WO2000050644A2

WO2000050644A2 - Methods for purifying dna using immobilized capture probes

Info

Publication number: WO2000050644A2
Application number: PCT/US2000/004939
Authority: WO
Inventors: Christopher P. Adams; T. Christian Boles; Lawrence Weir; Rahul K. Dhanda; Nevin M. Summers
Original assignee: Mosaic Technologies
Priority date: 1999-02-26
Filing date: 2000-02-25
Publication date: 2000-08-31
Also published as: CA2369002A1; AU3708300A; WO2000050644A3; JP2002537778A; EP1163371A2

Abstract

Methods employing purification devices comprising an electrophoretic medium containing immobilized capture probes for the purification of DNA are disclosed.

Description

METHODS FOR PURIFYING DNA USING IMMOBILIZED CAPTURE PROBES

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Nucleic acid sequence information plays a vital role in both basic and applied biomedical research. The nucleotide sequence of a particular portion of DNA can be instructive as to the molecular basis for a given disease, such as Huntington's Disease. Once a segment of genome has been identified as being potentially responsible for a particular affliction, elucidating the nucleotide sequence becomes very important. The sequence, once known, can play a part in the therapeutic regime to be provided, such as in the case of gene therapy. This is most evident when the basis ofthe disease is a genetic mutation ofthe normal gene. One methodology employed for treating genetic mutation-based diseases is the introduction ofthe wild-type nucleotide sequence. But first it must be established that in fact a gene, or an aberrant form of a gene, is the etiologic agent for a particular disease or syndrome. This information is most often provided through the isolation and characterization ofthe putative aberrant gene. Characterization often involves the sequence analysis ofthe nucleotide sequence itself that defines the gene of interest. This will often involve understanding both the wild-type, or physiologically normal, and mutant genes.

In practice, the quality ofthe sequence analysis is, in part, a reflection ofthe quality ofthe starting material. It is vital that the preparation that is to be subjected to sequence analysis be of high quality, that is, relatively pure and free of contaminating species like proteins and small molecules, such as salts, that can interfere with obtaining a high quality result from sequence analysis. Current protocols involve ethanol precipitation in order to remove unincorporated nucleotides and salt from, for example, extension products prior to sequence analysis. Also, with regard to the extension products, it is often desirable to remove any template DNA and excess primers from the preparation prior to sequence analysis. Precipitation is time consuming and requires care to achieve consistent product yields. Nevertheless, it is critical to the success of performing an informative sequence analysis on a target nucleotide sequence that the target sequence preparation be as free of contaminating molecules as possible.

Additionally, it would be advantageous to have a purification system that could sort the products of multiplexed sequencing reactions.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention pertains to methods of purifing a target molecule contained within a test sample. Typically, the target molecule in a test sample will be a nucleic acid molecule, in particular, single-stranded DNA primer extension sequencing reaction products of a dideoxy sequencing reaction, for example, the Sanger method, Sanger, F., et al, Proc. Na . Acad. Sci. USA, 74:5463-5467 (1977), or a cycle sequencing method, Carothers, Biotechniques,, 7:494-499 (1989), the entire teachings of which are herein incorporated by reference in their entirety.

Once purified, these purified nucleic acid molecules can be used in a variety of ways including being subjected to capillary or slab gel electrophoresis for DNA sequence analysis. Nucleic acid molecule capture probes modified with 5'-acrylamide groups are copolymerized within an electrophoresis gel, such as a polyacrylamide gel. Single-stranded target nucleic acid molecules can bind to their complementary sequence contained within a capture probe, if there is sufficient complementarity between the two molecules. Double-stranded target nucleic acid molecules can bind to a complementary sequence forming a triple helical arrangement.

The target molecule, or molecules, present in a test sample can be placed in an electrophoresis gel containing immobilized capture probes and undergo electrophoresis. The target molecule will migrate through the gel medium until it comes in contact with its complementary immobilized capture probe. Once the target and capture probe are in contact with one another, they can hybridize forming a complex. The non-target molecules contained in the test sample can continue electrophoresis and are effectively removed from the target molecule. In one embodiment ofthe present invention, the target molecules are DNA extension products formed during a primer extension sequencing reaction. A reaction mixture from a primer extension sequencing reaction is loaded into a purification device, for example, a microtiter plate containing multiple wells (having, e.g., 6, 12, 96 or 384 wells). The purification device comprises an electrophoresis gel containing immobilized capture probes that are complementary to at least one nucleotide sequence region contained within the target molecules. Preferably, an electric field is applied such that all negatively charged molecules migrate through the electrophoresis gel toward the a positively charged electrode. The positively charged electrode can be housed in a positively charged electrode buffer chamber. This chamber can be used to collect molecules that exit the electrophoretic medium as a result of their electrophoretic migration. The target molecules will be captured by complementary, immobilized capture probes that are within the gel. The non-target molecules contained within the test sample will pass through the gel and into the positively charged electrode buffer (also referred to herein as the collecting chamber). The collecting chamber can then be replaced with fresh positively charged electrode buffer. A sufficient voltage can be applied so as to denature the hybridization complex formed between the target molecule and capture probe thereby releasing the target molecule. The electric field can be applied using the same polarity as originally applied, thereby allowing for the continued migration ofthe released target molecule into the collecting chamber containing fresh positively charged electrode buffer. Alternatively, the electric field can be reversed drawing the released target molecule back into the test sample well ofthe purification device. The purified target molecule can now be accessed and subjected to further analysis, such as capillary or slab gel electrophoresis for sequence analysis.

Another embodiment ofthe invention is a kit for purifying a primer extension sequencing reaction. The kit contains an electrophoretic medium which has a capture probe, or a set of capture probes. At least one capture probe has a sequence of at least 5 nucleotides in length which is substantially complementary to a portion of at least one primer extension sequencing reaction product.

In a further embodiment, the kit contains multiple electrophoretic media for purifying multiple primer extension sequencing reactions. Each electrophoretic medium in the kit contains a capture probe, or set of capture probes. At least one capture probe in each medium has a sequence of at least 5 nucleotides in length which is substantially complementary to a portion of at least one primer extension sequencing reaction product. Using the method of the invention primer extension sequencing reaction products can be purified directly without time consuming concentration or precipitation steps typically required in current protocols for DNA sequencing. In addition, the method ofthe invention can be used to sort out primer extension sequencing reaction products from multiple primer extension sequencing reactions carried out in the same reaction mixture, by selecting the appropriate capture probes. Thus, the method ofthe invention allows many primer extension sequencing reactions to be carried out together saving preparation time required to set up multiple separate sequencing reactions.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Fig. 1 is a schematic representation of purifying a target nucleic acid molecule from a extension sequencing reaction using an electrophoresis gel with capture probes immobilized within a region ofthe gel.

Fig. 2 is a schematic representation ofthe steps involved in purifying extension products using a microtiter well comprising an electrophoretic medium containing capture probes immobilized within the medium. In Fig. 2, "ddNTPs" represents dideoxynucleotide triphosphates, "pol" represents a DNA polymerase, and "ex. products" represents primer extension sequencing reaction products.

Fig. 3 is the organization ofthe forward primer (SEQ ID NO 1), the template

(SEQ ID NO 2) and the capture probe (SEQ ID NO 3) used in Example 1. Fig. 4 is a schematic drawing illustrating the experimental design for DNA isolation using an electrophoretic medium. Fig. 5 is shows the effects of varying the elution voltage.

Fig. 6 is shows results obtained from subjecting extension sequencing reaction products to electrophoresis in which the electrophoretic medium contained immobilized capture probes; Fig. 6 A shows the results ofthe experiment after running the gel for thirty minutes; Fig. 6B shows the results ofthe experiment after sixty minutes.

Fig. 7A is a schematic representation of a device and a method used to purify the primer extension sequencing reaction products of Example 2.

Fig. 7B shows the distribution ofthe primer extension sequencing reaction products in the lower gel-tip which contained the capture probe.

Fig. 8 is a photograph of an electrophoresis gel showing the distribution of component of a primer extension sequencing reaction taken prior to purification (Lane 1), after purification using with the upper gel-tip alone (Lane 2), and after purification with the lower gel-tip containing a capture probe (Lane 3). Lanes 4-6 contain purified Ml 3 DNA of varying concentrations.

Fig. 9A is a schematic representation of forward and reverse primer extension sequencing reactions carried out simultaneously in Example 3.

Fig. 9B is an image ofthe forward and reverse primer extension sequencing reaction product separated using two gel-tips. The upper gel-tip contains a capture probe complementary to the forward primer extension sequencing reaction products. The lower gel-tip contanins a capture probe complementary to the reverse primer extension sequencing reaction products.

Fig. 9C is an image ofthe separation ofthe products of a forward and reverse primer extension sequencing reaction product on a slab gel which contained two capture probes (Lane 1). The purity ofthe reverse primer extension sequencing reaction products after separation from the forward primer extension sequencing reaction products is shown in Lane 2. One capture probe was complementary to the reaction products ofthe forward sequencing reaction and the other capture probe was complementary to the reaction products from the reverse sequencing reaction. Fig. 9D is an analysis ofthe reverse sequencing reaction products after purification by the method ofthe invention. Fig. 10 is a temperature gradient gel used to determine the temperature at which a target is released from a capture probe.

Fig. 11 is an image of a gel used to determine the temperature at which a target will be released from capture probes of varying lengths.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides both methods and devices employed to purify a test sample containing a target molecule. It should be understood that the use of the singular term "target molecule" is only used for simplicity throughout this application, and the plural form "target molecules" is implied therein. The methods described herein employ nucleic acid molecule (e.g., ohgonucleotide) capture probes immobilized within an electrophoretic medium. The capture probe can be dispersed throughout the electrophoretic medium, or immobilized within discrete layers ofthe medium as described in U. S. Serial No. 08/971,845, the entire teaching of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. This electrophoretic medium is contained within a purification device, such as a microtiter plate. The capture probes can be designed to specifically interact with, and hybridize to, a target molecule contained within a test sample. The test sample comprising target and non-target molecules can be introduced into the device, for example, a microtiter plate comprising an electrophoretic medium containing immobilized capture probes. An electric field can be applied to the purification device so that charged molecules in the test sample will migrate within the electrophoretic medium toward the appropriate pole. For example, for the device used in Example 1, voltages for capture would fall in the range of 0.1 to 200 V, more preferably, between 50 and 150 V. Typically, the molecules of interest will possess a negative charge and therefore migrate toward the positively charged electrode. The target molecule will continue to migrate until it has come into contact with an immobilized capture probe which is specific for that particular target molecule. A hybridization complex can then form between the immobilized capture probe and target molecule. (See Fig. 1). This hybridization complex prevents further migration ofthe target molecule and allows for the continued migration of non-target molecules, thereby effectuating purification ofthe target molecule contained within the test sample. Non-target molecules can include proteins, such as enzymes, small molecules like salts, non- targeted nucleotides as well as other non-target molecules, that is, those molecules not targeted for further processing. (See Fig. 2). The target molecule can subsequently be released from the capture probe by applying a sufficient voltage or temperature and exit the gel for further analysis. For example, using the device used in Example 1, the target molecule can be eluted from the capture layer (i.e., that layer in the electrophoresis medium containing the immobilized capture probes) at voltages of 250V or higher. Preferably, voltages for elution would be in the range of 250 to 1000 V, more preferably, 250 to 300 V. Suitable voltages for capture and elution using the purification devices described herein can be easily determined by one of skill in the art. Examples 4 and 5 provide methods for determining the temperature at which the target molecules are released from capture probes of varying lengths.

The methods ofthe present invention use a purification device which comprises three regions. The first region comprises a test sample receptacle which receives a given test sample. The test sample receptacle can be positioned in such a manner as to be proximal to at least one orifice that allows for the delivery of a test sample (e.g., a reaction mixture from a primer extension sequencing reaction). In one embodiment, this orifice is the opening at the top of a microtiter well. The second region ofthe purification device comprises an electrophoretic medium. Preferably, the electrophoretic medium comprises capture probes immobilized within the medium. Preferably, this second region is physically positioned adjacent to the first region. In one embodiment, the second region is positioned basally to the first position and is also adjacent to the first region. In a preferred embodiment, this second region is formed within one, or more, microtiter wells, though still allowing for the first region to receive and store test sample. The third region ofthe purification device can be physically contiguous with, or attached to the second region ofthe purification device. This third region can house a chamber that can collect molecules that exit the second region, in this instance the chamber is referred to as a collecting chamber. The chamber can also perform other functions such as to house buffer. The purification device can also be attached to, or have the capacity to connect with, a power source which generates DC voltage (e.g., a battery). In one embodiment, the purification device is a microtiter plate containing a set of multiple wells, for example 6, 12, 48, 96 or 384 wells. The well, or wells, of the microtiter plate comprises the three regions elucidated above for the purification device. The first region comprises a test sample receptacle for receiving test sample. The second region comprises an electrophoretic medium that contains immobilized capture probes. The third region can be formed by excising the bottom support of the well creating an orifice, in some instances the microtiter well has a pointed tip which can be trimmed to provide an opening. This bottom orifice can optionally be covered using a porous membrane to provide support for the gel layer (second region). Preferably, this porous membrane has a molecular weight cutoff greater than 15,000 daltons. More preferably, the molecular weight cutoff is approximately 3,000 daltons. Preferably, the porous membrane should demonstrate negligible binding of nucleic acid molecules. This bottom orifice can be used to gain access to the third region which can be physically attached or detached from the well itself. The third region can comprise a collecting chamber which can contain buffer.

Specifically encompassed by the present invention is a method for purifying primer extension sequencing reaction products from a primer extension sequencing reaction using a purification device described herein. The target molecule is one, or more, ofthe primer extension sequencing reaction products formed during a particular stage of a DNA sequencing protocol. Typically, the primer extension sequencing reaction product can have a size from about 20 to about 2000 nucleotides in length. For example, a DNA molecule that is destined for nucleotide sequencing can be placed into an appropriate sequencing vector, such as the Ml 3 phage vector. Under suitable conditions well known to those skilled in the art, extension nucleic acid products can be produced using this vector, preferably using the cycle sequencing method. (See Fig. 1; Carothers, Biotechniques, 7:494-499 (1989), and Murray, Nucleic Acid Res., 17:8889 (1989)). Some ofthe reactants employed in this primer extension sequencing reaction are DNA Polymerase, primers, deoxynucleotides, and appropriate salts. Those skilled in the art will be familiar with standard DNA sequencing protocols. (See, Ausbel, F.M., et al. (eds), Current Protocols in Molecular Biology, vol.l, ch.7, (1995)). The target molecule (primer extension sequencing reaction product) can subsequently undergo purification using a purification device.

Another embodiment ofthe invention is a kit for purifying a primer extension sequencing reaction. The kit contains a electrophoretic medium which has a capture probe, or a set of capture probes. At least one capture probe has a sequence of at least 5 nucleotides in length which is substantially complementary to a portion of at least one primer extension sequencing reaction product. The kit can, optionally, include a sample receptacle and a collecting chamber. In one embodiment, the sample receptacle and the collecting chamber are located at opposite ends ofthe electrophoretic medium.

In a further embodiment, the kit contains multiple electrophoretic media for purifying multiple primer extension sequencing reactions. The electrophoretic media can be segregated from each other. Each electrophoretic medium in the kit contains a capture probe, or set of capture probes. At least one capture probe in each medium has a sequence of at least 5 nucleotides in length which is substantially complementary to a portion of at least one primer extension sequencing reaction product. Each electrophoretic medium can contain the same capture probe, or set of capture probes. This type of kit could be used to purify the reaction products from the same primer extension sequencing reaction which has been carried out on multiple samples in separate reaction vessels. Alternatively, the each electrophoretic medium in the kit can have a different capture probe or set of capture probes. This type of kit can be used to purify multiple primer extension sequencing reactions which are carried out in the same reaction vessel.

When the kit contains multiple electrophoretic media, each media can be segregated from other electrophoretic media in wells of a microtiter plate. Each electrophoretic medium can be attached to a separate sample receptacle and a separate collection chamber.

In one embodiment ofthe present invention, a method for purifying multiple primer extension sequencing reaction products which are formed by synthesizing target molecules (i.e., primer extension sequencing reaction products) using both a first-end (e.g., near or at the 5' end) and a second-end (e.g., near or at the 3' end) of the DNA template simultaneously is described. Primer extension sequencing can occur in both directions ofthe template simultaneously. In this embodiment, a first- end primer and a second-end primer would be concurrently annealed to the template DNA allowing for extension in both direction using the one template DNA. The primer extension sequencing reaction would then occur and produce primer extension sequencing reaction products arising from both the first-end and the second-end ofthe DNA template. The primer extension sequencing reaction products can then be added to a purification device that can purify the target molecule based upon whether it was synthesized using the first-end primer or second-end primer. In this embodiment, the purification device comprises at least two electrophoretic gel cartridges that can be brought together to form a continuity between the two cartridges. A gel cartridge is a device that can house and support an electrophoretic medium. The gel cartridges comprise electrophoretic medium containing capture probes immobilized within the medium. However, each cartridge comprises an electrophoretic medium containing different immobilized capture probes. For example, one cartridge can comprise an electrophoretic medium containing an immobilized capture probe that contains a nucleotide sequence which is substantially identical to a nucleotide sequence that lies adjacent, or close to, the first-end ofthe template (capture probe "A"), whereas, the second cartridge can comprise an electrophoretic medium which contains an immobilized capture probe that contains a nucleotide sequence which is substantially identical to a nucleotide sequence that lies adjacent, or close to, the second-end ofthe template (capture probe "B"). By "substantially identical to," it is meant a nucleotide sequence with greater than 70% sequence identity and/or similarity (e.g., 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, or 95% or greater homology). Initial search for substantially identical nucleotide sequences can be performed at NCBI against the GenBank (release 87.0), EMBL (release 39.0), and SwissProt (release 30.0) databases using the BLAST network service. Altshul, S.F., et al, Basic Local Alignment Search Tool, J. Mol. Biol, 215:403 (1990), the entire teachings of which are incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Computer analysis of nucleotide sequences can be performed using

MOTIFS and the FindPatterns subroutines ofthe Genetics Computing Group (GCG, version 8.0) software. Nucleotide comparisons can also be performed according to Higgins and Sharp (Higgins, D.G. and P.M. Sharp, Description ofthe Method used in CLUSTAL. Gene, 73:237-244 (1998)).

The two cartridges can be positioned in such a way as to allow for the migration of target molecules through one cartridge into the next cartridge. For example, the cartridge that has the "A" capture probe is positioned such that it first receives the sample, and the second cartridge, which has the "B" capture probe, is positioned to receive the migrating sample from the first cartridge. If a test sample containing a heterogeneous mixture of target molecules (those that were synthesized using the first-end primer together with those that employed the second- end primer) is added to this purification device, then the target molecules can be purified or separated based upon the primer used to synthesize the target molecule. When an electric field is applied to the purification device, the target molecules in the test sample can undergo electrophoretic migration. Those target molecules that used the first-end primer for synthesis will be captured in the first cartridge containing "A" as capture probes (its appropriate capture probe), while those target molecules that used the second-end primer will migrate through the first cartridge and will subsequently be captured in the second cartridge containing "B" capture probes (its appropriate capture probe). Following electrophoretic migration, the cartridges can be separated and placed into separate collecting chambers, thereby allowing for the collecting ofthe first-end primer target molecules and the second- end primer target molecules separately.

Any electrophoretic matrix suitable for electrophoresis can be used for the methods ofthe present invention. Suitable matrices include acrylamide and agarose, both commonly used for nucleic acid electrophoresis. However, other materials may be used as well. Examples include chemically modified acrylamides, starch, dextrans, cellulose-based polymers. Additional examples include modified acrylamides and acrylate esters (for examples see Polysciences, Inc., Polymer & Monomer catalog, 1996-1997, Warrington, PA), starch (Smithies, Biochem. J, 71:585 (1959); product number S5651, Sigma Chemical Co., St. Louis, MO), dextrans (for examples see Polysciences, Inc., Polymer & Monomer Catalog, 1996- 1997, Warrington, PA), and cellulose-based polymers (for examples see Quesada, Current Opin. in Biotechnology, 5:82-93 (1997)). Any of these polymers listed above can be chemically modified to allow specific attachment of capture probes for use in the present invention.

The capture probes ofthe instant invention are typically nucleic acids, modified nucleic acids, or nucleic acid analogs. The capture probes are complementary to the primer extension sequencing reaction products, but not to the primer extension sequencing primer. Methods of coupling nucleic acids to create nucleic acid-containing gels are known to those of skill in the art. Nucleic acids, modified nucleic acids and nucleic acid analogs can be coupled to agarose, dextrans, cellulose, and starch polymers using cyanogen bromide or cyanuric chloride activation. Polymers containing carboxyl groups can be coupled to synthetic capture probes having primary amine groups using carbodiimide coupling. Polymers carrying primary amines can be coupled to amine-containing probes with glutaraldehyde or cyanuric chloride. Many polymers can be modified with thiol- reactive groups which can be coupled to thiol-containing synthetic probes. Many other suitable methods can be found in the literature. (For review see Wong,

"Chemistry of Protein Conjugation and Cross-linking" , CRC Press, Boca Raton, FL, 1993).

A variety of capture probes can be used in the methods ofthe present invention. Typically, the capture probes ofthe present invention comprise a nucleic acid (e.g., ohgonucleotide) with a nucleotide sequence substantially complementary to a nucleotide sequence region contained within the target molecule wherein the target molecule hybridizes to the capture probe. It is important to note that the capture probe is not complementary to the primer used in the primer extension sequencing reaction. The complementarity ofthe capture probe to the target molecule need only be sufficient so as to specifically bind the target molecule and effectuate the purification ofthe target molecule in the reaction mixture. Probes suitable for use in the present invention comprise RNA, DNA, nucleic acid analogs (such as PNA), modified nucleic acids and chimeric probes of a mixed class comprising a nucleic acid with another organic component, e.g., peptide nucleic acids (PNA). Capture probes can be single-stranded or double-stranded nucleic acids. Typically, the length of a capture probe will be at least 5 nucleotides in length, more typically between 5 and 50 nucleotides, and can be as long as several thousand bases in length.

Methods for covalently attaching the capture probes described herein to polymerizable chemical groups have also been developed. When copolymerized with suitable mixtures of polymerizable monomer compounds, matrices containing high concentrations of immobilized nucleic acids can be produced. Examples of methods for covalently attaching nucleic acids to polymerizable chemical groups are found in U.S. Serial No. 08/812,105; U.S. Serial No. 08/971,845, and Rehman, F.N., et al, Nucleic Acid Res., 27:649-655 (1999), the teachings of which are herein incorporated by reference in their entirety.

For some methods, it may be useful to use composite matrices containing a mixture of two or more matrix forming materials, an example is the composite acrylamide-agarose gel. These gels typically contain from 2-5% acrylamide and 0.5%-l% agarose. In these gels the acrylamide provides the chief sieving function, but without the agarose, such low concentration acrylamide gels lack mechanical strength for convenient handling. The agarose provides mechanical support without significantly altering the sieving properties ofthe acrylamide. In such cases, it is preferred that the nucleic acid can be attached to the component that confers the sieving function ofthe gel, since that component makes the most intimate contacts with the solution phase nucleic acid target.

For many applications gel-forming matrices such as agarose and cross-linked polyacrylamide will be preferred. However, for capillary electrophoresis (CE) applications it is convenient and reproducible to use soluble polymers as electrophoretic matrices. Examples of soluble polymers that have proven to be useful for CE analysis are linear polymers of polyacrylamide, poly(N,N- dimethylacrylamide), poly(hydroxyethylcellulose), poly(ethyleneoxide) and poly(vinylalcohol) as described in Quesada (Current Opinion in Biotechnology, 8:82-93 (1997)). These soluble matrices can also be used to practice the methods of the present invention. It is particularly convenient to use the methods found in the application U.S. Serial No. 08/812,105, entitled "Nucleic Acid-Containing

Polymerizable Complex" for preparation of soluble polymer matrices containing immobilized capture probes. Another approach for attaching nucleic acid molecule probes to preformed polyacrylamide gels found in Timofeev, et al., Nucleic Acids Res., 24:3142-3148 (1996), can also be used to attach capture probes to prepolymerized soluble linear polyacrylamide.

Nucleic acids may be attached to particles which themselves can be incorporated into electrophoretic matrices. The particles can be macroscopic, microscopic, or colloidal in nature. (See Polyciences, Inc., 1995-1996 particle Catalog, Warrington, PA). Cantor, et al, U.S. Patent No. 5,482,863 describes methods for casting electrophoresis gels containing suspensions or particles. The particles are linked to nucleic acids using methods similar to those described above mixed with gel forming compounds and cast as a suspension into the desired matrix form.

As defined herein, the term "nucleic acid" includes DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) or RNA (ribonucleic acid). Nucleic acids referred to herein as "isolated" are nucleic acids separated away from the components of their source of origin (e.g., as it exists in cells, or a mixture of nucleic acids such as a library) and may have undergone further processing. Isolated nucleic acids include nucleic acids obtained by methods known to those of skill in the art. These isolated nucleic acids include substantially pure nucleic acids, nucleic acids produced by chemical synthesis, by combinations of biological and chemical methods and recombinant nucleic acids which are isolated.

"Nucleic acid analogs", as used herein, include nucleic acids containing modified sugar groups, phosphate groups or modified bases. Examples of nucleic acids having modified bases, include, for example, acetylated, carboxylated or methylated bases (e.g., 4-acetylcytidine, 5-carboxymethylaminomethyluridine, 1- methylinosine, norvaline or allo-isoleucine). Such nucleic acid analogs are known to those of skill in the art. One example of a useful nucleic acid analog is peptide nucleic acid (PNA), in which standard nucleotide bases are attached to a modified peptide backbone comprised of repeating N-(2-aminoefhyl)glycine units (Nielsen et al, Science, 254:1497-1500, (1991)). The peptide backbone is capable of holding the bases at the proper distance to base pair with standard DNA and RNA single strands. PNA-DNA hybrid duplexes are much stronger than equivalent DNA-DNA duplexes, probably due to the fact that there are no negatively charged phosphodiester linkages in the PNA strand. In addition, because of their unusual structure PNAs are very resistant to nuclease degradation. For these reasons, PNA nucleic acid analogs are useful for immobilized probe assays. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that similar design strategies can be used to construct other nucleic acid analogs that will have useful properties for immobilized probe assays. Probes containing modified nucleic acid molecules may also be useful. For instance, nucleic acid molecules containing deazaguanine and uracil bases can be used in place of guanine and thymine-containing nucleic acid molecules to decrease the thermal stability of hybridized probes (Wetmur, Critical reviews in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, 26:227-259 (1991)). Similarly, 5-methylcytosine can be substituted for cytosine if hybrids of increased thermal stability are desired (Wetmur, Critical reviews in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, 26:227-259 (1991)). Modifications to the ribose sugar group, such as the addition of 2'-O-methyl groups can reduce the nuclease susceptibility of immobilized RNA probes (Wagner, Nature, 372:333-335 (1994)). Modifications that remove negative charge from the phosphodiester backbone can increase the thermal stability of hybrids (Moody et al. Nucleic Acids Res., 17:4769-4782 (1989); Iyer et al. J. Biol. Chem., 270:14712-14717 (1995)).

As defined herein, "substantially complementary" means that the nucleic acid molecule sequence ofthe capture probe need not reflect the exact nucleic acid molecule sequence ofthe microbial target molecule, but must be sufficiently similar in identity of sequence to hybridize with the target molecule under specified conditions. For example, non-complementary bases, or additional nucleic acid molecules can be interspersed in sequences provided that the sequences have sufficient complementary bases to hybridize therewith. Generally, the degree of complementarity using short capture probes (approximately 20 nucleotides in length) is approximately greater than 95%. For longer probes significantly less complementarity is required if there are contiguous segments of from about 15 to about 20 nucleotides in length being complementary to each other. Specified conditions of hybridization can be determined empirically by those of skill in the art. For example, conditions of stringency should be chosen that significantly decrease non-specific hybridization reactions. Stringency conditions for nucleic acid hybridizations are explained in e.g., Current Protocols in Molecular Biology, Ausubel, F.M., et al, eds., Vol. 1, Suppl, 26, 1991; the teachings of which are herein incorporated by reference in their entirety. Factors such as probe length, base composition, percent mismatch between the hybridizing sequences, temperature and ionic strength influence the stability of nucleic acid hybrids. Stringent conditions, e.g., moderate, or high stringency, can be determined empirically, depending on part ofthe characteristics ofthe probe and microbial target molecule.

The features and other details ofthe invention will now be more particularly described and pointed out in the exemplification. It will be understood that the particular embodiments ofthe invention are shown by way of illustration and not as limitations ofthe invention. The principle features of this invention can be employed in various embodiments without departing from the scope ofthe invention.

EXAMPLES

The following examples are not intended to limit the scope ofthe invention. They are provided merely to teach concrete and practical means for carrying out the invention.

EXAMPLE 1 : Gel-based DNA Isolation and Elution Sequencing reaction products were prepared using the Thermo Sequenase

DYEnamic direct cycle sequencing kit with -21 Ml 3 forward primer (5 '-dyel - spacer-TGT*AAAACGACGGCCAGT-3' [SEQ ID No. 1]), where * indicates the position of base modification with one of four fluorescence energy transfer dyes according to the manufacturer's instructions (Amersham Pharmacia Biotech, Piscataway, NJ). Each of four reactions was prepared by mixing 1 mL of M13mpl8 single-stranded DNA (0.25 mg/mL, New England BioLabs catalog #404-C), 14 mL of distilled H₂O, and 2 mL ofthe manufacturer's reaction mixture. Each ofthe four reactions used a different dye-labeled primer, designated "dyel", "dye2", "dye3" and "dye4", and a different ddNTP nucleotide mixture. These four tubes were then placed in a thermal cycler (PTC 100, MJ Research, Watertown, MA) and subjected to 30 cycles of 95° C for 30 seconds, 45° C for 15 seconds, and 70° C for 30 seconds. The four reactions were then pooled (100 mL total volume) and 11 mL of loading buffer was added (2.5% wt/vol Xylene Cyanol, 2.5% wt/vol Bromophenol Blue, 20 mM EDTA, pH 8.0, 15% (wt/vol) Ficoll 400,000 average molecular weight in a total of 10 mL distilled H₂O).

Polyacrylamide gels for electrophoretic hybridization purification were cast in standard micropipette tips for 1-200 μL micropipettes (Fisher Brand yellow tips for Gilson P200, Fisher Scientific, Pittsburgh, PA). For the purification step, two gel tips were stacked so that the sequencing reaction could be subjected to electrophoresis through each tip sequentially in one step. (See Fig. 4A). The gel in the upper tip (10) comprised a 20 μL 5% polyacrylamide gel (29:1 monomeπbis wt/wt) cast in 1 x TBE buffer (89 mM Tris-Borate pH 8.3, 2 mM EDTA (Bio-Rad). This upper gel is designed to trap the high molecular weight Ml 3 template DNA which has negligible electrophoretic mobility under the conditions used for capture ofthe extension sequencing reaction products. Removal ofthe high molecular weight template improves quality of sequencing results on capillary electrophoresis instruments such as the Megabase from Molecular Dynamics (Sunnyvale, CA).

The gel in the lower tip (20) is the same as that ofthe upper tip, except that it contains an immobilized nucleic acid molecule capture probe (5'-acrylamide-GGG ATC CTC TAG AGT CGA CCT 3' [SEQ ID NO 3]) at a concentration of 10 μM (referring to nucleic acid molecule strands). The capture probe is complementary to a sequence within the extension products that is located immediately 3' ofthe sequencing primer, as shown in Fig. 3.

As shown if Fig. 3, the cloned insert to be sequenced is located on the 5' side ofthe template region shown. Thus, as shown in the diagram, the capture probe is complementary to the extended sequencing reaction products, but not to the sequencing primer. In this way, electrophoresis of the extension sequencing reaction products through the gel ofthe lower tip will allow hybridization capture ofthe extension products without impeding electrophoresis ofthe excess primers through the tip.

The capture probe was modified with a 5 '-acrylamide group using an acrylamide phosphoramidite (Acrydite™, Mosaic Technologies, Boston, MA). The probe was immobilized on the gel matrix by adding it to the unpolymerized acrylamide mixture and allowing it to copolymerize directly in the gel tip.

The tips were stacked as shown in Fig. 4A, where the probe-containing tip (20) is on the bottom. The region between the two tips (30) is filled with electrophoresis buffer (1 x TBE which is 89 mM Tris-borate, pH 8.3, 2 mM EDTA), as well as the region above the upper gel tip (40). The lower tip (10) is immersed in a buffer-filled 1.5 mL microcentrifuge tube (50). Separate platinum electrodes (60) are placed in the buffer above the gel in the higher tube and in the buffer in the microcentrifuge tube (50). The upper electrode is connected to a negative lead of the power supply, while the lower electrode is attached to a positive lead.

The upper tip ofthe device shown in Fig. 4A was loaded with 75 μL ofthe pooled sequencing reaction in 15 μL aliquots every 10 minutes for one hour, while subjecting the tips to electrophoresis at an applied field of 100 V throughout the loading process. The field was applied for an additional 3 hours to ensure that all of the sequencing reaction products become trapped on the gel in the lower tip. The primers, which are not complementary to the immobilized capture nucleic acid molecule probes in the lower gel, nucleotides, and excess salts pass through the gel into the lower tube.

Following electrophoresis, the upper gel tip containing the slow-moving template was discarded and the lower gel tip (20) was then placed into a second apparatus, depicted in Fig. 4B. The lower end ofthe tip is placed into an electrophoresis buffer held in an ultrafiltration device (70) with a 3000 Dalton molecular weight cutoff membrane (75) on its bottom surface (Microcon 3, Amicon/Millipore, Bedford, MA). The ultrafiltration unit was partially immersed in a 1 x TBE-filled microcentrifuge tube (80) containing a positively charge platinum electrode (60). A negatively-charged electrode (60) was immersed the buffer (1 x TBE) above the gel in the tip. The ultrafiltration membrane was used to prevent the migration ofthe eluted sequencing reaction products onto the electrode, where they would be damaged by electrochemical reactions. To elute the sequencing reaction products, a field of 300 V was applied to the device for 3 minutes. This voltage was sufficient to elute the sequencing reaction products from the gel capture probes and cause it to collect in the ultrafiltration unit. Fig. 5 shows the effects of varying the elution voltage. Sequencing reaction products were captured and purified by electrophoretic hybridization capture as described above. The tip was then subjected to the indicated electrophoresis conditions, and then scanned in a fluorescence imaging device (Fluoroimager 595, Molecular Dynamics, Sunnyvale, CA) to visualize the fluorescent sequencing reaction products. As seen, voltages above 250 V cause complete elution ofthe fluorescent sequencing reaction products.

To characterize the eluted products, samples of purified and crude sequencing reaction products were subjected to electrophoresis in a polyacrylamide gel containing a discrete layer of gel immobilized capture probe arranged as a horizontal band across the width ofthe gel (see "Capture layer" in Fig. 6). The gel was composed of 5% polyacrylamide ( 29:1 monomeπbis wt/wt), 1 x TBE. The capture layer contained the same polyacrylamide and buffer with 10 μM ofthe 5'- acrylamide capture probe (5 '-acrylamide- GGG ATC CTC TAG AGT CGA CCT 3' [SEQ ID NO 3]). The samples were subjected to electrophoresis run at 150 Volts for 30 minutes (Fig. 6A) and 60 minutes (Fig. 6B). Lane 1 contains 15 μL ofthe sample that had been purified by electrophoretic capture and elution, and lane 2 contains 5 μL ofthe unpurified sequencing reaction product. Fig. 6 A shows that the hybridization-purified product (lane 1) has been purified away from the excess primers, which are seen in the unpurified sample at the bottom of lane 2.

EXAMPLE 2: Purification of a Single DNA Product Complementary to M13mpl8 Sequence Fig. 7 A provides a schematic representation ofthe method and device(s) described below for purifying, and optionally concentrating, products of DNA sequencing reactions. Fig. 7B provides a photograph of a capture probe-gel-tip after electrophoresis and prior to elution ofthe captured nucleotide sequence.

Fig. 8 provides a photograph of a gel showing the results of purification of a desired ohgonucleotide sequence from a DNA sequencing reaction that included primers, salts, DNA template, unincorporated nucleotides, and dye terminators. First the DNA sequencing reaction was purified by gel-loading tip to provide a crude sample, then the crude sample was purified by capture probe-gel-tip. Lane 1 shows the pattern provided prior to purification. Lane 2 provides the pattern seen after purification using a gel-loading tip. Removal of DNA template is demonstrated. Lane 3 shows the pattern seen after purification using a capture probe-gel-tip. Localization ofthe desired sequence in the absence of DNA template is demonstrated.

A. Preparation of a Separation Device With and Without an

Immobilized Capture Probe Preparation ofthe separation device containing Acrydite™ ohgonucleotide gel was performed as follows. A Hybrigel solution was prepared from stock solutions of 40% acrylamide (29:1 acrylamide monomer:bis-acrylamide) and lOx TBE (90mM Tris-Borate-EDTA buffer pH 8.3; reagents were purchased from Biorad Laboratories, Inc.; Hercules, CA). The Acrydite™ ohgonucleotide for the capture probe was synthesized using oligonucleotides (obtained from Operon Technologies, Inc.; Alameda, CA) and acrylamide phosphoramidte (Acrydite polymer available from Mosaic Technologies, Inc.; Boston, MA) according the method disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 5,641,658 and Kenney, Ray, and Boles, BioTechniques 25, 516-521 (1998), the disclosure of each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety). The Hybrigel contained 5% acrylamide (29:1), 1 x TBE and 10 μM AcryditeTM ohgonucleotide capture probe (SEQ ID NO 4) having the following sequence:

5'-acrylamide GCT GAG ATC TCC TAG GG 3' (SEQ ID NO 4)

The selected capture probe for this example has a sequence that is complementary to a portion ofthe polylinker of vector M13mpl 8 which provides the target molecule, a product of a DNA sequencing reaction, but the capture probe does not include any of the primer sequence. When 10% ammonium persulfate and N,N,N',N'-tetramethyl- ethylenediamine (TEMED; BioRad, Hercules, CA) were added to the Hybrigel solution, polymerization was rapid (within 2 minutes).

To prepare the probe-gel-tip, lμl of 10% ammonium persulfate and 0.5μl of TEMED were added to 200μl of Hybrigel solution. lOμl ofthe polymerizing Hybrigel ohgonucleotide containing solution were quickly pipetted into a 200μl tip and allowed to polymerize. The probe-gel-tips were made 8 or 12 at a time using a multipipeting device. For storage, probe-gel-tips were ejected into eppendorf tubes containing approximately 0.3 ml of lx TBE. Care must be taken not to dislodge the gel from the tip. Then the probe-gel-tips were overlaid with 150μl of lx TBE. Gel-loading tips were used to remove template DNA. Gel-loading tips were prepared containing acrylamide (29:1) only (i.e. no Acrydite capture probe). The gel-loading-tip was prepared as described above using a solution containing 5% acrylamide (29:1), 1 x TBE, made from stock solutions of 40% acrylamide (29:1 monomer:bis) and lOx TBE. 10% ammonium persulfate and TEMED were added to the solution and 200 μl ofthe final solution was pipetted into each tip. Gel-loading-tips may also be stored as described above.

B. Preparation of a DNA Sequencing Reaction Product and Capture Probes PE- Applied Biosystems sequencing reaction products were prepared following the protocol of PE Applied Biosystems BigDye Primer Cycle Sequencing Kit (available from PE- Applied BioSystems) with the -21 Ml 3 forward primer in a GeneAmp 2400 using the cycling conditions recommended by PE Applied Biosystems. Vector M13mpl8 was used. A DNA segment having a known sequence was inserted after the primer site. Extension products were prepared. Capture probes were made to the region between the primer and the inserted DNA. The capture probes capable of hybridizing to extension products ofthe forward primer were selected. The capture probes comprise an ohgonucleotide synthesized with Acrydite TM at the 5' end. Alternatively, the DYEnamic ET Terminator Cycle Sequencing Kit from

Amersham-Pharmacia may be used.

C. Capture of DNA Sequencing Extension Product Electrophoretic capture and separation of a chosen extension product

(target in test sample) were performed as follows: lOμl of sequencing reaction solution (i.e. 1/2 of one reaction) that contained primers, salt, unincorporated nucleotides, dye terminators, template DNA, and the target DNA extension products synthesized from the template DNA were added to Iμl of lOx ficoll loading buffer (35% ficoll 400, 0.1% bromophenol blue, 0.1% xylene cyanol, lOOmM EDTA) to provide a sample solution. The sample solution was layered onto the surface ofthe gel in the gel-loading-tip, (i.e., no Acrydite capture probe), to remove template DNA. This tip was stacked above a probe-gel-tip, a Hybrigel containing tip, as shown in Fig. 7 A. A small volume of electrophoresis buffer was layered onto the surface ofthe gel in the probe-gel-tip and the gel-loading-tip was placed in contact with the electrophoresis buffer. Thus, a liquid connection was formed between the two gels allowing for an electrical connection when the electrodes and power source were in place.

After the sample solution was loaded onto the surface ofthe gel ofthe gel-loading-tip, both tips were placed into an ependorf tube containing lx TBE, electrophoresis buffer. Platinum electrodes were placed in the electrophoresis buffer above and below the stacked gel tips and a voltage of 100V was applied for 10 minutes. The upper electrode was connected to the negative lead ofthe power supply, while the lower electrode was attached to the power supply's positive electrode. The gel-loading tip thus provided a partially purified sample solution for introduction into the probe-gel-tip. The smaller DNA fragments pass into the buffer and then into the probe-gel-tip more rapidly than the DNA template and dye which are retained in the gel-loading-tip

The electrophoresis buffer remaining above the probe-gel-tip gel surface was removed. The electrophoresis buffer was replaced with 4μl of formamide loading dye (5:1 deionized formamide, 25mg/ml blue dextran, 25mM EDTA). The temperature in the gel in the probe-gel-tip was raised to 55 °C to facilitate detachment ofthe target ohgonucleotide sequence from the capture probe by placing the eppendorf tube containing the lower buffer reservoir into a drybath. (VWR). A clean second gel-loading tip with a 30% acrylamide gel containing 5 % acrylic acid was lowered into the formamide loading dye. A platinum electrode was placed in the top gel-loading tip. The direction ofthe current was reversed to drive the ohgonucleotide released from the hybridization complex upwards. One minute at 40V was sufficient to drive the ohgonucleotide out ofthe probe-gel-tip and into the formamide loading dye. A 4 μl sample was removed by pipet and retained for sequence analysis. After electrophoresis, the gel in the probe-gel-tip was visualized using a Molecular Dynamics Fluorimager 595. The results shown in Fig. 7B demonstrate that capture occurs at the upper surface ofthe gel in the probe-gel-tip.

D. Analysis of Sequencing Purification by Hybrigel Assay

Glass plates for a vertical polyacrylamide minigel (10 x 10 cm, 0.75 mm spacers) were assembled and the sandwich was filled approximately halfway with 20% acrylamide (29:1; Bio-Rad), lx TBE (90 mM Tris-borate buffer, pH 8.3, 2 mM EDTA). Polymerization was initiated by inclusion of 10% aqueous ammonium persulfate (APS) and TEMED at 1/100th and 1/1000th gel volume, respectively. For gels containing one capture layer, 600 μl of gel solution (20% polyacrylamide, lx TBE, 4 μl 10% APS and 4 μl 10% TEMED) containing Acrydite-labeled ohgonucleotide at a final concentration of 10 μM were polymerized. After polymerization ofthe capture layer, the remaining space in the plate sandwich was filled with a 5% gel. This composite gel was then assembled in a minigel apparatus containing lx TBE and subjected to electrophoresis at 100-150 V for -45 min. After electrophoresis, the gel was visualized using a Molecular Dynamics Fluorimager 595. The results confirm that the sequence captured by the Hybrigel probe is the complement ofthe template DNA.

E. Automated Sequencing ofthe Captured Ohgonucleotide

Following the procedures described above and analyzing the ohgonucleotide sequence purified by the inventive device with an automated sequencer, repeated experiments with standard vectors have demonstrated that the accuracy of sequencing ofthe first 500 nucleotides is always >99%. The readable sequence extends to at least 750 nucleotides.

EXAMPLE 3: Simultaneous Separation of Multiple DNA Sequencing reaction products This example demonstrates that the method ofthe invention is useful for sequencing an ohgonucleotide insert replicated in a plasmid. Both forward and reverse primers are used as illustrated in Fig. 9A. A plasmid with a large insert was sequenced simultaneously using two primers in one reaction vessel. Two probe-gel-tips each containing a different capture probe were arranged in tandem. The probe sequences were designed based upon the forward and reverse primers used. From the slab gel illustrated in Fig. 9C, purification ofthe two ohgonucleotide targets in the test sample as compared to the crude product is demonstrated. Note that the sequence of the reverse product (right) shows no contamination with the forward sequence. Note also that DNA template contamination is removed.

A. Preparation of Separation Device With and Without Immobilized Capture Probe

Gel-loading tips were prepared as described in Example 2. Probe-gel-tips were prepared as described in Example 2 except that one was provided with a forward primer probe and the other was provided with a reverse primer probe as shown in Fig. 9A. Thus, two separate Hybrigel probe-gel-tips were made, one with acrydite ohgonucleotide (SEQ ID NO 5) and the other with acrydite olgonucleotide (SEQ ID NO 6). Plasmid p698 which is plasmid vector pGEM3Zf(-) (Promega Biotech, WI) with a 3.8kb insert in the Xba I site ofthe polylinker was used. The two probes derive from sequence on either side ofthe Xba I site within the polylinker. SEQ ID NO 5 is complementary to, and therefore capable of, capturing sequencing reaction products made using the reverse primer. Similarly, SEQ ID NO 6 can capture sequence from the forward primer.

SEQ ID NO 5 5 'acrylamide -TGCAGGCATGCAAGCTT

SEQ ID NO 6 5 'acrylamide -GGGTACCGAGCTCGAATTC

Thus, each ohgonucleotide primer probe is synthesized with Acrydite at the 5' end and is capable of hybridizing to an extension product. Each capture probe sequence is both complementary to an extension product sequence and to the primer. Each capture probe sequence is specific for a particular vector derived from the region between the primer site and the insert DNA. B . Purification of Products of Multiple Reactions Probe2-gel-tip, containing SEQ ID NO 6 was placed in tandem (stacked) with a probe3-gel-tip, containing SEQ ID NO 5 as is illustrated in Fig. 9A. Running electrophoresis buffer was placed on the upper surface of probe3-gel-tip to provide electrical contact and to prevent drying. The test sample from a multiplex sequencing reaction was electrophoresed through both probe2-gel-tip and probe3-gel-tip. Fig. 9B illustrates capture in the two separate tips by the two distinct probes.

EXAMPLE 4: Elution of Target from Capture Probe using a Temperature Gradient

The stability ofthe hybridization complex is dependent on temperature. A vertical slab gel containing a layer of Acrydite™ capture probe sandwiched between layers of gel without capture probe was made. The gel for the upper and lower layers was that used for the gel-loading-tip. The Acrydite probe layer was made as described in Example 2 for the probe-gel-tip using the capture probe sequence SEQ ID NO 5. The sample in this case was a fluorescent ohgonucleotide with a complementary sequence to SEQ ID NO 5. The same sample was loaded in each well. The whole gel was subjected to a temperature gradient using an aluminum backplate and two water baths. The gel temperature on the left is 23 ° C. The temperature increased across the gel up to 53 °C on the right. At low temperature the target was efficiently captured at the top ofthe capture layer. As the temperature was increased, target capture was inhibited until the sample runs right through the layer (see gel image in Fig. 10). The transition temperature, i.e. the temperature at which the target stops ceases to be captured is related to the Tm but that was not the only factor found to be involved.

EXAMPLE 5 : Temperature and Capture Probe Size Dependence of Sequence Elution To define temperature conditions for capture and elution of sequencing reaction products the experiment shown in Fig. 11 was performed. This experiment demonstrates that the temperature of elution is affected by the size ofthe capture probe. The temperature of elution was shown to be affected by the size ofthe capture probe. The five panels shown in Fig. 11 show the same vertical slab gel run at five different temperatures starting with 23 °C wherein five different capture probes were used. The number of bases in each probe sequence was 13, 15, 17, 19, and 21 nucleotides as indicated in Fig. 11 (from left to right). An Ml 3 sequencing reaction (Dynamic™ ET) was loaded in each lane. The 13mer capture probe did not effectively captured the sequencing reaction products at 23 °C. All the others capture probe (i.e., having lengths 15, 17, 17, and 21) captured the sequencing reaction products at 23 °C. At 30 °C, the 15mer released the sequence while the 17mer started to release at 35 °C and so on until at 50 °C all target sequences came off. These results illustrate temperature conditions for capture and elution of sequencing reaction products.

The 17mer Acrydite probe was chosen as the capture probe in the standard procedure with elution occurring at 45°C.

EQUIVALENTS

While this invention has been particularly shown and described with references to preferred embodiments thereof, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in form and details may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope ofthe invention as defined by the appended claims.

Claims

CLAIMSWhat is claimed is:

1. A method for purifying target molecules from a primer extension sequencing reaction using a purification device comprising the following steps:

(a) introducing the primer extension sequencing reaction mixture into a purification device comprising an electrophoretic medium, wherein the electrophoretic medium contains immobilized capture probes; (b) subjecting the electrophoretic medium of step (a) to an electric field resulting in the electrophoretic migration of one, or more, target molecules into at least one region ofthe electrophoretic medium containing immobilized capture probes, wherein the target molecules bind to the immobilized capture probes, and (c) collecting the target molecules of step (b).

2. The method of Claim 1 , wherein the purification device is a microtiter plate.

3. The method of Claim 2, wherein the microtiter plate comprises multiple wells.

4. The method of Claim 3, wherein the number wells contained within the microtiter plate is selected from the group consisting of: 6, 12, 48, 96 and 384.

5. The method of Claim 1 wherein in step (c), a sufficient voltage is applied to release the target molecule from its complementary capture probe, and wherein the target molecule continues electrophoretic migration under the influence of an electric field and exits the electrophoretic medium, and wherein it collects in a collecting chamber.

6. The method of Claim 5, wherein the polarity ofthe electric field is reversed, wherein the released target molecule will migrate back toward the test sample receptacle and wherein it is subject to collection.

7. The method of Claim 1 , wherein the capture probe is a nucleic acid molecule.

8. The method of Claim 7, wherein the capture probe is complementary to the primer extension sequencing reaction product.

9. The method of Claim 8, wherein the capture probe is from about 20 to about 2000 nucleotides in length.

10. A method for purifying multiple primer extension sequencing reaction products which are formed by synthesizing primer extension sequencing reaction products using both a first-end and a second-end of a DNA template comprising the following steps:

(a) introducing the primer extension sequencing reaction mixture into a purification device comprising at least two cartridges, wherein each cartridge comprises an electrophoretic medium containing a unique set of immobilized capture probes; (b) subjecting the electrophoretic media of step (a) to an electric field resulting in the electrophoretic migration of one, or more, primer extension sequencing reaction products into at least two cartridges each containing an electrophoretic medium, wherein each medium contains a unique set of immobilized capture probes, and wherein the primer extension sequencing reaction products bind to the appropriate immobilized capture probe, and (c) collecting the target molecules of step (b).

11. The method of Claim 10, wherein the purification device is a microtiter plate.

12. The method of Claiml 1 , wherein the microtiter plate comprises multiple wells.

13. The method of Claim 12, wherein the number wells contained within the microtiter plate is selected from the group consisting of: 6, 12, 48, 96 and 384.

14. The method of Claim 10 wherein in step (c), a sufficient voltage is applied to release the target molecule from its complementary capture probe, and wherein the target molecule continues electrophoretic migration under the influence of an electric field and exits the electrophoretic medium, and wherein it collects in a collecting chamber.

15. The method of Claim 14, wherein the polarity ofthe electric field is reversed, wherein the released target molecule will migrate back toward the test sample receptacle and wherein it is subject to collection.

16. The method of Claim 10, wherein the capture probe is a nucleic acid molecule.

17. The method of Claim 16, wherein the capture probe is complementary to the primer extension sequencing reaction product.

18. The method of Claim 17, wherein the capture probe is from about 20 to about 2000 nucleotides in length.

19. A kit for purifying a primer extension sequencing reaction, comprising a electrophoretic medium, wherein the electrophoretic medium contains a capture probe, or a set of capture probes, having a substantially complementary sequence of at least 5 nucleotide bases in length to a portion of at least one primer extension sequencing reaction product.

20. The kit of Claim 19, further comprising a test sample receptacle and a collecting chamber at opposite ends ofthe electrophoretic medium.

21. The kit of Claim 20, wherein the capture probe is from about 20 to about

2000 nucleotide bases in length.

22. A kit for purifying multiple primer extension sequencing reaction, comprising multiple electrophoretic media, wherein each electrophoretic medium contains a capture probe, or set of capture probes, having a substantially complementary sequence of at least 5 nucleotide bases in length to a portion of at least one primer extension sequencing reaction product.

23. The kit of Claim 22, wherein the electrophoretic media are segregated in wells of a microtiter plate.

24. The kit of Claim 23, further comprising multiple test sample receptacles and multiple collecting chambers, wherein a sample loading receptacle and a sample collecting chamber is located at opposite ends of each electrophoretic medium.

25. The kit of Claim 24, wherein the capture probe is from about 20 to about 2000 nucleotide bases in length.

26. The kit of Claim 23, wherein each electrophoretic medium contains the same capture probe or set of capture probes.

27. The kit of Claim 23, wherein each electrophoretic medium contains a different capture probe, or set of capture probes.