Abstract: A method for the isolation of nucleic acids from a liquid sample, which contains nucleic acids, using a filtering device, which has pores, through which the sample is allowed to flow in the course of the isolation, the nucleic acids, and contained in the sample, being retained selectively in or at the pores, wherein the sample is mixed with a concentration of the precipitating agent for nucleic acids, which is sufficient to condense the nucleic acids and the sample is then allowed to flow through the filtering device, the pores of the filtering device used having inner wall regions with variable surface structures, which are constructed differently depending on the medium passed through the pores and by which the permeability of the pores can be adjusted between a state, in which the condensed nucleic acid molecules are retained, and a state, in which the dissolved nucleic acid molecules can pass through.

Abstract: This specification relates to the field of molecular biology and provides novel methods and reagents for preserving and protecting the ribonucleic acid (RNA) content of samples from degradation prior to RNA isolation. This preservation may be accomplished without ultra-low temperature storage or disruption of the tissue.

Abstract: Oligomers are prepared substantially free of error sequences by sequentially adding monomers to a growing chain bound to a support through a first selectably cleavable linkage, a first capture moiety and a second selectably cleavable linkage. At the completion of monomer addition, the completed oligomer is cleaved from the support to reveal the first capture moiety and purified by virtue of the presence of a second capture moiety, e.g., a terminal blocking group, and the first capture moiety. A support-bound oligomer having the structural formula (I) S—[X1]n1—SC1—CP2—[X2]n2—SC3—T1—X—T2—SC2—CP1  (I) is also provided wherein T1, T2, X1, X2, n1, n2, SC1, SC2, SC3, CP1 and CP2 are as defined herein.

Abstract: Methods for detecting low frequency nuclear mutations in a target sequence from a genomic DNA sequence are disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process for forming a normalized genomic DNA library from an environmental sample by (a) isolating a genomic DNA population from the environmental sample; (b) at least one of (i) amplifying the copy number of the DNA population so isolated and (ii) recovering a fraction of the isolated genomic DNA having a desired characteristic; and (c) normalizing the representation of various DNAs within the genomic DNA population so as to form a normalized library of genomic DNA from the environmental sample. Also disclosed is a normalized genomic DNA library formed from an environmental sample by the process.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a composition and to a method for extracting DNA. More specifically, the present invention relates to a composition and to a method to extract DNA from dried biological samples on solid substrates, including but not limited to, buccal smears, semen and especially blood. The method can be conducted in a single-tube. The DNA extracted in accordance with the present invention can be used for DNA amplification reactions, DNA sequencing, DNA restriction analysis and DNA hyridization.

Abstract: The invention generally concerns the use of amino acid denaturants for denaturing or separating double stranded nucleic acid molecules. More specifically, the present invention provides a method for the rapid isolation and recovery of a desired target DNA or RNA molecules from a mixture or library containing such molecules. The method involves the use of haptenylated probes and amino acid denaturants to select the desired molecules and eliminate the undesired library members from a sample. The invention also provides a method in which larger or full-length nucleic acid molecules can be isolated from the subpopulation of desired molecules.

Abstract: Transition metal complexes, referred to hereinafter as “metalloligands”, that catalyze the degradation of DNA and the cleavage of RNA at select sites are provided. In one embodiment, the metalloligand has the following structure: wherein R1 is an amino group, i.e. an NH, or an alkylamino group comprising 1 or 2 carbon atoms; wherein R2 is selected from the group consisting of an amino group, a hydroxyl group, i.e., O(H), an alkylamino group comprising 1 or 2 carbon atoms; and an alkylhydroxyl group comprising 1 or 2 carbon atoms; wherein J is a ligand which comprises at least one carbon-containing five-membered or six-membered ring structure; and wherein M is a transition metal ion which is bound via coordinate bonds to R1 and R2.

Abstract: Different probes each having a specific base sequence are immobilized to each of independent areas formed on the surface of a substrate, complementary polynucleotides in a sample solution are hybridized to the probes, and each of the independent areas on the substrate is heated and then cooled in sequence, and hence the solution is recovered to extract different polynucleotides separately corresponding to individual probes.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for isolating biological target materials, particularly nucleic acids, such as DNA or RNA or hybrid molecules of DNA and RNA, from other substances in a medium using silica magnetic particles. The methods of the present invention involve forming a complex of the silica magnetic particles and the biological target material in a mixture of the medium and particles, separating the complex from the mixture using external magnetic force, and eluting the biological target material from the complex. The preferred embodiments of magnetic silica particles used in the methods and kits of the present invention are capable of forming a complex with at least 2 &mgr;g of biological target material per milligram of particle, and of releasing at least 60% of the material from the complex in the elution step of the method.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to compositions and methods for removal of nucleic acid probes from sample nucleic acids, particularly when the sample nucleic acids are attached to a solid support. The invention also concerns methods of stripping and reusing nucleic acid blots.

Abstract: Provided is a method for obtaining human DNA for genetic analysis, by taking the epidermis of testee by means of an adhesive sheet, and by extracting DNA from the epidermis stuck on the adhesive sheet. Provided are also combined sheets for conveniently storing DNA and a kit for taking the epidermis and analyzing DNA. Along with the kits, the method allows DNA to be easily obtained and stably stored for a long period of time. In addition, both the identification and the DNA analysis of a testee can be conducted at the same time by taking epidermal scraps from the testee, along with a figured epidermal print.

Abstract: A method for isolating DNA contained in a biological sample, including: lysing a DNA-containing biological sample and forming a DNA-bound carrier by placing a lysing solution, including the DNA-containing biological sample, a salt, and a cationic surfactant, and having a salt concentration higher than the DNA precipitation inhibition-initiating concentration, into contact with a DNA-binding carrier to bind DNA to the DNA-binding carrier to form the DNA-bound carrier; separating the DNA-bound carrier from other components; dissociating the bound DNA from the DNA-binding carrier; and recovering dissociated DNA. By the method, DNA purified with no preliminary treatment of a biological sample can be recovered at a high yield.

Abstract: A process for the isolation and purification of nucleic acids and/or oligonucleotides for use in gene therapy wherein said nucleic acids and/or oligonucleotides are isolated or purified from an essentially biological source, characterized in that said essentially biological sources are lysed, the fractions obtained are optionally freed or depleted from the remainder of said biological sources by per se known mechanical methods, such as centrifugation, filtration; the fractions thus treated are subsequently treated with affinity chromatographic material or with inorganic chromatographic material for the removal of endotoxins; followed by isolation of said nucleic acids and/or oligonucleotides on an anion exchanger which is designed such that DNA begins to desorb from the anion exchanger only at an ionic strength corresponding to a sodium chloride solution of a concentration higher by at least 100 mM than one corresponding to the ionic strength at which RNA begins to desorb from the anion exchanger material.

Abstract: This invention provides an apparatus for extracting nucleic acids from nucleic acid-containing samples, particularly biological samples, and more particularly to a nucleic acid extraction apparatus well suited for the nucleic acid extraction method utilizing a nucleic acid-binding magnetic carrier.

Abstract: Methods are disclosed for rapid, reliable and simple isolation of RNA from formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissue samples. RNA purified in this manner can be used to monitor gene expression levels. The tissue sample can be a tumor or other pathological tissue.

Abstract: There is disclosed a membrane process for the purification of nucleic acids in aqueous solutions whereby a lasting reduction of endotoxin content is achieved. The process is suitable for small or large volumes and can be carried out quickly and with simple apparatus.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for isolating nucleic acids from biological fluids and suspensions containing nucleic acids, a reaction compartment 17 for receiving an adsorption medium 100 being connected to a removal compartment 50, and the nucleic acids being able to be moved and enriched from the reaction compartment 17 into the removal compartment 50 by an electrophoresis apparatus 20a, 20b.

Abstract: A non-radioactive hybridization assay and kit for the detection of genetic defects, microbial infections or viral infections, such as human papillomavirus. A test sample is treated with a base and incubated with nucleic acid probes, diluted in a neutralizing buffer, specific for target nucleic acids. The hybrids are captured onto a solid phase coated with an anti-hybrid antibody, unhybridized probe is eliminated, and the bound hybrid detected.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for isolating RNA from a biological material comprising RNA and contaminants, wherein: the biological material is disrupted in the presence of a chaotropic agent, the resulting lysate is diluted to precipitate out contaminants, and the precipitate is removed from the lysate. RNA is preferably isolated from the resulting cleared lysate, using a silica matrix to bind and then release RNA bound thereto under particular conditions. The present invention also provides a method for isolating RNA from a solution comprising RNA and DNA, wherein: the RNA and DNA are bound to a silica matrix in the presence of at least one binding enhancer, the DNA is digested with DNase, and the RNA fluted therefrom.

Abstract: This invention provides methods for denaturing nucleic acids. The methods involve contacting a solution comprising double stranded nucleic acid with a surface having denaturation activity sufficient to produce denaturation within a period of not more than one hour.

Abstract: This specification relates to the field of molecular biology and provides a novel method and reagent for preserving and protecting the ribonucleic acid (RNA) content of tissue samples from degradation prior to RNA isolation. This preservation may be accomplished without ultra-low temperature storage or disruption of the tissue.

Abstract: The present invention presents a novel method for removing endotoxins from nucleic acids, such as DNA, RNA, or hybrids thereof, contaminated therewith. Nucleic acid solutions which can be treated using the method of this invention include, but are not limited to, lysates of gram-negative bacteria and nucleic acid solutions contaminated with endotoxins from external sources. The present method removes endotoxins from such solutions using silica-based materials, such as silica gel particles, magnetic silica particles, or diatomaceous earth. In a preferred aspect of the method of this invention, magnetic silica particles are used to isolate plasmid DNA from a lysate of gram-negative bacteria transformed with the plasmid DNA. Application of the disclosed method produces nucleic acids which are sufficiently free of endotoxin contamination to be useful for a variety of different practical applications.

Abstract: A stool lysis buffer having a high concentration of buffer, a chelating agent, and a salt has the ability to lyse mammalian cells but not bacterial cells. Lysed cells release nucleic acids into the buffer. A particulate fraction is removed which includes the unlysed bacterial cells.