Abstract: The present invention provides methods for detecting a target nucleic acid molecule in a sample that comprises nucleic acid molecules of higher biological complexity than that of amplified nucleic acid molecules in a complex environment containing numerous non-nucleic acid components. In particular, the present invention provides methods and probes for isolating DNA with detergents and detecting a single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in a complex sample that comprises numerous non-nucleic acid components and nucleic acid molecules of higher biological complexity than that of amplified nucleic acid molecules.

Abstract: A method for functionalizing substrates such as magnetic beads and glass slides is provided. The method involves providing substrate surfaces with activated polyacrylic acid (PAA) and attaching one or more desired capture probes. Substrates prepared by the method are particularly useful in ultrasensitive detection assays as they exhibit very low specific binding and high binding efficiency relative to conventional substrates.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for detecting a target nucleic acid molecule in a sample that comprises nucleic acid molecules of higher biological complexity than that of amplified nucleic acid molecules. In particular, the present invention provides methods and probes for detecting a single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in a sample that comprises nucleic acid molecules of higher biological complexity than that of amplified nucleic acid molecules.