Abstract: The present disclosure provides improved methods for bead beating and a bead beating system useful therefor. The bead beating system comprises a sample tube, beads, and a dry blocking agent, and methods for using the bead beating system to extract nucleic acids from cells containing the nucleic acids.

Abstract: A system, methods, and apparatus are described to collect and prepare single cells, nuclei, subcellular components, and biomolecules from specimens including tissues and in some embodiments use the single cells to form organoids or microtissues. The system can perform enzymatic and/or physical disruption of the tissue to dissociate it into single-cells and then use a hanging droplet method to form organoids or microtissues.

Abstract: Systems and methods for phishing email training are disclosed. In one embodiment, in an information processing apparatus comprising at least one computer processor, a method for phishing email training may include: (1) receiving a target difficulty level, a target population, and a plurality of parameters for a test phishing email; (2) selecting a plurality of test email components from a library of test email components based on the parameters and the target difficulty level; (3) generating the test phishing using the selected test email components, wherein the test phishing email may include at least one of a hyperlink and an attachment; and (4) disseminating the test phishing email to the target population.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a nucleic acid analysis apparatus using a cartridge which can simplify the nucleic acid extraction and applicable to a molecular diagnostic POCT equipment. The nucleic acid analysis device includes a stage on which a cartridge is mountable, a nucleic acid extraction unit, and a control unit. The nucleic acid extraction unit performs a nucleic acid extraction through crushing of the sample, the cell disruption, and the nucleic acid purification as well as a nucleic acid amplification. The control unit controls the stage and the nucleic acid extraction unit so that the nucleic acid extraction through the crushing of the sample, the cell disruption, and the nucleic acid purification as well as the nucleic acid amplification are collectively performed.

Abstract: The invention provides animal feed comprising microbial biomass and methods of producing animal feed by culturing a microorganism to produce microbial biomass. In particular, the invention relates to animal feed produced by fermentation of a gaseous substrate comprising one or more of CO, CO2, and H2, especially by a Gram-positive, anaerobic, and/or Clostridium microorganism.

Abstract: A method is provided for removing red blood cells from a suspension comprising red blood cells, white blood cells, platelets and plasma using a spinning membrane separator.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of co-culturing Inonotus obliquus, Ganoderma lucidum, and Phellinus linteus. The co-cultured mycelia prepared through the method of the present invention have high beta-glucan content and thus can exhibit superior health functionality, and can be used as an additive or a cooking seasoning in various foods. In addition, the use of the co-cultured mycelia in curing raw meat enables easy preparation of a meat-based food product that has a good taste and flavor.

Abstract: Microorganisms and bioprocesses are provided that convert gaseous substrates, such as renewable H2 and waste CO2 producer gas, or syngas into high-protein biomass that may be used directly for human nutrition, or as a nutrient for plants, fungi, or other microorganisms, or as a source of soil carbon, nitrogen, and other mineral nutrients. Renewable H2 used in the processes described herein may be generated by electrolysis using solar or wind power. Producer gas used in the processes described herein may be derived from sources that include gasification of waste feedstock and/or biomass residue, waste gas from industrial processes, or natural gas, biogas, or landfill gas.

Abstract: A direct chemical lysis composition includes an assay compatible buffer composition and an assay compatible surfactant. When combined with a specimen storage composition, such compositions prevent undesired modifications to nucleic acid and proteins lysed from cells in the biological sample. Assays of samples from such compositions do not require expensive and time-consuming steps such as centrifugation and prolonged high temperature processing. The direct chemical lysis composition of the present invention permits direct nucleic acid extraction from the cells in the biological sample without the need to decant off the transport media or otherwise exchange the transport media with assay compatible buffers. There is no need to combine the sample with proteinase K or another enzyme to extract nucleic acids from the cells. A method for lysing cells to obtain target nucleic acid for assay and a kit for combining the direct chemical lysis composition with a sample are also contemplated.

Abstract: A method of rapidly and completely rendering a tissue (11) rich in lipid droplets (12) transparent. The method comprises the following steps: providing a tissue sample (11) rich in lipid droplets (12) and immobilized with a hydrogel; performing a pre-transparency-rendering process on the tissue sample (11) to obtain a pre-processed sample; performing a transparency-rendering process on the pre-processed sample to obtain a transparency-rendered sample; and performing a post-transparency-rendering process on the transparency-rendered sample to obtain a final transparency-rendered sample (31). The method does not damage the fine structure of a biological tissue (11) and can significantly increase a depth of an optical image of the biological tissue (11). The method does not damage the fine structure of a biological tissue (11) and can significantly increase a depth of an optical image of the biological tissue (11).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a fast and efficient method of isolating nucleic acids in high yield and in high concentration from biological samples, using an aqueous two phase system without the need for instrumentation. The isolated nucleic acids can be used to facilitate the screening, prognosis and monitoring of disease progression.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods, reagent kits, and compositions for performing a bisulfite conversion of DNA directly from a biological sample including a patient's urine sample or a slide-mounted FFPE tissue sample. For example, a method of performing a bisulfite conversion of DNA can comprise certain preliminary steps for processing the biological sample and transferring a portion of the processed sample into a reaction vessel containing a bisulfite mixture. The method can further comprise heating the reaction vessel containing the biological sample and the bisulfite mixture at several heating temperatures and subsequently holding the reaction vessel at a holding temperature for a holding period. The method can also comprise certain bisulfite removal steps, desulfonation steps, and removal of the desulfonation solution. A final elution step can yield the converted DNA for further downstream sequencing and analysis.

Abstract: Efficient harvesting of cells, cell fragments, free nuclei, and DNA material from female reproductive system is made possible by processing gelatinous part of cervical mucus. Rinsing may be used to separate the gelatinous part of cervical mucus from the remainder of the cervical mucus sample.

Abstract: A tissue sample that has been removed from a subject can be properly fixed for evaluation using the disclosed transporter assembly for carrying a tissue sample and method for fixing an unfixed tissue sample. In one embodiment, the disclosed assembly includes a transport container, a fixative in the transport container, and a cooling device that reduces and/or maintains the temperature of the fixative to perform a pre-soaking process at a temperature of less than about 7° C. The pre-soaking process can, for example, be performed during sample transport or during extended periods of storage, such as over a weekend.

Abstract: This disclosure describes methods for purifying protein, and more particularly to methods for purifying protein that minimize the development of undesirable odors and flavors in the purified protein and increase protein yield.

Abstract: The invention relates to an aqueous extract enriched with small RNA having a maximum length of 150 nucleotides, from plant material. The invention relates to an aqueous extract of plant material, enriched with small RNAs having a maximum length of 150 nucleotides, which can be obtained by such a method, as well as to the compositions comprising such an extract and to their cosmetic uses for combating the signs of skin aging and for improving the hydration of the skin.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of identifying a specific yeast species in patient tissue or body fluid. The method comprises the steps of extracting and recovering DNA of the yeast species from the patient tissue or body fluid, amplifying the DNA, hybridizing a probe to the DNA to specifically identify the yeast species, and specifically identifying the yeast species. The invention also relates to a method of identifying a yeast mycotoxin in patient tissue or body fluid. The method comprises the steps of extracting and recovering the yeast mycotoxin from the patient tissue or body fluid, contacting the yeast mycotoxin with an antibody directed against the yeast mycotoxin, and identifying the yeast myocotoxin. Both of these methods can be used to determine if a patient is at risk for or has developed a disease state related to a yeast infection, and to develop an effective treatment regimen for the patient.

Abstract: The invention generally relates to a system for isolating or separating a target from a sample. In certain aspects, processes performed by the target capture system include introducing a plurality of magnetic particles, in which a plurality of the particles include at least one binding moiety specific to a target, into a sample to form at least one target/particle complex and applying a magnetic field to isolate the magnetic particle/target complexes from the sample. The process starts at inputting a sample into the system and ends at delivering a capture target or nucleic acids of the target into a container for further analysis.

Abstract: A device for preparing a glass slide specimen of cells has: a filter that has recesses, which capture target cells that are at least one of circulating tumor cells within blood or rare tumor cells within a body fluid, and pores that are formed in the recesses and that pass non-target cells therethrough; a glass slide that is superposed onto a surface of the filter, at a side at which the target cells are captured, and onto which the target cells are transferred; a cover member that is placed on a surface of the filter at a side opposite from the glass slide, and that seals in a buffer solution for immersing the target cells at interiors of the recesses; and a container into which the glass slide is immersed and in which is stored a preservation liquid that preserves the target cells that have been transferred onto the glass slide.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions and methods for preserving and extracting nucleic acids from saliva. The compositions include a chelating agent, a denaturing agent, buffers to maintain the pH of the composition within ranges desirable for DNA and/or RNA. The compositions may also include a reducing agent and/or antimicrobial agent. The invention extends to methods of using the compositions of the invention to preserve and isolate nucleic acids from saliva as well as to containers for the compositions of the invention.

Abstract: The invention provides pipette tip columns and automated methods for the purification of nucleic acids including plasmids. Nucleic acids can be purified from unclarified, clarified or partially-clarified cell lysates that contain cell debris. The columns typically include a bed of medium positioned in the pipette tip column, above a bottom frit and with an optional top frit. Plasmid preparation scales include miniprep, midiprep, maxiprep, megaprep and gigaprep.

Abstract: A method of inducing competence in cells, the method comprising contacting the cell with a composition comprising a quaternary ammonium compound including a silicon-containing functional group and a hydrocarbyl-saccharide compound.

Abstract: A system for processing objects to be cleaned that includes a processing vessel, and a storage vessel that includes an upper section for storing clean liquid and a lower section for storing dirty liquid. The upper section and lower section are in flow communication.

Abstract: An improved, cost effective and shortened process of purification of the capsular polysaccharide of S. Pneumoniae, Group B Streptococcus, H. Influenzae, S. Typhoid and N. meningitidis is disclosed. The process includes a cocktail of enzyme treatment, tangential flow filtration, and multimodal chromatography purification. For Gram-negative bacteria, endotoxin removal process involves endotrap HD resin. This shortened process achieved the purity required by WHO/EP/BP for the use in human vaccine preparation, with simple steps and higher yield as compared to conventional processes. The steps of the process avoid use of organic solvents such as, for example, alcohol, phenol, and ultracentrifugation that are otherwise expensive and time consuming to perform, and/or health hazards for commercial use. This process disclosed is also simple, efficient, non-toxic, easy to scale-up, and environmentally friendly.

Abstract: Provided herein is technology for lung neoplasia screening and particularly, but not exclusively, to methods, compositions, and related uses for detecting the presence of lung cancer.

Abstract: There is described a method of extracting DNA and/or RNA from a cell or capsid, the method comprising contacting the cell or capsid with a composition comprising a quaternary ammonium compound including a silicon-containing functional group. The quaternary ammonium compound may be of general formula (I) or a derivative salt thereof wherein L is a linking group; each of R1, R2, R3, R4, R5 and R6 is independently selected from H or an optionally substituted alkyl, alkenyl, aryl or alkoxy group; and n is 0 or 1. A PCR promoting agent may be provided. The method may be one of 1 detecting and/or diagnosing a disease or medical condition.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods of processing a biomass, e.g., for producing lipid and non-lipid materials, by inducing autolysis of a biomass. The biomass may be generated using any species of microorganism and any available biodegradable substrate, including waste materials. The lipid and non-lipid materials are present in two separate layers of the autolysate, and they can be used to generate valuable products such as biofuels and nutritional supplements. The present invention further provides a processing apparatus useful for practicing the methods of the present invention.

Abstract: Tissue dissociators configured to disrupt a biological tissue sample are provided. Aspects of the tissue dissociators may include a housing having a distal end and a proximal end, a cutting blade positioned at the distal end of the housing and a tissue actuator configured to be displaced along a longitudinal axis within the housing. Also provided are methods of using the tissue dissociators, as well as kits including the tissue dissociators.

Abstract: Provided herein is materials and method relating to nucleic acids extraction and purification from biological samples. In particular, a pre-treatment buffer is used to facilitate the extraction and purification of nucleic acids from biological samples, more specifically, removing inhibitors and impurities from biological samples and resulting in a highly concentrated and purified nucleic acids preparation.

Abstract: Fluidic cartridges, and manufacture thereof, having a plurality of circuit element subtypes containing pneumatically operated diaphragm members, where the diaphragm materials are selected for yield point, chemical resistance, breathability and other properties individually according to the fluidic element subtype are provided. A process of in-situ edge-bonded decoupage for forming diaphragm members inside a cartridge, and fluidic circuits having diaphragm members as active and passive circuit elements, including pumps, valves, vents, waste receptacles, reagent reservoirs, and cuvettes with optical windows, where the material composition of each individual diaphragm member may be selected from an assortment of materials during manufacture are also provided.

Abstract: A method of extracting DNA from a biological sample includes the steps of freezing a biological sample; mechanically breaking down the sample to produce a processed sample; mixing the processed sample with a lysis solution; and cycling the mixture through a series of pressure fluctuations to produce a resulting lysate. The method may further include the steps of exposing the lysate to a material that binds to DNA present in the sample and collecting the DNA from the sample using an elution solution. An apparatus for practicing the method includes a first segment for mechanically breaking down the sample; a second segment for pressurizing a mixture of the processed sample and lysis solution to produce a lysate; and wherein the first segment is fluidly coupled to the second segment. The apparatus may also include a third segment in which the lysate is exposed to the binding material.

Abstract: This invention provides compositions and methods for rapid separation, isolation and purification of nucleic acids from biological samples using anionic exchange media. The method can utilize commercially available strong or weak anion exchanger materials with selected solutions of known ionic strength for adsorption and elution. The instant method is particularly advantageous as it permits the purification and identification of shorter fragments of nucleic acids from bodily fluids which, until now, had not been identified.

Abstract: The present invention provides an assay method for a cell-containing body sample, the method comprising treating the sample under conditions whereby to cause cell lysis, preferably by means of a detergent; and subjecting the thus-generated lysed sample to conditions causing the cleavage of nucleic acid molecules. The invention additionally provides the use of nucleic acid cleavage conditions in enhancing a membrane assay, a device for carrying out such an assay, and a kit for use in the assay.

Abstract: Provided herein is technology related to processing samples of nucleic acids and particularly, but not exclusively, to methods for enriching samples for small nucleic acids, such as small circulating cell-free DNA.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a technique for preparing RNA ready for an enzymatic reaction more easily than conventional techniques. The present invention provides a reagent for RNA extraction from a biological sample which contains an alkali metal salt and a surfactant.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of identifying a specific yeast species in patient tissue or body fluid. The method comprises the steps of extracting and recovering DNA of the yeast species from the patient tissue or body fluid, amplifying the DNA, hybridizing a probe to the DNA to specifically identify the yeast species, and specifically identifying the yeast species. The invention also relates to a method of identifying a yeast mycotoxin in patient tissue or body fluid. The method comprises the steps of extracting and recovering the yeast mycotoxin from the patient tissue or body fluid, contacting the yeast mycotoxin with an antibody directed against the yeast mycotoxin, and identifying the yeast myocotoxin. Both of these methods can be used to determine if a patient is at risk for or has developed a disease state related to a yeast infection, and to develop an effective treatment regimen for the patient.

Abstract: Provided is a method for extracting nucleic acids from a wax-embedded sample, and use of particular solvents for removing wax from a wax-embedded sample for extracting, isolating and/or purifying nucleic acids from a crosslinked wax-embedded sample.

Abstract: A system for enhancing a nucleic acid sample may include a one pump, a denaturing chamber; a microfluidic hydroxyapatite chromatography device configured for performing hydroxyapatite chromatography on the nucleic acid sample, a sample collector, and tubing connecting the pump with the denaturing chamber, the hydroxyapatite chromatography device and the sample collector such that the pump may be used to move the nucleic acid sample from the denaturing chamber to the hydroxyapatite chromatography device and then to the sample collector.

Abstract: Methods for preparing RNA from ribonuclease-rich sources while avoiding RNA degradation are described. The lysis protocol for ribonuclease-containing samples is performed at high pH to accelerate cell lysis and with a reducing agent that inactivates ribonucleases (RNases) by reducing disulfide bonds essential for RNase activity. Samples are briefly incubated for up to five minutes at high pH followed by addition of a reagent to lower the pH to a level at which the RNA is stable. This method of RNA extraction has many advantages over existing methods of RNA preparation, including that cell lysis is efficient, RNases are rapidly inactivated, and sample incubation times are short (less than 5 minutes), which protects RNA from degradation. The lysing procedure is performed entirely in aqueous solution with no heating, precipitations, or buffer exchanges required. Thus, a quick, simple procedure for extracting RNA is provided, which can easily be automated.

Abstract: A set of paramagnetic particles synthesized by co-precipitation methods wherein an alkaline hydroxide solution is mixed with a metal salt solution. The alkaline hydroxide features ammonium hydroxide, potassium hydroxide, sodium hydroxide, or mixtures thereof. The metal salt solution features at least one ferrous salt and at least one tetravalent metal salt selected from Group 4 elements of the Periodic Table. The concentration of the ferrous salt is equal to or greater than the concentration of the tetravalent metal salt. The paramagnetic particles may be used for bioprocessing via magnetic fields. Bioprocessing, for example, may include purifying, concentrating, or detecting biomolecules of interest (e.g., nucleic acids, carbohydrates, peptides, proteins, other organic molecules, cells, organelles, microorganisms, viruses, etc.), or other magnetic field-based processes common to applications in separation science, diagnostics, molecular biology, protein chemistry, and clinical practice.

Abstract: The invention generally relates to methods and kits for isolating nucleic acids from an organism. In certain embodiments, methods of the invention involve contacting a plurality of lytic enzymes to an organism, thereby lysing a cell wall of the organism to release the nucleic acid, and introducing at least one agent to separate the nucleic acid from the lysed cells, thereby isolating the nucleic acid.

Abstract: A method for at least partially separating viral and/or prokaryotic nucleic acids from eukaryotic nucleic acids from a biological sample includes re-suspending the cells in the presence of a chelating agent, lysis of the cells by chemical lysis, and/or mechanical lysis, neutralizing the cell lysate and separating the precipitated eukaryotic nucleic acids and obtaining the viral and/or prokaryotic nucleic acids. A kit includes a re-suspension buffer with chelating agent and optionally a saccharide and RNAse, lysis buffer including at least one base and a detergent and neutralizing buffer for at least partially separating viral and/or prokaryotic nucleic acids from eukaryotic nucleic acids from a biological sample. The acid constant of the weak anion defines the pH value and kosmotropic property of the salt (cation+anion) in conjunction with the detergent, which determines the protein solubility and precipitation.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a method to isolate natural & artificial nucleic acids like deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA), ribonucleic acid (RNA) and peptide nucleic acid (PNA) from a solid or liquid sample using cotton. The cotton packed is such that, a solution containing nucleic acids passes through it and the nucleic acids in solution are bound to the cotton in a medium optimal for binding. The nucleic acids are bound to cotton in such a way that, the bound nucleic acids can withstand multiple washes with liquid comprising water and gets eluted in an aqueous buffer, with which eluted nucleic acids can be directly used for amplification using PCR or for any other biochemical or molecular biology needs.

Abstract: Provided herein is a method for producing a population of oligonucleotides that has reduced synthesis errors. In certain embodiments, the method comprises: a) obtaining an initial population of hairpin oligonucleotide molecules that each comprise a double-stranded stem region and a loop region; b) contacting the double-stranded region of the hairpin oligonucleotide molecules with a mismatch binding protein; and c) eliminating any molecules that bind to the mismatch binding protein, thereby producing a population of oligonucleotides that has reduced synthesis errors. A kit and a composition for performing the method are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for recovering an aqueous phase comprising biomolecules dissolved therein from a multiphasic mixture, comprising at least said aqueous phase and a further liquid phase which is immiscible with said aqueous phase wherein said further liquid phase comprises at least one hydrocarbon compound. The invention further relates to the use of a hydrophilic filtering material, a device comprising such a filtering material or a kit comprising said device for recovering an aqueous phase comprising biomolecules dissolved therein from a mixture of said aqueous phase and at least one hydrocarbon compound comprising further liquid phase which is immiscible with said aqueous phase.

Abstract: The present invention relates to isolated polypeptides having lysozyme activity and polynucleotides encoding the polypeptides. The invention also relates to nucleic acid constructs, vectors, and host cells comprising the polynucleotides as well as methods of producing and using the polypeptides.

Abstract: The present invention provides improved methods and compositions for RNA isolation. In particular embodiments the present invention concerns the use of methods and compositions for the isolation of full-length RNA from fixed tissue samples. The present invention provides methods for digesting and extracting RNA from a fixed tissue sample.

Abstract: A microfluidic apparatus, method, and associated applications utilize and apply to a formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissue sample and performing a liquid-liquid extraction to remove the paraffin from the tissue sample prior to a nucleic acid purification step. A microfluidic device includes a dedicated liquid-liquid extraction process vessel, a nucleic acid purification process component, and a nucleic acid amplification reactor. A liquid-liquid extraction and nucleic acid purification kit includes a microfluidic device capable of performing both a liquid-liquid extraction process and a nucleic acid purification process, including a dedicated liquid-liquid extraction process vessel, an immiscible liquid or a precursor phase thereof disposed in the vessel, a nucleic acid purification process component, a nucleic acid amplification reactor fluidically, and a supply of reagents suitable to enable the liquid-liquid extraction process and the nucleic acid purification process.

Abstract: Collection devices and kits for biological sample collection include a biologic sample collection device having a hydrophilic swab matrix that includes a modified polycaprolactone (PCL). Methods of production and use thereof are also described herein. The biologic sample collection devices, kits and methods described herein are used to collect a biologic sample (e.g., blood, buccal cells, etc.) and to enable extraction of nucleic acids (e.g., DNA) from that biologic sample so that the nucleic acids can be analyzed (e.g., sequencing and subsequent analyses of DNA).

Abstract: Methods for extracting high quality nucleic acids from a heterogenous collection of nucleic acid-containing materials from a biological sample are disclosed. The heterogenous collection of nucleic-acid containing materials may contain cells or microvesicles, or both. The extractions obtained by the methods described herein are characterized by high yield and high integrity, making the extracted nucleic acids useful for various applications in which high quality nucleic acid extractions are preferred, e.g., a diagnosis, prognosis, or therapy evaluation for a medical condition.