Sample Preparation

Preparation of nucleic acid samples prior to amplification and detection of specific targets is arguably the most challenging step of molecular diagnostics. A simple, reliable workflow is required for modern systems to compete effectively. With this in mind, Lumora has invented and developed a proprietary method known as "Heat Elution".

The principle behind Heat Elution is novel and elegant, harnessing the power produced by heat lysis in a sealed vessel to drive elution across through inhibitor removing materials. There is no need for complex and costly robotics or pumps, yet nucleic acids are produced in a suitably pure form ready for PCR or isothermal amplification.

At the heart of the Heat Elution technology is the use of the pressure generated by the sample itself to drive the sample across a membrane in the presence of an inhibitor removal matrix. An added benefit of this approach is that purification is combined with a heat lysis step, so removing multiple steps from the usually laborious task of sample preparation.

Multiple embodiments of Heat Elution have been tested, including methods to concentrate nucleic acid targets, and a patent application filed to protect them. A highly efficient method of extracting C diff DNA was presented at the European Congress of Clinical Chemotherapy and Microbiology of Infectious Diseases (ECCMID) in April 2012.

Click here to see a copy of the poster that was displayed or click here to see a video demonstration of the method.