Abstract: Fast and highly accurate mass spectrometry-based processes for detecting particular nucleic acid molecules and sequences in the molecules are provided. Depending upon the sequence to be detected, the processes, for example, can be used to diagnose a genetic disease or a chromosomal abnormality, a predisposition to a disease or condition, or infection by a pathogen, or for determining identity or heredity.

Abstract: Open systems for performing submicroliter reactions are provided. The systems can include a support for performing the reaction; a liquid dispensing system for dispensing a submicroliter amount of a liquid to a site on or in the support; a temperature controlling device for regulating the temperature of the support; and an interface for controlling the amount of liquid dispensed from the liquid dispensing system are provided. Methods using the systems are also provided.

Abstract: Fast and highly accurate mass spectrometry-based processes for detecting particular nucleic acid molecules and sequences in the molecules are provided. Arrays of oligonucleotides for performing mass spectrometric analyses are provided.

Abstract: Fast and highly accurate mass spectrometry-based processes for detecting particular nucleic acid molecules and sequences in the molecules are provided. Depending upon the sequence to be detected, the processes, for example, can be used to diagnose a genetic disease or a chromosomal abnormality, a predisposition to a disease or condition, or infection by a pathogen, or for determining identity or heredity.

Abstract: This invention relates to methods for detecting and sequencing of target double-stranded nucleic acid sequences, to nucleic acid probes and arrays of probes useful in these methods, and to kits and systems which contain these probes. Useful methods involve hybridizing the nucleic acids or nucleic acids which represent complementary or homologous sequences of the target to an array of nucleic acid probes. These probe comprise a single-stranded portion, an optional double-stranded portion and a variable sequence within the single-stranded portion. The molecular weights of the hybridized nucleic acids of the set can be determined by mass spectroscopy, and the sequence of the target determined from the molecular weights of the fragments. Nucleic acids whose sequences can be determined include nucleic acids in biological samples such as patient biopsies and environmental samples.

Abstract: The invention provides fast and highly accurate mass spectrometer based processes for detecting a particular nucleic acid sequence in a biological sample. Depending on the sequence to be detected, the processes can be used, for example, to diagnose a genetic disease or chromosomal abnormality; a predisposition to a disease or condition, infection by a pathogenic organism, or for determining identity or heredity.

Abstract: A process for determining the identity of a target polypeptide using mass spectroscopy is provided. Depending on the target polypeptide to be identified, a process as disclosed can be used, for example, to diagnose a genetic disease or chromosomal abnormality, a predisposition to a disease or condition, or infection by a pathogenic organism; or for determining identity or heredity. Kits for performing the disclosed processes also are provided.

Abstract: Fast and highly accurate mass spectrometry-based processes for detecting a particular nucleic acid sequence in a biological sample are provided. Depending on the sequence to be detected, the processes can be used, for example, to diagnose a genetic disease or chromosomal abnormality; a predisposition to a disease or condition, infection by a pathogenic organism, or for determining identity or heredity.

Abstract: Multifunctional liquid phase carriers (LPCs) and methods of using LPCs for the preparation of biopolymers are provided. The LPCs are highly symmetrical compounds that possess more than two points of attachment for biopolymer synthesis. The LPCs have the formula Sp(X1)n, where Sp is a highly symmetrical moiety such that all X1 groups are equivalent. X1 is a functional group that is suitable for biopolymer synthesis, including OH, SH, NH2, COOH and the like. Biopolymers that may be produced using the methods provided include oligonucleotides, peptides, protein nucleic acids (PNAs) and oligosaccharides. Analogs of the biopolymers may also be prepared using the methods.

Abstract: A fully automated modular analytical system integrates instrumentation to permit analysis of biopolymer samples. The samples include, but are not limited to, all biopolymers, e.g., nucleic acids, proteins, peptides and carbohydrates. The system integrates analytical methods of detection and analysis, e.g., mass spectrometry, radiolabeling, mass tags, chemical tags, fluorescence chemiluminescence, and the like, with robotic technology and automated chemical reaction systems to provide a high-throughput, accurate Automated Process Line (APL).

Abstract: Multifunctional liquid phase carriers (LPCs) and methods of using LPCs for the preparation of biopolymers are provided. The LPCs are highly symmetrical compounds that possess more than two points of attachment for biopolymer synthesis. The LPCs have the formula Sp(X1)n, where Sp is a highly symmetrical moiety such that all X1 groups are equivalent. X1 is a functional group that is suitable for biopolymer synthesis, including OH, SH, NH2, COOH and the like. Biopolymers that may be produced using the methods provided include oligonucleotides, peptides, protein nucleic acids (PNAs) and oligosaccharides. Analogs of the biopolymers may also be prepared using the methods.

Abstract: A process for determining the identity of a target polypeptide using mass spectroscopy is provided. Depending on the target polypeptide to be identified, a process as disclosed can be used, for example, to diagnose a genetic disease or chromosomal abnormality, a predisposition to a disease or condition, or infection by a pathogenic organism; or for determining identity or heredity. Kits for performing the disclosed processes also are provided.

Abstract: A method for dissociating a complex of a biotin compound and a biotin-binding compound, by contacting the complex with an amine, is disclosed.

Abstract: Fast and highly accurate mass spectrometry-based processes for detecting particular nucleic acid molecules and sequences in the molecules are provided. Depending upon the sequence to be detected, the processes, for example, can be used to diagnose a genetic disease or a chromosomal abnormality, a predisposition to a disease or condition, or infection by a pathogen, or for determining identity or heredity.

Abstract: Fast and highly accurate mass spectrometry-based processes for detecting particular nucleic acid molecules and sequences in the molecules are provided. Depending upon the sequence to be detected, the processes, for example, can be used to diagnose a genetic disease or a chromosomal abnormality, a predisposition to a disease or condition, or infection by a pathogen, or for determining identity or heredity.

Abstract: A mass spectrometric method for sequencing nucleic acids using RNA polymerases, including DNA-dependent and RNA-dependent RNA polymerases, is provided. The methods use a modified Sanger sequencing strategy in which RNA polymerase is used to generate a set of nested RNA transcripts obtained by base-specific chain termination. These are analyzed by mass spectrometry. A method of identifying transcriptional terminator sequences or attenuator sequences is also provided.

Abstract: Fast and highly accurate mass spectrometry-based processes for detecting particular nucleic acid molecules and sequences in the molecules are provided. Depending upon the sequence to be detected, the processes, for example, can be used to diagnose a genetic disease or a chromosomal abnormality, a predisposition to a disease or condition, or infection by a pathogen, or for determining identity or heredity.

Abstract: Serial and parallel dispensing tools that can deliver defined and controlled volumes of fluid to generate multi-element arrays of sample material on a substrate surface are provided. The substrates surfaces can be flat or geometrically altered to include wells of receiving material. Also provided are tools that allow the parallel development of a sample array. To this end, the tool can be understood as an assembly of vesicle elements, or pins, where each of the pins can include a narrow interior chamber suitable for holding nanoliter volumes of fluid. Each of the pins can fit inside a housing that forms an interior chamber. The interior chamber can be connected to a pressure source that will control the pressure within the interior chamber to regulate the flow of fluid within the interior chamber of the pins. The prepared sample arrays can then be passed to a plate assembly that disposes the sample arrays for analysis by mass spectrometry.

Abstract: Fast and highly accurate mass spectrometry-based processes for detecting particular nucleic acid molecules and sequences in the molecules are provided. Depending upon the sequence to be detected, the processes, for example, can be used to diagnose a genetic disease or a chromosomal abnormality, a predisposition to a disease or condition, or infection by a pathogen, or for determining identity or heredity.

Abstract: The invention describes a new method to sequence DNA. The improvements over the existing DNA sequencing technologies are high speed, high throughput, no electrophoresis and gel reading artifacts due to the complete absence of an electrophoretic step, and no costly reagents involving various substitutions with stable isotopes. The invention utilizes the Sanger sequencing strategy and assembles the sequence information by analysis of the nested fragments obtained by base-specific chain termination via their different molecular masses using mass spectrometry, as for example, MALDI or ES mass spectrometry. A further increase in throughput can be obtained by introducing mass-modifications in the oligonucleotide primer, chain-terminating nucleoside triphosphates and/or in the chain-elongating nucleoside triphosphates, as well as using integrated tag sequences which allow multiplexing by hybridization of tag specific probes with mass differentiated molecular weights.