Abstract: Disclosed are nucleic acid matrices comprising a dendrimeric network of interconnected monomers. Each monomeric unit is synthesized using nucleic acid sequences having no repeats of subsequences of a predetermined length. In preferred embodiments, the subsequences have a length of 3-5 nucleotides. The DNA monomers assembled therefrom exhibit maximal self-assembly properties in that they hybridize substantially only to portions of other monomers having complementary sequences. The monomers in the dendrimeric assembly may be cross-linked to enhance structural integrity of the matrix.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of detecting antigens, which comprises immobilizing an antigen to a solid support and contacting the solid support with a means for hybridizing a labeled dendrimer to the antibody, through an oligonucleotide complexed thereto. A directly oligonucleotide labeled primary antibody or an oligonucleotide labeled secondary antibody may be employed, and a conventionally labeled dendrimer can subsequently be hybridized to the oligonucleotide through one or more of the outer arms of the dendrimer. The present invention offers the advantage over conventional methods of antigen detection by providing multiple label molecules per antigen, thereby enhancing the observed signal associated with the label.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of detecting antigens, which comprises immobilizing an antigen to a solid support and contacting the solid support with a means for hybridizing a labeled dendrimer to the antibody, through an oligonucleotide complexed thereto. A directly oligonucleotide labeled primary antibody or an oligonucleotide labeled secondary antibody may be employed, and a conventionally labeled dendrimer can subsequently be hybridized to the oligonucleotide through one or more of the outer arms of the dendrimer. The present invention offers the advantage over conventional methods of antigen detection by providing multiple label molecules per antigen, thereby enhancing the observed signal associated with the label.

Abstract: A method for the preparation of optimally fluorescent oligonucleotides wherein fluorescent dye-conjugated nucleotide triphosphates are incorporated into a nucleic acid sequence in a defined repetitive manner which allows for the optimal specific fluorescence of the oligonucleotide. The oligonucleotides of the present invention are useful in the assay of a wide variety of nucleic acid sequences, specifically wherever highly fluorescent nucleic acid probes are desired.

Abstract: A novel class of reagents for assaying nucleic acid sequences comprise successive layers of polynucleotides of a specific structure, including a double-stranded waist and single-stranded, free arms at the molecule ends, formed by hybridization of the arms to adjacent molecule arms. The reagent is used to assay for specific nucleic acid sequences. The outer layer of polynucleotides are specific for the sequence to be assayed through their non-annealed, free, single-stranded arms. The reagents are useful in the assay of a wide variety of nucleic acid sequences including those associated with pathogens such as pathogenic bacteria and virus.

Abstract: A novel class of reagents for assaying nucleic acid sequences comprise successive layers of polynucleotides of a specific structure, including a double-stranded waist and single-stranded, free arms at the molecule ends, formed by hybridization of the arms to adjacent molecule arms. The reagent is used to assay for specific nucleic acid sequences. The outer layer of polynucleotides are specific for the sequence to be assayed through their non-annealed, free, single-stranded arms. The reagents are useful in the assay of a wide variety oil nucleic acid sequences including those associated with pathogens such as pathogenic bacteria and virus.

Abstract: A novel class of reagents for assaying nucleic acid sequences comprise successive layers of polynucleotides of a specific structure, including a double-stranded waist and single-stranded, free arms at the molecule ends, formed by hybridization of the arms to adjacent molecule arms. The reagent is used to assay for specific nucleic acid sequences. The outer layer of polynucleotides are specific for the sequence to be assayed through their non-annealed, free, single-stranded arms. The reagents are useful in the assay of a wide variety of nucleic acid sequences including those associated with pathogens such as pathogenic bacteria and virus.