Gentra Systems, Inc.

Qiagen North American Holdings, Inc

Qiegen North American Holdings, Inc

Ellen M Heath

Ruth M Shuman

Douglas J Kluge

Glenn M Campbell

Glenn M Campbell, Sr

John M Wages

Kim Paulsen

Robert Jackson Bair

Heather Meehan

Kristen Campbell Benedict

Nathaniel W Morken

Kim E Paulsen

Reagents, methods and kits for the purification of RNA from biological materials are provided.

Compositions and methods for using a solid support to purify RNA

Eluting reagents and methods for isolating DNA from biological materials are provided.

Eluting reagents, methods and kits for isolating DNA

An improved method for isolating DNA from biological samples is provided.

Method to isolate DNA

The present invention is an apparatus and method for purifying and isolating nucleic acid. The system uses one or more automated stations to perform steps of the method, including loading a sample onto a solid support in a processing container, purifying the sample, and isolating nucleic acid from the sample. A pump or vacuum may be used in the apparatus of the present invention for supplying fluids to the sample. A pump, vacuum or centrifuge may be used to separate impurities from the sample or to separate nucleic acid from the solid support. Exemplary solid supports and sample processing containers are disclosed.

Apparatuses and methods for isolating nucleic acid

Processes for isolating, amplifying, and characterizing DNA from biological materials are provided. DNA is isolated by contacting a biological material on a solid support which is preferably pre-treated with a lysing reagent. The isolation process is simple and efficient and provides a source of purified DNA without the use of harmful organic solvents such as urea and guanidine-based solvents. The purified DNA and remaining fractions of biological material may be characterized or amplified as necessary.

Processes for isolating, amplifying and characterizing DNA

A mixing and pouring apparatus for computer controlled processing of mixing and pouring operations includes a rotatable arm capable of holding vessels therein, the arm rotatable at programmable speeds and time lengths to perform automated moving and pouring processes. The present invention further provides a cap and vessel positioning system that securely locks a vessel in place and realigns the cap in essentially the identical position in relation to the vessel every time the vessel is capped. In one embodiment, both the cap and vessel have flanges that are aligned when the cap is properly secured to the vessel.

Mixing and pouring apparatus and vessel therefor

A centrifuge bucket is provided. The centrifuge bucket has a bucket body and a holder plate mounted within the body. The holder plate has a plurality of holder openings therein to receive samples. The centrifuge bucket has a bottom support member having a plurality of support openings. Each of the support openings is precisely aligned with a respective holder opening. An alignment post mechanism is affixed to the bucket. The alignment post mechanism has a mechanism base disposed on the bottom support member and an alignment post attached to the mechanism base.

Centrifuge buckets

A rotor locator and centrifuge body locator includes a pair of locator arms that close about the rotor shaft and an alignment pin to center the rotor shaft. A registration mechanism rotates the rotor shaft and the centrifuge body until it reaches a known home position. A method of consistently registering the centrifuge body includes centering a rotor shaft of the body along a known center line and aligning the body to a home position both before and after centrifugation.

Rotor locator for a centrifuge

Method for locating a centrifuge body

A rotor locator and centrifuge body locator includes a pair of locator arms that close about the rotor shaft and an alignment pin to center the rotor shaft. A registration mechanism rotates the rotor shaft and the centrifuge body until it reaches a known home position. A method of consistently registering the centrifuge body includes centering a rotor shaft of the body along a known center line and aligning the body to a home position both before and after centrifugation. A centrifuge employs the rotor locator and operates using the method. The centrifuge may also include a bucket stop for maintaining proper orientation of centrifuge buckets during registration.

Rotor locator

The present invention describes an RNA isolation process which utilizes low pH reagents. In addition, the reagents are less hazardous and are more stable than those used in prior art methods. This rapid method may be used to obtain purified RNA from a variety of biological sources including human whole blood, plant and animal tissues, cultured cells, body fluids, yeast, and bacteria.

Growing community of inventors

Minnetonka, MN, United States of America

Ellen M Heath