Abstract: Reagents and assays for kinase, phosphatase and protease enzyme activity which employ metal ion-phosphate ligand specific binding and fluorescent polymer superquenching are described. The assays provide a general platform for the measurement of kinase, phosphatase and protease enzyme activity using peptide and protein substrates. Reagents and assays based on DNA hybridization and reagents and assays for proteins which employ aptamers, antibodies and other ligands are also described.

Abstract: A chemiluminescent system for detecting the presence of influenza virus in a biological fluid sample is provided. An influenza diagnostic kit is provided which includes (1) a sampling device for obtaining the biological fluid from a subject, (2) a chemiluminescent substrate material which, in the presence of influenza virus in the biological sample, will generate a chemiluminescent product that will produce detectable light, and (3) a means for detecting any generated light. A liquid sample containing the biological fluid, and preferably a diluent, are contacted with the an absorbent material containing the chemiluminescent substrate material. The substrate responds to neuraminidase activity intrinsic to influenza A and influenza B virus particles, such that when the substrate is in contact with influenza virus, the substrate is cleaved to yield a chemiluminescent product that then decomposes to produce light which can then be detected.

Abstract: Compositions including biocidal reagents and articles treated or coated therewith are described. The compositions can be used to make passive biocidal surfaces. Exemplary biocidal reagents include visible light-absorbing polyelectrolytes which act as passive biocides upon exposure to radiation, including relatively weak “background” radiation such as natural light sources (e.g., indirect sunlight) and artificial light sources. Methods of treating or coating surfaces with the compositions are also described.

Abstract: Bioconjugates, kits and assays for detecting the activity of protease enzymes such as ?-secretase and caspase enzymes are described. The bioconjugates include a tether having a segment capable of recognizing and interacting with (e.g., being cleaved by) the enzyme, a fluorescer including a plurality of fluorescent species conjugated to a first location on the tether, and a quencher conjugated to a second location on the tether. The segment capable of recognizing and interacting with the protease enzyme (e.g., ?-secretase or caspase) is located between the first and second locations on the tether. The plurality of fluorescent species are associated with one another such that the quencher is capable of amplified super-quenching of the fluorescer. The assay is suitable for screening potential drugs for their efficiency in inhibiting the activity of protease enzymes such as ?-secretase in a high throughput format where the potential drugs are evaluated.