a support for artificially synthesised oligonucleotide sequences encoded with data. Preferably the matrix is fibrous (for example cellulose, or glass, fibres) formed into a support of sufficient strength to hold the oligonucleotide sequences. The stabilising reagents are preferably a combination of a weak base, and a chelating agent, optionally, uric acid or a urate salt, and optionally an anionic surfactant.

Abstract: A device comprising a modified porous membrane is provided. The modified porous membrane comprises a polymer coating grafted to a porous membrane. The device is used for analyte detection from a biological sample using an immunoassay. The device comprises a sample application zone at one end of the device for applying a biological sample comprising a target analyte; and a detection zone present at another end of the device, downstream of the sample application zone for detecting the target analyte, wherein the detection zone comprises one or more first biomolecules immobilized on a modified porous membrane having a structure of Formula (I).

Abstract: The present invention provides an indicator useful in confirming successful sterilisation and/or nucleic acid decontamination by ethylene oxide (EtO) treatment. The invention also provides a label comprising said indicator and methods for use of the indicator and label in a method of EtO treatment.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for capturing the spatial molecular profiling of a biological mass formed from biological material, comprising the steps of: a) providing a transected biological mass, for example a tumour, the transection exposing at least a portion of the mass; b) providing a solid support of an area at least equalling the area of said portion of the mass; c) transferring biological material from the portion of the mass to the support to provide on the support a two dimensional imprint of the biological material present at the portion of the mass; and d) performing a biological assay of the transferred biological material from different predetermined locations of the imprint in order to determine the spatial molecular profile of the portion of the mass.

Abstract: An electrospinning approach is disclosed for generating a dissolvable formulation of a reagent of interest in a nanoscale fiber medium. In one embodiment, the nanoscale fibers can incorporate and stabilize biological agents of interest, such as for storage at room temperature for extended periods. In one implementation, the fibers can be produced in a continuous manner and dissolve rapidly.

Abstract: Methods for in vitro transcription and translation from an RCA product are provided. The methods comprise providing a double-stranded RCA product, wherein the double-stranded RCA product consists essentially of tandem repeats of a minimalistic expression sequence. The methods further comprise expressing a protein from the double-stranded RCA product in a cell-free expression system.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to the manufacture and use of redox electrodes and their use in cell lysis. In certain embodiments, the redox electrodes are manufactured using a hybrid material approach, such as using a redox polymer in combination with a support substrate, such as cellulose fibers or paper. In certain implementations, the redox electrodes are suitable for use at voltages greater than 25 Volts.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods and kits for endonuclease-assisted DNA amplification reaction using decontaminated primer solutions that are pre-treated with a nuclease. Nucleic acid amplification assays that employ nuclease-resistant, inosine-containing primers, endonuclease V enzymes to introduce a nick into a target DNA comprising at least one inosine, and a DNA polymerase to generate amplicons of a target DNA are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device (10) for obtaining a sample (30) from a biological material (40) in solid form, said device comprising an array of micro-needles (30) arranged on a base plate (20). It further relates to a method for obtaining a sample (50) from a biological material (40) in solid form, comprising pressing the micro-needles (30) of the device (10) into said biological material (40), and subsequently removing the device from the biological material (40), and to the use of the device (10) in such a method.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a sample assessment device. By way of example, the sample assessment device may include a substrate including a sample application region; an amplification region comprising a plurality of amplification reagents; a waste region comprising an entrance fluidically coupled to the amplification region and extending away from the amplification region; and a detection region spaced apart from the amplification region. The sample assessment device may also include a valve coupled to the substrate and configured to separate the amplification region from the detection region in a closed configuration, wherein the amplification region and the valve are positioned on the sample assessment device between the sample application region and the detection region and wherein the sample assessment device is configured to permit lateral flow from the amplification region to the detection region when the valve is in an open configuration.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods for the collection and amplification of circulating nucleic acids from a non-celluar fraction of a biological sample. Circulating nucleic acids are extracted from the non-cellular fraction and are circularized to generate single-stranded nucleic acid circles, which are then subsequently amplified by rolling circular amplification using random primers to produce an amplified library. Devices for the collection of a non-cellular fraction from a biological sample are also provided. The device includes a filtration membrane and a dry solid matrix, which is in direct contact with the filtration membrane.

Abstract: A method of eluting biomolecules, such as nucleic acids from a biological sample by electroelution is provided. An example of a method includes various steps, such as loading the biological sample to a device comprising a housing, at least two conductive redox polymer electrodes operationally coupled to the housing and a biomolecule impermeable layer disposed on at least one of the electrodes. The loading of sample is followed by initiating an electrical connection to generate an electric field strength sufficient to elute biomolecules from the biological sample; and eluting the biomolecules from the biological sample.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provides a method for detection of at least one analyte derived from a sample, comprising the steps of: a) depositing the sample on a surface of a solid support; b) transferring at least a portion of the solid support to a receptacle suitable for performing a specific binding assay for one or more analytes of interest; c) optionally washing the portion; d) adding a single specific binding partner for each analyte of interest to the receptacle, the binding partner being labelled with an oligonucleotide sequence; e) mixing the portion with nucleic acid amplification reagents; f) amplifying the oligonucleotide sequence; and g) detecting amplified nucleic acid. The invention also provides a kit for use with the method for detection of at least one analyte derived from a sample.

Abstract: Methods for in vitro transcription and translation using a double-stranded concatemeric DNA in a eukaryotic cell-free expression system are provided. The method includes the steps of (a) contacting a double-stranded concatemeric DNA with a eukaryotic cell-free expression system, and (b) expressing a protein in vitro from the double-stranded concatemeric DNA in the eukaryotic cell-free expression system. The double-stranded concatemeric DNA includes a plurality of tandem repeat sequences. The plurality of tandem repeat sequences includes an expression sequence including a promoter, a cap-independent translation element (CITE), and an open reading frame. A final concentration of the double-stranded concatemeric DNA in the eukaryotic cell-free expression system is in a range from about 0.1 ng/?L to about 35 ng/?L. A RCA product DNA may be used as the double stranded concatemer DNA for the methods.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for detecting and quantifying gut flora derived from human faeces, comprising acquiring a solid support containing human faeces; optionally amplifying nucleic acid from the human faeces; and detecting and quantifying the presence of gut flora of interest. Also disclosed is a method for assessing whether a person has type-2 diabetes as well as a kit for detecting and quantifying gut flora from human faeces, comprising a solid support for collecting human faeces; and primer pairs for amplifying 16S rRNA sequence from bacteria of interest.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of amplifying an RNA molecule in a biological sample by reverse transcription PCR (RT-PCR), wherein the RT-PCR is carried out in a solution comprising a polar aprotic solvent; a serum albumin, and a polyol.

Abstract: Disclosed is a biological sample collector 500 comprising a solid support 12 having plural discrete areas (22, 24, 26, 28 FIG. 1) for accepting a biological sample, each area being chemically differentiated, for example by having a different chemical treatment sorbed onto the solid support. An envelope 530 encloses the solid support. A cover portion 520 can cover the biological sample after collection to prevent infection. UV light can be applied to the collected sample to reduce the risk of infection.

Abstract: An expression vector, comprising a first reporter nucleic acid sequence operably linked to a first expression control sequence comprising a promoter; and a second reporter nucleic acid sequence operably linked to a second expression control sequence that comprises a response element that is activated or inactivated as one or more of the cells differentiate or dedifferentiate. Methods and kits for imaging and monitoring stem cells comprising the expression vector are also provided.