Patents Assigned to Microprobe Corporation
  • Patent number: 5574142
    Abstract: A covalently linked conjugate of an oligonucleotide (ODN) with a peptide and a carrier or targeting ligand (ODN-peptide-carrier) includes a therapeutic oligonucleotide which is capable of selectively binding to a target sequence of DNA, RNA or protein inside a target cell. The ODN is covalently linked to a peptide which is capable of being cleaved by proteolytic enzymes inside the target cell. The peptide, in turn is covalently linked to a carrier or targeting ligand moiety which facilitates delivery of the entire ODN-peptide-carrier conjugate into the cell, and preferably into a specific target tissue type. Inside the cell, the peptide is cleaved, releasing the ODN which, by binding to the target DNA, RNA or protein sequence, brings about a beneficial result.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 1992
    Date of Patent: November 12, 1996
    Assignee: MicroProbe Corporation
    Inventors: Rich B. Meyer, Jr., Alexander A. Gall, Michael W. Reed
  • Patent number: 5419966
    Abstract: A solid support for oligonucleotide synthesis has the structure ##STR1## where CPG represents a controlled pore glass matrix, the wavy line represents a carbon chain covalently linking the NH group with the controlled pore glass matrix, X is 2,2'-dimethoxytrityl or H, and R is alkyl, aryl, arylalkyl, heteroalkyl, or heteroaryl. The dimethoxytrityl group is removed from the solid support by treatment with acid, and the oligonucleotide is built, step-by-step in a conventional synthesizer after attachment of the 3' end of the first oligonucleotide unit to the hydroxyl function connected to the R group.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 1993
    Date of Patent: May 30, 1995
    Assignee: MicroProbe Corporation
    Inventors: Michael W. Reed, Rich B. Meyer, Jr., Charles R. Petrie, John C. Tabone
  • Patent number: 5393672
    Abstract: This invention relates to safe and effective methods for the extraction of nucleic acids. In particular, methods are described for isolating nucleic acid from a sample containing a biological mixture of nucleic acids and other biological compounds wherein the sample is combined with an extraction solution containing at least one organic compound such as benzyl alcohol or a benzyl alcohol derivative to form an aqueous and non-aqueous phase. The nucleic acid is isolated from the aqueous phase. Preferably, the resulting combined solution also contains bentonite, as defined below. Typically, the sample will first be combined with a lysing agent before extraction. The lysing agents preferred are chaotropic salts such as guanidinium hydrochloride and guanidinium isothiocyanate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 1993
    Date of Patent: February 28, 1995
    Assignee: MicroProbe Corporation
    Inventors: Jeffrey V. Ness, B. Melina Cimler, Rich B. Meyer, Jr., Nicolaas M. J. Vermeulen
  • Patent number: 5378604
    Abstract: This invention relates to compositions of oligonucleotide probes for use in the detection of bacteria associated with medical disorders of the human mouth, wherein said probes consist essentially of a segment of nucleic acid capable of selectively hybridizing under hybridizing conditions, to the 16S or 23S ribosomal RNA [rRNA] of said bacteria. Methods for detection, as well as diagnostic kits for the assay of these bacterium, are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 1993
    Date of Patent: January 3, 1995
    Assignee: MicroProbe Corporation
    Inventors: Dennis E. Schwartz, Roy H. Kanemoto, Susan M. Watanabe, Kim Dix
  • Patent number: 5376529
    Abstract: This invention relates to novel methods for the release of nucleic acids from cells in complex biological samples or specimens to prepare and make available the nucleic acid material present for a hybridization assay or for extraction. Novel methods for hybridization of nucleic acids are also presented. In particular methods are described for isolating nucleic acid from a sample containing a complex biological mixture of nucleic acid and non-nucleic acids wherein the sample is combined with a hybridization medium comprising a lactam which promotes and enables nucleic acid pairing when complementary nucleic acid is introduced. The lactam is preferably about 5 to about 70% of the hybridization medium and is most preferably 2-pyrrolidone, N-ethyl-2-pyrrolidone, N-cyclohexyl-2-pyrrolidone, N-dodecyl-2-pyrrolidone, N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone, N-hydroxyethyl-2-pyrrolidone, N-methyl-2-piperidone, 2-.epsilon.-caprolactam, N-methyl-2-caprolactam, 2-piperidone or N-(4-hydroxybenzyl)pyrrolidone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 1991
    Date of Patent: December 27, 1994
    Assignee: MicroProbe Corporation
    Inventors: Jeffrey Van Ness, Nicolaas M. J. Vermeulen
  • Patent number: 5334501
    Abstract: This invention provides for a method of quantifying bacteria using a bacterial specific nucleic acid probe which is complementary to a unique and highly conserved region of the 16S ribosomal RNA (rRNA) of bacteria. This probe permits the rapid detection of 16S rRNA in a sample and by comparison with known standards, one can estimate the total bacterial count in the sample. The method is accurate and reproducible and conducted at temperatures of between about 120.degree. to about 40.degree. C.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 1993
    Date of Patent: August 2, 1994
    Assignee: Microprobe Corporation
    Inventors: Trevor H. Adams, Dennis E. Schwartz, Nicolaas M. J. Vermuelen, Roy H. Kanemoto
  • Patent number: 5232830
    Abstract: Novel methods and compositions for detecting a member of a ligand pair on solid supports having intrinsic fluorescence are disclosed. A target member of a ligand pair is contacted with a capture member of a ligand pair, wherein the capture member is immobilized on a solid support having intrinsic fluorescence, and the contacted pair is in association with a colorimetric reporter, then the solid support is irradiated the solid support, and the resultant fluorescence is determined. Preferably, methods include hybridization assays of nucleic acid sequences on such solid supports. The extent of detecting a member of a ligand pair, preferably a nucleic acid sequence, is determined using a method or technique described throughout this document as fluorescent quenching. Methods and compositions pertaining to solid supports having their intrinsic or natural fluorescence quenched or masked are also described herein. The present invention has utility in detection assays for a member of a ligand pair.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 1990
    Date of Patent: August 3, 1993
    Assignee: MicroProbe Corporation
    Inventor: Jeffrey Van Ness
  • Patent number: 5212059
    Abstract: This invention relates to compositions of oligonucleotide probes for use in the detection of bacteria associated with medical disorders of the human mouth, wherein said probes consist essentially of a segment of nucleic acid capable of selectively hybridizing under hybridizing conditions, to the 16S or 23S ribosomal RNA [rRNA] of said bacteria. Methods for detection, as well as diagnostic kits for the assay of these bacterium, are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 1990
    Date of Patent: May 18, 1993
    Assignee: MicroProbe Corporation
    Inventors: Dennis E. Schwartz, Roy H. Kanemoto, Susan M. Watanabe, Kim Dix
  • Patent number: 5177196
    Abstract: Novel oligonucleotides formed from .alpha.-D-arabinofuranosyl nucleoside monomers, including oligonucleotides in which one or more of the monomer units is functionalized, are disclosed herein, as well as functionalized monomeric .alpha.-D-arabinofuranosyl nucleosides and nucleotides. A generic formula for the oligomers is: ##STR1## in which B is a nucleotide base which will vary from one monomeric unit to the next in a preselected oligonucleotide sequence; R is phosphate, phsophorothioate, phosphoramidate, or alkanephosphonate; t is 1 for functionalized monomeric units and zero for the others; W is a chemical linker arm; A is a functional group; and n is the number of monomeric units in the oligomer. The oligomers are useful for diagnostic and chemotherapeutic uses. A novel reaction is also disclosed, in which an .alpha.-D-arabinofuranosyl nucleoside with exposed hydroxyls at the 2'- and 3'-positions is selectively protected at the 2'-position in a single reaction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 1990
    Date of Patent: January 5, 1993
    Assignee: Microprobe Corporation
    Inventors: Rich B. Meyer, Jr., A. David Adams, Charles R. Petrie
  • Patent number: 5130423
    Abstract: This invention relates to safe and effective methods for the extraction of nucleic acids. In particular, methods are described for isolating nucleic acid from a sample containing a biological mixture of nucleic acids and other biological compounds wherein the sample is combined with an extraction solution containing at least one organic compound such as benzyl alcohol or a benzyl alcohol derivative to form an aqueous and non-aqueous phase. The nucleic acid is isolated from the aqueous phase. Preferably, the resulting combined solution also contains bentonite, as defined below. Typically, the sample will first be combined with a lysing agent before extraction. The lysing agents preferred are chaotropic salts such as guanidinium hydrochloride and guanidinium isothiocyanate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 1991
    Date of Patent: July 14, 1992
    Assignee: MicroProbe Corporation
    Inventors: Jeffrey Van Ness, B. Melina Cimler, Rich B. Meyer, Jr., Nicolaas M. J. Vermeulen
  • Patent number: 5124444
    Abstract: This invention relates to novel methods for the extraction of nucleic acid. In particular methods are described for isolating nucleic acid from a sample containing a complex biological mixture of nucleic acid and non-nucleic acids wherein the sample is combined with an extraction solution comprising a lactam and then the nucleic acid material is isolated from the resulting combined solution. The resulting combined solution is mixed and becomes biphasic and the nucleic acid material is isolated from the aqueous phase by precipitation with ethanol. The lactam is preferably about 5 to about 70% of the extraction solution and is most preferably 2-pyrrolidone, N-ethyl-2-pyrrolidone, N-cyclohexyl-2-pyrrolidone, N-dodecyl-2-pyrrolidone, N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone, N-hydroxyethyl-2-pyrrolidone, N-methyl-2-piperidone, 2-.epsilon.-caprolactam, N-methyl-2-caprolactam, 2-piperidone or N-(4-hydroxybenzyl)pyrrolidone. Methods for selectively isolating DNA, ribosomal RNA and plasmid DNA are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 1989
    Date of Patent: June 23, 1992
    Assignee: MicroProbe Corporation
    Inventors: Jeffrey Van Ness, Nicolaas Vermuelen, B. Melina Cimler
  • Patent number: 5106730
    Abstract: This invention relates to novel methods for the release of nucleic acids from cells in complex biological samples or specimens to prepare and make available the nucleic acid material present for a hybridization assay or for extraction. Novel methods for hybridization of nucleic acids are also presented. In particular methods are described for isolating nucleic acid from a sample containing a complex biological mixture of nucleic acid and non-nucleic acids wherein the sample is combined with a hybridization medium comprising a lactam which promotes and enables nucleic acid pairing when complementary nucleic acid is introduced. The lactam is preferably about 5 to about 70% of the hybridization medium and is most preferably 2-pyrrolidone, N-ethyl-2-pyrrolidone, N-cyclohexyl-2-pyrrolidone, N-dodecyl-2-pyrrolidone, N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone, N-hydroxyethyl-2-pyrrolidone, N-methyl-2-piperidone, 2-.epsilon.-caprolactam, N-methyl-2-caprolactam, 2-piperidone or N-(4-hydroxybenzyl)pyrrolidone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 1990
    Date of Patent: April 21, 1992
    Assignee: MicroProbe Corporation
    Inventors: Jeffrey Van Ness, Nicolaas M. J. Vermeulen
  • Patent number: 4886741
    Abstract: This invention relates to methods for using volume exclusion agents to enhance in situ hybridization rates between short oligonucleotide probes and their target polynucleotides where the cells containing the target polynucleotides are adhered onto a glass substrate. In one aspect, the invention specifically relates to the use of volume exclusion agents to facilitate assay and diagnostic procedures for the detection of a virus, such as human papillomavirus (HPV). In addition, diagnostic kits embracing the above methods are described herein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 1987
    Date of Patent: December 12, 1989
    Assignee: Microprobe Corporation
    Inventor: Dennis E. Schwartz
  • Patent number: D328954
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 1990
    Date of Patent: August 25, 1992
    Assignee: MicroProbe Corporation
    Inventor: James M. Brech