Abstract: A method of amplifying a target nucleic acid in a DNA sample comprising (a) contacting the DNA sample containing the target nucleic acid with a DNA polymerase, at least two oligonucleotide primers designed to flank the target nucleic acid, a mixture of dATP, dGTP, dCTP, and dTTP, and a conjugate comprising a DNA polymerase inhibitor covalently attached to a negative temperature sensitive polymer, (b) heating the output of step (a) to a temperature at which the conjugate precipitates and thus the DNA polymerase is no longer inhibited and (c) amplifying the target nucleic acid, e.g. by performing PCR steps of denaturing the target nucleic acid, annealing the primers to the target nucleic acid, and extending the primers, wherein step (c) is repeated at least two times. Also provided is a conjugate comprising a DNA polymerase inhibitor covalently attached to a negative temperature sensitive polymer and kits and aqueous compositions comprising the same.

Abstract: A polymerization process, preferably a living radical polymerisation process, is carried out in the presence of a template substance, to produce molecularly imprinted polymers (“MIPs”). It is controlled so that the products are quite small (500-106 Daltons) so that they are soluble or form colloidal suspensions. The template substances are immobilized templates, which can be re-used. Immobilized templates are also useful for purification of MIP solutions/suspensions by affinity chromatography.