Abstract: The present invention concerns detection of target molecules using methods of enzymatically catalysed amplification of target associated detectable structures.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of amplifying a nucleic acid sequence present in a first strand of a double stranded nucleic acid molecule wherein said molecule incorporates an unmodified recognition site for a restriction enzyme capable of cutting the first strand at the 5′ end of the sequence therein to be amplified and leaving the 3′-cut region of the second strand projecting beyond the cut site in the first strand. The method further comprises treating said molecule with said enzyme in the presence of a strand displacing polymerase and unmodified nucleotides for incorporation in an extending nucleic acid strand such that there is or becomes hybridised to said 3′-end region of the second strand a primer sequence complementary thereto whereby said primer sequence is extended in the 5′ to 3′ direction using the second strand as a template to regenerate the restriction endonuclease cut site and displace the sequence to be amplified.

Abstract: Methods for synthesizing oligonucleotide products and detecting single-stranded target nucleic acid sequences, are disclosed. The methods include amplifying a template sequence to produce a complementary strand hybridized to the template sequence, which is subsequently cleaved by at least one cleavage agent displacing the complementary strand as a single stranded sequence complementary to the template sequence.

Abstract: An analytical device for use in determining the presence of an analyte species of interest in a liquid state includes a chromatographic membrane support along which the liquid may travel, a plurality of first detectable particles associated with a sampling region of the device at which the liquid is to be applied, the particles being capable of being moved along the support by the liquid travel and having immobilised thereon a first binding agent capable of forming a first complex with the analyte species, a threshold region provided downstream of the sampling region in the direction of liquid travel, the threshold region being provided with a second binding agent which is capable of binding to non-complexed first binding agent on the particles, and which is present in an amount, such that a detectable number of the particles only pass the threshold region if the amount of analyte species in the sample is above a predetermined level, and a detection region downstream of the threshold region in the direction o

Abstract: Amplification of nucleic acids using oligonucleotides immobilized on solid phase supports is disclosed. Target nucleic acid strands (in a sample to be analyzed) are hybridized to the oligonucleotides and copy target strands (incorporating immobilized oligonucleotide) are produced using the target strands as templates. The target strands are denatured from the copy target strands and rehybridized to non-extended oligonucleotides. In the next step, new copy target 1 strands are synthesized from the oligonucleotides hybridized to the target strands, and simultaneously copy target 2 strands are synthesized using previously generated copy target 1 strands. Sequence of denaturing, rehybridizing, and producing copy target 1 and copy target 2 strands is repeated as often as necessary to give the desired degree of amplification.

Abstract: A method of effecting a manipulation of a nucleic acid sequence comprises (a) providing a solid support system having bonded thereto a single stranded oligonucleotide complementary to a specific sequence on a target nucleic acid longer than said oligonucleotide, (b) adding a source of single stranded target nucleic acid to the solid support system, (c) hybridising the target nucleic acid to the oligonucleotide, and (d) effecting the manipulation on the hybridised target nucleic acid. The manipulation may for example be a copying or amplification of the target nucleic acid sequence. In a preferred embodiment, the support is provided in a flow-through vessel which facilitates washing of the support to remove impurities and leave a "clean" sample of target nucleic acid on which the manipulation may be carried out. The support preferably has a siloxane matrix to which the oligonucleotide is bound. This provides a stable linkage between the oligonucleotide and the support.