Abstract: Provided herein are methods for the rapid preparation of amplifiable nucleic acids from biological samples, which can be applied to various applications, such as, for example, point-of-care diagnostics, service laboratory diagnostics, and molecular biology applications. These methods can be performed in 15 minutes or less, and preferably in 5 minutes or less. For most applications, no further purification of nucleic acids is needed.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods for the rapid preparation of amplifiable nucleic acids from biological samples, which can be applied to various applications, such as, for example, point-of-care diagnostics, service laboratory diagnostics, and molecular biology applications. These methods can be performed in 15 minutes or less, and preferably in 5 minutes or less. For most applications, no further purification of nucleic acids is needed.

Abstract: Various methods for forming dyed microspheres are provided. One method includes activating a chemical structure coupled to a dye using heat or light to form a reaction intermediate in the presence of a microsphere. The reaction intermediate covalently attaches to a polymer of the microsphere thereby coupling the dye to the polymer and forming the dyed microsphere. Additional methods are provided for forming a dyed microsphere coupled to a molecule. These methods include dyeing the microspheres as described above in addition to synthesizing the molecule on an outer surface of the dyed microspheres. A population of dyed microspheres is also provided. Each of the dyed microspheres of the population includes a dye attached to a polymer of each of the dyed microspheres by a chemical structure. A coefficient of variation in dye characteristics of the population of dyed microspheres attributable to the dye is less than about 10%.

Abstract: Various methods for altering surface characteristics of a microsphere are provided. One method includes coupling an enolic acid to the microsphere to modify the surface characteristics of the microsphere. The surface characteristics may include charge density and/or pKa. A reagent can be coupled to the microsphere via the enolic acid. The reagent may include a biomolecule. The modified surface characteristics may increase a stability of the reagent when the reagent is coupled to the microsphere. The modified surface characteristics may also improve performance of an assay carried out with the microsphere. Another embodiment relates to a microsphere that includes an enolic acid coupled to a polymer core of the microsphere such that the enolic acid modifies surface characteristics of the microsphere. A reagent can be coupled to the microsphere via the enolic acid.