Abstract: The present invention provides a method that combines the construction of double-stranded target amplification products with one or two single-stranded overhangs with improved production of such target amplification products. The single-stranded overhang(s) can be used for post-amplification capture and subsequent detection/manipulation. The single-stranded overhang(s) enable capture/detection/manipulation without interference from the complementary strand in the double-stranded target amplification product.

Abstract: The present invention provides a novel modified oligonucleotide monomer useful in molecular biological techniques such as capture and/or detection of nucleic acids, amplification of nucleic acids and sequencing of nucleic acids. The modified oligonucleotide monomer comprises an intercalator that can intercalate into an antiparallel duplex from the major groove.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a technology for specific capture of single stranded target Polynucleotide by a complementary probe comprising one or more intercalator molecules. The method further involves removal of one or more types of bases in the single stranded target Polynucleotide prior to interaction with the complementary probe. This results in generation of one or more abasic sites which can interact with and/or into where the intercalator molecule can be inserted.

Abstract: The current inventors have discovered that the incorporation of a triplex forming monomer unit into oligonucleotides surprisingly gives the oligonucleotide a number of favorable characteristics. The oligonucleotides are advantageous because they allow modulation of the melting temperature of an oligonucleotide, they have improved sequence specificity and they can form triplexes by Hoogsteen or reverse Hoogsteen base pairing with double stranded nucleic acids. Moreover, some of the oligonucleotides of the invention have useful fluorescent characteristics, and the oligonucleotides comprising a triplex forming monomer can be used as substrates for enzymatic manipulations such as primer extension.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method that combines the construction of double-stranded target amplification products with one or two single-stranded overhangs with improved production of such target amplification products. The single-stranded overhang(s) can be used for post-amplification capture and subsequent detection/manipulation. The single-stranded overhang(s) enable capture/detection/manipulation without interference from the complementary strand in the double-stranded target amplification product.

Abstract: The invention relates to the field of estimating a microbial count in a sample using molecular techniques. The invention furthermore relates to a kit for performing such estimation and use of the estimation method for providing bacterial cell counts in milk and for diagnosing infectious conditions in animals and human beings. Furthermore, the invention relates to a method for quality control of food (especially milk and dairy products), feed and water samples using molecular techniques. Reproducible and reliable estimates of a microbial count can be obtained using a molecular hybridisation assay between a target nucleic acid sequence and a labelled probe. Proper calibration and quantitative recording of the signal produced by the label can estimate a microbial count. One important feature of the invention is the use of locked nucleic acid (LNA) monomers in the probes.