The present disclosure in some aspects relates to methods and compositions for accurately detecting and quantifying multiple analytes present in a biological sample. In some aspects, the methods and compositions provided herein address one or more issues associated with the stability and/or size of nucleic acid structures such as rolling circle amplification products in the biological sample.

The present disclosure in some aspects relates to methods and compositions for accurately detecting and quantifying multiple analytes present in a biological sample. In some aspects, the methods and compositions provided herein address one or more issues associated with the stability and/or size of nucleic acid structures such as rolling circle amplification products in the biological sample.

Disclosed is a method of performing a non-isothermal nucleic acid amplification reaction, wherein the temperature at which the method is performed is non-isothermal and subject to a reduction of at least 2° C. during amplification process steps. The present invention provides an improved nucleic acid amplification technique having one or more advantages over existing techniques including, for example, decreased reaction time, increased yield, and decreased non-specific amplification products.

The present invention provides compositions, kits and methods for the selective hybridization and capture of a specific target nucleic acid. The specific target nucleic acid may be present in a heterogeneous mixture of nucleic acids. Selective hybridization and capture provides a target nucleic acid that is substantially free of non-target and/or contaminating nucleic acids. Target nucleic acids that have been selectively hybridized and captured using the current invention are then used in subsequent analysis, wherein the presence of non-target and/or contaminating nucleic acids that interfere with said subsequent analysis have been substantially reduced or eliminated, thereby providing improved analysis results. The invention offers the further advantage of requiring less stringent purification and/or sterility efforts than conventionally needed in order to ensure that enzymes and other reagents used in subsequent analysis, or present in the environment in which an assay is performed, are free of bacterial or other contaminating nucleic acids.

The present invention provides compositions, kits and methods for the selective hybridization and capture of a specific target nucleic acid. The specific target nucleic acid may be present in a heterogeneous mixture of nucleic acids. Selective hybridization and capture provides a target nucleic acid that is substantially free of non-target and/or contaminating nucleic acids. Target nucleic acids that have been selectively hybridized and captured using the current invention are then used in subsequent analysis, wherein the presence of non-target and/or contaminating nucleic acids that interfere with said subsequent analysis have been substantially reduced or eliminated, thereby providing improved analysis results. The invention offers the further advantage of requiring less stringent purification and/or sterility efforts than conventionally needed in order to ensure that enzymes and other reagents used in subsequent analysis, or present in the environment in which an assay is performed, are free of bacterial or other contaminating nucleic acids.

Provided herein, in some aspects, are methods of imaging molecules without a microscope or other specialized equipment, referred to herein as “microscope-free imaging (MFI).” Herein, “molecular instruments” (e.g., DNA-based and protein-based molecules) are used, instead of microscopes, in a “bottom-up” approach for inspecting molecular targets.

Provided herein, in some aspects, are methods of imaging molecules without a microscope or other specialized equipment, referred to herein as “microscope-free imaging (MFI).” Herein, “molecular instruments” (e.g., DNA-based and protein-based molecules) are used, instead of microscopes, in a “bottom-up” approach for inspecting molecular targets.

A photocaged DNA nano-tweezer and methods of using said photocaged DNA nano-tweezer are described. In particular, provided herein is a DNA nano-tweezer comprising a hairpin with a single-stranded loop that comprises a first arm and a second arm; and a trigger strand complementary to the single-stranded loop and comprising at least one photocaged residue with a protecting group.

A photocaged DNA nano-tweezer and methods of using said photocaged DNA nano-tweezer are described. In particular, provided herein is a DNA nano-tweezer comprising a hairpin with a single-stranded loop that comprises a first arm and a second arm; and a trigger strand complementary to the single-stranded loop and comprising at least one photocaged residue with a protecting group.

A highly sensitive and specific reverse transcription loop-mediated isothermal amplification (RT-LAMP) assay to detect ZIKV nucleic acid in biological samples is described. The disclosed assay is capable of detecting as few as one RNA copy per μl and can be performed in a clinical or field setting with minimal equipment and technological expertise. Oligonucleotide primers and kits for detecting ZIKV nucleic acid are also described.