A method of amplifying a target
nucleic acid in
a DNA sample comprising (a) contacting the
DNA sample containing the target
nucleic acid with
a DNA polymerase, at least two
oligonucleotide primers designed to flank the target
nucleic acid, a mixture of dATP, dGTP, dCTP, and dTTP, and a conjugate comprising
a DNA polymerase inhibitor covalently attached to a
negative temperature sensitive
polymer, (b) heating the output of step (a) to a temperature at which the conjugate precipitates and thus the
DNA polymerase is no longer inhibited and (c) amplifying the target nucleic acid, e.g. by performing PCR steps of denaturing the target nucleic acid, annealing the primers to the target nucleic acid, and extending the primers, wherein step (c) is repeated at least two times. Also provided is a conjugate comprising a
DNA polymerase inhibitor covalently attached to a
negative temperature sensitive
polymer and kits and aqueous compositions comprising the same.