Abstract: Nucleic acid sequences are detected by a multi-step process, involving labeling sample nucleic acid sequences, duplexing the labeled sample with a probe having a coupling element, immobilizing all of the duplexed probe and target sequence and unduplexed probe, separating specifically immobilized nucleic acid from free and non-specifically immobilized nucleic acid, releasing specifically immobilized nucleic acid, and detecting the presence of the sequence of interest by means of the label. The labeled sequence may be characterized by sizing, e.g. electrophoresis. The method provides for a sensitive and rapid means for accurate detection of sequences of interest in a wide variety of situations.

Abstract: A liquid-handling instrument has a worksurface with registration for modular stations to support containers of liquid, pipette apparatus with a pipette tip coupled to a sensing circuit, a robotic translation system for moving the pipette tip, and a control system with an iconic user interface for programming and editing. A gauge block registered on the worksurface provides for calibration using the sensing tip, and register cavities on the worksurface provide for modular stations. There is a wash station fop the pipette tip on the worksurface. An automated laboratory based on the liquid-handling system has heating and cooling and a sealable incubation station as well as a magnetic separation station. Methods are disclosed using the apparatus to convey droplets of liquid, to aspirate with minimum tip contamination, to mix liquids in containers, and to validate the worksurface.

Abstract: Sample DNA is analyzed by joining dsDNA sample fragments to labeling moieties having a primer binding sequence, to provide labeled dsDNA. After denaturation of the labeled dsDNA, strands binding to a probe are separated, conveniently using particles and a specific binding pair, followed by amplification of the sample strands and analysis and/or isolation of the amplified strands.

Abstract: Termini of restricted double-stranded DNA fragments are modified by ligating the fragments with terminal phosphate-free double-stranded oligonucleotides having a complementary terminus in the presence of a restriction enzyme and a ligase, where joining of the complementary ends results in loss of the restriction enzyme recognition sequence.

Abstract: The invented method utilizes a signal amplification system comprising living cells which are specifically provided with the ability to survive, reproduce and be detected in the event that a target molecule is present. The method comprises first the step of binding a target molecule to a substratum. In the second step a phagemid is prepared which is capable of transfecting a cell enabling such transfected cell to produce a signal, such as color or light. The phagemid is then provided with a means for binding to a probe, thus forming a phagemid complex.The probe may also be provided with a means of binding to the phagemid complex. This modified probe is then hybridized with the target molecules bound to the substratum. Thereafter, the phagemid complex is hybridized with the modified probe and specific binding occurs between the phagemid complex and the modified probe thus forming a substrutum-target-probe phagemid complex.