Abstract: In a method of deducing the number of repeat units in a selected short tandem repeat (STR) in a genomic sample, at least a single stranded target DNA generated from a genomic sample comprising a selected STR, an STR probe (P1,P1?), a reference probe (P2), and two blockers (B1,B2) are provided, and at least three differential hybridization experiments are carried out, based on which the number of STR probe oligonucleotides (P1,P1?) bound per target DNA strand in each differential hybridization experiment is determined. The method further comprises the step of comparing these numbers of STR probe oligonucleotides (P1,P1?) bound per target DNA strand in the differential hybridization experiments for deducing the number of repeat units in the selected STR on the single stranded target DNA strand. Also disclosed are kits for carrying out STR genotyping by differential hybridization.

Abstract: A biological sample processing system (1) includes a liquid droplet manipulation instrument (20) with an electrode array (21) for inducing a movement of a liquid droplet (19) by electrowetting; a substrate (22); and a control unit (23). An electrode selector (34) of the control unit (23) is configured to individually select and provide each electrode (35) of the electrode array (21) with a voltage. The control unit (23) includes a central processing unit (36) for individually selecting at least one electrode (35) and for providing the selected electrode(s) (35) with an individual voltage pulse. The biological sample processing system (1) also includes a cartridge (40) with a container (2).

Abstract: A biological sample processing system (1) includes a liquid droplet manipulation instrument (20) with an electrode array (21) for inducing a movement of a liquid droplet (19) by electrowetting; a substrate (22); and a control unit (23). An electrode selector (34) of the control unit (23) is configured to individually select and provide each electrode (35) of the electrode array (21) with a voltage. The control unit (23) includes a central processing unit (36) for individually selecting at least one electrode (35) and for providing the selected electrode(s) (35) with an individual voltage pulse. The biological sample processing system (1) also includes a cartridge (40) with a container (2).

Abstract: Liquid droplet manipulation instrument has electrode array for inducing movement of a droplet by electrowetting, substrate supporting the array and control with electrode selector connected to a voltage control. The selector selects each electrode and provides each with a controlled voltage. The control includes central processing unit for providing the selected electrode with an individual voltage pulse which is a drive voltage or a ground voltage or a stop voltage. The control defines a path for movement of a liquid portion of a larger volume that covers more than one electrode by the simultaneous selection of a group of two or more subsequent drive electrodes and to provide each selected drive electrode with a drive voltage pulse along the path. The control simultaneously provides a group of two or more electrodes adjacent to or identical with the pulsed drive electrodes, with a ground or stop voltage pulse.

Abstract: In a method of deducing the number of repeat units in a selected short tandem repeat (STR) in a genomic sample, at least a single stranded target DNA generated from a genomic sample comprising a selected STR, an STR probe (P1,P1?), a reference probe (P2), and two blockers (B1,B2) are provided, and at least three differential hybridization experiments are carried out, based on which the number of STR probe oligonucleotides (P1,P1?) bound per target DNA strand in each differential hybridization experiment is determined. The method further comprises the step of comparing these numbers of STR probe oligonucleotides (P1,P1?) bound per target DNA strand in the differential hybridization experiments for deducing the number of repeat units in the selected STR on the single stranded target DNA strand. Also disclosed are kits for carrying out STR genotyping by differential hybridization.

Abstract: In a method of detecting the number of repeat units in a selected short tandem repeat (STR) in a genomic sample, the genomic sample is amplified by PCR and a single stranded target DNA is selected and separated for use in differential hybridization experiments. Subsequent partial genotyping comprises the steps of admixing to the target DNA at least one fluorescent labeled STR probe oligonucleotide and one different fluorescent labeled reference probe oligonucleotide allowing hybridization to the single stranded target DNA in a hybridization experiment. Measurement of the fluorescence intensities of the probes that are bound to the repeat units of the selected STR and normalizing the fluorescence intensity of the STR probes on the base of the reference probe intensity reveals a relative fluorescence signal representing the result of the differential hybridization experiment. Also disclosed are kits for carrying out partial genotyping by differential hybridization.

Abstract: A cartridge (1) comprises a working film (10) for manipulating samples in liquid droplets with an electrode array (20) when the working film (10) of the cartridge (1) is placed on said electrode array (20).

Abstract: Stem-loop probe for single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) genotyping of individual SNP nucleic acid target sequences has first, second, and third single stranded nucleic acid portions. Second portion is between the first and third portions. First and third portions build a double stranded, intramolecular stem. Second portion forms a single stranded oligonucleotide loop with a nucleotide sequence, complementary to individual SNP nucleic acid target sequences. The nucleotide sequence of probe is matches probe/target hybrids have a melting point Tm that is at least 5° C. higher than Tm of mismatched probe/target hybrids. A method of detecting SNP in nucleic acid containing samples uses a pair of stem-loop probes for SNP genotyping of two individual SNP nucleic acid target sequences. The probes comprise the same first, second, and third portions and a ratio of perfect match probe/target hybrids to mismatched probe/target hybrids is detected at a certain temperature.

Abstract: A cartridge (1) comprises a working film (10) for manipulating samples in liquid droplets with an electrode array (20) when the working film (10) of the cartridge (1) is placed on said electrode array (20).

Abstract: A Pol-II type DNA polymerase wherein an alanine located at the nucleotide binding site is replaced with a hydroxy containing amino acid.

Abstract: An enzymatically active DNA polymerase or fragment thereof having at least 80% homology in its amino acid sequence to at least a contiguous 40 amino acid sequence of the DNA polymerase of Thermoanaerobacter thermohydrosulfuricus.