Abstract: The present invention relates to systems and methods for detecting analyte molecules or particles in a fluid sample and in some cases, determining a measure of the concentration of the molecules or particles in the fluid sample. Methods of the present invention may comprise immobilizing a plurality of analyte molecules or particles with respect to a plurality of capture objects. At least a portion of the plurality of capture objects may be spatially separated into a plurality of locations. A measure of the concentration of analyte molecules in a fluid sample may be determined, at least in part, on the number of reaction vessels comprising an analyte molecule immobilized with respect to a capture object. In some cases, the assay may additionally comprise steps including binding ligands, precursor labeling agents, and/or enzymatic components.

Abstract: Described herein are systems and methods for extending the dynamic range of assay methods and systems used for determining the concentration of analyte molecules or particles in a fluid sample. In some embodiments, a method comprises spatially segregating a plurality of analyte molecules in a fluid sample into a plurality of locations. At least a portion of the locations may be addressed to determine the percentage of said locations containing at least one analyte molecule. Based at least in part on the percentage, a measure of the concentration of analyte molecules in the fluid sample may be determined using an analog, intensity-based detection/analysis method/system and/or a digital detection/analysis method/system. In some cases, the assay may comprise the use of a plurality of capture objects.

Abstract: The present invention relates to systems and methods for detecting analyte molecules or particles in a fluid sample and in some cases, determining a measure of the concentration of the molecules or particles in the fluid sample. Methods of the present invention may comprise immobilizing a plurality of analyte molecules or particles with respect to a plurality of capture objects. At least a portion of the plurality of capture objects may be spatially separated into a plurality of locations. A measure of the concentration of analyte molecules in a fluid sample may be determined, at least in part, on the number of reaction vessels comprising an analyte molecule immobilized with respect to a capture object. In some cases, the assay may additionally comprise steps including binding ligands, precursor labeling agents, and/or enzymatic components.

Abstract: The present invention provides for excitable molecules positioned near metallic structures, wherein the metallic structures have a particles size from about 1 nm to 1000 nm and wherein the excitable molecules have fluorescence, phosphorescence or alpha-fluorescence emissions that are altered due to positioning near the metal structures. The emission spectra are distorted on either the blue or red edges in a range from 1 to 10 nm thereby changing the color of emissions. Further, the width of the emission spectrum is modified either by narrowing or broadening depending on the material of the metallic structures and type of excitable molecule.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for determining a scale inhibitor concentration in a sample comprising at least a first scale inhibitor, which is a synthetic organic compound comprising at least one ionized group. The method comprises optionally diluting and/or purifying the sample, and allowing the sample to interact with a reagent comprising a lanthanide(III) ion. The sample is excited at a first excitation wavelength and a sample signal deriving from the lanthanide(III) ion is detected at a signal wavelength by using time-resolved luminescence measurement, and the concentration of the at least first scale inhibitor in the sample is determined by using the detected sample signal.

Abstract: Described herein are systems and methods for extending the dynamic range of assay methods and systems used for determining the concentration of analyte molecules or particles in a fluid sample. In some embodiments, a method comprises spatially segregating a plurality of analyte molecules in a fluid sample into a plurality of locations. At least a portion of the locations may be addressed to determine the percentage of said locations containing at least one analyte molecule. Based at least in part on the percentage, a measure of the concentration of analyte molecules in the fluid sample may be determined using an analog, intensity-based detection/analysis method/system and/or a digital detection/analysis method/system. In some cases, the assay may comprise the use of a plurality of capture objects.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for analysing a sample comprising at least a first and a second scale inhibitor, which scale inhibitors are synthetic organic compounds comprising at least one ionised group. The method comprises optionally diluting and/or purifying the sample, and allowing the sample interact with a reagent comprising lanthanide(III) ion. The sample is excited at a first excitation wavelength and a sample signal deriving from the lanthanide(III) ion is detected at a signal wavelength by using time-resolved luminescence measurement. The total concentration of the first and the second scale inhibitor is determined by using the detected sample signal, and the concentration of the first scale inhibitor in the sample is determined. The concentration of the second scale inhibitor is determined mathematically by using the obtained results for the total concentration and for the first scale inhibitor concentration.

Abstract: Described herein are systems and methods for the detection of and/or determination of a measure of the concentration of analyte molecules or particles in a fluid sample. In some cases, the systems and methods employ techniques to reduce or limit the negative effects associated with non-specific binding events. Certain methods of the present invention involve associating the analyte molecules at least a first type of binding ligand and at least a second type of binding ligand, and spatially segregating the analyte molecules into a plurality of locations on a surface. The presence of an analyte molecule at or in a location may be determined by determining the presence of both the first type of binding ligand and the second type of binding ligand.

Abstract: A metal substrate obtained by agglomerating 5 nm to 100 nm metal nano-particles (including clusters) having SERS activity on a metal substrate having a lower electrode potential (higher ionization tendency) than the electrode potential of the metal nano-particles, and fixing the metal nano-particles in an optimally agglomerated state that acts as hot sites, when a detection specimen is adsorbed in a non-dried state, and a predetermined laser light is irradiated, the surface enhanced Raman scattered (SERS) light of antigen detection specimen can be detected by surface Raman resonance in an optimally agglomerated state.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an immunochromatographic detection sensor comprising optical waveguides and a detection method using the same, and more particularly, to an immunochromatographic detection sensor comprising optical waveguides, in which the optical waveguides are provided under the membrane, probe beams transmitted through the optical waveguide maximize the interaction frequency between evanescent wave generated on the surface of the optical waveguide and the colored conjugate in the band formed on the membrane, resulting in the absorbance signal from the colored conjugate being greatly amplified to improve the sample detection sensitivity, and to a detection method using the same.

Abstract: The present invention relates to systems and methods for detecting analyte molecules or particles in a fluid sample and in some cases, determining a measure of the concentration of the molecules or particles in the fluid sample. Methods of the present invention may comprise immobilizing a plurality of analyte molecules or particles with respect to a plurality of capture objects. At least a portion of the plurality of capture objects may be spatially separated into a plurality of locations. A measure of the concentration of analyte molecules in a fluid sample may be determined, at least in part, on the number of reaction vessels comprising an analyte molecule immobilized with respect to a capture object. In some cases, the assay may additionally comprise steps including binding ligands, precursor labeling agents, and/or enzymatic components.

Abstract: The present invention stems from the finding that the extracellular domain of CD31 proteins present on blood leukocytes is shed and released in the circulation as a soluble form of CD31. A method for detecting shed CD31 is further disclosed. The invention therefore relates to a method for detecting a shed ectodomain of a transmembrane protein such as CD31 and to the use of such a method as a diagnostic tool. The invention further provides methods for determining whether a candidate protein is part of a molecular complex.

Abstract: A method for the enumeration of micronucleated erythrocyte populations while distinguishing platelet and platelet-associated aggregates involves the use of a first fluorescent labeled antibody having binding specificity for a surface marker for reticulocytes, a second fluorescent labeled antibody having binding specificity for a surface marker for platelets, and a nucleic acid staining dye that stains DNA (micronuclei) in erythrocyte populations. Because the fluorescent emission spectra of the first and second fluorescent labeled antibodies do not substantially overlap with one another or with the emission spectra of the nucleic acid staining dye, upon excitation of the labels and dye it is possible to detect the fluorescent emission and light scatter produced by the erythrocyte populations and platelets, and count the number of cells from one or more erythrocyte populations in said sample.

Abstract: A FRET donor-acceptor pair for use as a biosensor, comprising at least two fluorescence proteins, wherein at least one fluorescence protein is stable with respect to a parameter to be detected by the biosensor and at least one fluorescence protein is unstable with respect to the parameter to be detected by the biosensor.

Abstract: A method for concentrating and isolating nucleated cells, such as a maternal and fetal nucleated red blood cells (NRBC's), in a maternal whole blood sample. The invention also provides methods and apparatus for preparing to analyze and analyzing the sample for identification of fetal genetic material as part of prenatal genetic testing. The invention also pertains to methods and apparatus for discriminating fetal nucleated red blood cells from maternal nucleated red blood cells obtained from a blood sample taken from a pregnant woman.

Abstract: The present invention provides and includes monoclonal antibodies (MoAbs or mAbs) specific or preferentially selective for PCBP-1 antigens, hybridoma lines that secrete these PCBP-1 antibodies or antibody fragments, and the use of such antibodies and antibody fragments to detect PCBP-1 antigens, particularly those expressed by cancer cells. The present invention also includes antibodies that are specific for or show preferential binding to a soluble form of PCBP-1. The present invention further includes chimeric and humanized antibodies, processes for producing monoclonal, chimeric, and humanized antibodies using recombinant DNA technology, and their therapeutic uses, particularly in the treatment or diagnosis of cancer progression. The present invention further includes methods and kits for the immunodetection and immunotherapy of cells for samples which express PCBP-1 antigens.

Abstract: The present invention provides a fluorogenic composition for assaying complement activation that comprises a substrate for C3 convertase that is linked to a first fluorophore and a second fluorophore, wherein the fluorescence of the first and second fluorophores are mutually substantially quenched when the two fluorophores are present at a distance less than the characteristic distance for the two fluorophores. In one embodiment, the fluorescence of the first fluorophore is substantially quenched by the second fluorophore, and the second fluorophore emits heat upon quenching. The present invention also provides a method for assaying complement activation, wherein the method includes the steps of incubating a biological sample with a polymer to provide a polymeric biological sample, followed by incubating the polymeric biological sample with the fluorogenic composition, and measuring the fluorescence.

Abstract: A method for quantitatively evaluating chromatin structural changes using pixel imaging of the nucleus is provided. Pixel imaging of the nucleus can include capturing one or more images of a nucleus of one or more nucleic acid stain treated cells. The stain intensity can be measured by quantitating the intensity. The mean and/or standard deviation of stain intensity per pixel can be used to determine chromatin condensation levels or chromatin structural change.

Abstract: Provided are diagnostic and pharmaceutical compositions containing a microorganism or a cell containing a DNA molecule encoding a detectable protein or a protein that a detectable signal, such as a luminescent or fluorescent protein. Methods of tumor targeting and tumor imaging using the microorganisms and cells are provided. Also provided are therapeutic methods in which the microorganisms and cells, which can encoded a therapeutic protein, such as a cytotoxic or cytostatic protein, are administered.

Abstract: Provided are diagnostic and pharmaceutical compositions containing a microorganism or a cell containing a DNA molecule encoding a detectable protein or a protein that a detectable signal, such as a luminescent or fluorescent protein. Methods of tumor targeting and tumor imaging using the microorganisms and cells are provided. Also provided are therapeutic methods in which the microorganisms and cells, which can encoded a therapeutic protein, such as a cytotoxic or cytostatic protein, are administered.

Abstract: Systems and methods for enhancing fluorescent detection of target molecules in a test sample are for use with an irradiating device. First fluorophores are provided for absorption of EMF radiation, and emission of a first signal. Second fluorophores are provided for partial absorption of the first signal, and emission of a second signal distinguishable from the first signal. The fluorophores are combined with the test sample, and secured to the target molecules and relative to one another. After the first fluorophores receive the EMF radiation from the irradiating device, the first signal is detected, together with the second spectral signal if the target molecules are present in the test sample.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of cultivation of algae or cyanobacteria in the presence of a luminous material that converts light of a first wavelength to a second wavelength more suitable for use in photosynthesis by the algae or cyanobacteria, and apparatus for performing the method. In one embodiment the apparatus (50) is of flexible plastic with fluorescent light concentrator or light guide (76) and perforated pipe (56) for bubbling carbon dioxide through the culture. The algae or cyanobacteria may be used to produce biofuels.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of determining the amount of an analyte having an oxidation potential, for a one electron oxidation process, of about +0.10 to about +1.20 volts at pH 7, relative to the normal hydrogen electrode at 298K, said method comprising measuring the emission intensity or emission lifetime, at two or more wavelengths, from a sample comprising said analyte and two or more different macrocyclic lanthanide (III) complexes, wherein each of said macrocyclic lanthanide (III) complexes comprises a different lanthanide ion but the same macrocyclic ligand, and using a ratio of emission intensities or emission lifetimes measured at two different wavelengths to calculate the amount of analyte in said sample.

Abstract: A method, composition and system respond to ionizing radiation to adjust biological activity. In some approaches the ionizing radiation is X-ray or extreme ultraviolet radiation that produces luminescent responses that induce biologically active responses.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a method for inhibiting activation of signaling pathway mediated by erbB1 or erbB2 in human cell and a signaling inhibitor to be used therefor. The above-described activation of signaling pathway can be inhibited by a polypeptide comprising at least one of PTB domain or ERK2 binding domain of human FRS2?. The above-described polypeptide may be introduced directly into cell, or nucleic acid which encodes for the above-described polypeptide may be introduced into cell to allow expression of the polypeptide in the cell. Such polypeptide and nucleic acid can be used, for example, as a signaling inhibitor. In addition, since erbB1 and erbB2 are involved in development of cancer, the above-described signaling inhibitor is also useful, for example, as an anticancer drug.

Abstract: Methods and reagents are disclosed for conducting assays. Embodiments of the present methods and reagents are concerned with a solid support such as, for example, a particle. The support includes a chemiluminescent composition that includes a metal chelate. The present inventors observed that, when such support such as, e.g., particles, were employed in assays for the determination of an analyte, stability of signal output by the chemiluminescent composition associated with the particle was unacceptably reduced as compared to particles including other chemiluminescent compositions. In accordance with embodiments of the present invention, the stability of signal output from such particles is enhanced by including in a medium that contains the particles a sufficient amount of one or more stabilizing agents, which may be a chelating agent and/or a metal chelate such as, for example, the metal chelate that is associated with the particle.

Abstract: Extended rhodamine compounds exhibiting favorable fluorescence characteristics having the structure are disclosed. In addition, novel intermediates for synthesis of these dyes are disclosed, such intermediates having the structure In addition, methods of making and using the dyes as fluorescent labels are disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of revealing a biological process using a FRET measurement, which comprises the following steps: incorporating, into a measurement medium containing a lipid membrane, a biological entity X coupled with a first member of a pair of FRET partners and a second biological entity Y coupled with the second member of the pair of FRET partners, the energy-donating member of the pair of FRET partners having a long lifetime and the members of said pair of FRET partners being located on either side of the lipid membrane; exciting the measurement medium at the excitation wavelength of the energy-donating member; and measuring the FRET signal or the variations in said signal emitted in said culture medium.

Abstract: The invention relates to an assay method and a fluid microsystem for carrying out said assay method, in particular, for carrying out miniaturized affinity tests in a micro-array format. According to said invention, a liquid phase comprising at least one type of detectable high-molecular weight soluble substance, for example a labeled reaction partner or product of an affinity reaction is displaced by the hydraulic effect of a high-molecular weight osmotic agent on an ultrafiltration membrane towards a miniaturized measuring chamber defined thereby. The fraction of the detectable high-molecular weight substance(s) is concentrated in the measuring chamber, while the dissolved low-molecular weight components are removed with the solvent through the membrane pores, thereby making it possible to attain a high detection sensitivity.

Abstract: Chemiluminescent acridinium compounds are used in homogeneous assays to determine the concentration of an analyte in a sample without strong acid or strong base treatment. The chemiluminescent acridinium compounds include acridinium esters with electron donating functional groups at the C2 and/or C7 position on the acridinium nucleus to inhibit pseudo-base formation, or acridinium sulfonamides with or without electron donating functional groups at the C2 and/or C7 position on the acridinium nucleus.

Abstract: A method for photochemical reactor characterization includes an application of using dyed microspheres exposed to UV irradiation under a collimated-beam system. Particle specific fluorescence intensity measurements are conducted using samples form the collimated beam and flow-through reactor results using flow cytometry. A numerical model may be used to simulate the behavior of the reactor system to provide a particle-tracking algorithm to interrogate the flow and intensity field simulations for purposes of developing a particle specific estimate of the dose delivery. A method for measuring UV dose distribution delivery in photochemical reactors is provided that includes introducing microspheres labeled with a photochemically-active compound in a UV reactor. The labeled microspheres are harvested downstream of the irradiated zone of a UV reactor and exposed to UV irradiation under a collimated beam of UV irradiation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to hydrophilic, high quantum yield acridinium compounds. It has been discovered that the placement of electron-donating groups in the acridinium ring system increases the amount of light that is emitted by the corresponding acridinium compound when its chemiluminescence is triggered by alkaline peroxide. More specifically, it has been found that the placement of one or two hydrophilic, alkoxy groups at the C-2 and/or C-7 position of the acridinium ring system of acridinium compounds increases their quantum yield and enhances the aqueous solubility of these compounds. The present hydrophilic, high quantum yield, acridinium compounds are useful chemiluminescent labels for improving the sensitivity of immunoassays.

Abstract: Extended rhodamine compounds exhibiting favorable fluorescence characteristics having the structure are disclosed. In addition, novel intermediates for synthesis of these dyes are disclosed, such intermediates having the structure In addition, methods of making and using the dyes as fluorescent labels are disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions and methods for characterizing, treating and diagnosing cancer. In particular, the present invention provides a cancer stem cell profile, as well as novel stem cell cancer markers useful for the diagnosis, characterization, prognosis and treatment of cancer and in particular the targeting of solid tumor stem cells.

Abstract: Compositions suitable for use as signal generation components of an immunoassay, and methods for their use. According to one aspect of the invention, the composition includes a carrier having a coating of an aminodextran and a metal chelate incorporated therein. The metal chelate is present in the amount of at least 0.065 ?Mole per gram of carrier, and the aminodextran coating density averaging at least about 45 ?g per milligram of carrier. In another aspect of the invention, carrier is dyed with a complex having the formula: M(L1)x(L2)y, wherein M is a metal selected from the group consisting of europium, terbium, dysprosium, samarium, osmium and ruthenium; L1 is a ligand selected from the group consisting of DPP, TOPO, TPPO; L2 comprises a ligand having the formula wherein R is one or more substituents, each substituent comprising an electron donating group; n=2-10; x=1-2; and y=2-4.

Abstract: Methods using chemiluminescent label compounds and chemiluminescent labeled conjugates are provided. The compounds comprise an acridan ring bearing an exocyclic ketene dithioacetal group and further contain a labeling substituent which permits attachment to compounds of interest. The novel chemiluminescent compounds and labeled conjugates are convenient to prepare, are highly stable, and generate chemiluminescence rapidly on demand. The compounds and conjugates are useful in assays of an analyte in a sample and in assays employing labeled specific binding pairs.

Abstract: Engineered fluorescent proteins, nucleic acids encoding them and methods of use are provided.

Abstract: Disclosed is method for measuring a change in a cellular morphological parameter, for example, the position and/or the shape of a cell. The method comprises labelling a population of cells with a marker substance which is in a non-detectable state, but which may be caused to become detectable by exposure to light of a suitable first wavelength. By exposing a sub-population of labelled cells to light of an appropriate first wavelength in a predetermined pattern, the sub-population of cells may be defined in which the area covered by the sub-population conforms to the pattern of illumination used. Subsequent examination of at least a portion of the population of cells using illuminating light of a second wavelength selected to be suitable for detection of the marker, will reveal patterns of distribution of the marker substance indicative of a change in said cellular morphological parameter.

Abstract: Methods and insulator electrode devices for performing electrochemical reactions are disclosed. The devices consist of high specific surface area electrodes based on a channeled conducting base material that has been coated with an organic or inorganic insulating film or multiple layers of such films. The chemical reactions are exemplified by exciting one or several label compounds into an excited state which is spontaneously de-excited by emission of ultraviolet, visible or infrared light, in aqueous solution. This provides the basis for reproducible analytical applications in bioaffinity assays such as immunoassays and DNA-probing assays.

Abstract: Compositions, reagents, kits, systems, system components, and methods for performing assays. More particularly, the invention relates to the use of novel combinations of reagents to provide improved assay performance.

Abstract: A protein is provided, including a glucose binding site, cyan fluorescent protein (CFP), and yellow fluorescent protein (YFP). The protein is configured such that binding of glucose to the glucose binding site causes a reduction in a distance between the CFP and the YFP. Substance monitoring apparatus (210) is also provided, including a semi-permeable barrier (212), adapted to be implanted in a body of a subject and to allow passage therethrough of a substance, while inhibiting passage therethrough of immune cells; and microorganisms (214), disposed within the semi-permeable barrier (212) so as to produce a measurable response to a level of the substance. A sensor (220) is adapted to measure the measurable response and not to measure a response of any mammalian cells that may be disposed within the semi-permeable barrier (212).

Abstract: A method for the enumeration of micronucleated erythrocyte populations while distinguishing platelet and platelet-associated aggregates involves the use of a first fluorescent labeled antibody having binding specificity for a surface marker for reticulocytes, a second fluorescent labeled antibody having binding specificity for a surface marker for platelets, and a nucleic acid staining dye that stains DNA (micronuclei) in erythrocyte populations. Because the fluorescent emission spectra of the first and second fluorescent labeled antibodies do not substantially overlap with one another or with the emission spectra of the nucleic acid staining dye, upon excitation of the labels and dye it is possible to detect the fluorescent emission and light scatter produced by the erythrocyte populations and platelets, and count the number of cells from one or more erythrocyte populations in said sample.

Abstract: A detectable complex and methods for use thereof are provided herein. The detectable complex includes: at least one target material; a first peptide tag bound to the at least one target material; and a second peptide tag bound to the at least one target material. The complex further includes a first conjugate having a detectable group and two pendant phenylarsine moieties comprising a first tag binding group; wherein the first conjugate preferentially associates with the first peptide tag; and a second conjugate having a detectable group and two pendant phenylarsine moieties comprising a second tag binding group; wherein the second conjugate preferentially associates with the second peptide tag. The mean distance and/or mean angle between the pendant phenylarsine moieties in the first conjugate is different from the mean distance and/or mean angle between the pendant phenylarsine moieties in the second conjugate.

Abstract: The present invention relates to marker components, fluorescent probes, oligonucleotides, hybridization assays, and immunoassays using such products, and methods for making such products. According to the present invention, detectably labeled marker components are provided that comprise a fluorescent moiety coupled to two small solubilizing groups, one on each side of the molecular plane, said fluorescent moiety having substituents to control net charge so as to reduce or remove the problems of solvent sensitivity and nonspecific binding.

Abstract: We disclose methods of sorting or separating mixtures of living cells (e.g., eukaryotic, prokaryotic, mammalian, pathogenic, bacterial, viral, etc.). We perform our methods by activating cell-selective photophoric labels, which photosensitize and chemically reduce a photosensitive metal compound to form metal grains, particles or crystals. The metal adheres to the cells and forms the basis for sorting or separating different cell types. Photophoric labels may include chemiluminescent agents such as peroxidase enzymes activated with peroxidase substrates capable of luminescence. Photosensitive metal compounds may be present in a light-sensitive matrix or emulsion containing photosensitizable metal compounds, which form metal grains, particles or crystals upon exposure to a developer solution. Developer solutions are formulated to substantially allow living cells to remain viable after exposure to the developing solution.

Abstract: A method of detecting an analyte is described in which an up-converting luminescent species that is excited by absorption of long wavelength light is provided as a donor of energy to an acceptor species that can be bound to, or generated in proximity to, the luminescent species. The analyte either alters the proximity between the luminescent species and the acceptor species or alters the absorbance or luminescence properties of the acceptor species. The luminescent energy donor is excited with long wavelength light and transfers up-converted energy to the proximate acceptor species and this transfer of energy is detected by measurement of appropriate luminescence properties of either the donor or of the acceptor or both.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a chemical compound comprising a light emitting moiety precursor and a precursor of a leaving group, bound to each other by an amide or by an ester bond and characterized in that the leaving group precursor upon oxidation is converted into the leaving group. The invention also relates to compounds additionally comprising a coupling group to the use of such compounds for labeling of biomolecules and more generally to the use of such compounds in chemiluminescence detection procedures.

Abstract: Chemiluminescent acridinium compounds are used in homogeneous assays to determine the concentration of an analyte in a sample without strong acid or strong base treatment. The chemiluminescent acridinium compounds include acridinium esters with electron donating functional groups at the C2 and/or C7 position on the acridinium nucleus to inhibit pseudo-base formation, or acridinium sulfonamides with or without electron donating functional groups at the C2 and/or C7 position on the acridinium nucleus.

Abstract: Method for the detection and enumeration of viable microorganisms. A liquid that comprises one or more markers incorporated in a liquid sol-gel precursor, is provided. A transparent slide is coated with a thin uniform layer of the liquid sol-gel precursor composition. The microorganisms are separated from liquid sample to be analyzed by passing the sample through a filter, and then bringing the filter into close contact with the sol-gel coated slide. The filter is co-incubated with the sol-gel coated slide for a period of time and at a temperature suitable to promote uptake of the markers by the microorganisms. The gel-coated slide irradiated with an external energy source, so as to generate detectable signals emitted from the markers uptaken by the microorganisms. Image of the detectable signals emitted from the microorganisms are acquired, and analyzed using a computer system, in order to provide the identification and enumeration of the microorganisms.

Abstract: The present invention relates to hydrophilic, high quantum yield acridinium compounds. It has been discovered that the placement of electron-donating groups in the acridinium ring system increases the amount of light that is emitted by the corresponding acridinium compound when its chemiluminescence is triggered by alkaline peroxide. More specifically, it has been found that the placement of one or two hydrophilic, alkoxy groups at the C-2 and/or C-7 position of the acridinium ring system of acridinium compounds increases their quantum yield and enhances the aqueous solubility of these compounds. The present hydrophilic, high quantum yield, acridinium compounds are useful chemiluminescent labels for improving the sensitivity of immunoassays.