Multipurpose robot for automated cycle sequencing.

Paramagnetic beads have the superior advantages of easy separation and resuspension by controlling the magnetic filed. Previously, we have developed Magtration technology to automate paramagnetic bead handling and have built several automated instruments that handle 1-12 samples simultaneously. To achieve more high-throughput sample processing, two types of a 96-arrayed Integrated Magtration Unit (IMU) were developed, one installed with electromagnets and the other with thin rod-shaped magnets made of neodymium.

Semiquantitative polymerase chain reaction for t(14;18) in follicular lymphomas: a colorimetric approach.

Background: Autologous bone marrow transplantation is increasingly being used in the management of several types of cancer, and to avoid reintroduction of malignant cells, bone marrow purging is often performed. In such cases, sensitive quantitation methods are needed both to assess the efficacy of the purging and for surveillance of patients in remission. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) has the necessary sensitivity for this application, but it requires that the cancer cells can be recognized by a defined genetic abnormality.

Quantitation of HCV-replication using one-step competitive reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction and a solid phase, colorimetric detection method.

A solid phase assay for the colorimetric detection of competitively amplified HCV-cDNA has been established and used to investigate clinical samples from patients with chronic hepatitis. The assay is based on the reduction in the amplification of an hepatitis C virus-related competitor molecule by wild-type hepatitis C virus during polymerase chain reaction. The internal standard contains a lac operator sequence, allowing the amount of amplified competitor to be determined using a lac I-repressor/beta-galactosidase fusion protein.

A simple subtraction method for the isolation of cell-specific genes using magnetic monodisperse polymer particles.

In this study we present a simple subtraction method for the isolation of cell-type-specific genes using magnetic beads. Biotinylated first-strand cDNA is generated from one cell type and immobilized onto magnetic streptavidin beads. Poly A+ RNA, isolated from a different cell type by use of oligo-dT beads, is then hybridized to the immobilized cDNA.

Magnetic separation techniques in diagnostic microbiology.

The principles of magnetic separation aided by antibodies or other specific binding molecules have been used for isolation of specific viable whole organisms, antigens, or nucleic acids. Whereas growth on selective media may be helpful in isolation of a certain bacterial species, immunomagnetic separation (IMS) technology can isolate strains possessing specific and characteristic surface antigens. Further separation, cultivation, and identification of the isolate can be performed by traditional biochemical, immunologic, or molecular methods.