Pioneering particle-based strategy for isolating viable bacteria from multipart soil samples compatible with Raman spectroscopy.

The study of edaphic bacteria is of great interest, particularly for evaluating soil remediation and recultivation methods. Therefore, a fast and simple strategy to isolate various bacteria from complex soil samples using poly(ethyleneimine) (PEI)-modified polyethylene particles is introduced. The research focuses on the binding behavior under different conditions, such as the composition, pH value, and ionic strength, of the binding buffer, and is supported by the characterization of the surface properties of particles and bacteria.

Fast-Track, One-Step E. coli Detection: A Miniaturized Hydrogel Array Permits Specific Direct PCR and DNA Hybridization while Amplification.

A timesaving and convenient method for bacterial detection based on one-step, one-tube deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) hybridization on hydrogel array while target gene amplification is described. The hydrogel array is generated by a fast one-pot synthesis, where N,N'-dimethylacrylamide/polyethyleneglycol(PEG1900 )-bisacrylamide mixture polymerizes via radical photoinitiation by visible light within 20 min concomitant with in situ capture probe immobilization. These DNA-functionalized hydrogel droplets arrayed on a planar glass surface are placed in the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) mixture during the thermal amplification cycles.

Rapid Identification of Pseudomonas spp. via Raman Spectroscopy Using Pyoverdine as Capture Probe.

Pyoverdine is a substance which is excreted by fluorescent pseudomonads in order to scavenge iron from their environment. Due to specific receptors of the bacterial cell wall, the iron loaded pyoverdine molecules are recognized and transported into the cell. This process can be exploited for developing efficient isolation and enrichment strategies for members of the Pseudomonas genus, which are capable of colonizing various environments and also include human pathogens like P.

Label-free detection of Phytophthora ramorum using surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy.

In this study, we report on a novel approach for the label-free and species-specific detection of the plant pathogen Phytophthora ramorum from real samples using surface enhanced Raman scattering (SERS). In this context, we consider the entire analysis chain including sample preparation, DNA isolation, amplification and hybridization on SERS substrate-immobilized adenine-free capture probes. Thus, the SERS-based detection of target DNA is verified by the strong spectral feature of adenine which indicates the presence of hybridized target DNA.

Non-instrumented DNA isolation, amplification and microarray-based hybridization for a rapid on-site detection of devastating Phytophthora kernoviae.

A rapid and simple instrument-free detection system was developed for the identification of the plant pathogen Phytophthora kernoviae (P. kernoviae). The on-site operable analysis steps include magnetic particle based DNA isolation, helicase-dependent amplification (HDA) and chip-based DNA hybridization.

KRAS mutation screening by chip-based DNA hybridization--a further step towards personalized oncology.

The use of predictive biomarkers can help to improve therapeutic options for the individual cancer patient. For the treatment of colon cancer patients with anti-EGFR-based drugs, the KRAS mutation status has to be determined to pre-select responders that will benefit from this medication. Amongst others, array-based tests have been established for profiling of the KRAS mutation status.

Easy daylight fabricated hydrogel array for colorimetric DNA analysis.

The fabrication of 3D hydrogel microarrays for DNA analytics that allow simple visual signal readout for on-site applications is described. A convenient one-step polymerization of the hydrogel including in situ capture oligonucleotide immobilization is accomplished by using N,N'-dimethylacrylamide/polyethylene glycol (PEG1900 )-bisacrylamide monomers. The implementation of an acylphosphine-oxide photoinitiator even allows polymerization at daylight, whereas other approaches require exposure with light in the UV-range.

Chip-on-foil devices for DNA analysis based on inkjet-printed silver electrodes.

For a rapid on-site diagnosis of pathogens, low-cost chip-based devices are of great interest. Here, we report the successful fabrication of inkjet printed silver electrodes on polymer foils as disposable chips for molecular DNA analytics. In order to manufacture these electrode structures, silver nanoparticle inks were inkjet printed onto planar polypropylene substrates.

Dry-reagent-based PCR as a novel tool for the rapid detection of Clostridium spp.

Improved conventional PCR techniques are required for the rapid on-site detection of human and animal diseases. In this context, a PCR method using dry-stored reagents intended for the detection of Clostridium spp. is presented.

Interferon alpha-armed nanoparticles trigger rapid and sustained STAT1-dependent anti-viral cellular responses.

Interferon-α (IFNα) has enormous potential for anti-proliferative and anti-viral treatments. However, clinical success is still hampered due to its limited bioavailability and thus, lack of sustained modulation of disease-relevant protective programs. Consequently, we here examined whether IFNα immobilized on nanoscale ferromagnetic R-Chitosan carriers is capable of inducing rapid and sustained activation of STAT1 signaling.

Interactions of human Cdc45 with the Mcm2-7 complex, the GINS complex, and DNA polymerases delta and epsilon during S phase.

Cdc45 is an essential cellular protein that functions in both the initiation and elongation of DNA replication. Here, we analyzed the localization of human Cdc45 and its interactions with other proteins during the cell cycle. Human Cdc45 showed a diffuse distribution in G1 phase, a spot-like pattern in S and G2, and again a diffuse distribution in M phase of the cell cycle.