Abstract: Disclosed are compositions and methods for isolating, detecting, amplifying, and quantitating Mycobacterium-specific nucleic acids in a sample. Also disclosed are compositions and diagnostic kits comprising Mycobacterium IS6110-specific oligonucleotide amplification primers and labeled oligonucleotide detection probes that specifically bind to the amplification products obtained therefrom. Also disclosed are compositions and methods for the isolation and characterization of nucleic acids that are specific to one or more tubercular pathogens, including Mycobacterium tuberculosis, in particular, from a wide variety of samples including those of biological, environmental, clinical and/or veterinary origin.

Abstract: A process for detecting the presence or absence of gram-positive bacteria in a biological sample. The biological sample can be obtained from any mammal and contains, at a minimum, cellular components. The sample is combined with an enzymatic lysing agent such as achromopeptidase, and lysed at room temperature. Ferric oxide is then added to the sample containing achromopeptidase. A magnetic field is applied to the sample and nucleic acids are extracted from the cellular components. Target nucleic acids, if present, are amplified using techniques such as Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) and then used to detect the presence or absence of gram-positive bacteria. Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus agalactiae are examples of target bacteria detected by the methods of the present invention.

Abstract: Provided are a simple method for producing a nucleic acid sample that does not need to use high-risk chaotropic salt in large amounts, does not need to use a limited special carrier, and offers a superior level of safety; and a method for producing a nucleic acid amplification product using the same. With respect to a cell sample containing cells, by releasing nucleic acid complexes from the cells and bringing this treatment liquid into contact with a carrier, the nucleic acid complexes are held in the carrier. Further, in the presence of a dispersion medium, by applying heat treatment to the carrier, DNAs such as genomic DNA and mitochondrial DNA, and RNA are released. Thereby, a nucleic acid sample can be recovered.

Abstract: The invention provides the use of tetraethylene glycol dimethyl ether for adsorbing nucleic acids to solid phases such as those with silica surfaces. To this end, the invention also provides compositions comprising TDE. Methods are disclosed and claimed to purify nucleic acids from samples, as well as kits useful for performing these methods. Particularly, the invention encompasses methods for the purification of nucleic acids with low molecular weight. The nucleic acids purified by a method of the invention are suited for assays aiming at the detection of a target nucleic acid.

Abstract: A formulation containing guanidine thiocyanate together with acetamide, one or more acetamide derivatives, or a combination of acetamide and one or more acetamide derivatives is used to purify one or more nucleic acids contained in a medium. In particular, a medium containing at least one nucleic acid is combined with a binding matrix and the formulation in order to cause the at least one nucleic acid to separate from its in vivo cellular environment and to bind to the binding matrix. The binding matrix with at least one nucleic acid bound thereto then is separated from substantially the rest of the combined medium and formulation, after which the at least one nucleic acid is eluted from the binding matrix to obtain the at least one nucleic acid in a substantially purified form. If different nucleic acids are to be selectively purified from a single medium, multiple binding matrices, each compatible with a different nucleic acid, can be used.

Abstract: The present invention relates to, among other things, a device for collecting airborne microorganisms, said device having: an air collecting module, comprising: i. an upper element having an air admission duct permitting entry of an air stream into said module, said duct being provided, at its base, with means for disturbance of the air stream, ii. a lower element having air evacuating means permitting the air stream created to exit and said upper and lower elements can be made integral with one another so that the air stream can be created within said air collecting module; a cartridge, of roughly cylindrical shape, having a microorganism retention zone, said retention zone having means for lysis of the microorganisms, said cartridge being positioned within said air collecting module.

Abstract: Crystals of a purine nucleoside compound, particularly crystals of 2?,3?-dideoxyinosine, which have excellent storage stability and have a concentration of phosphate attached to the crystal of 25 ppm or more, may be produce by: (1) preparing an aqueous solution containing phosphate ion (PO43?) and a purine nucleoside compound; and (2) crystallizing the purine nucleoside compound from the aqueous solution.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for purification of nucleic acids, to a kit for performing the method according to the invention and to a new application of magnetic particles for purification of a biological sample. The method according to the invention comprises the following steps: a) accommodating of the sample in a first sample vessel in an aqueous solution and lysing of the sample under non-chaotropic conditions; suspending of first magnetic particles in the solution and inserting of the first sample vessel in a sample vessel holder, wherein the sample vessel is inserted in the annular interior space of a ring magnet associated with the sample vessel holder; separating of the solution from the magnetic particles; and isolating of the nucleic acids from the solution.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of separating small RNAs of 200 nucleotides or less from larger RNAs on a solid support, using a kosmotropic salt of different concentrations.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided that can include a storage and retrieval robot operating under program control to extract a selective number of support beads from a storage or retainment region, for dispensing to titer wells or other vessels for assays and other purposes. According to various embodiments, the storage and retrieval robot can position a capture device over any one or more storage wells containing oligonucleotide or other material support beads, and withdraw or extract those support beads into a collection tube under vacuum pressure or other force. According to various embodiments, a selected number of support beads can be extracted, using a linear motor piston to limit available space for support bead insertion. According to various embodiments, the collected support beads can be dispensed into one or more destination tubes, wells, or other containers, surfaces, vessels, receptacles or mixture containment region, for use in assays or other purposes.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the providing of a method for preparing a sample from a nucleic acid-containing sample such as biological samples, where inhibitory substance's action against a enzyme reaction using a nucleic acid as substrate are decreased, a solution for preparing a sample used for the method, a stool collection kit used in that method, and a method for recovering and analyzing a nucleic acid in a nucleic acid-containing sample using a sample prepared using the preparation method of the present invention. A method for preparing a sample according to the present invention is a method for preparing a sample being used for analyzing a nucleic acid, and is characterized in that a nucleic acid-containing sample is mixed with a solution having one or more members selected from the group consisting of a polycation and a chelating agent as an active ingredient.

Abstract: An ink, which contains DNA and is hardly decomposed by an external stimulus such as ultraviolet light, heat, an acid or an alkali, is provided. A method of easily analyzing a DNA in an ink composition is also provided. An ink composition containing a DNA and having a water-tolerance at a certain level or higher is prepared. The DNA in a print that is produced by using the above ink composition is quickly extracted with water or an aqueous solution and analyzed. Furthermore, a DNA in a print that is produced by using an oil- and water-based ink composition containing the DNA is quickly extracted with water or an aqueous solution and analyzed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for the isolation and purification of nucleic acids by elution of nucleic acids from nucleic acid-containing samples, and biological materials. The present invention further relates to a kit for carrying out the method of the invention.

Abstract: The present invention provides a solid support for performing steps of isolation of cell or extraction and purification of nucleic acid, safely, easily, efficiently, and with high yield in the genetic test for investigating the presence of pathogenic bacterial infection. A solid support for binding with cell as an embodiment of the above-described solid support, comprises a polypeptide having capability of binding with my colic acid-containing glycolipid which is immobilized on the surface of a carrier. In addition, a solid support for binding with nucleic acid as another embodiment of the above-described solid support, comprises a polypeptide having capability of binding with nucleic acid which is immobilized on the surface of a carrier.

Abstract: Processes for extracting nucleic acid from a biological sample and related assemblies and kits are disclosed. The processes comprise the steps of (a) providing a device comprising an inner surface, an outer surface, a first port, and a second port, wherein the inner surface is composed of unmodified, smooth glass and defines a tubular lumen providing fluid communication between the first port and second port, wherein the lumen is circular, oval, or elliptical in cross-section, and wherein the lumen is essentially free of nucleic acid-specific binding sites; (b) introducing a nucleic acid-containing sample into the lumen of the device via the first port; (c) allowing nucleic acid in the sample to bind to the unmodified smooth glass surface; and (d) washing the bound nucleic acid.

Abstract: A system and method for preparing and testing of targeted nucleic acids is presented. The system integrates a pipetter, extractor, assay reader, and other components, including a selectively compliant articulated robot arm (SCARA). This synergistic integration of previously separate diagnostic tools creates a system and method whereby a minimum of human intervention is required. The resulting system provides a substantially more accurate and precise method of isolating, amplifying and detecting targeted nucleic acids for diagnosing diseases.

Abstract: Methods and materials for improving nucleic acid or protein recovery from samples preserved in liquid cytological preservative solutions by utilizing scavenging agents, such as hydrazine- and hydrazide-containing compounds, are provided. Lysis solutions comprising hydrazine- and hydrazide-containing compounds and kits comprising the same are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention is partly based on the discovery that adverse factors can prevent an effective extraction of nucleic acids from a biological sample and that novel and unexpected agents and steps may be used to mitigate or remove the adverse factors, thereby dramatically improving the quality of the extracted nucleic acids. As such, one aspect of this invention is a novel method for extracting high quality nucleic acids from a biological sample. The high quality extractions obtained by the novel 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.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of isolating nucleic acid from a sample, said method comprising contacting said sample with a detergent and a solid support, whereby soluble nucleic acid in said sample is bound to the support, and separating said support with bound nucleic acid from the sample. Where the method of the invention is used to isolate DNA, it may conveniently be couple with a further step to isolate RNA from the same sample.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for rapid isolation of RNA. More particularly, it relates to a method for isolation of RNA using two-solution system. The present invention also relates to a RNA isolation kit.

Abstract: An analyte is separated from a fluid sample by introducing the sample into a cartridge having a sample port and a first flow path extending from the sample port. The first flow path includes an extraction chamber containing a solid support for capturing the analyte from the sample. The cartridge has a second flow path for eluting the captured analyte from the extraction chamber, the second flow diverging from the first flow path after passing through the extraction chamber. The sample is forced to flow through the extraction chamber and into a waste chamber, thereby capturing the analyte with the solid support as the sample flows through the extraction chamber. The captured analyte is then eluted from the extraction chamber by forcing an elution fluid to flow through the extraction chamber and along the second flow path.

Abstract: The present invention features methods and compositions for methylation detection, as well as a novel method for polynucleotide extraction and sodium bisulfite treatment.

Abstract: Nucleic acid material can be effectively separated from a fluid by first contacting the fluid with a positively charged polymer which binds the nucleic acid material. Thereafter, the polymer, having the nucleic acid material bonded thereto, is contacted with a releasing agent which comprises a solution of an alkaline material and a glycol. The solution has a pH of no more than 12 and operates to release the nucleic acid material from the polymer under relatively low temperature conditions, typically no more than 50° C., and in particular instances, no more than 40° C. The glycol material may comprise a monomeric glycol such as ethylene glycol, propylene glycol, or the like, or it may comprise a polymeric glycol such as polyethylene glycol. Also disclosed is a novel positively charged polymer which may be employed in the separation process. This polymer comprises an acidified polyamine, such as polyethyleneimine which has been reacted with a nonacidified polyethyleneimine in a coupling reaction.

Abstract: A method for isolating nucleic acids is provided. The method includes providing a biological sample containing at least one nucleic acid, and mixing the biological sample with an isolating agent under a suitable condition to isolate the nucleic acids from the biological sample in single step, wherein the isolating agent contains 1-40 wt % of PEG and/or more than 30 wt % of low molecular weight alcohol, a salt, and a detergent. Isolated nucleic acids are bound to a solid support by changes in the solubility of nucleic acids. Additionally, the present invention further provides an isolating agent and kit for isolating nucleic acids.

Abstract: An embodiment of a method for extracting biological material from an emulsion is described that comprises the steps of a) breaking an emulsion comprising a plurality of aqueous droplets in a continuous phase of an oil using a solvent to produce a combined aqueous-oil mixture, where the solvent disrupts the aqueous droplets which release a plurality of biological elements each immobilized on a substrate into the combined aqueous-oil mixture; b) introducing an inorganic salt to the combined aqueous-oil mixture causing a phase separation of the mixture into a first phase comprising an aqueous solution and the biological elements and a second phase comprising the solvent and the oil; c) extracting the first phase from the second phase; and d) collecting the substrate immobilized biological elements from the first phase.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of purifying RNA, including contacting a solid support with an acidic solution having a RNA-containing sample and a kosmotropic salt having a concentration of less than 1M, thereby binding the RNA to the solid support. According to the present invention, RNA is purified efficiently due to high RNA yield and low contamination by DNA. The present invention is particularly effective in purifying RNAs of 200 nucleotides or less.

Abstract: The invention provides systems, methods and kits for the separation and/or purification of double-stranded and single-stranded nucleic acids. The method includes first mixing a sample containing the double-stranded nucleic acid and the single-stranded nucleic acid with a pH-neutral, buffered solution consisting essentially of a chaotropic salt and a pH buffer to generate a mixture; then applying the mixture to a first mineral support for the double-stranded nucleic acid to bind; and collecting the flow-through which contains unbound single-stranded nucleic acid. The method further includes adjusting the pH of the flow-through to an acidic pH, and applying the acidified flow-through to a second mineral support for the single-stranded nucleic acid to bind. Alternatively the flow-through can be mixed with a lower aliphatic alcohol prior to loading of the second column. The double-stranded and the single-stranded nucleic acids bound can be eluted from the mineral supports respectively.

Abstract: A method for separating and purifying RNA including the steps of passing a sample solution containing a nucleic acid, a washing solution and a recovering solution through a nucleic acid-adsorbing porous membrane to adsorb nucleic, adsorbing, washing and recovering, in which the nucleic acid adsorbing porous membrane is a porous membrane capable of adsorbing a nucleic acid by interaction involving substantially no ionic bond, and the sample solution is obtained by a process, comprising the steps of (I) injecting a test sample containing at least one of blood and leukocyte, and further containing an anticoagulant to a container, (II) adding a hemolytic agent to the container to obtain a leukocyte pellet, (III) adding a nucleic acid-solubilizing reagent to the leukocyte pallet to obtain a mixture solution and (IV) adding a water-soluble organic solvent to the mixture solution to obtain the sample solution containing the nucleic acid.

Abstract: An instrument and a method for conveniently collecting nucleic acids from a biological nucleic acid-containing sample are provided. A nucleic acid-capturing tip having silica-containing solid phases enclosed therein in such a state as being capable of coming into contact with a liquid, wherein the solid phases have a water-flowing regions and the average interval among solid phases in the water-flowing regions is regulated to 25 ?m or less.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for extracting nucleic acids from biological samples. More specifically the invention relates to a universal method for extracting nucleic acids from unidentified biological samples. An advantage of the presently invented method is its ability to effectively and efficiently extract nucleic acids from a variety of different cell types including but not limited to prokaryotic or eukaryotic cells and/or recalcitrant organisms (i.e. spores). Unlike prior art methods which are focused on extracting nucleic acids from vegetative cell or spores, the present invention effectively extracts nucleic acids from spores, multiple cell types or mixtures thereof using a single method. Important that the invented method has demonstrated an ability to extract nucleic acids from spores and vegetative bacterial cells with similar levels effectiveness.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an automatic refining apparatus for separating target materials from a plurality of biological sample solutions by using magnetic particles to which the magnetic particles are to be reversibly coupled, and to a multi-well plate kit for use in the automatic refining apparatus. Further, the present invention relates to a method for extracting nucleic acids from biological samples by using the above-described automatic refining apparatus. The present invention can be used in the automatic separation of nucleic acid, protein, and the like from biological samples.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a solid support having a heat-resistant biotin-binding protein attached thereto. The present invention also relates to the use of the solid support of the present invention having a heat-resistant biotin-binding protein attached thereto. The present invention further relates to technical fields such as purification, concentration, detection and/or capture of a biotin-linked substance by means of a heat-resistant biotin-binding protein. Such a biotin-binding protein used in the solid support of the present invention is heat-resistant and is therefore useful for use in assay systems involving exposure to a temperature of 70° C. or more.

Abstract: Pharmaceutical compositions or functional foods for treating depression and anxiety comprising ginseng saponin (Rg1+Rb1), glycyrrhizic acid and jujuba cAMP. Experiments demonstrate that as compared with the preferred drug for treating depression and anxiety paroxetine and diazepam in the art, the present invention has significant anti-depression and anxielytic efficacy.

Abstract: Pharmaceutical compositions or functional foods for treating anxiety comprising ginseng saponin (Rg1+Rb1), glycyrrhizic acid and jujuba cAMP. Experiments demonstrate that as compared with the preferred drug for treating diazepam in the art, the present invention has significant anxielytic efficacy.

Abstract: Dermatophytes which belong to one of the three genera Epidermophyton, Trichophyton and Microsporum are the main cause of fungal infections of skin, hair and nails. Traditional diagnostic procedures consist of microscopy and culture, but due to the slow growth rate of dermatophytes typically two to four weeks are needed before a final diagnosis is obtained. The present invention is a rapid DNA extraction method extracting nucleic acids from fungi (e.g. dermatophytes and other pathogenic fungi) which can be performed from directly on hair, nail or skin specimens from humans, from naturally or experimentally infected animals or from cultured fungal colonies for the use in PCR amplification and detection assays. The present invention also includes specific primer sets for detection of any dermatophyte and for species specific detection of Trichophyton rubrum and Epidermophyton floccosum by PCR and a kit for diagnosing fungal infections.

Abstract: Provided are methods of isolating RNA from a biological sample, methods and means for determining the presence of particular RNA splice-form variants in a biological sample, methods and means for determining the relative ratio of RNA ratios in a biological sample, and methods and means for predicting the progression of precancerous cervical lesions.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the extraction and detection of nucleic acids on a membrane, making it possible to identify the microorganisms present in low concentration in a liquid or gaseous medium, as well as a novel lysis composition comprising guanidium chloride and between 0.1 and 1% N-Lauroyl-Sarcosine (NLS) making it possible to implement this method.

Abstract: The present invention relates to automated devices and methods for the extraction of nucleic acids from cells, the amplification of segments of nucleic acid and the detection of nucleic acids, all in a convenient and portable manner. The invention is particularly suited for use in point-of-care medical diagnostics testing.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods, compositions and kits to extract and relatively enrich by physical separation or amplification short base pair nucleic acid in the presence of a high background of genomic material (e.g., host or maternal nucleic acids).

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for capturing and/or isolating target microparticles. In one aspect, a method for capturing target microparticles is disclosed. The method includes: forming a fluid including the target microparticles, non-target microparticles, and magnetic beads, the magnetic beads having a stronger affinity with the target microparticles than with the non-target microparticles; flowing the fluid through a multidirectional microchannel; and applying a magnetic field to the fluid while the fluid is flowing through at least a portion of the microchannel to effect capture of at least a portion of the target microparticles onto the magnetic beads. Such a method can further includes passing the fluid having exited from the microchannel through a separator while subjecting the fluid to a second magnetic field so as to isolate the target microparticles. In addition, devices and systems are disclosed for capturing and/or isolating target microparticles based on magnetic manipulation.

Abstract: An extraction method for a target bio-molecule of a sample solution is described. First, a substrate having a thermally responsive polymer brush immobilized thereon is provided. The thermally responsive polymer brush has a lower critical solution temperature (LCST). Thereafter, while the sample solution flows over the substrate, the temperature of the sample solution or the substrate or both is decreased to less than the LCST, so that the target bio-molecule of the sample solution is captured inside the thermally responsive polymer brush. Afterwards, while the extraction solution flows over the substrate, the temperature of the extraction solution or the substrate or both is increased to more than the LCST, so that the captured target bio-molecule of the sample solution is released out of the thermally responsive polymer brush.

Abstract: The invention concerns materials and methods used for the concentration, desalination, purification or stabilization of biological compounds, in particular biological macromolecules and supramolecular structures, by means of superabsorbent polymers or superabsorptive composite materials.

Abstract: The invention provides methods of isolating, purifying, analyzing and/or detecting, functionalized macromolecules, e.g., peptides, phosphopeptides, polypeptides, proteins, oligonucleotides, or phospholipids in a sample, e.g., a biological mixture, using solid phase extraction with an alumina sorbent packed in a micro-elution plate.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method for extracting a biosubstance from a root of a hair, including the step of using as the hair a hair that has pulling force of at least a predetermined reference value to pull out the hair.

Abstract: A method for preparing a sample by utilizing a mechanical force in the presence of a size stabilizer to break apart the sample to obtain nucleic acid molecules in a usable size range.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for separating double-stranded nucleic acids out of a mixture comprising single-stranded nucleic acids and/or dNTPs and/or enzymes. The method uses spatially inhomogenously functionalized nanoporous materials. For example, the compositions and methods of the present invention can be used to purify DNA amplification reaction products.

Abstract: The present invention provides a novel procedure of preparing samples for analysis by way of mass spectrometry, preferably LC-MS/MS. Accordingly, functionalized magnetic particles with a hydrophobic surface were used for extracting low molecular weight compounds from complex liquid biological samples such as plasma, serum, whole blood or hemolyzed blood. The method of the invention includes (a) contacting the sample with an amount of functionalized magnetic particles with a hydrophobic surface, (b) incubating the sample and the particles, thereby adsorbing the compound to the hydrophobic surface, (c) separating the particles by applying a magnetic field and removing the liquid, (d) optionally washing the particles, (e) eluting the compound from the particles.

Abstract: Biscationic organic compounds are disclosed which promote adsorption of nucleic acids from an aqueous solution to a solid phase such as silica. Adsorption takes place under low salt conditions. Further disclosed are methods and kits suitable for nucleic acid isolation from aqueous solutions.

Abstract: The present invention concerns the use of methods and compositions for the isolation of small RNA molecules (100 nucleotides or fewer), such as microRNA and siRNA molecules. Such molecules are routinely lost in commonly used isolation procedures and therefore the present invention allows for a much higher level of enrichment or isolation of these small RNA molecules.

Abstract: A universal column is provided which allows purification methods utilizing centrifugation, syringe coupling and/or use of a vacuum source. Methods for using the universal column and kits comprising the universal column are described.