Method for separating nucleic acids and nucleic acid probes

• US 5,059,294 A
• Filed: 11/16/1987
• Issued: 10/22/1991
• Est. Priority Date: 12/26/1985
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: University of Puerto Rico
• Original Assignee: University of Puerto Rico
• Inventors: Lizardi, Paul M.
• Primary Examiner(s): Niebling, John F.
• Assistant Examiner(s): Starsiak, John S.
• Application Number:
  US07/077,901
• Time in Patent Office: 1,436 Days
• Field of Search: 204/299 R, 204/182.8
• US Class Current: 204/458
• CPC Class Codes: B01D 57/02 by electrophoresis treatment of water, waste water, sewage or sludge by electrophoresis C02F1/469; electrophoretic production of compounds or non-metals C25B7/00; investigating or analysing materials by using electrophoresis G01N27/26
• CPC Class Codes: C12Q 1/68 involving nucleic acids
• CPC Class Codes: C12Q 1/6813 Hybridisation assays
• CPC Class Codes: G01N 27/44773 Multi-stage electrophoresis, e.g. two-dimensional electrophoresis

Abstract

An improved method and device for nucleic acid hybridization assay employing combined direct an alternating field electrophoresis are disclosed. In the method of the present invention, a sample is hybridized with nucleic acid probe and is contacted with a support medium where direct and alternating electric fields are applied. Under the influence of the electric fields, hybrid separates from non-specifically bound nucleic acid probe. The hybrid may be measured on the support medium itself as on a paper strip or in a cartridge containing support medium or may be blotted on an inert surface and then measured. The method an device are useful in the diagnosis of diseases. Kits are provided for assay of a large number of diseases.

Claims

1. A method of separating nucleic acid from substances to which it is bound non-specifically comprising:

a) contacting said nucleic acid and said substances to which it is bound non-specifically with support medium; and

applying alternate electric field and direct electric field to said support medium;

wherein the direction of said direct field is essentially parallel to the direction of said alternating field.

2. A method of separating nucleic acid from substances to which it is bound non-specifically comprising:

a) contacting said nucleic acid and said substances to which it is bound non-specifically with support medium; and

b) applying alternate electric field and direct electric field to said support medium;

wherein said direct electric field and said alternating electric field are applied at different times to said support medium.