Abstract: Provided is a nucleic acid preservative comprising at least one reducing agent, at least one chaotropic substance, at least one polyamine substance and at least one chelating agent and uses thereof, and a method for the preservation of nucleic acids in a biological sample. Further provided are kits for use in the preservation of nucleic acids in a biological sample, and more particularly, a blood sample.

Abstract: Disclosed are microRNA biomarkers and use thereof for screening and diagnosis of prostate cancer and benign prostatic hyperplasia. This invention provides a method for screening for prostate cancer in a subject involving the steps of: (a) assaying the miRNA expression level in a test sample from the subject to be screened for prostate cancer; (b) comparing the assayed miRNA expression level of the subject to the miRNA expression level in a normal sample providing a control relative to the test sample of the subject; and (c) computing the differential expression of the miRNA from the subject, wherein the over-expression of miR-1825 or under the expression of miR-484 is indicative of prostate cancer.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for isolating both free and protein-associated DNA from bodily fluids, such as urine, saliva, serum, tears, sweat, cerebral spinal fluid, and plasma. The method comprises as a first step concentrating and isolating both the free DNA and the proteins present in the bodily fluid. The proteins are then disgested in order to release the formerly protein-associated DNA from the isolated proteins. Lastly, the free and formerly protein-associated DNA can be isolated and purified.

Abstract: A method of using silicon carbide for removing adventitious materials such as endotoxins, prions, viruses and bacteria from water, buffers, aqueous solutions or biological preparations of DNA or proteins, or any combination thereof. The present invention provides for a method of removing adventitious materials from a fluid by passing the fluid through a column or filter bed comprised of silicon carbide particles, or by passing the fluid through a silicon carbide slurry. The method reduces at least 90% of bacteria and endotoxins. It is an economical, reproducible and regenerable process for removing adventitious materials from various fluids.

Abstract: A method of using silicon carbide for removing adventitious materials such as endotoxins, prions, viruses and bacteria from water, buffers, aqueous solutions or biological preparations of DNA or proteins, or any combination thereof. The present invention provides for a method of removing adventitious materials from a fluid by passing the fluid through a column or filter bed comprised of silicon carbide particles, or by passing the fluid through a silicon carbide slurry. The method reduces at least 90% of bacteria and endotoxins. It is an economical, reproducible and regenerable process for removing adventitious materials from various fluids.

Abstract: Purification methods are provided for proteins and peptides, employing silicon carbide to bind the proteins or peptides. The methods may also be used to recover and purify recombinantly expressed proteins sequestered in inclusion bodies. The method for purifying a protein or peptide comprises contacting a solution containing the protein or peptide with silicon carbide at a binding pH for the protein or peptide to allow the protein or peptide to bind to the silicon carbide; and eluting the protein or peptide from the silicon carbide.

Abstract: The invention disclosed is particularly directed to a process for the purification of DNA, and is especially useful for the isolation of biologically active plasmid DNA. The process is initiated by binding the DNA to silicon carbide particles, either in the presence or absence of chaotropic agents. The bound DNA is subsequently eluted from the resin in low salt buffer or water. The resulting purified DNA is substantially free of proteins and is shown to be biologically active. The scope and diversity of the process is demonstrated here since this process can be used for the isolation of RNA and genomic DNA as well as the purification of PCR products and isolation of DNA from agarose gel slices.