US Patent No. 7,659,056. Method and apparatus for detecting a mutation in a nucleic acid fragment in a sample.
Inventor: Gerritt De Vos
Assignee: Ingeny Holding
Describes a method and apparatus for detecting polymorphisms in a nucleic acid sample (e.g., blood, sperm, saliva, cells, etc.). To enhance the efficiency and the reliability of the known methods (e.g., denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis, temperature gradient gel electrophoresis, and single-strand conformation polymorphism) the amplification process (e.g., PCR) preceding the actual detection step is performed in or on the polyacrylamide gel. Multiple gradients of chemical denaturants, thermal denaturants, and gel matrix porosity are used to separate DNA fragments by zone electrophoresis on gel slabs or by capillary electrophoresis.
US Patent No. 7,659,066. Detection and distinguishing infectious bursal disease virus strains by molecular biology method.
Inventors: Abdul Omar, Mohd Hair-Bejo, Ideris Aini, Hairul Hamzah
Assignee: Universiti Putra Malaysia
Describes a method to detect and differentiate strains of infectious bursal disease virus in a chicken and other bird samples. RNA is obtained from said samples by using a pair of primers (FVVC and RVVC) in reverse transcriptase PCR. Two different primer combinations (IF and IVIR; and IF and RCLA) and real-time PCR conditions have been designed and optimized for rapid differentiation of very virulent and vaccine strains of IBDV based on detecting signatory threshold cycle and melting temperature values.
US Patent No. 7,659,067. Method for identification of medically relevant fungi.
Inventors: Timothy Dean and Michael Kohan
Assignee: US Environmental Protection Agency
Describes a method for identifying multiple species of fungi in an environment by extracting and purifying fungal DNA from one sample. PCR is then performed followed by cloning the amplified DNA and transforming the DNA into bacteria for purposes of growing the organisms. Colonies of the growth containing transformed bacteria are then chosen on the basis of coloration. Plasmids from the chosen colonies are then purified and the DNA is analyzed to identify fungi present in the sample.
US Patent No. 7,659,096. Reaction system for performing the amplification of nucleic acids.
Inventors: Martin Lee, Hilary Bird, Dario Leslie, David Squirrell, John Shaw, David Wenn, Julie Deacon
Assignee: UK Secretary of State for Defense
Describes a method of carrying out an amplification reaction. Said method comprises supplying to a well in a disposable unit (a) a sample containing or suspected of containing a target nucleic acid sequence (b) primers, nucleotides, and enzymes required to effect said amplification reaction; and (c) a buffer system. The method involves subjecting the unit to thermal cycling conditions such that any target nucleic acid present within the sample is amplified. The disposable unit comprises a thermally conducting layer and a facing layer having one or more reagent wells of as many as 1,000 microns in depth. The reaction mixture comprises at least one of the following: a buffer system wherein the pH is above 8.3; a detergent; and/or a blocking agent. The patent also describes an apparatus for the method and disposable units for use in the method. The method is particularly suitable for rapid PCR reactions.
US Patent No. 7,659,100. DNA polymerase fusions and uses thereof.
Inventor: Michael Borns
Assignee: Stratagene (now part of Agilent Technologies)
Describes methods of using DNA polymerase fusions at high pH in PCR, DNA sequencing, and mutagenesis protocols.
US Patent No. 7,659,110. DNA amplification device.
Inventors: Seiichi Kudoh and Ryoji Kobayashi.
Assignee: Thermogen
Describes a DNA amplification device in which a processing block is composed of a base, where an upper substrate formed with a metal material and a lower substrate formed with the metal material or a ceramic material are adhered. Cells supported by this base . . . are secured to the upper substrate and/or lower substrate at least via cell positioners . . . established in the upper substrate for positioning the cells. At the same time, the thickness of regions . . . situated under the cells . . . in the lower substrate is selected to be at least 1 mm or thinner, and a thermo-module or thermo-modules come into contact with the lower surface of the base.