Abstract: A complex of enzyme, protein and carrier comprising two or more molecules of an enzyme conjugated through an amino group or other group to a carrier such as polylysine, and a protein (for example, antibody) with a specific binding potency to other substance(s) (for example, antigen) conjugated to at least one of said two or more molecules of the enzyme. This complex enables accurate assay of a trace amounts of a substance at a high sensitivity.

Abstract: The invention provides methods and compositions for azide tagging of biomolecules. In one embodiment of the invention, proteins are tagged by metabolic incorporation of prenylated azido-analog substrates. Examples of such analogs are azido farnesyl diphosphate and azido farnesyl alcohol. The azido moiety in the resulting modified proteins provides an affinity tag, which can be chemoselectively captured by an azide-specific conjugation reaction, such as the Staudinger reaction, using a phosphine capture reagent. When the capture agent is biotinylated, the resulting conjugates can be detected and affinity-purified by streptavidin-linked- HRP and streptavidin-conjugated agarose beads, respectively. The invention allows detection and isolation of proteins with high yield, high specificity, and low contamination without harsh treatment of proteins.

Abstract: Methods using gel electrophoresis and mass spectrometry for the rapid, quantitative analysis of proteins or protein function in mixtures of proteins derived from two or more samples in one unit operation are disclosed.

Abstract: This invention provides a high throughput method for identifying drug candidates which produce reactive metabolites that contribute to toxicity of the drug product.

Abstract: An immunoassay reagent is obtained whereby a microscale substance such as an antigen or antibody can be assayed at a high sensitivity, and whereby a need to separate a reacted substance, e.g., an immunoreacted substance, from an unreacted substance can be eliminated or such a separation can be simplified. An immunoassay reagent, for use in the quantitative determination of a target antigen or antibody present in a sample, containing an insoluble carrier which carries an enzyme and an antibody or antigen corresponding to the antigen or antibody, an enzyme inhibitor for inhibiting the activity of the enzyme and a substrate with which the enzyme reacts.

Abstract: The present application describes novel uses of ruthenium bipyridyls or palladium porphyrins as photo-activatable crosslinking agents. Crosslinking can be between any two molecules including peptides, proteins, or compounds. Crosslinking occurs in the presence of an electron donor such as ammonium persulfate, and requires only moderate intensity visible light. Crosslinking can be between peptides, polypeptides or lead candidate compounds to unknown target molecules. Reagents utilyzing ruthenium bipyridyls and palladium porphyrins crosslinkers for use in diagnostic and detection scenarios are also disclosed.

Abstract: Methods for detection and analysis of allosteric receptor/ligand binding by changes in surface refractive index are provided. When analyzed by surface plasmon resonance, binding of such allosteric binding agents to their ligands may result in a negative deviation in the optical response (i.e., a decrease in resonance angle) or in an increase in the optical response (i.e., an increase in resonance angle) depending on the binding properties of the selected allosteric receptor. Other methods for analysis of surface refractive index are also useful in the invention. The methods of the invention are particularly useful for small ligands which would not be expected to produce detectable changes in refractive index because they do not add significant mass upon binding.

Abstract: The present invention is an improvement to the method of determining the concentration of an analyte in body fluid using at least two immunoreactants which specifically bind with separate epitopes of the analyte one of which immunoreactant is immobilized on a solid support and the other is in the form of a polymer or oligomer of the immunoreactant and an enzyme. The improvement involves introducing to the assay system a polymeric conjugate of the enzyme and a water soluble protein other than the enzyme or a non-proteinaceous natural, synthetic or semi-synthetic polymer or oligomer in sufficient amount to reduce bias in the assay due to incorrect recovery of the analyte.

Abstract: A method for producing a conjugate vaccine includes mixing a uronium salt reagent with a first moiety (e.g., a polysaccharide). According to the invention, the uronium salt reagent has a chemical structure corresponding to formula I: wherein R1 is defined as wherein R6 represents the carbon, hydrogen, and optionally one or more heteroatoms which, together with the nitrogen atom to which they are attached, constitute a 5 to 10 membered heterocyclic ring, which may be substituted or unsubstituted. R2, R3, R4, and R5, each independently represents a hydrogen atom, a substituted or unsubstituted alkyl having 1 to 6 carbon atoms, a substituted or unsubstituted alkenyl having 2 to 6 carbon atoms, or an alkynyl having 2 to 6 carbon atoms. Alternatively, R2 and R3, when taken together, can represent the carbon, hydrogen, sulfur, nitrogen, or oxygen atoms necessary to complete a 5 to 7 membered heterocyclic ring with the nitrogen atom to which they are attached.

Abstract: An improved homogeneous enzyme immunoassay process for quantitatively analyzing an antigen by determining the change in the enzymatic activity caused by a reaction between the antigen and an enzyme-labeled antibody. The antigen is reacted with an enzyme-labeled antibody, followed by the reaction with a second antibody capable of recognizing and binding to a different epitope and then with a third antibody capable of recognizing and binding to the second antibody. The enzymatic activity of the labeling enzyme is determined by a water-insoluble substrate. Using the water-insoluble substrate, steric hindrance is enhanced. A highly-sensitive analysis can be carried out by a simple operation even when the antigen has a molecular weight falling within an intermediate range, for example, a range of M.W. 10,000 to 70,000.

Abstract: A negatively-charged S. aureus antigen contains &bgr;-hexosamine as a major carbohydrate component. S. aureus strains that carry the antigen account for nearly all of the clinically significant strains of S. aureus that are not Type 5 or Type 8 strains. The antigen can be used in combination with S. aureus Type 5 polysaccharide antigen and S. aureus Type 8 polysaccharide antigen to provide nearly 100% coverage of S. aureus infection. The antigen and antibodies to the antigen are useful in kits and assays for diagnosing S. aureus infection.

Abstract: The invention is a method for the enzymatic labeling of biomolecules, such as immunoglobulin, peptide, hormone, or hapten, which involves oxidizing horseradishperoxidase (HRP) with a periodate, crosslinking the oxidized HRP with an .alpha.,.OMEGA.-diaminoalkane, and coupling the biomolecule with the crosslinked, oxidized HRP.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to the determination of unconjugated and unbound bilirubin in a sample.

Abstract: Gliotoxic factor in the isolated or purified state, characterized in that it possesses toxic activity with respect to human or animal astrocytic cells, having the effect of a cytomorphological disorganization of their network of intermediate filaments and/or a degradation of the proteins of said intermediate filaments and/or cell death, in particular by apoptosis.

Abstract: A trifunctional conjugate is provided having three chemical moieties attached through a spacer moeity. At least two of the chemical moieties are relatively small molecules, usually less than about 7,000 Daltons in size. The spacer moiety is selected to impart certain steric properties to the conjugate. In one embodiment, the binding of a macromolecular specific binding partner to one of the chemical moieties sterically inhibits the binding of a different macromolecule to another chemical moiety. In another embodiment, the binding of a first chemical moiety to a macromolecule restricts the subsequent binding of a second chemical moiety to a proximate location on the same macromolecule. The three chemical moieties are preferably a nitrophenylazido residue, a phenyl boronic acid residue, and a solid support or a label such as biotin. The spacer is preferably cysteine, lysine, glutamic acid, pyroglutamic acid, S-acetylmercaptosuccinic anhydride or .omega.-carbobenzoxylysine.

Abstract: A method of assaying for CAT in a fluid involves the use of a complex of chloramphenicol with a member of a specific binding pair such as a hapten or biotin. Biotinylated chloramphenicol is claimed as new. A scintillation proximity assay involves use of this reagent with tritiated acetyl coenzyme A and streptavidin coated SPA beads.

Abstract: A method for preparing phycobiliprotein/amine-reactive dye conjugates is disclosed in which the conjugates so prepared overcome the energy transfer/fluorescent quenching dilemma encountered in the use of prior art conjugates. A phycobiliprotein, for example, phycoerythrin or allophycocyanin, is conjugated with an amine-reactive dye, for example, Texas Red or carboxyfluorescein succinimidyl ester, in the presence of a selective salt which causes a hydrophobic intramolecular rearrangement of the phycobiliprotein thereby exposing more hydrophobic sites for binding to the amine-reactive dye. The conjugates prepared according to the invention are useful in multiple color fluorescence assays without requiring the use of multiple exciting sources.

Abstract: A trifunctional conjugate is providing having three chemical moieties attached through a spacer moiety. At least two of the chemical moieties are relatively small molecules, usually less than about 7,000 Daltons in size. The spacer moiety is selected to impart certain steric properties to the conjugate. In one embodiment, the binding of a macromolecular specific binding partner to one of the chemical moieties sterically inhibits the binding of a different macromolecule to another chemical moieties. In another embodiment, the binding of a first chemical moiety to a macromolecule restricts the subsequent binding of a second tridentate member to a proximate location on the same macromolecule. The three chemical moieties are preferably a nitrophenylazido residue, a phenyl boronic acid residue, and a solid support or a label such as biotin. The spacer is preferably cysteine, lysine, glutamic acid, pyroglutamic acid, S-acetylmercaptosuccinic anhydride or .omega.-carbobenzoxylysine.

Abstract: The present invention is a physiologically active, substantially non-immunogenic water soluble polyethylene glycol protein conjugate having the same utility as the protein which forms the conjugate, without having the same properties of producing an immunogenic response possessed by the protein which forms this conjugate.

Abstract: New and useful methods of producing stabilized enzyme antibody conjugates are disclosed which are particularly useful in forming multi-layer immunoassay test devices. In particular, the invention concerns the formation of a manganese ion and enzyme-antibody conjugate in aqueous solution and drying the solution to produce a dry stabilized enzyme-antibody conjugate. Further, this stabilized enzyme-antibody conjugate can be formed on a continuous web and dried in a heat tunnel. This continuous manufacturing process allows for the more efficient production of multi-layer test strips.

Abstract: A method for the treatment of the symptoms of fescue toxicosis in mammals comprising injecting a subject mammal with a vaccine which includes from about 5 .mu.g to about 1 mg of a protein-alkaloid conjugate per mL of a physiologically acceptable carrier. There is also provided a vaccine for the treatment of the symptoms of fescue toxicosis and a compound for preparing that vaccine.

Abstract: An enzyme-labelled antibody adapted for use in a homogeneous immunoassay is provided. The enzyme-labelled antibody is a conjugate of an enzyme with two or more different monoclonal antibodies, each of the monoclonal antibodies being capable of specifically recognizing and binding to a different epitope of the same antigen. By using the enzyme-labelled antibody in the homogeneous enzyme immunoassay process, an analyte can be quantitatively analyzed at a higher sensitivity through a simple operation. Also provided is a dry immunoassay element comprising an immunological reaction layer containing the enzyme-labelled antibody. By the provision of such an immunoassay element, a further simplified quick analysis of an analyte is realized to give an accurate result.

Abstract: Pre-activated stable protein reagents are provided. The reagents can be made by reaction of the protein and a heterobifunctional linker and have extended stability especially after lyophilisation. The reagents can be used in assay kits to form conjugates with proteins e.g. antibodies or polynucleotides e.g. oligonucleotides probes.

Abstract: 2-methyl-4-hexene- and 3-methyl-5-heptene-l,2-diol derivatives are disclosed together with methods for preparing such derivatives. Where the derivative is a 2-methyl-4-nexene- or 3-methyl-5-heptene-l,2-diol conjugated to a label, the conjugates are useful in immunoassays. Where the 2-methyl-4-hexene or 3-methyl-5-heptene-l,2-diol is conjugated to an immunogenic carrier, the conjugates may be employed as an immunogen for use in the preparation of antibodies. The label conjugate and the antibodies can be utilized in an immunoassay for the determination or detection of cyclosporin in a sample suspected of containing cyclosporin.

Abstract: The invention relates to a novel process for preparing immunoconjugates consisting of haptens which are sparingly soluble or insoluble in aqueous solution and proteins/polypeptides using special solvents, in particular diethylene glycol monoalkyl ethers.

Abstract: This invention presents a non-isotopic competitive assay for Vitamin B12 (B12), utilizing intrinsic factor (IF) labelled with horse radish peroxidase (HRP), by coupling via heterobifunctional cross-linking agents. In addition, a method for stabilizing the resultant conjugates by pretreatment with N-ethylmaleimide is disclosed.

Abstract: This invention provides a molecule comprising cyclosporine A or a congener of cyclosporine A which is photochemically attached to a ligand containing a reactive group. This invention also provides a composition of matter which comprises a conjugate of a compound and the aforementioned molecule wherein the compound is bound to the molecule through the reactive group. This invention further provides an antibody directed to the aforementioned composition of matter specific for cyclosporine A or congener of cyclosporine A. This invention also provides methods for detecting the presence of cyclosporine A or congener thereof, methods for detecting the concentration of cyclosporine A or congener thereof, as well as a method of monitoring levels of cyclosporine A or congener of cyclosporine A in a subject.

Abstract: This invention provides enzyme conjugates, antigens, antibodies and diagnostic test kits used in an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay method for determining the presence and concentration of imidazolinone compounds.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to novel PCP derivatives which are synthesized for the covalent attachment to antigens or receptors (proteins or polypeptides) for the preparation of antibodies or receptors to PCP and PCP analogue metabolites. The resulting novel antigens may be used for the production of antibodies or receptors using standard methods. Once generated, the antibodies and the novel derivatives which are covalently attached to proteins, polypeptides or labels may be used in the immunoassay process.

Abstract: In situ process for production of conjugates using a deblocking agent which allows conjugation to occur and two compositions wherein one composition is functionalized with a group capable of reacting efficiently with free thiols, and a second composition containing blocked thiols.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to novel THC derivatives which are synthesized for the covalent attachment to antigens (proteins or polypeptides) for the preparation of antibodies or receptors to the THC metabolites. The resulting novel antigens may be used for the production of antibodies or receptors using standard methods. Once generated, the antibodies or receptors and the novel derivatives which are covalently attached to proteins, polypeptides or labels may be used in the immunoassay process.

Abstract: A method for preparing phycobiliprotein/amine-reactive dye conjugates is disclosed in which the conjugates so prepared overcome the energy transfer/fluorescent quenching dilemma encountered in the use of prior art conjugates. A phycobiliprotein, for example, phycoerythrin or allophycocyanin, is conjugated with an amine-reactive dye, for example, Texas Red or carboxyfluorescein succinimidyl ester, in the presence of a selective salt which causes a hydrophobic intramolecular rearrangement of the phycobiliprotein thereby exposing more hydrophobic sites for binding to the amine-reactive dye. The conjugates prepared according to the invention are useful in multiple color fluorescence assays without requiring the use of multiple exciting sources.

Abstract: The synthesis of stable, ten-membered, cyclic conjugated enediynes is described. Said compounds were successfully employed to cleave double-stranded DNA spontaneously at ambient temperatures.

Abstract: Ligand reagents are disclosed which consist essentially of recombinant hyperglycosylated cytokines, expressed in yeast, which are purified and conjugated to various functional moieties, for example, biotin groups, via oligosaccharide residues.

Abstract: Novel bifunctional hydroxyphenylazobenzoic acid analogues (HABA-type and conjugates) and biotin analogues probiotin-type conjugates) useful as reagents in assays employing catalyzed reporter deposition are described as well as intermediates useful in synthesizing these compounds.

Abstract: Modified proteins for carrying hapten are provided. These carriers are prepared by blocking the amino groups of the original protein and then introducing amino groups into the carboxyl groups of the original protein. The blocking groups may be eliminated at the later stage to regenerate the amino groups of the original protein. The modified protein or polypeptide carrier have the three-dimensional structures different from the original proteins so that they are used in immunoassay while carrying low molecular weight haptens without the fear of forming antibodies for the original proteins. The modified protein carrier may also be used in the passive agglutination immunoassay without the need of absorbing the anti-hapten antibodies by the hapten-carrying carriers.

Abstract: A trifunctional conjugate is provided having three chemical moieties, attached through a spacer moiety. At least two of the chemical moieties are relatively small molecules, usually less than about 7,000 Daltons in size. The spacer moiety is selected to impart certain steric properties to the conjugate. In one embodiment, the binding of a macromolecular specific binding partner to one of the chemical mouths sterically inhibits the binding of a different macromolecule to another chemical moiety. In another embodiment, the binding of a first chemical moiety to a macromolecule restricts the subsequent binding of a second chemical moiety to a proximate location on the same macromolecule.

Abstract: An antibody-enzyme conjugate is prepared having an enzyme to antibody ratio of approximately 3. The conjugate is produced by adding sulfhydryl groups to an antibody and maleimidyl groups to an enzyme to produce a modified antibody and enzyme, and reacting the modified antibody and enzyme to produce the conjugate. In producing the modified antibody and enzyme, about a 15 molar excess of reagents for introducing sulfhydryl and maleimidyl groups is used. When reacting the modified antibody and enzyme, a four molar excess of the modified enzyme is used, and reacting is stopped after a specified period of time by addition of selective reagents. The selective reagents may be cysteine and iodoacetamide.

Abstract: The instant invention is directed toward an immunoassay which can determine the presence of amphetamines in a sample suspected of containing amphetamine and/or methamphetamine by employing at least two conjugates, each comprised of a functionally similar label bound to an amphetamine analog and a methamphetamine analog respectively and an antibody to amphetamine and an antibody to methamphetamine wherein at least one of the antibodies is a monoclonal antibody.

Abstract: A method for producing a polyprotein having at least 10 units, and often as many as 50 to 100 and more units held together by sulfur to sulfur or sulfur to carbon bonds is disclosed. Each unit comprises a protein and one or more heterobifunctional reagents. One functional group of the reagent is capable of forming a covalent bond with an amino group, permitting the reagent to bind to a protein. The other functional group of the reagent is capable of forming a covalent bond with a thiol group so as to form the covalent sulfur-carbon or sulfur-sulfur bond with another heterobifunctional reagent bonded to another protein.

Abstract: Novel polyamino acid based coupling agents are disclosed. These reagents are useful for conjugating proteins (e.g. antibodies to enzymes) for use in diagnostic assays.