Abstract: Optical disk-based assay devices and methods are described, in which analyte-specific signal elements are disposed on an optical disk substrate. In preferred embodiments, the analyte-specific signal elements are disposed readably with the disk's tracking features. Also described are cleavable signal elements particularly suitable for use in the assay device and methods. Binding of the chosen analyte simultaneously to a first and a second analyte-specific side member of the cleavable signal element tethers the signal-responsive moiety to the signal element's substrate-attaching end, despite subsequent cleavage at the cleavage site that lies intermediate the first and second side members. The signal responsive moiety reflects, absorbs, or refracts incident laser light. Described are nucleic acid hybridization assays, nucleic acid sequencing, immunoassays, cell counting assays, and chemical detection.

Abstract: A cleavable signal element for use in quantitative and qualitative assay devices and methods is described. Binding of the chosen analyte simultaneously to a first and a second analyte-specific side member of the cleavable signal element tethers the signal-responsive moiety to the signal element's substrate-attaching end, despite subsequent cleavage at the cleavage site that lies intermediate the first and second side members. Assay devices comprising the cleavable signal elements are described, as are analytic methods adapted to their use. The analytic devices of the present invention may be adapted to detection using conventional CD-ROM and DVD readers.

Abstract: A gene sequencer, bio-compact disk and sample preparation methodology is described. Constant length oligonucleotides are prepared and, in conjunction with the bio-compact disk and apparatus described, used in gene sequencing and strategies therefor.

Abstract: An apparatus is described that includes an optical disk, adapted to be read by an optical reader, comprising a first sector having substantially self-contained assay means for localizing an analyte suspected of being in a sample to at least one, predetermined location in the first sector and a second sector containing control means for conducting the assay and analyte location information, with respect to one or more analytes suspected of being in a sample, accessible to the reader, wherein the presence or absence of the analyte at said location is determinable by the reader using the control means and the location information. Depending on the nature of the assay, the disk will include fluid storage means, fluid transfer means, such as one or more capillary ducts, valves, batteries, dialyzers, columns, filters, sources of electric fields, wires or other electrical conductive means such as metallic surface deposits and the like.

Abstract: Complexes are prepared containing two or more different effector molecules joined to each other by a joining component. One effector molecule is a binding molecule such as an antibody or Fc receptor that binds to a molecular target such as a virus or antibody at a site of infection or tumor, and another effector molecule is a therapeutic molecule such as an enzyme or drug. The joining component may be a liposome, protein or an organic polymer (including a dendrimer type polymer), and may be of sufficient length and/or flexibility to permit the therapeutic molecule to physically interact with the target at the same time as the binding molecule. Supramolecules are formed containing at least two supramolecular component molecules that contain an effector molecule and a nucleic acid chain.

Abstract: Complexes are prepared containing two or more different effector molecules joined to each other by a joining component. At least one of the effector molecules can bind to a target molecule and at least one of the other effector molecules has therapeutic properties. The joining component can be liposomes, proteins and organic polymers including dendrimer polymers, and can be of sufficient length and/or flexibility to permit the therapeutic effector molecule to interact with a target at the same time as the binding molecules. An antiviral liposome is prepared by coupling to a liposome outer surface a hydrolytic enzyme capable of digesting a viral component and a target-binding moiety which may be a polypeptide, glycoprotein or glycoprotein fragment having specificity for viruses such as HIV-1, influenza virus and hepatitis virus. The hydrolytic enzyme may be a glycosidase, phospholipase, lipase, cholesterol esterase, nuclease or protease.