Abstract: The invention provides efficient methods of isolating specific nucleic acid targets to obtain information from target nucleic acid sequences in a relatively short time period. DNA or cDNA is enzymatically digested into smaller fragments, double-stranded DNA linkers are added onto the ends of the DNA fragments to flank each fragment with a known DNA sequence. The fragments are mixed with an oligonucleotide probe that is bound to a marker and contains a conserved nucleic acid sequence of interest. The fragments that hybridize to the probe through nucleotide base pair complementation become indirectly connected to the marker. These target fragments are captured using a capture agent that specifically recognizes the marker and treated to prevent non-specific binding. Captured fragments are typically cloned prior to sequencing. The captured fragments may also be amplified using PCR to increase the efficiency of the cloning.

Abstract: A therapeutic medical device is described that is comprised of a dried hydrogel of a hydrophilic-hygroscopic polymer, such as an unmodified or modified polymeric carbohydrate, in the form of a solid foam. The dried hydrogel is prepared by preferably freeze-drying a hydrogel of this polymer in a liquid medium, such as water. The dried hydrogel can be sterilized by radiation or other means so that the sterilized product has a relatively indefinite shelf-life without refrigeration. The resultant dried hydrogel can be transformed into a hydrogel upon absorption of addition liquid medium. The described therapeutic device can serve as a dressing for a wound or lesion, drug delivery system, a hemostatic agent and a biologic response modifier. The described therapeutic device enhances the wound healing rate.