Abstract: A solution for treating a nucleic acid duplex having a pH of from 3 to 11, comprising a soluble protein or mixture of proteins; and 0.1 mM to 10 mM divalent cations; wherein the nature and concentration of the protein or mixture of proteins is selected so that the solution is capable of inhibiting heat denaturation of a nucleic acid product.

Abstract: A solution for treating a nucleic acid duplex having a pH of from 3 to 11, comprising a soluble protein or mixture of proteins; and 0.1 mM to 10 mM divalent cations; wherein the nature and concentration of the protein or mixture of proteins is selected so that the solution is capable of inhibiting heat denaturation of a nucleic acid duplex.

Abstract: The present invention provides devices and methods for handling and processing a filter or other matrix punch comprising a sample of interest in order to prevent loss of the punch and to improve ease of handling. In one aspect, the present invention provides a device comprising a first element, which holds a punch, coupled to a second element, which contributes to holding the punch in the first element, with reservoirs above and below the punch. The devices and methods can be used manually in single-channel and multi-channel formats or can be used in an automated processor, such as a robotic processor. Kits are also provided.

Abstract: A composition for treating a nucleic acid duplex, wherein the composition is capable of inhibiting denaturation of the duplex, characterised in that the composition comprises a ubiquitin-like protein and/or a macroglobulin. It has been found that ubiquitin-like proteins (e.g. ubiquitin, NEDD8, RAD23 etc.) and macroglobulins (eg. ?2-macroglobulin) are able to stabilise nucleic acid duplexes. A nucleic acid duplex which has been contacted with the composition of the invention can be subjected to more stringent processing conditions, with denaturation of the duplex being inhibited, than would otherwise be possible. Corresponding methods and uses are also provided.

Abstract: A solution for treating a nucleic acid duplex having a pH of from 3 to 11, comprising a soluble protein or mixture of proteins; and 0.1 mM to 10 mM divalent cations; wherein the nature and concentration of the protein or mixture of proteins is selected so that the solution is capable of inhibiting heat denaturation of a nucleic acid duplex.