Abstract: Comb-type branched polynucleotides are used as amplification multimers in nucleic acid hybridization assays.

Abstract: Nucleic acid probes are immobilized on polystyrene surfaces such as the wells of microtiter plates for use in solution phase nucleic acid sandwich hybridization assays, particularly those using large branched DNA amplification multimers, by: (a) cleansing the surface by washing it sequentially with a strong acid, a strong base, and water, (b) passively adsorbing a polypeptide having primary amino groups onto the cleansed surface, and (c) covalently bonding the probe to the adsorbed polypeptide via a base-stable bifunctional crosslinking agent, and (d) subjecting the surface to conditions that simulate the hybridization conditions used in the assay.

Abstract: Novel DNA probe sequences for detection of HBV in a sample in a solution phase sandwich hybridization assay are described. Amplified nucleic acid hybridization assays using the probes are exemplified.

Abstract: Large comb-type branched polynucleotides useful as amplifier molecules in nucleic acid hybridization assays are provided, the polynucleotides comprising: a polynucleotide backbone having at least about 15 multifunctional nucleotides, each of which defines a sidechain site and a first single-stranded oligonucleotide unit that is capable of binding specifically to a first single-stranded polynucleotide sequence of interest; and pendant polynucleotide sidechains extending from said multifunctional nucleotides each comprising iterations of a second single-stranded oligonucleotide unit that is capable of binding specifically to a second single-stranded polynucleotide sequence of interest, the total number of iterations in all sidechains being at least 20. Methods of making these polynucleotides are also provided.

Abstract: Novel DNA probe sequences for detection of HAV in a sample in a solution phase sandwich hybridization assay are described. Amplified nucleic acid hybridization assays using the probes are exemplified.

Abstract: Linear or branched oligonucleotide multimers useful as amplifiers in biochemical assays which comprise (1) at least one first single-stranded oligonucleotide unit that is complementary to a single-stranded oligonucleotide sequence of interest, and (2) a multiplicity of second single-stranded oligonucleotide units that are complementary to a single-stranded labeled oligonucleotide. Amplified sandwich nucleic acid hybridizations and immunoassays using the multimers are exemplified.

Abstract: Novel DNA probe sequences for detection of Chlamydiae in a sample in a solution phase sandwich hybridization assay are described. Amplified nucleic acid hybridization assays using the probes are exemplified.

Abstract: Novel DNA probe sequences for detection of CMV in a sample in a solution phase sandwich hybridization assay are described. Amplified nucleic acid hybridization assays using the probes are exemplified.