Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for amplifying and detecting nucleic acid sequences in a reaction cartridge comprising the following steps, (i) providing a sample comprising at least one nucleic acid molecule, (ii) in a first reaction chamber of the cartridge providing reagents for an amplification reaction, (iii) mixing the sample with the amplification reagents, (iv) amplifying the at least one nucleic acid in the first reaction chamber of the cartridge, (v) transferring at least parts of the amplification reaction into a second and third reaction chamber of the cartridge each comprising a probe set, wherein (a) each probe set consists of at least three probes, (b) each of the probes is specific for a nucleic acid sequence, (c) there are at least two probes in each set which carry an identical label, (d) each of the probes in a given probe set that carries an identical label has a melting temperature (Tm) which differs by more than 2° C.

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: Methods and materials for determining the presence of at least one nucleic acid in a sample are provided, said methods comprising (1) a purification step using sequence specific hybrid capture; (2) an amplification step; and (3) a detection step comprising contacting the target nucleic acid with a plurality of detectably labeled nucleic acid detection probes, wherein each (a) bears a different detectable label from the other detection probes, and/or (b) has a different melting temperature from probes bearing the same detectable label. Also disclosed are compositions and kits for use in such a method.

Abstract: The invention relates to the preparation of a biological sample for performing verifications and examinations, wherein the aim of the invention is the creation of a method for preparing a biological sample having an improved PCR sensitivity compared to the reference standard having standard PCR without having to raise the cost thereof.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a device for the digestion of biological cells. Digestion of cells is understood as breaking up cells so that hereditary information can be removed. Using the present invention, nucleic acids are to be able to be removed from cells in particular. The nucleic acids include RNA and DNA. According to the invention, cells are digested in a vessel which can be connected to a line and can thus be part of an overall device. Liquid can drain out of the container or can be pumped into the container via the line, for example. The typical means for performing a mechanical digestion are located in the vessel, that is, in particular beads and a buffer solution. In contrast to the prior art, however, the vessel is not shaken, that is, subjected to vibrations. Instead, it is stirred with the aid of a magnetic stirrer. Strong vibrations are thus avoided. A vessel for performing digestion of cells can therefore be integrated without problems in an overall device.

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 invention relates to a method for breaking down biological material, especially for obtaining biomolecules by ultrasound, the biological material being arranged, in a container together with a liquid.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device and a method for treating liquids with magnetic particles, wherein at least one further central element which ensures collection and homogenization of the particles is additionally provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for fixing and/or stabilizing a sample, in which the sample is put into a permeable container with a maximum overall height of 10 mm, preferably of 5 mm, and the container filled with the sample is immersed in fixing and/or stabilizing agents and the sample is fixed and/or stabilized.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for fixing and/or stabilizing a sample, in which the sample is put into a permeable container, the permeable container having an opening, which is pressed into the sample, then a portion of the sample brought into the permeable container in this way is separated from the rest of the sample, and the container filled with the sample in this way is immersed in fixing and/or stabilizing agents and the sample is fixed and/or stabilized.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a device for performing a nucleic acid preparation and/or amplification. For the implementation of the method, a flexible tube is provided, which is always sealed below and hence at one end during the implementation of the sample preparation and/or amplification. In this tube, a biological sample is prepared and/or amplified. The use of only one tube is very economical. The tube is a disposable item which after a preparation or amplification can with its contents be disposed of environmentally correctly. Since moreover the tube has only to be filled with sample substances and reagents at a given time and manipulated, the method can also be simply and economically performed automatically.

Abstract: Device for the separation of magnetic particles from a liquid, comprising a first vessel (10), a second vessel (20), a connecting surface (11, 21, 30; 200) that runs from the interior of the first vessel (10) to the interior of the second vessel (20), at least one magnet (40) for the provision of a magnetic field, and a guide element (50) by means of which the magnetic field can be guided along one side of the connecting surface (11, 21, 30; 200).

Abstract: The present invention concerns a contamination barrier 5 that permits an efficient and reproducible processing of a high number of samples with the prevention of contamination of aqueous solutions 3 in open and/or automated systems, especially in the ppm range, in that it comprises at least one water immiscible hydrocarbon compound. In addition a method for the prevention of contamination during the processing of aqueous solutions 3 in open and/or automated systems is disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of alkanes for the contamination-free purification or separation of biopolymers.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of alkanes for the contamination-free purification or separation of biopolymers.

Abstract: Intermediate guide elements for use in a preparation apparatus for preventing cross-contamination and reducing the formation of residues in the feed lines are provided herein. The intermediate guide element has a main block with a desirable number of through-openings traversing the main block, preferably arranged parallel to one another. Preferably, the guide element has an inlet region and an outlet region, the inlet region being attachable to an end region of a feed line and the outlet region have a guide for each individual through-openings.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of alkanes for the contamination-free purification or separation of biopolymers.

Abstract: The invention pertains to a gene therapeutic nucleic acid working model containing a regulatory nucleic acid sequence of the 5′ end myosin light chain 2 gene (MLC 2) of the heart that is functionally connected to a nucleic acid, which is encoded for a therapeutically effective gene product, an antisense nucleic acid, or a ribosome, as well as a process for its production and application for the gene therapeutic treatment of heart disease.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed comprising a supporting plate with bores for receiving sample-receiving vessels and connection means for irreversibly connecting the vessels to the plate. Such an apparatus is useful for connecting individual vessels or sets of vessels used for collecting samples and assembling them permanently into a fixed array for further procedures, e.g., testing of collected samples.