Abstract: The invention relates to methods of performing a binding assay for an analyte of interest present in a sample based upon electrochemiluminescence at an electrode of interest. Particles are employed in the method, which are then collected in a zone at which electrochemiluminescence can be induced, wherein the amount of induced electrochemiluminescence is related to the amount of analyte in the sample.

Abstract: A method for increasing the rate of a chemical reaction involving conversion of at least one reactant to at least one product which comprises contacting the reactant with at least one appropriate monoclonal antibody to the reactant under suitable conditions permitting formation of a complex between the monoclonal antibody and the reactant, conversion of the reactant to the product and release of the product from the complex, the monoclonal antibody being characterized by a K>1, where K=k.sub.r /k.sub.p, k.sub.r is the affinity constant of the monoclonal antibody for the reactant and k.sub.p is the affinity constant of the monoclonal antibody for the product, by an r.sub.1 >r.sub.0, where r.sub.1 is the rate of formation of the complex between the antibody and the reactant and where r.sub.0 is the rate of the chemical reaction in the absence of monclonal antibody, by an r.sub.2 >r.sub.0, where r.sub.2 is the rate of the conversion of the complexed reactant to the complexed product and by an r.sub.

Abstract: Specific, selective inhibitors of catalytic antibodies both synthetic and naturally occurring, their use and compositions thereof are disclosed. In particular, an inhibitor preventing the hydrolysis of the peptide bond between amino acid residues 16 and 17 in the neurotransmitter vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) by an anti-VIP catalytic autoantibody is disclosed.

Abstract: This invention relates to an improved process for detecting and quantifying a desired nucleic acid sequence. The process involves synthesizing single stranded RNA, single stranded DNA, double-stranded DNA followed by detection using an electrochemiluminescent labeled binding species.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods, apparatus, reagents, and kits for performing a binding assay for an analyte of interest present in a sample based upon electrochemiluminescence at an electrode of interest. In the method, reagents and kits particles can be employed; for instance, for settling upon the electrode surface by gravity, centrifugation or magnetic attraction. The apparatus can include a magnet for generating a magnetic field in a region proximate the electrode.

Abstract: Antigens capable of eliciting antibodies which can catalyze chemical reactions, in particular, the cleavage or formation of a peptide linkage, comprising a hapten or a hapten and a suitable carrier molecule are disclosed. Haptens include, among others, silicon and boron containing compounds. Antibodies which are catalytically active for chemical reactions, in particular, the cleavage or formation of a selected peptide linkage or an ester bond, and which are elicited by such antigens are disclosed as well as methods for producing the antibodies and methods for catalyzing the cleavage or formation of a peptide linkage or in ester bond in a molecule.

Abstract: The invention is a method for conducting an electrochemiluminescent assay that includes contacting a sample containing an analyte of interest with a first electrical waveform, followed by contacting the sample with a second electrical waveform that has been modulated in an amount derived from a pre-determined gain extension factor.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods of performing a binding assay for an analyte of interest present in a sample based upon electrochemiluminescence at an electrode of interest. Particles are employed in the method, which are then collected in a zone at which electrochemiluminescence can be induced, wherein the amount of induced electrochemilurninescence is related to the amount of analyte in the sample.

Abstract: Described and claimed are compounds of formula (I) wherein Y is a polypeptide, R.sub.1 is bonded to the N-terminus of Y and is hydrogen or a branched or linear, substituted or unsubstituted, C.sub.1-21 alkyl, alkene, or alkyne group, R.sub.2 is a side chain of a naturally occurring amino acid, and X is (a), (b), (c). Such compounds are useful as haptens and immunogens for the elicitation of antibodies which catalytically enhance the rate of formation or hydrolysis of primary amide bonds. Also described and claimed are methods employing the compounds and antibodies.

Abstract: Luminescent chemical reagents that include complexes of rare earth metals with ligands such as aromatic heterocyclic nitrogen-containing compounds and semi-aromatic oxygen-containing compounds are used to detect small quantities of complex substances such as pharmaceuticals, metabolites, and microorganisms in complex sample mixtures.

Abstract: A composition suitable for use in an ECL assay wherein electromagnetic radiation emitted by said composition is detected, which composition comprises (a) a metal-containing ECL moiety which, when oxidized by exposure to an effective amount of electrochemical energy, is capable of being converted to an excited state from which electromagnetic radiation is emitted upon exposure of the excited ECL moiety to conditions sufficient to induce said emission; (b) an amine or amine moiety which, when oxidized by exposure to an effective amount of electrochemical energy, forms a strong reducing agent in said composition; and (c) an electrolyte capable of functioning as a medium in which said ECL moiety and said amine or amine moiety can be oxidized by exposure to electrochemical energy.

Abstract: Electrochemiluminiscent moieties having the formula?Re(P).sub.m (L.sup.1).sub.n (L.sup.2).sub.o (L.sup.3).sub.p (L.sup.4).sub.q (L.sup.5).sub.r (L.sup.6).sub.s !.sub.t (B).sub.uwhereinP is a polydentate ligand of Re;L.sup.1, L.sup.2, L.sup.3, L.sup.4, L.sup.5 and L.sup.6 are ligands of Re, each of which may be the same as or different from each other ligand;B is a substance which is a ligand of Re or is conjugated to one or more of P, L.sup.1, L.sup.2, L.sup.3, L.sup.4, L.sup.5 or L.sup.6 ;m is an integer equal to or greater than 1;each of n, o, p, q, r and s is zero or an integer;t is an integer equal to or greater than 1; andu is an integer equal to or greater than 1;P, L.sup.1, L.sup.2, L.sup.3, L.sup.4, L.sup.5, L.sup.6 and B being of such composition and number that the chemical moiety can be induced to emit electromagnetic radiation and the total number of bonds to Re provided by the ligands of Re being equal to the coordination of Reare disclosed.

Abstract: A rapid single step assay suitable for the detection or quantification of enzymes, in particular, hydrolases, especially, aminopeptidases and esterases. The enzymatic reaction causes the cleavage of a metal ligand labelled hydrolase substrate. The cleaved ligand alters the electrochemiluminescence of bidentate aromatic heterocyclic nitrogen-containing ligand reagent. The change in electrochemiluminescence correlates to the presence of hydrolase activity present in the sample. The assay can be performed on an IGEN Origen.RTM. Analyzer.

Abstract: What is described are methods and apparatus for performing a binding assay for an analyte of interest present in a sample. The methods include the steps of: forming a composition containing the sample, an assay-performance-substance which contains a component linked to a label compound capable of chemiluminescing when triggered, and a plurality of particles capable of specifically binding with the analyte and/or the assay-performance-substance; incubating the composition to form a complex which includes a particle and the labeled component; collecting the complex in a collection zone; introducing into the collection zone a trigger capable of triggering the label such that the label luminesces; and measuring the emitted luminescence to measure the presence of the analyte of interest in the sample.

Abstract: An apparatus for performing a binding assay for an analyte of interest present in a sample based upon measurement of electrochemiluminescence at an electrode surface comprising a cell defining a sample containing volume intersecting with inlet and outlet means, an electrode having a substantially horizontally positioned surface exposed to and positioned below a portion of the sample containing volume, means for impressing electrochemical energy upon said electrode sufficient to generate luminescence, means for magnetically collecting particles along said surface and means for measuring the luminescence generated at said electrode.

Abstract: What is described are methods and apparatus for performing a binding assay for an analyte of interest present in a sample. The methods include the steps of: forming a composition containing said sample, an assay-performance-substance which contains a component linked to a label compound capable of chemiluminescing when triggered, and a plurality of coated magnetic particles capable of specifically binding with the analyte and/or said assay-performance-substance; incubating said composition to form a complex which includes a particle and said labeled component; magnetically collecting said complex at the surface of an electrode; inducing said label to luminesce by contacting it with a trigger, said trigger being formed in-situ by conversion of a precursor molecule upon introduction of electrochemical energy; and measuring the emitted luminescence to measure the presence of the analyte of interest in the sample.

Abstract: What is described are methods and apparatus for performing a binding assay for an analyte of interest present in a sample. The methods include the steps of: forming a composition containing said sample, an assay-performance-substance which contains a component linked to a label compound capable of chemiluminescing when triggered, and a plurality of coated magnetic particles capable of specifically binding with the analyte and/or said assay-performance-substance; incubating said composition to form a complex which includes a particle and said labeled component; magnetically collecting said complex at the surface of an electrode; inducing said label to luminesce by contacting it with a trigger, said trigger being formed in-situ by conversion of a precursor molecule upon introduction of electrochemical energy; and measuring the emitted luminescence to measure the presence of the analyte of interest in the sample.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for measuring electrochemiluminescence from a sample composition are described wherein magnetically responsive electrochemiluminescent active species are captured on the electrode with the aid of a capture magnet having a configuration such that the magnetic flux lines (or the magnetic field gradient) of at least one magnetic field source therein are compressed and/or dispersed. This capture magnet improves the distribution of the magnetically responsive electrochemiluminescent active species on the electrode surface and reduces interference with the photomultiplier tube, thereby enhancing the ECL signal and improving sensitivity. The improved capture and distribution also allows for shorter assay times.

Abstract: A chemical moiety is disclosed which comprises a chemical, biochemicals, or biological substance attached to one or more electrochemiluminescent organometallic compounds. In a preferred embodiment of the invention the substance is attached to one or more ruthenium-containing or osmium-containing luminescent organo-metallic compounds. Methods are disclosed for detecting low concentrations of the chemical moiety using chemiluminescent, electrochemiluminescent, and photo-luminescent means. Compounds are disclosed which are useful for labeling substances of interest with ruthenium-containing and osmium-containing labels or other electrochemiluminescent labels. These labeled substances are useful in methods provided for detecting and quantifying analytes of interest in binding assays and competitive binding assays. The labeled substances are of particular use in homogeneous binding assays.

Abstract: An apparatus as provided for use in carrying out electrochemiluminescence test measurements. The apparatus includes a fluid container having an inlet for introducing an electrochemiluminescence sample fluid and a fluid outlet. The fluid container is composed of a durable, transparent, chemically inert, and electrically nonconductive material. A working electrode is disposed to one side of a fluid flow path of the container which has a light transmissive wall opposite the working electrode. A counter electrode is secured to the light transmissive wall. A first portion of the counter electrode is disposed upstream of the working electrode, while a second portion of the counter electrode is disposed downstream of the working electrode.