Abstract: The present invention provides improved aptamer libraries useful for discovery of aptamers that have high binding affinity for a single or a plurality of targets. The libraries contain higher copies of each member candidate such that they are more likely to be available to the application of acyclic identification methods that obviate the most time-consuming and costly step in traditional SELEX method, the multiple cycles of evolutionary selection.

Abstract: The present invention provides improved aptamer libraries useful for discovery of aptamers that have high binding affinity for a single or a plurality of targets. The libraries contain higher copies of each member candidate such that they are more likely to be available to the application of acyclic identification methods that obviate the most time-consuming and costly step in traditional SELEX method, the multiple cycles of evolutionary selection.

Abstract: A method is disclosed to obtain oligonucleotide sequences with high affinity to target molecules. By design, the oligonucleotides have a defined primary and secondary structure. The affinity for binding to target species is classified or quantified by assay measurements using physical measurements rather than being based primarily on separations. Targets include but are not limited to proteins, polymers, biological membranes including cells and organelles and small molecules.

Abstract: The present invention provides improved aptamer libraries useful for discovery of aptamers that have high binding affinity for a single or a plurality of targets. The libraries contain higher copies of each member candidate such that they are more likely to be available to the application of acyclic identification methods that obviate the most time-consuming and costly step in traditional SELEX method, the multiple cycles of evolutionary selection.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention relate to a branched or multichain nucleic acid switch adapted to switch from a first conformation to a second conformation upon ligand binding. The switch includes a probe strand, P, which includes the ligand binding domain; a switching framework which includes a cover strand (C), and a tether that holds P and C together and a signaling apparatus. Some embodiments include a toggle strand (T) where now the tether holds P, C, T, and the signaling apparatus together. As the switch changes between the first and second conformations; the signaling apparatus reports the state of the switch. The signaling entity is typically a lumiphore and a quencher located along the switching framework. Nucleic acid switches have applications in real time assays for diverse agents including infectious agents, environmental toxins, and terrorist agents, as well as screening methods for such agents. Further applications are found for nanoelectronics, nanofabrication and nanomachines.

Abstract: The present invention provides aptamer libraries with pre-defined secondary structures that can be used for oversampled screening for affinity binding.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention relate to a branched or multichain nucleic acid switch adapted to switch from a first conformation to a second conformation upon ligand binding. The switch includes a probe strand, P, which includes the ligand binding domain; a switching framework which includes a cover strand (C), and a tether that holds P and C together and a signaling apparatus. Some embodiments include a toggle strand (T) where now the tether holds P, C, T, and the signaling apparatus together. As the switch changes between the first and second conformations; the signaling apparatus reports the state of the switch. The signaling entity is typically a lumiphore and a quencher located along the switching framework. Nucleic acid switches have applications in real time assays for diverse agents including infectious agents, environmental toxins, and terrorist agents, as well as screening methods for such agents. Further applications are found for nanoelectronics, nanofabrication and nanomachines.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention relate to a branched or multichain nucleic acid switch adapted to switch from a first conformation to a second conformation upon ligand binding. The switch includes a probe strand, P, which includes the ligand binding domain; a switching framework which includes a cover strand (C), and a tether that holds P and C together and a signaling apparatus. Some embodiments include a toggle strand (T) where now the tether holds P, C, T, and the signaling apparatus together. As the switch changes between the first and second conformations; the signaling apparatus reports the state of the switch. The signaling entity is typically a lumiphore and a quencher located along the switching framework. Nucleic acid switches have applications in real time assays for diverse agents including infectious agents, environmental toxins, and terrorist agents, as well as screening methods for such agents. Further applications are found for nanoelectronics, nanofabrication and nanomachines.

Abstract: In one embodiment, the present invention relates to fluorescent nucleic acid constructs and methods of using these switchable constructs to rapidly screen for target molecule interactions. More particularly, an RNA/DNA chimera comprising a fluorophore-quencher pair and a nucleic acid construct is disclosed for the rapid screening of interactions between the HIV-1 nucleocapsid protein, NCp7, and a stem-loop region, SL3, of the HIV-1 RNA, or antagonists thereof. The compositions and methods disclosed herein can be used in preferred aspects of the present invention for diagnosing disease states, distinguishing the presence of infectious or toxic agents, drug discovery and design, and molecular electronic applications.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention relate to a branched or multichain nucleic acid switch adapted to switch from a first conformation to a second conformation upon ligand binding. The switch includes a probe strand, P, which includes the ligand binding domain; a switching framework which includes a cover strand (C), and a tether that holds P and C together and a signaling apparatus. Some embodiments include a toggle strand (T) where now the tether holds P, C, T, and the signaling apparatus together. As the switch changes between the first and second conformations; the signaling apparatus reports the state of the switch. The signaling entity is typically a lumiphore and a quencher located along the switching framework. Nucleic acid switches have applications in real time assays for diverse agents including infectious agents, environmental toxins, and terrorist agents, as well as screening methods for such agents. Further applications are found for nanoelectronics, nanofabrication and nanomachines.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention relate to a branched or multichain nucleic acid switch adapted to switch from a first conformation to a second conformation upon ligand binding. The switch includes a probe strand, P, which includes the ligand binding domain; a switching framework which includes a cover strand (C), and a tether that holds P and C together and a signaling apparatus. Some embodiments include a toggle strand (T) where now the tether holds P, C, T, and the signaling apparatus together. As the switch changes between the first and second conformations; the signaling apparatus reports the state of the switch. The signaling entity is typically a lumiphore and a quencher located along the switching framework. Nucleic acid switches have applications in real time assays for diverse agents including infectious agents, environmental toxins, and terrorist agents, as well as screening methods for such agents. Further applications are found for nanoelectronics, nanofabrication and nanomachines.

Abstract: A nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) sample tube is made of a polymeric material instead of glass. Such tubes are thinner than glass tubes, thus increasing the internal volume and sample size. Such tubes are also more closely matched to the magnetic susceptibility of specific solvents. Such tubes have greater mechanical stability, thus leading to less tube breakage during NMR processing. Such tubes also lend themselves to various concentric tubal arrangements which permit separation and mixing of samples to minimize subtraction artifacts in interacting systems.