Patent ID: 6110674
Filing Date: 2000-08-29
Classification: C12N,C12Q

Abstract:
An apparatus for isolating and extracting nucleic acid from microorganisms within an environmental sample, comprising:a sampling cartridge containing said sample, said cartridge having an input end and an output end;a collection cartridge connected to the sampling cartridge at the output end, said collection cartridge having an input end and an output end, wherein the collection and sampling cartridges are surrounded by a high pressure compartment within a temperature- and pressure-controlled zone;a high pressure interface engaging the input end of the sampling cartridge and the output end of the collection cartridge with seals able to withstand high pressure;a plurality of pumps which deliver fluids to the sampling cartridge, wherein at least one of said pumps is a high pressure pump connected to a source of supercritical fluid and at least one of said pumps is a liquid buffer pump connected to a source of aqueous buffer; anda controller electrically connected to said pumps, such that said pumps sequentially expose the sample to said supercritical fluid and said aqueous buffer.