Methods for capture and selective release of nucleic acids using weakly basic polymer and amplification of same

US5582988A · kind A · utility

Assignee

• Johnson & Johnson Clinical Diagnostics, Inc. · US

Inventors

• John W. Backus · Williamson, US
• Tobias E. Ekeze · Rochester, US
• Jerome Swartz · Oakfield, US
• Richard C. Sutton · Rochester, US
• Ignazio S. Ponticello · Pittsford, US
• JoAnne H. Kerschner · Rochester, US
• John B. Findlay · Rochester, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Sep 15, 1994
• Grant date: Dec 10, 1996
• Expiry date: Sep 15, 2014

Classification

• Technology area (CPC C): Chemistry; Metallurgy
• CPC primary: C12N2740/16022
• WIPO field: Biotechnology
• WIPO sector: Chemistry

Abstract

Nucleic acids can be made available for amplification or other treatment after lysis by contacting the lysate with specific weakly basic polymers to form a precipitate with the nucleic acids at acidic pH. After removing non-precipitated materials, the pH is then made basic, thereby releasing the nucleic acids from the polymer. This method for preparing specimen samples is simple and quite rapid, and the released nucleic acids can be further treated in hybridization assays or amplification procedures. The weakly basic polymers are water-soluble and cationic at acidic pH, but neutral in charge at basic pH.