Abstract: A method for processing multi-phasic dispersions is provided. The method comprises providing a multi-phasic dispersion, the dispersion including dispersed and continuous phases, the dispersion comprising solid microparticles, providing a non-solvent, combining the multi-phasic dispersion and the non-solvent, and selectively effecting migration of the dispersed phase into or through the non-solvent such that the microparticles are separated from the dispersion.

Abstract: Methods for processing microparticles involve providing a composition comprising a plurality of solid microparticles and at least one non-volatile material, providing a non-solvent, and exposing the composition to the non-solvent to remove at least a portion of the non-volatile material from the composition while retaining at least the microparticles.

Abstract: Methods for processing microparticles involve providing a composition comprising a plurality of solid microparticles and at least one non-volatile material, providing a non-solvent, and exposing the composition to the non-solvent to remove at least a portion of the non-volatile material from the composition while retaining at least the microparticles.

Abstract: A method for processing multi-phasic dispersions is provided. The method comprises providing a multi-phasic dispersion including dispersed and continuous phases, providing a non-solvent, combining the multi-phasic dispersion and the non-solvent, and selectively effecting migration of the dispersed phase into or through the non-solvent such that the microparticles are separated from the dispersion.

Abstract: Methods for preparing samples for use in assays are described. The methods use polyethylene glycol and magnetic particles and are conducted with minimal salt concentrations. The methods are useful for preparing samples such as blood samples for use in hybridization assays such as bDNA assays, immunoassays and PCR. Optimal process conditions that allow for highly sensitive assays are also described.

Abstract: Novel binding assay techniques have been developed which improve accuracy and sensitivity via accounting for interfering factors. They rely on use, in a simultaneous incubation, of two or more different labels, some of which are used primarily to detect analyte, and others to detect interfering substances originating in the sample. The mathematical relationships between the labels allow corrections that lead to more accurate and sensitive determination of the presence and concentration of the analyte.

Abstract: A new method for immobilization of small molecules on solid supports via a macromolecular spacer has been developed. A protein or another macromolecule is first immobilized in an aqueous medium, and the solid support is than washed with an organic solvent. The small molecule is coupled in an organic medium, followed by organic medium washes. The new solid phases are useful for affinity purifications, immunoassays and other binding assays, and for selection of binders by panning procedures.

Abstract: A sensitive assay method has been discovered that reduces the amount of non-specific binding present in an assay, the method comprising detecting an analyte present in a sample through a specific binding reaction in which either an analogue of the analyte or a specific binding partner of the analyte is immobilized on a solid-phase and said specific binding reaction produces a detectable product immobilized on said solid-phase that may be correlated to the amount of analyte present in the sample wherein said assay employs an effective amount of a surfactant selected from the group consisting of a polyoxyethylene-alkylether, a polyalkylene oxide-modified polydimethylsiloxane block copolymer, a polyalkylene oxide-modified polymethylsiloxane block copolymer, and mixtures thereof to reduce non-specific binding.

Abstract: Novel non-competitive assay techniques have been developed which not only improve sensitivity, but also are convenient and less susceptible to interfering factors. They are compatible with existing instruments and can be run in one or more test tubes. The analyte is reacted with labeled specific binder, after which the mixture is reacted with (1) an insoluble material attached to an analyte derivative and (2) a solid phase carrying a binder. The solid phase is then separated, and the label attached to the solid phase is measured. Variations of the procedure include the use of a reversible bridge for attaching the insoluble material to the analyte mimic and the conduct of the assay in various porous media, such as paper, chromatographic and electrophoretic media, and dipsticks.

Abstract: Vesicular luminescent conjugates comprising liposomes coupled to molecules with biological activity, such as antigens, antibodies, and nucleic acids, for use in luminescent assays, are described herein. These conjugates encapsulate hydrophilic polysubstituted aryl acridinium esters and are useful as chemiluminescent tracers in immunoassays and other binding assays.

Abstract: A sensitive assay method has been discovered that reduces the amount of non-specific binding present in an assay, the method comprising detecting an analyte present in a sample through a specific binding reaction in which either an analogue of the analyte or a specific binding partner of the analyte is immobilized on a solid-phase and said specific binding reaction produces a detectable product immobilized on said solid-phase that may be correlated to the amount of analyte present in the sample wherein said assay employs an effective amount of a surfactant selected from the group consisting of a polyoxyethylene-alkylether, a polyalkylene oxide-modified polydimethylsiloxane block copolymer, a polyalkylene oxide-modified polymethylsiloxane block copolymer, and mixtures thereof to reduce non-specific binding.

Abstract: A method for the detection of an analyte in a fluid sample using liposomes encapsulating acridinium esters (lumisomes). Hydrophilic polysubstituted aryl acridinium esters are useful as chemiluminescent markers and can be encapsulated within liposome vesicles without significant leakage of the esters from the vesicles. The lumisomes can be coupled to molecules with biological activity, such as antigens, antibodies, and nucleic acids, and used in luminescent assays.

Abstract: A method for the detection of an analyte in a fluid sample using liposomes encapsulating acridinium esters (lumisomes). Hydrophilic polysubstituted aryl acridinium esters are useful as chemiluminescent markers and can be encapsulated within liposome vesicles without significant leakage of the esters from the vesicles. The lumisomes can be coupled to molecules with biological activity, such as antigens, antibodies, and nucleic acids, and used in luminescent assays.

Abstract: A novel non-competitive immunoassay technique has been developed which not only improves sensitivity, but also is convenient and less susceptible to interfering factors. It is compatible with existing instruments and is an assay that can be run in one test tube. The analyte is reacted with labeled specific binder, after which the mixture is reacted with (1) an insoluble material attached to an analyte derivative and (2) a solid phase carrying a binder. The solid phase is then separated, and the label attached to the solid phase is measured.

Abstract: This invention relates to methods that have been found useful in reducing non-specific binding in immunochemical assays, via methods that can be implemented much faster than those used by Ishikawa. The techniques include the use of a lipophilic bridge, such as a liposome, or the elution of the antigen-antibody complex from the solid phase by the use of an anti-idiotypic antibody or an antibody, or the use of a heterologous reversible bridge.

Abstract: A method for the detection of an analyte in a fluid sample using liposomes encapsulating acridinium esters (lumisomes). Hydrophilic polysubstituted aryl acridinium esters are useful as chemiluminescent markers and can be encapsulated within liposome vesicles without significant leakage of the esters from the vesicles. The lumisomes can be coupled to molecules with biological activity, such as antigens, antibodies, and nucleic acids, and used in luminescent assays.

Abstract: Immunoassays for measuring thyroid hormones such as thyroxine(T.sub.4) and triiodothyronine(T.sub.3) are carried out by incubating a serum sample with either (a) unlabeled thyroglobulin and a labeled antibody to a thyroid hormone or to thyroxine binding globulin(TBG), or (B) labeled thyrogloublin and an unlabeled antibody to a thyroid hormone. The thyroglobulin may be immobilized on an insoluble carrier and the immobilized thyroglobulin is preferably modified by succinylation with succinic anhydride. Whole thyroglobulin can be used or the thyroglobulin can be fragmented into smaller peptides prior to use provided the peptides contain at least one T.sub.3 or T.sub.4 residue per peptide. Preferably, the antibody is a monocional antibody and labeling is with an acridinium ester.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for forming stable, uniform unilamellar or oligolamellar liposomes which encapsulate a macromolecule. However, unlike prior processes, the present method maintains a temperature below the phase transition temperature of the lipid used to make the liposome both during the hydration of the lipid and, if used, during an extrusion step. In addition, the liposome is formed and the macromolecule encapsulated in a low ionic strength solution, then they are dialyzed against a high ionic strength solution.

Abstract: Sacs comprising a compound having a hydrophilic peptide radical are prepared and are believed to have improved stability as a result of hydrogen bonding. The sacs, including a detectable marker and derivatized with a ligand may be used as a tracer in an assay.At least a portion of the sac is formed from a compound having the following structural formula:X-Y-Z,whereinX is a hydrophobic radical;Y is a hydrophilic peptide; andZ is a radical which includes a non-hydrolyzable polar group.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel method for stabilizing aqueous solutions of serum complement for extended periods of time and the resultant stabilized complement solutions. More particularly, morphilino buffering compounds and tris-hydroxymethyl buffering compounds have been used to make aqueous buffers with a pH between about 6.5 and 8.5 and a concentration of greater than 0.01M. These buffers have been found to extend the normal life of complement solutions to unexpectedly longer periods.