Abstract: Methods for sterilization of ligase-based amplification products, including products of the Ligation Amplification Reaction (LAR), involving treatment of nucleic acid after amplification to render such nucleic acid incapable of serving as a template for further amplification. Both random and site-specific addition of sterilizing compounds, and more specifically, photoactivation compounds, render amplification product subsequently unamplifiable. Self-sterilizing primers are also employed allowing for a homogenous detection of ligase-based amplification product.

Abstract: Method useful for solving the problem of contamination of protein with nucleic acid. Rendering amplifiable contaminating nucleic acid in enzyme preparations substantially unamplifiable prior to use of the enzyme.

Abstract: Method for treating nucleic acid that is to be amplified such that the nucleic acid is, after amplification, subsequently unamplifiable. Nucleic acid amplification is performed in a reaction containing means in the presence of an isopsoralen. The reaction is thereafter irradiated to render the amplified nucleic acid substantially unamplifiable.

Abstract: The invention is directed to isopsoralen compound compositions that contain a variety of substitutions which yet permit their binding to nucleic acid polymers. Reaction conditions that activate these bound isopsoralens results in covalent crosslinking to the nucleic acid polymers. The resultant complex is inhibited from being a template for the template-directed enzymatic synthesis of a complementary nucleic acid polymer. Beside the isopsoralens compositions, the invention includes their synthesis, the nucleic acid complex production and detection, and the above inhibitory method of use of the isopsoralens.