Abstract: Specific DNA sequences for binding various foodborne and waterborne pathogens and biotoxins are described. Each of these sequences can function in varying assay and sensor formats with varying degrees of success.

Abstract: Specific DNA sequences for binding various foodborne and waterborne pathogens and biotoxins are described. Each of these sequences can function in varying assay and sensor formats with varying degrees of success.

Abstract: Specific DNA sequences for binding various clinically relevant analytes from the human body are described. Each of these sequences or their linear, two- and three-dimensional linked sequences can function in varying assay and sensor formats with varying degrees of success. Linkage of the whole or partial DNA sequences (putative binding sites) can be used to enhance specificity and affinity towards complex targets, thereby improving assay selectivity and sensitivity in many instances. In addition, a FRET-based quantitative method is described for normalizing analyte data by assessing urine creatinine and urea levels. Finally, a method is described for removing creatinine or urea by size-exclusion chromatography prior to a FRET-based aptamer assay to avoid the denaturing effects of these compounds.

Abstract: Specific DNA ligand sequences for binding various arthropod-borne pathogens including arboviruses, rickettsia and parasites are described. Each of these sequences or their linear, two-and three-dimesional linked sequences can function in varying assay and sensor formats with varying degrees of success. Linkage of the whole or partial DNA sequences (putative binding sites) can be used to enhance specificity and affinity towards complex targets, thereby improving assay selectivity and sensitivity in many instances. In addition, the DNA sequences may bind and neutralize or prevent infection from arthropod-borne viruses, rickettsia and Leishmania or other parasites.

Abstract: Methods are described for the production and use of fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET)-based competitive displacement aptamer assay formats. The assay schemes involve FRET in which the analyte (target) is quencher (Q)-labeled and previously bound by a fluorophore (F)-labeled aptamer such that when unlabeled analyte is added to the system and excited by specific wavelengths of light, the fluorescence intensity of the system changes in proportion to the amount of unlabeled analyte added. Alternatively, the aptamer can be Q-labeled and previously bound to an F-labeled analyte so that when unlabeled analyte enters the system, the fluorescence intensity also changes in proportion to the amount of unlabeled analyte.

Abstract: Methods are described for improvement of the serum half life of therapeutic nucleic acids by 3? conjugation to useful target proteins, or other large molecules with useful function. In one embodiment, a 3? A, C or G overhang is added to ds-DNA and the primary amines conjugated using biocompatible bifunctional linkers to proteins. The resulting nucleic acid-3? conjugates are serum nuclease-resistant and retained in vivo for long periods without rapid kidney clearance. Further, the choice of conjugate imparts additional functionality to the nucleic acid-3? conjugate.

Abstract: Methods are described for improvement of the serum half life of therapeutic nucleic acids by 3? conjugation to useful target proteins, or other large molecules with useful function. In one embodiment, a 3? A, C or G overhang is added to ds-DNA and the primary amines conjugated using biocompatible bifunctional linkers to proteins. The resulting nucleic acid-3?-conjugates are serum nuclease-resistant and retained in vivo for long periods without rapid kidney clearance. Further, the choice of conjugate imparts additional functionality to the nucleic acid-3-conjugate.

Abstract: The present invention describes methods for the production and selecting of single chain (single-stranded) fluorescence resonance energy transfer (“FRET”) DNA or RNA aptamers containing fluorophores (F) and quenchers (Q) at various loci within their structures, such that when its specific matching analyte is bound and the FRET-aptamers are excited by specific wavelengths of light, the fluorescence intensity of the system is modulated (increased or decreased) in proportion to the amount of analyte added. F and Q are covalently linked to nucleotide triphosphates (NTPs), which are incorporated by various nucleic acid polymerases such as Taq polymerase during the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and then selected by affinity chromatographic, size-exclusion or molecular sieving, and fluorescence techniques. Further separation of related FRET-aptamers can be achieved by ion-pair reverse phase high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) or other types of chromatography.

Abstract: The present invention describes methods for the production and use of single chain (single-stranded) fluorescence resonance energy transfer (“FRET”) DNA or RNA aptamers containing fluorophores (F) and quenchers (Q) at various loci within their structures, such that when its specific matching analyte is bound and the FRET-aptamers are excited by specific wavelengths of light, the fluorescence intensity of the system is modulated (increased or decreased) in proportion to the amount of analyte added. F and Q are covalently linked to nucleotide triphosphates (NTPs), which are incorporated by various nucleic acid polymerases such as Taq polymerase during the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and then selected by affinity chromatographic, size-exclusion or molecular sieving, and fluorescence techniques. Further separation of related FRET-aptamers can be achieved by ion-pair reverse phase high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) or other types of chromatography.

Abstract: Specific DNA ligand sequences for binding various arthropod-borne pathogens including arboviruses, rickettsia and parasites are described. Each of these sequences or their linear, two- and three-dimesional linked sequences can function in varying assay and sensor formats with varying degrees of success. Linkage of the whole or partial DNA sequences (putative binding sites) can be used to enhance specificity and affinity towards complex targets, thereby improving assay selectivity and sensitivity in many instances. In addition, the DNA sequences may bind and neutralize or prevent infection from arthropod-borne viruses, rickettsia and Leishmania or other parasites.

Abstract: Specific DNA sequences for binding various clinically relevant analytes from the human body are described. Each of these sequences or their linear, two- and three-dimensional linked sequences can function in varying assay and sensor formats with varying degrees of success. Linkage of the whole or partial DNA sequences (putative binding sites) can be used to enhance specificity and affinity towards complex targets, thereby improving assay selectivity and sensitivity in many instances. In addition, a FRET-based quantitative method is described for normalizing analyte data by assessing urine creatinine and urea levels. Finally, a method is described for removing creatinine or urea by size-exclusion chromatography prior to a FRET-based aptamer assay to avoid the denaturing effects of these compounds.

Abstract: Methods are described for improvement of the serum half life of therapeutic nucleic acids by 3? conjugation to useful target proteins, or other large molecules with useful function. In one embodiment, a 3? A, C or G overhang is added to ds-DNA and the primary amines conjugated using biocompatible bifunctional linkers to proteins. The resulting nucleic acid-3? conjugates are serum nuclease-resistant and retained in vivo for long periods without rapid kidney clearance. Further, the choice of conjugate imparts additional functionality to the nucleic acid-3? conjugate.

Abstract: Methods are described for the production and use of fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET)-based competitive displacement aptamer assay formats. The assay schemes involve FRET in which the analyte (target) is quencher (Q)-labeled and previously bound by a fluorophore (F)-labeled aptamer such that when unlabeled analyte is added to the system and excited by specific wavelengths of light, the fluorescence intensity of the system changes in proportion to the amount of unlabeled analyte added. Alternatively, the aptamer can be Q-labeled and previously bound to an F-labeled analyte so that when unlabeled analyte enters the system, the fluorescence intensity also changes in proportion to the amount of unlabeled analyte.

Abstract: Specific DNA sequences for binding various foodborne and waterborne pathogens and biotoxins are described. Each of these sequences can function in varying assay and sensor formats with varying degrees of success.

Abstract: Methods are described for improvement of the serum half life of therapeutic nucleic acids by 3? conjugation to useful target proteins, or other large molecules with useful function. In one embodiment, a 3? A, C or G overhang is added to ds-DNA and the primary amines conjugated using biocompatible bifunctional linkers to proteins. The resulting nucleic acid-3?-conjugates are serum nuclease-resistant and retained in vivo for long periods without rapid kidney clearance. Further, the choice of conjugate imparts additional functionality to the nucleic acid-3-conjugate. For example, if the protein in the DNA-protein conjugate is the first component of the complement cascade (Clq or Clqrs) and the DNA aptamer has been developed against surface components of a target cell, it can be used to treat bacterial or parasitic infections and cancers.

Abstract: Methods are described for assembly of DNA aptamer-magnetic bead (“MB”) conjugate plus aptamer-quantum dot (“QD”) aptamer-fluorescent nanoparticle or other aptamer-fluorophore, aptamer-chemiluminescent reporter, aptamer-radioisotope or other aptamer-reporter conjugate sandwich assays that enable adherence to glass, polystyrene and other plastics. Adherence to glass or plastics enables detection of surface-concentrated partitioning of fluorescence versus background (bulk solution) fluorescence in one step (without a wash step) even when the external magnetic field for concentrating the assay is removed. This assay format enables rapid, one-step (homogeneous) assays for a variety of analytes without wash steps that do not sacrifice sensitivity.

Abstract: The present invention describes methods for the production and use of single chain (single-stranded) fluorescence resonance energy transfer (“FRET”) DNA or RNA aptamers containing fluorophores (F) and quenchers (Q) at various loci within their structures, such that when its specific matching analyte is bound and the FRET-aptamers are excited by specific wavelengths of light, the fluorescence intensity of the system is modulated (increased or decreased) in proportion to the amount of analyte added. F and Q are covalently linked to nucleotide triphosphates (NTPs), which are incorporated by various nucleic acid polymerases such as Taq polymerase during the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and then selected by affinity chromatographic, size-exclusion or molecular sieving, and fluorescence techniques. Further separation of related FRET-aptamers can be achieved by ion-pair reverse phase high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) or other types of chromatography.

Abstract: The field of the invention relates generally to the detection of antigens, including, but not limited to, quantum dots (Qdots) and metal oxide nanoparticles. More specifically, the invention relates to the detection of antigens on a surface or in a source, which antigens include bacteria, viruses, and small proteins. In some embodiments, the invention can be used to detect biological warfare agents, such as anthrax and ricin. In some embodiments, the invention can be used for early detection of diseases in human and animals. The invention may utilize a swab-test and may further utilize a filtration process, such as with a syringe-disc.

Abstract: Methods are described for the production and use of fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET)-based competitive displacement aptamer assay formats. The assay schemes involve FRET in which the analyte (target) is quencher (Q)-labeled and previously bound by a fluorophore (F)-labeled aptamer such that when unlabeled analyte is added to the system and excited by specific wavelengths of light, the fluorescence intensity of the system changes in proportion to the amount of unlabeled analyte added. Alternatively, the aptamer can be Q-labeled and previously bound to an F-labeled analyte so that when unlabeled analyte enters the system, the fluorescence intensity also changes in proportion to the amount of unlabeled analyte.

Abstract: Methods are described for improvement of the serum half life of therapeutic nucleic acids by 3? conjugation to useful target proteins, or other large molecules with useful function. In one embodiment, a 3? A, C or G overhang is added to ds-DNA and the primary amines conjugated using biocompatible bifunctional linkers to proteins. The resulting nucleic acid-3?-conjugates are serum nuclease-resistant and retained in vivo for long periods without rapid kidney clearance. Further, the choice of conjugate imparts additional functionality to the nucleic acid -3-conjugate.