Abstract: The present invention provides a composition for detecting and/or characterizing a multiple-charged biomolecule comprising a charged d8 or d10 metal complex, wherein the metal complex electrostatically binds to the multiple-charged biomolecule to induce aggregation and self-assembly of the metal complex through metal-metal interactions, ? . . . ? interactions, or a combination of both interactions. The present invention further provides assay methods and kits for label-free optical detection and/or characterization of biomolecules carrying multiple charges, e.g., single-stranded nucleic acids, using a composition comprising a charged d8 or d10 metal complex.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
January 21, 2008
Date of Patent:
November 13, 2012
Assignee:
The University of Hong Kong
Inventors:
Vivian Wing-Wah Yam, Cong Yu, Kenneth Hoi-Yiu Chan, Keith Man-Chung Wong