Abstract: A DNA-Chip includes a flat carrier and an array of spots containing probe molecules (oligonucleotides) which are arranged on said carrier. Each spot is associated with a microelectrode arrangement for impedance spectroscopic detection of binding events occurring between the probe molecules and target molecules (DNA fragments) applied by way of an analyte solution. In order to increase the sensitivity or the binding specific measuring effects of the biochip, the electrode arrangement is at least partially embedded in a hydrophilic reaction layer containing probe molecules and which is permeable to target molecules.

Abstract: Electrically charged molecules need to be transported in order to create a DNA sensor. The following measures are undertaken: base metals are introduced into a solution as a positive ion; negatively charged molecules are transported in an opposite direction and are enriched in the vicinity of the measuring electrodes. Binding-specific separation of the charged molecules can be achieved by forming metal layers on the measuring electrodes by depositing metal ions from the solution when a suitable potential is selected. Target DNA can more particularly be introduced into the vicinity of the catcher molecules on the measuring electrodes and non-specifically bound DNA can be removed. According to the associated device, the electrode arrangement may be associated with a sacrificial electrode made of more base metal than the material of the measuring electrodes. The measuring electrodes in particular may be made of noble metal, preferably gold, and the sacrificial electrode may be made of copper.

Abstract: Especially in order to carry out the so-called enzyme-coupled DNA hybridisation test in a closed cartridge including a microfluid system, using stored dry reagents, the reagents must be dissolved in the microfluid system and transported into the measuring chamber directly before the measurement. During the dissolution of the reagents in water, air cushions that cannot reach the measuring chamber must absolutely be prevented from forming upstream of the reagent liquid. According to an embodiment of the invention, the liquid measuring sample and the liquid reagents are transported in such a way that the air cushion is directed into the waste line and the measuring sample and the reagents are then introduced into the measuring chamber without any air bubbles. In this way, measuring errors can be avoided.

Abstract: A cartridge (card) having a system of microchannels and/or microcavities is used for automated DNA or protein analysis. In at least one embodiment, the microchannels or microcavities include geometrical structures for receiving dry reagents. For the purpose of industrial production, the cartridge is produced from a flat card support, e.g., by injection moulding. The reagents are spotted into the open channels, dried and then the channels are sealed by way of a film. A finished cartridge can thus be provided with a test sample and the fully automated measuring sequence can be initiated by inserting said cartridge into a read-out device.

Abstract: Embodiments generally relate to a PCR wherein a magnetic field is focused in a localized area and also to the possibility of a cyclic transfer of heat. According to at least one embodiment of the invention, a magnetic field gradient is constructed along the direction of flow and the transfer of heat is carried out in a manner perpendicular to the direction of flow. Suitable things are provided therefore. The magnetic field is, in particular, focused by Mumetal® which is arranged on both sides of the flow channel and the temperature is controlled by way of Peltier elements, cooling bodies, and thermal coupling plates.

Abstract: The single nucleotide polymorphism analysis involves the utilization of a DNA hybridization process as well as the use of a DNA chip. A liquid DNA sample to be analyzed is guided over a DNA chip in a defined time course. After successful hybridization, the temperature is modified in a defined manner under low stringency conditions such that scavenger/target DNA hybrids are melted, whereby the melting of the scavenger/target DNA hybrids is detected and evaluated according to the temperature. In addition to the DNA chip, at least one device is provided that controls and regulates the temperature, and another device is provided that controls a lateral flow of liquid against the surface of the DNA chip. Factors for matching hybrids and mismatching/single point mismatching hybrids can be detected and evaluated using appropriate measuring device(s).

Abstract: Electrochemical transducer arrays are already known from the prior art. According to the invention, the transducer array is provided with at least one flexible, planar metal substrate on which at least one flexible insulator having a firm connection between the metal surface and the insulator surface is disposed. The metal substrate and the insulator disposed thereon are structured in such a manner as to give metal areas which are electrically insulated the one from the other and which serve as sensor areas. The metal substrate used is self-contained so that the structured metal areas can be contacted from the lower side.

Abstract: A PCR process for DNA amplification with thermocyclisation of the corresponding reagents is disclosed, in which total integration of all substances and process steps is achieved in a closed, single-use unit (so-called cartridge) in which the reagents are stored in a storage-stable form at room temperature. According to the process, the water-soluble reagents are covered by a water-insoluble medium, then the DNA to be amplified is supplied and the water-insoluble medium is eliminated, so that the water-soluble reagents are dissolved and PCR can start. In the corresponding arrangement, a test unit designed as a single-use produce (a so-called cartridge) has at least one micro-channel or micro-cavity for receiving a PCR reagent. The PCR reagents in the form of a mixture which can be dried at a negligible vapour pressure and forms a storage-stable substance substance at room temperature adhere to the walls of the micro-channel or micro-cavity and form a thin film covered by an insoluble medium.

Abstract: A device is disclosed for extracting a smear sample. The device includes a cavity, into which a sample carrier carrying a smear sample can be introduced. Liquid can be introduced into the cavity through at least one liquid feed connected to the cavity, and the liquid can be removed from the cavity through at least one liquid discharge connected to the cavity.

Abstract: Embodiments generally relate to a PCR wherein a magnetic field is focused in a localised area and also to the possibility of a cyclic transfer of heat. According to at least one embodiment of the invention, a magnetic field gradient is constructed along the direction of flow and the transfer of heat is carried out in a manner perpendicular to the direction of flow. Suitable things are provided therefore. The magnetic field is, in particular, focused by Mumetal® which is arranged on both sides of the flow channel and the temperature is controlled by way of Peltier elements, cooling bodies, and thermal coupling plates.

Abstract: At least one embodiment of the invention relates to an arrangement for thermocyclisation of a substance. At least one embodiment of the invention also relates to a method for the thermocyclisation of a substance, including: the controllable valves automatically close the PCR chamber after the test fluid has been introduced into the PCR-chamber, and the properties for the memory metal or bimetal elements are used for closing the valves when a predetermined temperature has been exceeded. As a result, the mechanical actuator, which is used to actuate the valves, is thermally coupled to the heating/cooling element in order to carry out the thermocyclisation.

Abstract: The single nucleotide polymorphism analysis involves the utilization of a DNA hybridization as well as the use of a DNA chip. A liquid DNA sample to be analyzed is guided over a DNA chip in a defined time course. After successful hybridization, the temperature is modified in a defined manner under low stringency conditions do that scavenger/target DNA hybrids are melted, whereby the melting of the scavenger/target DNA hybrids is detected and evaluated according to the temperature. In addition to the DNA chip, at least one device is provided for controlling or regulating temperature, and a device is provided for the lateral flowing against of the surface of the DNA chip. Factors for matching hybrids and mismatching/single point mismatching hybrids can be detected and evaluated using appropriate measuring device(s).

Abstract: A DNA isolation method by removal of constituents, interfering with a subsequent PCR is disclosed. According to an embodiment of the method, all substances and method steps are fully integrated into a closed unit (cartridge) for single use, which allows entry of a DNA-containing sample and DNA-binding substrates are used for isolating the released DNA. In particular, when the method is applied to DNA isolation from whole blood by disruption of white blood cells, the reagents, required for carrying out the cell disruption and other reactions, are stored in a form which is stable at room temperature. For disrupting the white blood cells and for DNA isolation, a dry stored lysis reagent is dissolved in an aqueous solution and brought into contact with the white blood cells.

Abstract: Solid matter in a cavity is used to produce a solution of at least one solid matter in a solvent. The solid matter which is soluble in the solvent in initially covered and/or surrounded in the cavity by a medium which is insoluble in a solvent, such that dissolving of the solid matter is prevented. Subsequently the solvent is guided to the cavity and the medium which is insoluble in the solvent is treated in such a manner that contact is made between the solvent and the soluble solid matter, enabling the solid matter to dissolve in the solvent. Solutions including two or more solid matter can be produced in an advantageous manner.

Abstract: A process and a kit for detecting a plurality of target nucleic acids are disclosed. In at least one embodiment, the process and/or kit includes using primers coupled to a semi-solid phase support.

Abstract: A module for processing a biological sample for an analysis test is disclosed. The processing module includes, in at least one embodiment, an interface at which the processing module can be connected to a cartridge with a lab-on-a-chip, in which cartridge the analysis steps are carried out. A biochip kit is also disclosed. In at least one embodiment, the biochip kit includes one or more processing modules which are intended for different sample materials and which can be connected to the same cartridge type.

Abstract: A DNA-Chip includes a flat carrier and an array of spots containing probe molecules (oligonucleotides) which are arranged on said carrier. Each spot is associated with a microelectrode arrangement for impedance spectroscopic detection of binding events occurring between the probe molecules and target molecules (DNA fragments) applied by way of an analyte solution. In order to increase the sensitivity or the binding specific measuring effects of the biochip, the electrode arrangement is at least partially embedded in a hydrophilic reaction layer containing probe molecules and which is permeable to target molecules.

Abstract: A biochip includes a flat carrier and an array of spots containing catcher molecules which are arranged on the carrier. Each spot is associated with a microelectrode arrangement for impedance spectroscopic detection of binding events occurring between the catcher molecules and the target molecules applied via an analyte solution. In order to increase the sensitivity or the binding-specific measuring effects of the bio-chip, the electrode arrangement is at least partially embedded in a hydrophilic reaction layer containing catcher molecules and which is permeable to target molecules.

Abstract: A hydrophilic immobilization layer for biosensors is made of a radically cross-linkable hydrogel based on polyacraylamide. The starting composition includes acrylamide, cross-linkers, radical initiator(s), at least one comonomer having reactive linker groups and optionally may include softeners. Alternatively, the inventive layer may be of a photostructured hydrogel based on polyacrylamide. The starting composition includes acrylamide, cross-linkers, photoinitiators, at least one film former, at least one comonomer having reactive linker groups and optionally may include softeners.

Abstract: Electrically charged molecules need to be transported in order to create a DNA sensor. The following measures are undertaken: base metals are introduced into a solution as a positive ion; negatively charged molecules are transported in an opposite direction and are enriched in the vicinity of the measuring electrodes. Binding-specific separation of the charged molecules can be achieved by forming metal layers on the measuring electrodes by depositing metal ions from the solution when a suitable potential is selected. Target DNA can more particularly be introduced into the vicinity of the catcher molecules on the measuring electrodes and non-specifically bound DNA can be removed. According to the associated device, the electrode arrangement may be associated with a sacrificial electrode made of more base metal than the material of the measuring electrodes. The measuring electrodes in particular may be made of noble metal, preferably gold, and the sacrificial electrode may be made of cooper.