Abstract: A detector oligonucleotide comprises multiple pairs of a donor fluorophore and a quencher molecule, which donor fluorophores and quencher molecules are separated by a site that is capable of being cleaved when in double-stranded form. The detector oligonucleotide may be made double-stranded in a manner that depends on the presence of a target nucleic acid, allowing the cleavage sites to be cleaved. Separation of the donor fluorophores and the quencher molecules decreases fluorescence quenching and generates a detectable change in a fluorescence parameter of the fluorophores of the detector oligonucleotide. By using multiple donor/quencher pairs, the present detector oligonucleotide advantageously generates a high signal to noise ratio and high efficiency in detection of a target nucleic acid.

Abstract: A method is provided for extracting and purifying components of biological samples with a two-step process for elution and neutralization of the components from the sample. The separate elution and neutralization steps use adjustment of the buffer pH to improve extraction and purification of the desired components.

Abstract: A composition and method for the purification of nucleic acid are disclosed. The composition includes at least one alkaline agent and at least one detergent. The composition preferably also includes a suspension of paramagnetic particles and an acidic solution. The method involves the use of the composition with paramagnetic particles to extract nucleic acid from a biological sample.

Abstract: Methods for isolating a compound from a multipart, typically biological sample. The methods use at least one paramagnetic particle having an associated electronic charge to bind compounds with the opposite charge to form a particle/compound complex. Alternatively, the paramagnetic particles have a ligand or functional group with an affinity for a target compound to form a particle/compound complex. The complex can be immobilized by applying a magnetic field to the particle/protein complex. The sample may be further processed to obtain a protein sample in a more pure form or a sample depleted of select compounds.

Abstract: A method useful for the reversible binding of a protein molecule in a biological sample. The method uses paramagnetic particles having an associated electronic charge to bind proteins with the opposite charge to form a particle/protein complex. The complex can be immobilized to a container wall by applying a magnetic field to the particle/protein complex. The sample may be further processed to obtain a protein sample in a more pure form or a sample depleted of select proteins.

Abstract: A method includes creating a mixture in a container, the mixture including a sample containing at least one molecule of nucleic acid, at least one magnetically-responsive particle, and a remainder; and providing the mixture with a pH of less than about 7.0, thereby altering the surface charge properties of the at least one magnetically-responsive particle. The alteration in the surface change properties of the at least one magnetically-responsive particle causes the at least one molecule of nucleic acid to become non-specifically bound to the at least one magnetically-responsive particle to form a complex. Preferably, the at least one magnetically-responsive particle is uncoated, untreated, lacks surface modification, and has a diameter of about 0.1 ?m to about 1.0 ?m.

Abstract: A detector oligonucleotide comprises multiple pairs of a donor fluorophore and a quencher molecule, which donor fluorophores and quencher molecules are separated by a site that is capable of being cleaved when in double-stranded form. The detector oligonucleotide may be made double-stranded in a manner that depends on the presence of a target nucleic acid, allowing the cleavage sites to be cleaved. Separation of the donor fluorophores and the quencher molecules decreases fluorescence quenching and generates a detectable change in a fluorescence parameter of the fluorophores of the detector oligonucleotide. By using multiple donor/quencher pairs, the present detector oligonucleotide advantageously generates a high signal to noise ratio and high efficiency in detection of a target nucleic acid.