The invention features methods and apparatus for purifying a sample including an RNA (e.g., an RNA having a poly(A) sequence, such as an mRNA). Methods of the invention involve adding a liquid to a sample container including the sample and a solid affinity material (e.g., oligo(dT) or hydroxyapatite), agitating the contents of the sample, removing the liquid, and eluting the RNA of interest from the sample container. The apparatus of the invention include a sample container and one or more components such as a reservoir, collection container, pressure generating source, valve assembly, and agitation mechanism. Certain apparatus include a rotatable magnet or magnetizable component. The methods and apparatus described herein are useful in providing RNA (e.g., RNA having a poly(A) sequence, such as mRNA) in high yield and with high purity using less solvent than conventional purification techniques.

Various aspects of the present disclosure are directed toward methods and apparatuses for interacting a first liquid and a second liquid in one or more fluidic channels of a capillary structure. The methods and apparatuses can include providing at least one capillary barrier that positions a meniscus of the first liquid at a fluid-interface region using capillary forces within the capillary structure. Additionally, a path is provided along one of the channels for the second liquid to flow toward the fluid-interface region. Additionally, gas pressure is released, via a gas-outflow port, from the fluid-interface region while flow of the first liquid is arrested. Further, the first liquid and the second liquid contact in the fluid-interface region with the capillary barrier holding the first liquid at the fluid-interface region.

The present disclosure relates to surface proteins of Moraxella catarrhalis and their ability to interact with epithelial cells via cell-associated fibronectin and laminin, and also to their ability to inhibit the complement system. These surface proteins are useful in the preparation of vaccines. The present disclosure also provides peptides interacting with fibronectin, laminin and the complement system.

The present invention pertains to methods, uses, compositions and kits for treating RNA at conditions comprising a temperature of at least 70 C. and a pH of at least 8, preferably a pH of at least 9. It also pertains to methods, uses and compositions for stabilizing RNA at conditions comprising a temperature of at least 70 C. and a pH of at least 8, preferably a pH of at least 9. It based on the finding that RNA can be stabilized in the presence of ammonium sulfate. In particular, the present invention provides a method of processing RNA, comprising treating the RNA at conditions comprising a temperature of at least 70 C. and a pH of at least 8, preferably a pH of at least 9, in the presence of ammonium sulfate at a concentration of 10 mM or less.

The present invention pertains to methods, uses, compositions and kits for treating RNA at conditions comprising a temperature of at least 70 C. and a pH of at least 8, preferably a pH of at least 9. It also pertains to methods, uses and compositions for stabilizing RNA at conditions comprising a temperature of at least 70 C. and a pH of at least 8, preferably a pH of at least 9. It based on the finding that RNA can be stabilized in the presence of ammonium sulfate. In particular, the present invention provides a method of processing RNA, comprising treating the RNA at conditions comprising a temperature of at least 70 C. and a pH of at least 8, preferably a pH of at least 9, in the presence of ammonium sulfate at a concentration of 10 mM or less.

Devices and methods for preparing RNA and DNA from single cells are disclosed. In particular, the invention relates to a method of simultaneously extracting RNA and DNA from single cells and separating the nucleic acids electrophoretically. An electric field is used to lyse a single target cell, such that the plasma membrane is selectively disrupted without lysing the nuclear membrane. Cytoplasmic RNA is separated from the nucleus by performing isotachophoresis (ITP) in the presence of a sieving matrix that preferentially reduces the mobility of the nucleus. During ITP, the cytoplasmic RNA accumulates at an ITP interface between leading and trailing electrolytes and can later be extracted free of nuclear DNA. The method can be performed in a microfluidic device that fully automates all steps of the process.

Described herein are methods for making and using magnetic ionic liquid that have at least one cationic component and at least one anionic component, where at least one of the cationic components or the anionic components is a paramagnetic component. The magnetic ionic liquids are capable of manipulation by an external magnetic field.

A test device is provided that can comprise: a housing accommodating a chromatography support, wherein the housing comprises: a supporting part that supports a container accommodating a liquid used for chromatography. A method is provided for performing chromatography using the test device.

Aspects of the disclosure include methods for the preparation of a polynucleotide. In some embodiments, the method includes contacting a first polynucleotide composition including: a polynucleotide having a sequence of 7 or more nucleoside subunits and at least two of the nucleoside subunits are joined by a N3.fwdarw.P5 thiophosphoramidate inter-subunit linkage; and non-target synthetic products and reagents; with a multivalent cation salt to precipitate a polynucleotide salt including at least one multivalent cation counterion; and separating the polynucleotide salt from the contacted first polynucleotide composition to produce a second polynucleotide composition including the polynucleotide salt. In certain embodiments, the method further includes contacting the polynucleotide salt with a reverse phase chromatography support; and eluting from the chromatography support a third polynucleotide composition including the polynucleotide. Also provided are compositions including a salt of the polynucleotide including at least one multivalent cation counterion.

Methods, systems and apparatus for automated extraction, purification, and processing of nucleic acids from biological samples are presented. In some embodiments, hydrogel supports are used to immobilize particulate biological input samples and extract nucleic acids during operations. The use of hydrogel facilitates automated sample processing on robotic liquid handling systems. Devices, methods, and systems are also provided for electrophoretic sample preparation.