Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a device for the automatic processing of biological samples which can have a relatively large volume and which can be further processed by a microfluidic system. A container is provided with a filter and can be or is closed. A biological sample is introduced into the container. An inlet or outlet for liquids is mounted downstream of the filter. In order to carry out processing, liquids that are present in the container are not only sucked off through the filter and passed on via the inlet or outlet, but liquids required for processing are also pumped into the container through the filter. The container can be connected to a microfluidic system in a relatively easy manner since only one conduit is required for an automated processing.

Abstract: A method for detecting the presence of molecules includes bringing into contact with at least one optical grating comprised of a first liquid phase, a second liquid phase which cannot be mixed with the first liquid phase. The first liquid phase is arranged on a substrate in a form of periodic structures having a periodicity ranging from about 190 nm to about 10 ?m. The molecules to be detected, which are capable of changing the optical characteristics of the at least one optical grating are added to the first liquid phase or to the second liquid phase either before, during or after the bringing step. The presence of molecules is detected by measuring a changed reflection or transmission of light at the at least one optical grating or a changing spatial course of the diffraction pattern as soon as the first liquid phase makes contact with the second liquid phase and with the molecules to be detected.

Abstract: A method for detecting the presence of molecules includes bringing into contact with at least one optical grating comprised of a first liquid phase, a second liquid phase which cannot be mixed with the first liquid phase. The first liquid phase is arranged on a substrate in a form of periodic structures having a periodicity ranging from about 190 nm to about 10 ?m. The molecules to be detected, which are capable of changing the optical characteristics of the at least one optical grating are added to the first liquid phase or to the second liquid phase either before, during or after the bringing step. The presence of molecules is detected by measuring a changed reflection or transmission of light at the at least one optical grating or a changing spatial course of the diffraction pattern as soon as the first liquid phase makes contact with the second liquid phase and with the molecules to be detected.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a device for processing a biological sample. According to the invention, the processing comprises binding, washing and eluting biomolecules of the biological sample. The aim of the invention is to provide a method and a device for the automatic processing of biological samples which can have a relatively large volume and which can be further process by a microfluidic system. According to the invention, a container (1) is provided with a filter (10) and can be or is closed. A biological sample is introduced into the container. An inlet or outlet (4) for liquids is mounted downstream of the filter. In order to carry out processing, liquids that are present in the container are not only sucked off through the filter and passed on via the inlet or outlet, but liquids required for processing are also pumped into the container through the filter.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for simultaneously amplifying and detecting nucleic acid sequences in a reaction comprising the following steps: (i) providing a sample comprising at least one nucleic acid molecule; (ii) providing reagents for performing an amplification reaction, wherein the reagents comprise at least four, preferably at least five, more preferably at least six probes, wherein (a) each of the probes is specific for a nucleic acid sequence; (b) at least two, preferably at least three probes carry the same label; and (c) each of the probes that carry the same label has a melting temperature (Tm) which differs by more than 2° C.

Abstract: The instant invention relates to a quantitative real time RT-PCR method for detecting Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome-associated virus (SARS-associated virus) and to oligonucleotides and kits for detecting SARS-associated virus.

Abstract: The instant invention relates to an efficient, sensitive and reliable quantitative real time RT-PCR method for detecting Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome-associated virus (SARS-associated virus), to oligonucleotides and kits for detecting SARS-associated virus.