Abstract: A device for use in the separation of biological samples into a solid component and a liquid component. The device comprises a front cover and a back cover connected at a hinge portion such that the device is operable between an open position and a closed position. A separation membrane is arranged to retain the solid component and to allow the liquid component to pass therethrough, and an absorption membrane is arranged to retain the liquid component. The separation and absorption membranes are arranged in a layered structure between the front and back covers. Opening the device from the closed position to the open position causes the separation and absorption membranes to bend, thereby applying a compressive force to the membranes.

Abstract: Nucleic acid probes for detection of a target nucleic acid molecule by an RCA reaction in the presence of the target nucleic acid molecule, comprise a first circular template strand which is capable of acting as a template for RCA, and is protected from RCA in the absence of the target nucleic acid molecule by at least a second protector strand which comprises a region of complementarity to the first template strand and is hybridised thereto to form a double-stranded circular structure containing the first template strand inside the protector strand(s). At least one of the second and/or any further protector strands comprises a target binding site, such that upon binding of the probe to the target nucleic acid molecule the probe is able to undergo a strand displacement reaction which allows RCA of the first template strand. Methods of detecting target analytes use such probes.

Abstract: The present invention provides nucleic acid probes for detection of a target nucleic acid molecule by an RCA reaction in the presence of the target nucleic acid molecule, comprising a first circular template strand which is capable of acting as a template for RCA, and which is protected from RCA in the absence of the target nucleic acid molecule by at least a second protector strand which comprises a region of complementarity to the first template strand and is hybridised thereto to form a double-stranded circular structure containing the first template strand inside the protector strand(s), wherein at least one of the second and/or any further protector strands comprises a target binding site, such that upon binding of the probe to the target nucleic acid molecule the probe is able to undergo a strand displacement reaction which allows RCA of the first template strand, and kits containing the same. Methods of detecting target analytes using such probes are also provided.