Abstract: The present invention provides a lateral flow format and materials and methods for using the format in a variety of applications. More particularly, the present invention provides single-layer lateral flow formats, materials and methods for detecting the presence of an analyte using a test strip comprising a dry porous medium comprising a single hydrophilic matrix. Devices are also provided as well as methods of making and using the format. The format is particularly useful for diagnosis of physiological and genetic conditions. In addition, the present invention provides methods and materials for concentrating a reagent in a porous medium.

Abstract: The invention relates to a solid medium or matrix for storage of nucleic acid molecules (e.g. RNA and/or DNA), particularly vectors and especially plasmids, comprising a solid matrix preferably having a compound or composition which protects against degradation of nucleic acids incorporated into or absorbed on the matrix. The invention also relates to methods for storage or isolation/purification of nucleic acids using this solid medium, and in situ use of the stored or isolated/purified nucleic acids.

Abstract: The field of the present invention pertains to a controlled transfer biological collection device using a dry solid storage and transfer medium and a method for the collection of biological material of interest (genetic or proteinaceous material) in a form suitable for storage and/or subsequent analysis. Specifically, the present invention provides for a sampling device that controls the transfer of the biological sample to the storage medium by holding the storage medium and a moveable sample collection member having an analyte collection surface. The invention further provides for a method not only for storing a biological analyte on this collection device but also for analyzing the stored biological analyte using methods that are suited for automated analyzing systems.

Abstract: The present invention describes a method of modifying pores of a porous membrane, comprising contacting the membrane with a pore modifying agent, wherein the pore modifying agent modifies the pore opening at the first surface of the membrane differently than the pore opening at the second surface of the membrane. The invention also describes a porous membrane having a first surface and a second surface, comprising a plurality of pores extending between the first and second surfaces, wherein the pores have been modified by a pore modifying agent such that the pore opening at one membrane surfaces is distinct from the pore opening of the other membrane surface, or the pore shape is distinct at one or more locations between the first and second surfaces.

Abstract: The invention provides composite porous membranes comprising a porous hydrophobic substrate coated with difunctional surface-modifying molecules. The difunctional surface-modifying molecules provide a hydrophilic surface without forming branches of interconnected polymer molecules in the pores. The invention also provides a method for making composite porous membranes, such as a composite hydrophilic membrane with reduced concentration of surface modifying molecules required to coat a hydrophobic substrate.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, there is provided a device, method and kit for detecting any genetic material containing moieties. The present invention enables identification of known or unknown virions or bacteria contained in a fluid therein, such as virions in a blood sample. It also provides for an amenable and highly automatable device for massed screenings and the discovery of sequence variants of known virions, previously undetected virions, and other genetic material containing moieties.

Abstract: A solution for treating a nucleic acid duplex having a pH of from 3 to 11, comprising a soluble protein or mixture of proteins; and 0.1 mM to 10 mM divalent cations; wherein the nature and concentration of the protein or mixture of proteins is selected so that the solution is capable of inhibiting heat denaturation of a nucleic acid product.

Abstract: There is provided a substrate for lysing cells and purifying nucleic acid having a matrix and a coating and an integrity maintainer for maintaining the purified nucleic acid. Also provided is a method of purifying nucleic acid by applying a nucleic acid sample to a substrate having an anionic detergent affixed to a matrix, the substrate physically capturing the nucleic acid, bonding the nucleic acid to a substrate and generating a signal when the nucleic acid bonds to the substrate indicating the presence of the nucleic acid. A kit for purifying nucleic acid containing a coated matrix and an integrity maintenance provider for preserving the matrix and purifying nucleic acid is also provided.

Abstract: A solution for treating a nucleic acid duplex having a pH of from 3 to 11, comprising a soluble protein or mixture of proteins; and 0.1 mM to 10 mM divalent cations; wherein the nature and concentration of the protein or mixture of proteins is selected so that the solution is capable of inhibiting heat denaturation of a nucleic acid product.

Abstract: A solution for treating a nucleic acid duplex having a pH of from 3 to 11, comprising a soluble protein or mixture of proteins; and 0.1 mM to 10 mM divalent cations; wherein the nature and concentration of the protein or mixture of proteins is selected so that the solution is capable of inhibiting heat denaturation of a nucleic acid duplex.

Abstract: The invention relates to storage of nucleic acid (particularly mRNA) on a solid support and to using such nucleic acid in nucleic acid synthesis or amplification reactions. In a preferred aspect, the invention provides synthesis of cDNA and cDNA libraries.

Abstract: The present invention provides devices and methods for handling and processing a filter or other matrix punch comprising a sample of interest in order to prevent loss of the punch and to improve ease of handling. In one aspect, the present invention provides a device comprising a first element, which holds a punch, coupled to a second element, which contributes to holding the punch in the first element, with reservoirs above and below the punch. The devices and methods can be used manually in single-channel and multi-channel formats or can be used in an automated processor, such as a robotic processor. Kits are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for isolating and storing, nucleic acid from a sample containing nucleic acid, such as a cell sample or cell lysate. The nucleic acid is isolated on a solid phase medium, which is then dried, and which can be stored efficiently, such as at room temperature, in columns, tubes, and microwell plates having a wide variety of filters and other solid phase media, for extended periods of time, including days, weeks, and months. The invention provides methods for isolating and storing nucleic acid from a sample by applying the sample to a solid phase medium, retaining the cells, lysing the cellular retentate, drying the medium and retaining the nucleic acid, storing the nucleic acid for extended periods of time at room temperature and humidity, and optionally eluting the nucleic acid.

Abstract: The present invention provides a lateral flow format and materials and methods for using the format in a variety of applications. More particularly, the present invention provides single-layer lateral flow formats, materials and methods for detecting the presence of an analyte using a test strip comprising a dry porous medium comprising a single hydrophilic matrix. Devices are also provided as well as methods of making and using the format. The format is particularly useful for diagnosis of physiological and genetic conditions. In addition, the present invention provides methods and materials for concentrating a reagent in a porous medium.

Abstract: The invention provides methods for isolating and releasing genetic material from a solid medium, such as a DNA array, a filter, a card, or a multiple-well plate, using a wash solution comprising a photolytic agent, followed by subsequent exposure to a light source to release the genetic material, such as genomic DNA. The invention also includes devices and kits for practicing these methods.

Abstract: A method for isolating nucleic acid which comprises: (a) applying a sample comprising cells containing nucleic acid to a filter, whereby the cells are retained as a retentate and contaminants are removed; (b) lysing the retentate from step (a) while the retentate is retained by the filter to form a cell lysate containing the nucleic acid; (c) filtering the cell lysate with the filter to retain the nucleic acid and remove remaining cell lysate; (d) optionally washing the nucleic acid retained by the filter; and (e) eluting the nucleic acid, wherein the filter composition and dimensions are selected so that the filter is capable of retaining the cells and the nucleic acid. Additionally, there is provided a substrate for lysing cells and purifying nucleic acid having a matrix and a coating and an integrity maintainer for maintaining the purified nucleic acid.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods, a kit, and an apparatus for detecting and analyzing genetic material from a biological sample. The method can be used to analyze samples from a wide variety of sources, including tissues, blood, plasma, sera, mucus, urine, saliva, sweat, semen, and cultures, as well as analyzing samples of contaminated water, food, beverages, and other items.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, there is provided a device, method and kit for detecting any genetic material containing moieties. The present invention enables identification of known or unknown virions or bacteria contained in a fluid therein, such as virions in a blood sample. It also provides for an amenable and highly automatable device for massed screenings and the discovery of sequence variants of known virions, previously undetected virions, and other genetic material containing moieties. In one embodiment, the present invention utilizes at least one primer for analysis.

Abstract: The invention relates to a solid medium or matrix for storage of nucleic acid molecules (e.g. RNA and/or DNA), particularly vectors and especially plasmids, comprising a solid matrix preferably having a compound or composition which protects against degradation of nucleic acids incorporated into or absorbed on the matrix. The invention also relates to methods for storage or isolation/purification of nucleic acids using this solid medium, and in situ use of the stored or isolated/purified nucleic acids.

Abstract: There is provided a substrate for lysing calls and purifying nucleic acid having a matrix and a coating and an integrity maintainer for maintaining the purified nucleic acid. Also provided is a method of purifying nucleic acid by applying a nucleic acid sample to a substrate having an anionic detergent affixed to a matrix, the substrate physically capturing the nucleic acid, bonding the nucleic acid to a substrate and generating a signal when the nucleic acid bonds to the substrate indicating the presence of the nucleic acid. A kit for purifying nucleic acid containing a coated matrix and an integrity maintenance provider for preserving the matrix and purifying nucleic acid is also provided.