Abstract: The disclosure relates to filtering devices, capture devices and their uses to isolate nucleic acids from exosome and/or vesicles.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to methods of collecting cervical-vaginal fluid exosomes and microvesicles and isolating corresponding mRNA. In particular, certain embodiments relate to the method of collecting the cervical-vaginal fluids with a tampon and releasing the cells, exosomes and microvesicles using excess buffer and a syringe or syringe-like device. The resulting expunged fluid can be applied to a filter device that is capable of capturing exosomes and microvesicles. Nucleic acids such as mRNA can be isolated from the cervical-vaginal fluid exosome and microvesicles using an oligo(dT)-coated plate designed to accommodate the filter device and then used for further molecular analysis. Quantification of the collected nucleic acids may then be used in the diagnosis and/or treatment of gynecological diseases or conditions.

Abstract: Provided herein are devices and methods for the capture or isolation of a biomarker from a biological sample. In several embodiments, the device comprises a loading region, a filter material, and a receiving region. In particular, in several embodiments, biological fluid is passed from the loading region through the filter material and into the receiving region, thereby resulting in capture or isolation of a biomarker.

Abstract: Provided herein are devices and methods for the capture or isolation of a biomarker from a biological sample. In several embodiments, the device comprises a loading region, a filter material, and a receiving region. In particular, in several embodiments, biological fluid is passed from the loading region through the filter material and into the receiving region, thereby resulting in capture or isolation of a biomarker.

Abstract: Provided herein are devices and methods for the capture or isolation of a biomarker from a biological sample. In several embodiments, the device comprises a loading region, a filter material, and a receiving region. In particular, in several embodiments, biological fluid is passed from the loading region through the filter material and into the receiving region, thereby resulting in capture or isolation of a biomarker.

Abstract: A method is provided for performing a reaction, such as the synthesis of concentrated cDNA, in the wells of a microplate while minimizing the volume of the solution of reagents required to perform the reaction. In the method, a pestle is inserted into the well of a microplate to which a substance has been immobilized. A volume of reagent solution is introduced into the well that is insufficient to cover the portion of the well onto which the substance is immobilized. The insertion of the pestle displaces reagent solution and increases the surface area of the solution in contact with the portion of the well to which the substance has been immobilized when the pestle is inserted.

Abstract: A method is provided for performing a reaction, such as the synthesis of concentrated cDNA, in the wells of a microplate while minimizing the volume of the solution of reagents required to perform the reaction. In the method, a pestle is inserted into the well of a microplate to which a substance has been immobilized. A volume of reagent solution is introduced into the well that is insufficient to cover the portion of the well onto which the substance is immobilized. The insertion of the pestle displaces reagent solution and increases the surface area of the solution in contact with the portion of the well to which the substance has been immobilized when the pestle is inserted.

Abstract: Formation of bubbles is prevented during filtration operation by placing an oil on top of a solution-to-be filtered, where the oil is not admixable with the solution and has a lower specific gravity than the solution. The oil seals the solution from air so that no bubbles are formed. The oil does not pass through the filter even after all collectable filtrate of the solution has passed therethrough.

Abstract: Formation of bubbles is prevented during filtration operation by placing an oil on top of a solution-to-be filtered, where the oil is not admixable with the solution and has a lower specific gravity than the solution. The oil seals the solution from air so that no bubbles are formed. The oil does not pass through the filter even after all collectable filtrate of the solution has passed therethrough.

Abstract: Degradation of RNA present in a sample is detected by using, as an indicator, rRNA included in the RNA. The steps include: (a) introducing the sample onto a microchannel, at an introducing point, filled with an electrophoresis separation gel; (b) conducting electrophoresis of rRNA fragments present in the sample to force rRNA fragments to migrate through the electrophoresis separation gel; (c) detecting rRNA fragments passing through a detection point located downstream of the introducing point, to obtain detection patterns; and (d) determining degradation of RNA present in the sample based on the detection patterns of rRNA. A sample containing degraded mRNA can also be screened by detecting rRNA degradation in the above microchannel electrophoresis.

Abstract: The present invention relates to analyzing a test sample for the presence or absence of nuclease activity, and for quantifying the amount of nuclease activity. In one aspect of the invention, a kit is provided which allows the rapid and efficient quantification of nuclease activity in a sample having an unknown nuclease activity. In another aspect of the invention, a method for determining the presence or absence of nuclease activity, and for quantifying nuclease activity is disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for the rapid screening of gene amplification products on commercially available polypropylene microtiter plates. In one aspect of the invention, polypropylene microtiter plates are used for polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and the amount of nucleic acid sequences amplified through the reaction is quantitated in the same plates. In another aspect of the invention, polypropylene plates are used for detection and quantification of nucleic acids.