Abstract: In one aspect, the invention provides fluorescent probes and assays. The probes include a fluorophore-quencher pair that undergoes a switch from dark to fluorescent in response to a reaction of the quencher. The switch of the probe from dark to fluorescent is typically mediated by an enzyme that acts directly or indirectly on the quencher, interfering with its ability to quench fluorescence emission from the fluorophore. In another aspect, the invention provides a reporter gene assay system and methods of using this system. The assay system includes a fluorophore-quencher probe and an enzyme that acts directly or indirectly on the quencher, increasing the fluorescent emission of the fluorophore. In still other aspects, the invention provides nucleic acid constructs and cells expressing the peptide products of these constructs. In assays of the invention, the presence of a target substance is detected by the switching of fluorescence mediated by the change in oxidation state of the quencher.

Abstract: The present invention provides a family of dark quenchers, termed Black Hole Quenchers (“BHQs”), that are efficient quenchers of excited state energy but which are themselves substantially non-fluorescent. Also provided are methods of using the BHQs, probes incorporating the BHQs and methods of using the probes.

Abstract: The present invention provides a family of dark quenchers, termed Black Hole Quenchers (“BHQs”), that are efficient quenchers of excited state energy but which are themselves substantially non-fluorescent. Also provided are methods of using the BHQs, probes incorporating the BHQs and methods of using the probes.

Abstract: The present invention provides a family of dark quenchers, termed Black Hole Quenchers (“BHQs”), that are efficient quenchers of excited state energy but which are themselves substantially non-fluorescent. Also provided are methods of using the BHQs, probes incorporating the BHQs and methods of using the probes.

Abstract: The invention provides a novel class of cyanine dyes that are functionalized with a linker moiety that facilitates their conjugation to other species. Also provided are conjugates of the dyes, methods of using the dyes and their conjugates and kits including the dyes and their conjugates.

Abstract: The invention provides a novel class of xanthene dyes, some of which are functionalized to allow their coupling to conjugation partners of interest, e.g. biomolecules, drugs, toxins and the like. Also provided are conjugates of the dyes, methods of preparing and using the dyes and their conjugates and kits including the dyes and their conjugates.

Abstract: The present invention provides luminescent metal ion complexes for use in a wide range of biological and chemical studies. The luminescent metal ion complexes of the invention comprise a metal ion chelating component covalently bound to a carrier molecule. Also provided are methods of making and using the luminescent metal ion complexes.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an improved column for use in solid phase synthesis or purification. In a specific embodiment, the column is a disposable plastic column for use in solid phase synthesis or purification of complex chemicals, such as biomolecules and more specifically oligonucleotides. In some embodiments, the column has a top orifice with a sufficient diameter so that a fluid line or a multiple fluid line bundle may dispense fluids into the column with great efficiency. The column has an upper cavity portion configured and sized to render it compatible with dispensing pippetors, so that it can be used as a pipette tip or a pipettor can be used to aspirate the column. The column has a lower cavity portion with a shoulder for ready placement of a lower frit to contain the solid support in a central cavity portion of the column. An upper frit can be conveniently placed in the central cavity portion to seal the solid phase resin.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are directed to an improved chemical synthesis apparatus for performing chemical synthesis such as nuclei acid synthesis in a plurality of reaction wells or cells in an efficient manner. The apparatus employs dispenser heads that each include a cluster of nozzles which are fluidicly coupled to a plurality of reagent sources for dispensing different reagents through the single dispenser head. Because each dispenser head is capable of dispensing a plurality of different reagents, the apparatus can perform simultaneous synthesis in a plurality of cells at a high throughput without complex and elaborate control of movement of the dispenser heads relative to the cells.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are directed to an improved chemical synthesis apparatus for performing chemical synthesis such as nuclei acid synthesis in a plurality of reaction wells or cells in an efficient manner. The apparatus employs dispenser heads that each include a cluster of nozzles which are fluidicly coupled to a plurality of reagent sources for dispensing different reagents through the single dispenser head. Because each dispenser head is capable of dispensing a plurality of different reagents, the apparatus can perform simultaneous synthesis in a plurality of cells at a high throughput without complex and elaborate control of movement of the dispenser heads relative to the cells.

Abstract: The invention is a method which allows the attachment of an alcohol to a substrate by the use of which chemical and/or enzymatic transformations of the alcohol are facilitated, and subsequently the modified alcohol can be released, if desired, under exquistely mild conditions, after selective removal of a protecting group from an expulsion promoting amino group.