Abstract: A disease screening device (100) comprising a substrate (101) and a sonication chamber (102) formed on the substrate (101). The sonication chamber (102) is provided with an ultrasonic transducer (105) which generates ultrasonic waves to lyse cells in a sample fluid within the sonication chamber (102). The device (100) comprises a reagent chamber (111) formed on the substrate (101) for receiving a liquid PCR reagent. The device (100) comprises a controller (23) which controls the ultrasonic transducer (105) and a heating arrangement (128) which is provided on the substrate (101). The device (100) further comprises a detection apparatus which detects the presence of an infectious disease, such as COVID-19 disease.

Abstract: Provided are methods, compositions and kits for depleting host nucleic acid in a biological sample, said sample having been previously obtained from an animal host.

Abstract: A gene PpHSP21 with black spot disease resistance is isolated from Pyrus pyrifolia. A nucleotide sequence of the gene PpHSP21 is shown in SEQ ID NO. 1. An amino acid sequence of an encoded protein of the PpHSP21 gene is shown in SEQ ID NO. 2. By constructing the plant overexpression vector and silencing vector of the gene PpHSP21, the gene PpHSP21 is introduced into the plant by the Agrobacterium-mediated genetic transformation method, so that the gene PpHSP21 is able to be overexpressed in the plants, thereby significantly improving black spot disease resistance in plants. The discovery and identification of the gene PpHSP21 provide new genetic resources for stress resistance molecular design and breeding in plants, and to provide new genetic resources for the implementation of green agriculture. The development and utilization of the genetic resources is conducive to reducing agricultural production costs and achieving environmental friendliness.

Abstract: A microfluidic device for analysing a specimen comprises a loading area for loading the specimen of interest and an analytical column. The loading area is connected on two sides to a first duct and a second duct respectively, both integrated in the microfluidic device. The microfluidic device comprises a first integrated input connected to the first duct to take the specimen into the loading area, a first integrated output connected to the second duct to discharge the rest of the specimen, once it has flown through the loading area, and a second integrated output downstream the analytical column. The first integrated output is arranged for during a first loading period of time being in circuit connected to the first integrated input so as to load the sample into the loading zone of the device while preventing loss of specimen during loading of the sample into the analytical column.

Abstract: A method for analyzing planar sample is provided. In some cases the method comprises: (a) incubating the planar sample with a capture agent that is linked to an oligonucleotide, wherein the capture agent specifically binds to complementary sites in the planar sample; (b) reading a fluorescent signal caused by extension of a primer that is hybridized to the oligonucleotide, using fluorescence microscopy. Several implementations of the method, and multiplexed versions of the same, are also provided.

Abstract: An optical gene biosensor is disclosed. The optical gene biosensor includes a substrate; a molecular beacon anchored to the substrate, wherein the molecular beacon includes an oligonucleotide specifically binding to a target nucleic acid molecule and a first compound bound to a first terminal of the oligonucleotide; an optical marker specifically binding to the first compound, wherein the optical marker is configured to retro-reflect irradiated light; a light source for irradiating the optical marker with light; and a light-receiver for receiving light retro-reflected from the optical marker. The optical gene biosensor may perform accurate quantitative analysis of a target nucleic acid molecule using both non-spectral and spectral light sources.

Abstract: Aspects of the disclosure relate to liquid chromatography (e.g., HPLC) methods which enable high resolution separations of polynucleotides having hydrophobic portions (e.g., polyadenylated nucleic acids, such as mRNA) based upon the hydrophobic character of the molecules (e.g., polyA tail length). In some embodiments, the disclosure describes liquid chromatographic methods for separating a nucleic acid having a hydrophobic portion (e.g., a polyadenylated nucleic acid, such as an mRNA) from a complex mixture by a mobile phase system that comprises an ion pairing agent selected from Tris, inorganic cations (including e.g., Na, Li, K, ammonium, etc.), biological buffers (e.g., MOPS, HEPES, PIPES, etc.), and other charged or hydrophilic moieties, and lacks conventional ion pairing agents (e.g., Triethylammonium acetate, TEAA). Accordingly, in some embodiments methods described by the disclosure are useful for assessing the quality of pharmaceutical preparations comprising nucleic acids.

Abstract: According to various embodiments described herein, a microfluidics-chip based purification device and system for Sanger-sequencing reactions is provided. The device and system allow for the introduction into a sequencing system of a cartridge containing purification technologies specific to the sequencing contaminants or sequencing method where the simplified purification solution of a cartridge allows automation of the sample purification process, reduced consumption of purification reagents, and consistency in sampling by reducing the sampling errors and artifacts. These various embodiments therefore solve the need for a microfluidics-chip-based, Sanger-sequencing reaction purification system for CE devices. The microfluidic chips described can be used as a PCR chip by reorganizing the on-chip reagents, reaction wells and work flow steps.

Abstract: The invention includes methods and apparatus for separating mutations, especially rare and unknown mutations, using heteroduplex binding proteins. Nucleic acids may optionally be nicked at or near the mutation in order to promote heteroduplex binding protein recognition and binding. In particular, using the disclosed methods, it is possible to separate heteroduplexed nucleic acid strand pair from homoduplexed nucleic acid strand pairs having similar sequences and being at a much higher concentration. Once the heteroduplexed nucleic acids are isolated and recovered, it is straightforward to analyze the sequences of the heteroduplexed nucleic acids, e.g., using sequencing or hybrid assays.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for the recovery of nucleic acids from a solid support, the method comprising the steps, in any suitable order, of: a) providing a solid support at least a region of which is absorbent and impregnated with a chaotropic agent; b) combining a biological sample, possibly including nucleic acids, with the region; c) washing the region in a washing buffer solution; d) simultaneously heating and agitating the region in a further buffer solution; e) separating the region from the further buffer solution; f) extracting at least a portion of any remaining further buffer solution from the region to provide an extracted buffer solution; g) combining the further buffer solution and the extracted buffer solution portion; and h) subsequently processing the combined buffer solutions in order to amplify any nucleic acids in said combined solution. Hardware suitable for implementing the above method and a kit of parts is disclosed also.

Abstract: Compositions and methods of capturing one or more nucleic acid molecules of a cell or subcellular compartment are described. In certain aspects, the compositions comprise a caged molecule comprising one or more photolinkers and an antisense oligonucleotide, which when uncaged hybridizes to a target nucleic acid molecule.

Abstract: The present invention relates to method for producing and purifying RNA comprising the steps of providing DNA encoding the RNA; transcription of the DNA into RNA; and conditioning and/or purifying of the solution comprising transcribed RNA by one or more steps of tangential flow filtration (TFF).

Abstract: The present teachings relate to the extraction of nucleic acid from solid materials. Provided are useful compositions, methods, and kits for obtaining nucleic acids from a solid biological sample or an adhesive material having a biological material adherent or embedded within the adhesive substrate. The extracted nucleic acid can be used in downstream applications such as genotyping, detection, quantification, and identification of the source of the biological material.

Abstract: An integrated sample purification system includes a housing, a sample container rack, a filter holder, and a cylindrical magnet. The sample container rack and the filter device holder are disposed in the housing. The sample container rack is configured to hold one or more sample containers, the filter device holder is configured to hold one or more filter devices. The cylindrical magnet is adjacent to and external to the sample container rack, and is rotated about a central, longitudinal axis of the magnet by an electric motor disposed in the housing to lyse cells. Molecules of interest in the lysed cells are purified using filters that bind specifically to the molecules of interest. The system is readily amenable to automation and rapid purification and analysis of molecules of interest, such as nucleic acids and proteins.

Abstract: The present invention relates to method for producing and purifying RNA comprising the steps of providing DNA encoding the RNA; transcription of the DNA into RNA; and conditioning and/or purifying of the solution comprising transcribed RNA by one or more steps of tangential flow filtration (TFF).

Abstract: A phenol-free method for isolating a nucleic acid from a sample is provided, said method comprising the following steps: a) adding a precipitation buffer to a sample to prepare an acidic precipitation mixture wherein said precipitation buffer comprises a metal cation precipitant and a buffering agent, has a pH value of 4.0 or less and does not comprise an organic solvent selected from aprotic polar solvents and protic solvents and wherein the acidic precipitation mixture comprises the metal cation precipitant in a concentration of less than 200 mM and precipitating proteins; b) separating the precipitate from the supernatant, wherein the supernatant comprises small RNA having a length of less than 200 nt and large RNA having a length of at least 1000 nt; and c) isolating a nucleic acid from the supernatant. The present method allows to avoid the use of organic solvents during protein precipitation. Also provided is a precipitation buffer.

Abstract: This invention relates to the storage on a solid matrix of genetic material, in particular DNA that has been purified prior to the application to the solid matrix. More specifically, the invention relates to a solid matrix for the storage of purified DNA, which matrix has been treated with a solution comprising plant polysaccharide inulin. One advantage of the invention is that an increased amount of DNA can be stored in the solid matrix of the present invention.

Abstract: This invention relates to monodisperse magnetic hydrogel polymer particles comprising a magnetic material and a polymer formed from (a) a hydrophilic vinylic monomer having a log Poct/wat (log P) of less than about 0.5; and (b) a crosslinker comprising at least two vinyl groups. The invention also relates to monodisperse coated hydrogel polymer particles comprising a polymer formed from (a) a hydrophilic vinylic monomer having a log Poct/wat (log P) of less than about 0.5; and (b) a crosslinker comprising at least two vinyl groups; and a coating. Also provided are methods of forming the monodisperse magnetic hydrogel polymer particles and monodisperse coated polymer particles.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for extracting nucleic acids such as microRNAs (miRNAs) from biological samples are provided. Aspects of the methods include contacting a biological sample with proteinase K followed by contact with ferric oxide particles under acidic conditions to induce binding between the ferric oxide particles and nucleic acids (e.g., miRNAs) of the sample. In some cases, the ferric oxide particles are provided as part of a dissolvable film, which releases the ferric oxide particles upon solvation. In some embodiments, after nucleic acids bind to the ferric oxide particles, the particles are magnetically separated from the sample and are contacted with an alkaline elution buffer to release the nucleic acids.

Abstract: A disease screening device (100) comprising a substrate (101) and a sonication chamber (102) formed on the substrate (101). The sonication chamber (102) is provided with an ultrasonic transducer (105) which generates ultrasonic waves to lyse cells in a sample fluid within the sonication chamber (102). The device (100) comprises a reagent chamber (111) formed on the substrate (101) for receiving a liquid PCR reagent. The device (100) comprises a controller (23) which controls the ultrasonic transducer (105) and a heating arrangement (128) which is provided on the substrate (101). The device (100) further comprises a detection apparatus which detects the presence of an infectious disease, such as COVID-19 disease.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for lysing pathogen lysis and a method for extracting nucleic acid using zinc oxide nanostar, and the method for extracting nucleic acid using zinc oxide nanostar according to the present invention can extract nucleic acids by lysing cells of a pathogen without using a lysis buffer and can extract nucleic acid of high-purity and high-concentration by preventing nucleic acid degradation and fragmentation through various substances including salts contained in the lysis buffer at high concentration. In addition, the zinc oxide nanostar of the present invention (200 to 900 nm) has superior cell lysis capacity compared to the conventional zinc oxide nanoparticles (20 to 50 nm), thereby increasing the nucleic acid extraction efficiency and can extract at room temperature without a heating step to use as a field diagnostic method.

Abstract: There is provided a method of extracting material from a fluid method of extracting material from a fluid, the fluid being held within a fluid chamber. The method comprises drawing, with a magnetic field generating system, at least one magnetically susceptible member through the fluid around a closed path between at least three points in the chamber, said at least one member being adapted to bind to material in fluid in the chamber. The at least three points are arranged relative to each other in a shape having at least two dimensions, the magnetic field generating system being configured to move the at least on magnetically susceptible member directly between the at least three points, material in the fluid binding to the at least one magnetically susceptible member when it comes into contact with the at least one member as it moves through the fluid.

Abstract: A rotor assembly includes a rotor plate to rotate around a first axis, a bucket attached to the rotor plate and to rotate around a second axis, and a stop plate to rotate around the first axis between an open position and a closed position. When in the closed position, the stop plate engages the bucket to fix an angular position of the bucket relative to a plane of rotation of the rotor assembly. The rotor assembly further includes a housing for a sensor array component, the housing disposed in the bucket and including a solution inlet, a solution outlet, a transfer basin, a solution retainer disposed between the solution outlet and the transfer basin, and a collection reservoir in fluid communication with the transfer basin. The solution inlet and the solution outlet to engage ports of a flow cell of a sensor array.

Abstract: An electrophoresis method, system, and gel recover biological substances from the gel with high efficiency. The method uses an electrophoresis gel having an injection hole into which biological substances are injected and a recovery hole from which the biological substances are recovered. The electrophoresis method includes injecting the biological substances into the injection hole, and applying an electric field penetrating the injection and recovery holes. A vertical axis in a downward direction as a positive direction is set as an X-axis, an axis which is perpendicular to the X-axis is set as a Y-axis, and coordinates of a bottom of the recovery hole are set as (XC, YC). The X coordinate XC of the bottom of the recovery hole satisfies XC>X1 when the biological substance is electrophoresed to coordinates (X1, YC) in the recovery hole from a bottom of the injection hole in the applying the electric field.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are systems and methods for multiplex primer design and selection. In one example, a system includes non-transitory memory configured to store executable instructions; and a hardware processor programmed by the executable instructions to receive a plurality of target gene sequences and determine a set of primers for each target gene sequence based on a penalty score associated with the set of primers, wherein the penalty score is based on a non-linear combination of a primer-level penalty score and a set-level penalty score.

Abstract: A method of separating a target double-stranded nucleic acid molecule from a sample including the target double-stranded nucleic acid molecule and a non-target double-stranded nucleic acid molecule, including (1) mixing the sample, a pyrrole-imidazole-containing polyamide (first PI polyamide) modified with a first linker molecule and capable of specifically binding to a sequence of the target double-stranded nucleic acid molecule, and a carrier a modified with a first ligand capable of specifically binding and/or adsorbing to the first linker molecule such that a mixed solution is produced, (2) forming a complex A by binding the carrier a to the first PI polyamide with which the target double-stranded nucleic acid molecule is bound in the mixed solution, and (3) separating the complex A from the mixed solution.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a method/system for preparing encapsulated exosomes from a biological sample containing exosomes, said method comprising: a) dispersing inorganic oxide particles into a buffer solution comprising a polymer and a biological sample comprising exosomes, b) allowing the polymer to react with the inorganic oxide particles to form capsules, wherein the exosomes are inside the capsules. The present disclosure also relates to a method/system for isolating and purifying encapsulated exosomes, said method comprising: a) preparing an aqueous micellar system comprising at least one surfactant, and at least one salt; b) mixing a biological sample containing encapsulated exosomes with the aqueous micellar system from step a); c) allowing the aqueous micellar system to phase separate, wherein the surfactant partitions substantially into one phase, and the other phase has a lower concentration of surfactant; and d) obtaining the encapsulated exosomes from the capsule-rich phase.

Abstract: Provided herein are materials and methods for isolation of eukaryotic nucleic acid from a human or non-human animal stool sample. Also provided are methods of analysis of eukaryotic biomarkers present in a human or non-human animal stool sample.

Abstract: A collection device for a biological sample to capture target compounds such as viruses or other pathogens or particles for testing from within the sample and move the captured target compound to a separate chamber for subsequent processing. The collection device can include an openable substance blister including capture particles located in a cup interior. Capture particles can attract and bind the target compounds from the sample. An extraction tube extracts any nucleic acid from the target compound for storage or subsequent amplification and testing to confirm presence of known microorganisms. The extraction tube can comprise a heat-deformable material and can be connected to a microfluidic cartridge for further processing of nucleic acid including, amplification and detection. The microfluidic cartridge includes valves and a plurality of chambers for amplification.

Abstract: Methods of repairing a partially double-stranded DNA fragment are provided. In some embodiments, the methods comprise (a) contacting the partially double-stranded DNA fragment with one or more primers of a primer population, wherein the partially double-stranded DNA fragment comprises a 3? overhang and the primer population comprises a random target-hybridizing sequence; (b) extending one or more primers of the primer population along the DNA fragment using a DNA polymerase, thereby producing one or more extended primers annealed to the DNA fragment; and (c) ligating the 3? end of one or more extended primers to the 5? end of an extended primer or a strand of the partially double-stranded DNA fragment, thereby providing a repaired DNA fragment.

Abstract: Disclosed is a structure for detecting cell-free DNA using a conductive polymer and the use thereof. More particularly, a nanostructure composed of a surface-modified conductive polymer for isolating and detecting cell-free DNA is disclosed. By using the nanostructure, cell-free DNA including circulating tumor DNA, can be effectively detected and isolated.

Abstract: Provided are methods and compositions for enriching cfDNA fragments from a biological fluid sample. A biological fluid sample, such as a urine sample, is collected and, in certain examples, pretreated before enrichment of the cfDNA. For the pretreatment, the sample is centrifuged to remove large cells and large cellular debris. As part of the pretreatment, the sample is also cleared of additional large cellular debris and excess volume by subjecting the sample to anion exchange chromatography and eluting bound DNA. Following any pretreatment of the sample, different concentrations an alcoholic solution are used—along with a mixture of DNA-binding particles and a chaotropic agent—to enrich the sample with cfDNA fragments having different sizes. For example, a biological sample can be enriched with small cfDNA fragments less than about 100 base pairs in length or large cfDNA fragments greater than about 100 base pairs in length.

Abstract: The present invention provides an anti-APOA4 monoclonal antibody or an antibody fragment thereof capable of accurately measuring apolipoprotein A-IV (APOA4) in a specimen, a measurement method for immunologically measuring APOA4 using the antibody or the antibody fragment thereof, and a kit for measuring APOA4 containing the antibody or the antibody fragment thereof.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide an efficient nucleic acid recovery method capable of concentrating a nucleic acid from a sample containing a nucleic acid such that the nucleic acid is usable in gene amplification reaction. To solve the problem, the present inventors have found that by targeting a protein to which a nucleic acid is bound (hereinafter also referred to as a nucleoprotein or a protein-nucleic acid complex) rather than targeting the nucleic acid itself, or specifically, by causing a specific antibody against the protein to act, the nucleic acid can be captured simultaneously with the protein, and thereby completing the present invention. Furthermore, the present inventors have found that if animal cells, bacteria, viruses, etc.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions, kits and methods for making and using RNA compositions comprising in vitro-synthesized ssRNA inducing a biological or biochemical effect in a mammalian cell or organism into which the RNA composition is repeatedly or continuously introduced. In certain embodiments, the invention provides compositions and methods for changing the state of differentiation or phenotype of a human or other vertebrate cell. For example, the present invention provides mRNA and methods for reprogramming cells that exhibit a first differentiated state or phenotype to cells that exhibit a second differentiated state or phenotype, such as to reprogram human somatic cells to pluripotent stem cells.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for sample processing. A device may be provided, capable of receiving the sample, and performing one or more of a sample preparation, sample assay, and detection step. The device may be capable of performing multiple assays. The device may comprise one or more modules that may be capable of performing one or more of a sample preparation, sample assay, and detection step. The device may be capable of performing the steps using a small volume of sample.

Abstract: Methods for processing polynucleotide-containing biological samples, and materials for capturing polynucleotide molecules such as RNA and/or DNA from such samples. The RNA and/or DNA is captured by polyamindoamine (PAMAM (Generation 0)) bound to a surface, such as the surface of magnetic particles. The methods and materials have high efficiency of binding RNA and of DNA, and of release, and thereby permit quantitative determinations.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of amplifying an RNA molecule in a biological sample by reverse transcription PCR (RT-PCR), wherein the RT-PCR is carried out in a solution comprising a polar aprotic solvent; a serum albumin, and a polyol.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods for increasing the efficiencies with which recombinant adeno-associated virus (rAAV) are packaged, so as to increase their production titers. More specifically, the invention relates to a method for increasing the production titer of rAAV by transfected cells by increasing the ionic strength of the cell culture media through the administration of additional ions.

Abstract: In a liquid stirring method, after a second liquid is discharged into a reaction container accommodating a first liquid from a dispensing probe provided with a dispensing tip at the leading end thereof, a mixture of the first liquid and second liquid in the container is stirred by being sucked out and discharged by the dispensing probe. The number of stirrings through sucking out and discharging is changed according to the total volume of the first liquid and second liquid. If the total volume of the first liquid and second liquid is below a preset threshold, sucking out and discharging is repeated for a prescribed number of times.

Abstract: Aspects of the disclosure include methods for the preparation of a polynucleotide. In some embodiments, the method includes contacting a first polynucleotide composition including: a polynucleotide having a sequence of 7 or more nucleoside subunits and at least two of the nucleoside subunits are joined by a N3??P5? thiophosphoramidate inter-subunit linkage; and non-target synthetic products and reagents; with a multivalent cation salt to precipitate a polynucleotide salt including at least one multivalent cation counterion; and separating the polynucleotide salt from the contacted first polynucleotide composition to produce a second polynucleotide composition including the polynucleotide salt. In certain embodiments, the method further includes contacting the polynucleotide salt with a reverse phase chromatography support; and eluting from the chromatography support a third polynucleotide composition including the polynucleotide.

Abstract: A microscale sampling device including a frame is provided in the present invention, a sample container, a communicating channel and a resistance channel are defined in the frame. At least one sampling chamber is defined in the communicating channel. An end of the communicating channel is communicated with the sample container and the communicating channel is arranged below the sample container. An end of the resistance channel is communicated with the sampling chamber, and the other end of the resistance channel is communicated to an output joint. The resistance channel is shaped with at least one discontinuous shape change.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for selectively depleting animal nucleic acids from non-animal nucleic acids in a sample, which comprises animal cells and at least one further type of cells, selected from microbial cells and plant cells or a combination thereof, to a lysis solution A to be used in and to a kit to carry out said method as well as to the use of a particular silica membrane as both, a filtration matrix for separating essentially intact microbial and/or plant cells from lysed animal cells and an adsorption matrix for nucleic acids, in particular in a method according to the present invention.

Abstract: Methods for processing polynucleotide-containing biological samples, and materials for capturing polynucleotide molecules such as RNA and/or DNA from such samples are provided. The RNA and/or DNA is captured by polyamindoamine (PAMAM (Generation 0)) bound to a surface, such as the surface of magnetic particles. The methods and materials have high efficiency of binding RNA and of DNA, and of release, and thereby permit quantitative determinations. The binding particles can be coated with PAMAM (Generation 0) dendrimer which is amide-bonded to the binding particles, wherein at least a portion of the nucleic acids in the biological sample become reversibly bonded to the binding particles.

Abstract: A method of recovering a bead support from an emulsion includes supplying an aqueous surfactant solution into a centrifuge tube; supplying a hydrophobic liquid over the surfactant solution in the centrifuge tube, wherein a ratio of the volume of the aqueous surfactant solution to the volume of the hydrophobic liquid is not greater than 0.5; and applying an emulsion over the hydrophobic liquid while centrifuging, the emulsion comprising a dispersed aqueous phase including the bead support, the emulsion breaking and material of the dispersed phase preferentially partitioning to the surfactant solution.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to fluorescent molecular sensor based on Thiazole Orange for protein detection. Interaction of the protein target with the molecular sensors of this invention results in a significant increase in the fluorescence emission. The generation of light output signal enables one to detect protein biomarkers associated with different diseases or detecting the protein of interest also in living cells.

Abstract: A gold nanoparticle-based assay for the detection of a target molecule, such as Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) RNA in serum samples, that uses positively charged gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) in solution based format. The assay has been tested on 74 serum clinical samples suspected of containing HCV RNA, with 48 and 38 positive and negative samples respectively. The developed assay has a specificity and sensitivity of 96.5% and 92.6% respectively. The results obtained were confirmed by Real-Time PCR, and a concordance of 100% for the negative samples and 89% for the positive samples has been obtained between the Real-Time PCR and the developed AuNPs based assay. Also, a purification method for the HCV RNA has been developed using HCV RNA specific probe conjugated to homemade silica nanoparticles. These silica nanoparticles have been synthesized by modified Stober method. This purification method enhanced the specificity of the developed AuNPs assay.

Abstract: Methods and systems for processing polynucleotides (e.g., DNA) are disclosed. A processing region includes one or more surfaces (e.g., particle surfaces) modified with ligands that retain polynucleotides under a first set of conditions (e.g., temperature and pH) and release the polynucleotides under a second set of conditions (e.g., higher temperature and/or more basic pH). The processing region can be used to, for example, concentrate polynucleotides of a sample and/or separate inhibitors of amplification reactions from the polynucleotides. Microfluidic devices with a processing region are disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process for purifying nucleic acids, especially plasmid DNA, from a nucleic acid-containing, biologic sample, consisting of (a) preparation of a fluid sample containing nucleic acid and endotoxin each in dissolved form; (b) precipitation at least of nucleic acid and endotoxin from the fluid sample; (c) washing of the components of the fluid sample precipitated out in step b) in order to at least partially remove the endotoxin with at least one washing solution, which contains at least one amine compound with at least two carbon atoms and with a molar mass of ?500 g/mol and; at least one organic solvent different from the aforementioned amine compound and has a pH-value (20° C.) in the range from pH 3.0 to pH 8.5, and; (d) dissolution of the remaining nucleic acid from the washed, precipitated constituents from step c) using a dissolving buffer and collection of the dissolved nucleic acids in a separate receptacle. The process is suitable for the effective and economical removal of endotoxins.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a new method for enriching and/or isolating nucleic acids from microbial cells which comprises filtering a liquid sample through a nucleic acid-binding matrix which has a pore size small enough to retain microbial cells, lysing the microbial cells on the matrix to release the nucleic acids from the microbial cells, binding the nucleic acids to the matrix and subsequently eluting the DNA. The invention also relates to a method for enriching and/or isolating nucleic acids from microbial cells which are present in a liquid sample that comprises microbial cells and higher eukaryotic cells and/or tissues. The invention also provides a cartridge for carrying out the methods of the invention. Finally, the invention relates to kits for carrying out the methods of the invention.