Abstract: The present invention provides a useful system for assays that comprises a solid support, a plurality of capture oligonucleotides immobilized onto the solid support, and complementary oligonucleotides attached to capture ligands. A detectable label can be directly attached to the capture oligonucleotides or the complementary oligonucleotides. The labeled oligonucleotides can be detected, and used to determine the quality of the assay. A labeled detector ligand corresponding to a target ligand can also be independently detected apart from the labeled oligonucleotide.

Abstract: The invention is an oligonucleotide-based assay system and kit useful for sorting, detecting, and identifying analytes. The system utilizes complementary oligonucleotide pairs in which one oligonucleotide of each pair is immobilized to a solid substrate and the other oligonucleotide has an analyte binding agent attached to it. The different oligonucleotide pairs hybridize at substantially the same rate, have substantially the same Tm, have nucleotide sequences designed to minimize cross-hybridization between different pairs, and hybridize together relatively rapidly at ambient temperatures without detectable cross-hybridization.

Abstract: This invention relates to methods for increasing the dynamic range and accuracy of assays in which the presence, absence, activity or concentration of a target analyte is assayed by the emission or quenching of a light signal, or by a change (i.e., an evolution or loss) of a light signal in two or more time intervals. In preferred embodiments multiple digitized images are captured at varying times, and the images analyzed to identify captured images within the dynamic range of the assay. The invention further relates to apparati capable of implementing such methods.

Abstract: The present invention provides a useful system for assays that comprises a solid support, a plurality of capture oligonucleotides immobilized onto the solid support, and complementary oligonucleotides attached to capture ligands. A detectable label can be directly attached to the capture oligonucleotides or the complementary oligonucleotides. The labeled oligonucleotides can be detected, and used to determine the quality of the assay. A labeled detector ligand corresponding to a target ligand can also be independently detected apart from the labeled oligonucleotide.

Abstract: The invention is an oligonucleotide-based assay system and kit useful for sorting, detecting, and identifying analytes. The system utilizes complementary oligonucleotide pairs in which one oligonucleotide of each pair is immobilized to a solid substrate and the other oligonucleotide has an analyte binding agent attached to it. The different oligonucleotide pairs hybridize at substantially the same rate, have substantially the same Tm, have nucleotide sequences designed to minimize cross-hybridization between different pairs, and hybridize together relatively rapidly at ambient temperatures without detectable cross-hybridization.

Abstract: Oligonucleotide probes, kits, and methods useful for detecting a polynucleotide target in a sample are provided. The method, a mixture is formed by combining a polynucleotide target sample, a first probe that is complementary to the polynucleotide target and having a first fluorescent donor or fluorescent acceptor; and a second probe that is partially complementary to the first probe and having a second fluorescent donor or fluorescent acceptor. The second probe competes with the polynucleotide target for binding to the first probe and the first probe preferentially binds to the polynucleotide target rather than to the second probe. The-first fluorescent donor or acceptor and second fluorescent donor or acceptor form a donor/acceptor pair capable of fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) with each other in response to activation of the fluorescent donor by light of a predetermined wavelength or band of wavelengths.

Abstract: Oligonucleotide probes, kits, and methods useful for detecting a polynucleotide target in a sample are provided. The method, a mixture is formed by combining a polynucleotide target sample, a first probe that is complementary to the polynucleotide target and having a first fluorescent donor or fluorescent acceptor; and a second probe that is partially complementary to the first probe and having a second fluorescent donor or fluorescent acceptor. The second probe competes with the polynucleotide target for binding to the first probe, and the first probe preferentially binds to the polynucleotide target rather than to the second probe. The first fluorescent donor or acceptor and second fluorescent donor or acceptor form a donor/acceptor pair capable of fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) with each other in response to activation of the fluorescent donor by light of a predetermined wavelength or band of wavelengths.

Abstract: This invention relates to methods for increasing the dynamic range and accuracy of assays in which the presence, absence, activity or concentration of a target analyte is assayed by the emission or quenching of a light signal, or by a change (i.e., an evolution or loss) of a light signal in two or more time intervals. In preferred embodiments multiple digitized images are captured at varying times, and the images analyzed to identify captured images within the dynamic range of the assay. The invention further relates to apparati capable of implementing such methods.

Abstract: Reagents and methods for preparing samples containing both biomolecule analytes and macrobiomolecules for capillary electrophoresis separation are provided. The reagents comprise a branched polymer. When mixed with a sample containing both biomolecule analytes and macrobiomolecules, particularly DNA templates, the branched polymer of the reagent can suppress the entrance of the macrobiomolecules into a capillary electrophoresis tube during electrokinetic injection of the sample into the capillary electrophoresis tube.