Abstract:
Methods are provided for reducing background signals encountered in nucleic acid hybridization assays and other assays that involve hybridization of a labeled oligomer to its complement. The method is premised on the significant reduction of signal generation that occurs when a quenchable dye-labeled oligomer forms a hybrid complex. In addition, a method is provided for enhancing the detectable signal emitted from an amplification multimer hybridized to an oligomer probe to which a quenchable dye has been conjugated through a linker such that the emission from the dye is not quenched upon hybrid complex formation. Novel oligonucleotide probes are also provided that comprise an oligomer to which has been directly or indirectly through a linker a quenchable dye.
Abstract:
The invention describes an assay device and assembly for detecting an analyte in a liquid sample. Each assay device in the assembly includes structure defining a well, a ligand-coated particle, and a flexible particle retaining structure for holding the particle in a captured position within the well.
Abstract:
Provided are planar waveguide (“PWG”) detection chips that are used to perform multiplex PCR and kinetic PCR assays with a single fluorescent dye. The PWG detection chips are housed in PWG detection chambers that house at least one PWG chip. The PWG detection chambers may be in a single chamber or a dual chamber configuration. Also provided are methods for analyzing amplification products using the PWG detection chambers of the present invention.
Abstract:
The present invention provides methods, compositions and systems for the specific and selective detection of multiple single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) from genomic DNA. Importantly, the inventive systems and methods eliminate the need for costly, time- and labor-intensive gene amplification that is generally carried out prior to SNP detection. Also provided are kits useful to perform the inventive methods.
Abstract:
Methods are provided for substantially reducing background signals encountered in nucleic acid hybridization assays. The method is premised on the elimination or significant reduction of the phenomenon of nonspecific hybridization, so as to provide a detectable signal which is produced only in the presence the target polynucleotide of interest. In addition, a novel method for the chemical synthesis of isoguanosine or 2'-deoxy-isoguanosine is provided. The invention also has applications in antisense and aptamer therapeutics and drug discovery.
Abstract:
A cover effective to releasably seal a multiwell container, such as a microtitration plate, is disclosed. The cover contains a pad, fashioned from a flexible polymer sheet, and a plurality of resiliently compressible ridges formed on the sheet. The ridges are deformable, such that application of pressure applied to the cover is effective to form a fluid-tight seal between the pad and the well openings. The ridges extend from the pad sufficiently to break the seal upon release of the pressure.
Abstract:
A luminometer comprising a tray for receiving an array of sample wells, a photodetector assembly, and device for relatively moving the tray and photodetector assembly in one direction to align the sample wells received by the tray in a predetermined sequence with the photodetector assembly. The photodetector assembly of the luminometer includes a stage, a photodetection head having a detection aperture permitting passage of light therethrough, a device for mounting the photodetection head to the stage that permits movement of the head in a direction substantially normal to the direction of relative tray and photodetector assembly movement, and a device for biasing the photodetection head toward a selected sample well so that the detection aperture is substantially isolated from light emitted from adjacent wells. Internal and external photodetector calibration systems and a sample heater are also contemplated.
Abstract:
A reactor system and method for synthesizing or degrading polynucleotides and other linear polymers includes a tubular reactor connected to a reagent manifold. The polynucleotide is immobilized on a loosely packed solid-phase support material in the tubular reactor, and reagents are sequentially introduced into the tubular reactor. After each reagent is introduced, the tubular reactor is isolated from the reagent manifold and the reagent agitated by alternately pressurizing the opposite ends of the tubular reactor. The method provides rapid and efficient synthesis of polynucleotides.
Abstract:
The present invention provides primers and probes to be used in a method of enhancing hybridization of a probe to a target nucleotide sequence when the target sequence is capable of forming intramolecular secondary structures that interfere with hybridization of the probe to the target sequence. In particular, the invention includes a primer for amplifying a target nucleotide sequence, wherein at least a portion of the target nucleotide sequence can form an intramolecular secondary structure. The primer of the invention includes a primer nucleotide sequence complementary to a portion of the target nucleotide sequence that does not form a secondary structure, and a blocking sequence substantially complementary to at least a portion of the secondary structure-forming region of the amplified target nucleotide sequence, wherein the blocking sequence hybridizes to a portion of the secondary structure-forming region of the amplified target nucleotide sequence and blocks the formation of the secondary structure.
Abstract:
New techniques are provided for substantially reducing background signals encountered in solution phase hybridization assays. The techniques are premised on eliminating or significantly reducing the phenomena of nonspecific hybridization and nonspecific binding, so as to provide a detectable signal which is produced only in the presence of the target polynucleotide of interest. In certain embodiments, methods are provided for increasing the signal which can otherwise be diminished in noise reduction. Kits for carrying out the novel assays are provided as well.