Abstract: The present invention provides complexing agents of Formula I which contain novel photosensitizers and produce long-lived fluorescence for use in bioaffinity assays, especially HTRF (homogeneous time-resolved fluorescence) assays.

Abstract: A method and assay for screening for antimicrobial compound comprises contacting bacteria having a detectable concentration with a target compound and determining the effect of the target compound on the concentration of the bacteria. The effect of the compound is determined by measuring the concentration of the bacteria at a plurality of times after the bacteria is contacted with the candidate compound. The method incorporates an assay, such as an optical density assay, luciferase-based assay, or kinetic assay.

Abstract: Bifunctional molecules having a DNA intercalator or DNA groove binder linked to ethylene diamine tetraacetic acid such as compounds having the formula: ##STR1## wherein R is methyl or ethyl. Also, the method of cleaving DNA by contact with one of the above-identified molecules in the presence of ferrous ion and oxygen.The process of preparing said molecules by the reaction of P-carboxy methidium halide, p-carboxy ethidium halide, or other DNA intercalator or DNA groove binder with 1-3-diaminopropane followed by condensation with ethylenediamine tetraacetic acid.Distamycin-EDTA.Fe(II)(DE.FE(II)) contains EDTA attached to the amino terminus of the groove binder tripeptide (tris-N-methylpyrrolecarboxamide). De.Fe(II) cleaves DNA contiguous to a five base pair A+T rich sequence. This is a novel and unique molecule and superior in sequence specificity to the naturally occurring antitumor compound used in man, bleomycin which cleaves DNA at a two base pair recognition site. EDTA-distamycin-Fe(II)(ED.

Abstract: Novel bifunctional molecules having a DNA intercalator or DNA groove binder linked to ethylene diamine tetraacetic acid such as compounds having the formula: ##STR1## wherein R is methyl or ethyl. Also, the method of cleaving DNA by contact with one of the above-identified molecules in the presence of ferrous ion and oxygen.The process of preparing said molecules by the reaction of P-carboxy methidium halide, p-carboxy ethidium halide, or other DNA intercalator or DNA groove binder with 1-3-diaminopropane followed by condensation with ethylenediamine tetraacetic acid.Distamycin-EDTA.Fe(II)(DE.FE(II)) contains EDTA attached to the amino terminus of the groove binder tripeptide (tris-N-methylpyrrolecarboxamide). DE.Fe(II) cleaves DNA contiguous to a five base pair A+T rich sequence. This is a novel and unique molecule and superior in sequence specificity to the naturally occurring antitumor compound used in man, bleomycin which cleaves DNA at a two base pair recognition site. EDTA-distamycin-Fe(II)(ED.