Abstract: A charge-flow separation apparatus (CFS) for enriching rare cell populations, particularly fetal cells, from a whole blood sample by separating the rare cell fractions from whole fractions according to the relative-charge density and/or the relative binding affinity for a leukocyte depletion solid phase matrix is described. The apparatus having an internal cooling system allows for dissipating heat generated by the electric field of the apparatus. The internal cooling system, consisting of a plurality of cooling tubes to circulate coolant material, prevents cellular degradation typically associated with the high heat generated by the electric field and permits the use of a higher voltage gradient to shorten separation times.

Abstract: A method for enriching rare cell populations from a whole blood sample by separating rare cell fractions from whole according to the relative charge density and/or the relative binding affinity for a leukocyte depletion solid phase matrix. The enrichment method may be operated stand alone, or as a pre or post-processing step in conjunction with a charge-flow separation method.

Abstract: A charge-flow separation apparatus (CFS) and method for enriching rare cell populations, particularly fetal cells, from a whole blood sample by separating the rare cell fractions from whole according to the relative charge density and/or the relative binding affinity for a leukocyte depletion solid phase matrix. The enrichment method may be operated stand alone, or as a pre- or post-processing step in conjunction with a charge-flow separation method.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a multi-domain oligonucleotide ligand having multiple functions conferred by each of the domains. The ligand is bound to a solid phase matrix for use in both mRNA-affinity chromatography and as a priming matrix for generating matrix-bound cDNA from the mRNA bound to the matrix. The resultant cDNA was tested and found to function as a solid-phase template for PCR. This solid-phase template approach to PCR is demonstrated with oligo-d(T) paper. The functional domains are defined by polynucleotide sequences on the ligand to confer the different functions.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a multi-domain oligonucleotide ligand having multiple functions conferred by each of the domains. The ligand is bound to a solid phase matrix for use in both mRNA-affinity chromatography and as a priming matrix for generating matrix-bound cDNA from the mRNA bound to the matrix. The resultant cDNA was tested and found to function as a solid-phase template for PCR. This solid-phase template approach to PCR is demonstrated with oligo-d(T) paper. The functional domains are defined by polynucleotide sequences on the ligand to confer the different functions.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a multi-domain oligonucleotide ligand having multiple functions conferred by each of the domains. The ligand is bound to a solid phase matrix for use in both mRNA-affinity chromatography and as a priming matrix for generating matrix-bound cDNA from the mRNA bound to the matrix. The resultant cDNA was tested and found to function as a solid-phase template for PCR. This solid-phase template approach to PCR is demonstrated with oligo-d(T) paper. The functional domains are defined by polynucleotide sequences on the ligand to confer the different functions.