Abstract: Methods are provided for a rapid, low cost approach to monitoring an amplification reaction. This includes monitoring the progress of isothermal or PCR amplification reactions to completion using pH-sensitive dyes that are either colored or fluorescent. Compositions are described that include a mixture of a DNA polymerase, deoxyribonucleotide triphosphate and a weak buffer of less than 1 mM Tris or equivalent or no buffer.

Abstract: Novel proteins having DNA polymerase are described which have utility in amplification reactions and have improved properties over Bst polymerase such as for example enhanced reverse transcriptase activity.

Abstract: Methods are provided for a rapid, low cost approach to monitoring an amplification reaction. This includes monitoring the progress of isothermal or PCR amplification reactions to completion using pH-sensitive dyes that are either colored or fluorescent. Compositions are described that include a mixture of a DNA polymerase, deoxyribonucleotide triphosphate and a weak buffer of less than 1 mM Tris or equivalent or no buffer.

Abstract: Compositions and methods are provided for quantitative detection of amplification products, the methods being suitable for multiplexing. A first oligonucleotide that includes a primer sequence for priming an amplification reaction and also is labeled with a fluorescent label or quencher is mixed with a second oligonucleotide which has a sequence suitable for hybridizing to a portion of the first oligonucleotide and has a fluorescent label if the first oligonucleotide has a quencher or a quencher if the first oligonucleotide has a fluorescent label; and a third nucleotide which includes some or all the primer sequence contained in the first oligonucleotide but is not labeled, the first and third oligonucleotide being combined in a molar ratio of 2.8 to 8.2.

Abstract: Compositions and methods are provided for quantitative detection of amplification products, the methods being suitable for multiplexing. A first oligonucleotide that includes a primer sequence for priming an amplification reaction and also is labeled with a fluorescent label or quencher is mixed with a second oligonucleotide which has a sequence suitable for hybridizing to a portion of the first oligonucleotide and has a fluorescent label if the first oligonucleotide has a quencher or a quencher if the first oligonucleotide has a fluorescent label; and a third nucleotide which includes some or all the primer sequence contained in the first oligonucleotide but is not labeled, the first and third oligonucleotide being combined in a molar ratio of 2.8 to 8.2.

Abstract: Compositions are provided that include a plurality of small molecules selected from the group consisting of an amide, urea or acetone having a molecular weight less than 300 g/mol; and dNTPs and a polymerase in a buffer suitable for use as an amplification buffer. Methods of use of the compositions are also described for reducing non-template DNA amplification.

Abstract: Compositions of novel polymerase variants and methods of identifying, making and using these novel polymerases are described. The variants have been shown to have advantageous properties such as increased thermostability, deoxyuridine nucleoside triphosphate tolerance, salt tolerance, reaction speed and/or increased reverse transcriptase properties. Uses for these improved enzymes have been demonstrated in isothermal amplification such as LAMP. Enhanced performance resulting from the use of these variants in amplification has been demonstrated both in reaction vessels and in dedicated automated amplification platforms.