Automated isolation and chemical reaction(s) of nucleic acids

Abstract

The present teachings relate to methods, kits and devices for performing automated sequential nucleic acid isolation and conversion / purification in a single closed system. In various embodiments, the present teaching enable a user to (i) load a device with test samples, reagents and consumables; (ii) select or program the device for the desired nucleic acid isolation and subsequent chemical treatment and / or conversion reaction(s) without further user intervention; and recovering the isolated and treated and / or converted nucleic acid at the conclusion of the program once the device is activated.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION[0001]This application is a continuation in part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14 / 517,759, filed Oct. 17, 2014, which is incorporated herein by reference.FIELD[0002]The present teachings relate to methods, kits and a device for automated nucleic acid isolation and conversion / purification in a single closed system.INTRODUCTION[0003]Isolation of nucleic acids from biological samples provides reliable results when the nucleic acids are free of contaminating foreign nucleic acids, nucleases that degrade nucleic acids and chemicals that interfere with downstream analysis of the isolated nucleic acids. The subsequent analysis of isolated nucleic acid is at further risk for introduction of contaminants during the manual set-up of the reaction / treatment of the isolated nucleic acids. Thus, there remains a need in the art for methods and devices that facilitate the isolation and subsequent reaction / treatment of isolated nucleic acids in an automate...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The patent describes a method for extracting and modifying nucleic acid in a single closed system, using magnetic beads and a bisulfite conversion reaction. The method is automated and efficient, with a reduced sample processing time. The isolated nucleic acid can be used for various applications such as methylation detection, disease diagnosis, and forensics testing. The method can be performed using a single closed automated system, which includes a reaction tube and magnetic beads. The isolated nucleic acid is then reacted with a bisulfite conversion reagent, which is overlaid with mineral oil. The converted nucleic acid is then eluted from a second magnetic particle. The method is efficient, fast, and can be performed with a small sample size.

Problems solved by technology

The subsequent analysis of isolated nucleic acid is at further risk for introduction of contaminants during the manual set-up of the reaction / treatment of the isolated nucleic acids.

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