Glass Or Silica Patents (Class 436/527)
  • Patent number: 6465183
    Abstract: A method of evaluating for the presence of a target polynucleotide in a sample, using an addressable array of multiple polynucleotide probes linked to a substrate. The sample is exposed to the array and a set of polynucleotide target probes, such that target polynucleotide which may be present will bind to a predetermined feature of the array through multiple target probes of the set by forming at respective target regions on a target molecule, simultaneous hybrids with anti-target regions of the multiple target probes. A binding pattern on the array is observed and the presence of the target polynucleotide evaluated based on the observed binding pattern. Kits using such arrays, and methods for selecting target probes are further provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2002
    Assignee: Agilent Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Paul K. Wolber
  • Patent number: 6458547
    Abstract: Solid phase methods for the identification of an analyte in a biological medium, such as a body fluid, using bioluminescence are provided. A chip designed for performing the method and detecting the bioluminescence is also provided. Methods employing biomineralization for depositing silicon on a matrix support are also provided. A synthetic synapse is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2002
    Assignee: Prolume, Ltd.
    Inventors: Bruce J. Bryan, Stephen Gaalema, Randall B. Murphy
  • Patent number: 6458548
    Abstract: A container for measurement of cell functions, for use in the determination of a physiologically active substance produced by blood cells, is constituted such that an amount of material capable of inducing production of the physiologically active substance, when extracted by collecting water of a volume equal to a liquid volume to be subjected to measurement, is controlled at a level insufficient to induce production of the physiologically active substance from the blood cells. A container for measurement of cell functions in which a material capable of inducing production of a physiologically active substance in blood when contacted with the blood is accommodated in such a condition as being contactable with blood, and in which an amount of the material capable of inducing production of the physiologically active substance in the container before use is limited to a level insufficient to influence a measured value of the physiologically active substance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2002
    Assignee: Sekisui Kagaku Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Koji Kobayashi, Yuji Setoguchi, Kiyoshi Kuriyama
  • Patent number: 6458966
    Abstract: Various classes of dyes are provided having acid, ester or amide groups for covalent linking to biomolecules. The dyes may be prepared by use of a compound of formula (I) where R1 comprises a linker and a carboxy including acid, salt, ester including N-hydroxysuccinimide, activated ester or amide group; R2, R3, R4 and R5 are H, C1-C10 alkyl or aralkyl or a group to modify solubility or electronic or spectral properties or a functional linking group: or R4-R5 and/or R2-R4 and/or R2-R3 are linked to form an extended ring system; and R6 is H or CHO or NO.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2002
    Assignee: Nycomed Amersham plc
    Inventors: John Griffiths, John Mama, Valerie Millar, Mark Briggs, Alan Hamilton
  • Patent number: 6455263
    Abstract: The present invention relates to methods of screening libraries of small molecules such as combinatorial chemical libraries of organic molecules, including peptides and other chemical libraries, for binding to target molecules, using fluoroscence-activated cell sorting (FACS) machines.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2002
    Assignee: Rigel Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
    Inventor: Donald Payan
  • Patent number: 6451545
    Abstract: Provided are a monoclonal antibody making it possible to detect a native fibrin monomer, which is produced at the initial state of blood coagulation, and soluble fibrin; a hybridoma; and an immunoassay for detecting the initial stage of blood coagulation with high sensitivity, quickly, using the monoclonal antibody. Using a fibrinogen analog in blood as an immune source, cell fusion is carried out to prepare a monoclonal antibody which is not reactive with fibrinogen and is specifically and simultaneously reactive with a native fibrin monomer (that is, a fibrin monomer which is present in a body fluid, in particular in blood, and is not solubilized) and soluble fibrin. The fibrin monomer analog is preferably fibrinogen treated with bathroxobin, which is a snake venom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2002
    Assignee: Nissui Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Seiji Tanaka, Akiei Hamano, Mamoru Umeda
  • Patent number: 6447991
    Abstract: Smart aerogel, an aerogel material doped with special bio-affinity compounds to providing means of unique collection, detection and identification of bioaerosols, including bacteria, viruses, toxins, and other bioaerosols. Aerogels, extremely low density and highly porous materials with a complex pore structure, are used as an intelligent detection material by incorporating specific bioaffinity pharmaceuticals directly into the matrix. The complex pore structure contains micropores, mesopores, and macropores in an open pore structure. The opening pore structure of the aerogel is used to create docking sites by linking high affinity pharmaceuticals that specifically bind only to certain bioaerosols. The high internal surface area of the aerogel and the extremely low density provides abundant receptor sites per unit mesopore for a high bioaerosol-receptor interaction, yet in a manner which will reduce possible damage and destruction to the bioaerosols captured.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2002
    Inventors: Charles E. Daitch, Jack S. Brenizer, Jr., Bouvard Hosticka, L. Roger Mason, Jr., Pamela N. Norris, Ming Luo, Lawrence J. DeLucas
  • Patent number: 6436722
    Abstract: Invention performs an assay to determine presence or quantity of specific analyte in fluid sample. Representative device has two separate flow paths established sequentially in device with a single user activation step. First flow path delivers sample, and conjugate soluble binding reagents to solid phase. If analyte is present, an analyte:conjugate complex is formed and immobilized. Sample volume delivered by first path determined by absorbent capacity of solid phase, and not by amount of sample added to device. User need not measure sample volume. Sample/conjugate mixture is prevented from entering second flow path because capillary and surface energy of second flow path prevent it from being wetted by this mixture. Second flow path allows wash reagent to remove unbound conjugate and sample from solid phase to the absorbant, and optionally deliver detection reagents.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2002
    Assignee: Idexx Laboratories, Inc.
    Inventors: Scott M. Clark, Robert H. Suva, Michael R. Kepron, Stanislaw Barski, Jr., Erwin F. Workman, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6436649
    Abstract: The invention discloses a method for detecting and/or quantifying a hapten in a homogeneous phase, comprising the following steps: adding a known quantity of a hapten inhibitor complex to the solution containing the hapten to be detected and/or quantified; adding to the solution a quantity of antibodies corresponding to the quantity of the hapten/inhibitor complex; adding to the solution a type C &bgr;-lactamase having an active site for two substrates in antigenic competition in the said active site, the first substrate being a reporter substrate capable of being transformed into a detectable and/or quantifiable product, preferably by visible UV radiation measurement, the second substrate being the hapten/inhibitor complex acting on the hydrolysis rate of the reporter substrate; detecting and/or quantifying the concentration of the product resulting from the transformation of the reporter substrate, the Km constant of the reporter substrate being at least a hundred times higher than the Km constant of the ha
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2002
    Assignee: Le Region Wallone
    Inventors: Michel Kohl, Roger Renotte, Gianangelo Ghitti, Guy Sarlet, Robert Lejeune
  • Patent number: 6436662
    Abstract: This invention provides a novel device and method for preparing cytology slides. The device comprises a book-like form including an absorbent material and filter attached to the inside surface of a front cover and a cytology slide removeably attached to an inside surface of a back cover. A sample is removed from the body of a patient, placed in a liquid-based solution, and then on the filter. When the book-like form is closed, the sample is effectively transferred to the slide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2002
    Assignee: Digene Corporation
    Inventors: Iwona Mielzynska, Jay Payne, James Lazar
  • Patent number: 6436651
    Abstract: The present invention provides an inexpensive and sensitive device and method for detecting and quantifying analytes present in a medium. The device comprises a metalized film upon which is printed a specific, predetermined pattern of analyte-specific receptors. Upon attachment of a target analyte to select areas of the plastic film upon which the receptor is printed, diffraction of transmitted and/or reflected light occurs via the physical dimensions and defined, precise placement of the analyte. A diffraction image is produced which can be easily seen with the eye or, optionally, with a sensing device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2002
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Dennis S. Everhart, Mark L. Jones, Rosann Marie Kaylor
  • Patent number: 6436652
    Abstract: A bacteriophage linked to an enzyme can replace an antibody in a system for detecting the presence of a bacteria in a sample. Specifically Brucella abortus (a pathogen which causes brucellosis in cattle) can be detected using Brucella bacteriophage for the virus, urease for the enzyme linked to the bacteriophage, m-maleimidobenzoyl-N-hydrosysuccimide ester as a coupling reagent, sera from mice immunized with Brucella bacteriophage for a detector antibody, urease conjugated to anti-mouse sheep antibody for an indicator, and urea with bromcresol purple as the substrate. The materials can be used in indirect (sandwich) or direct enzyme-linked viral assays (ELVirA).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2002
    Assignee: Her Majesty the Queen in right of Canada, as represented by the Minister of National Defence of Her Majesty's Canadian Government
    Inventors: John W. Cherwonogrodzky, Kamil Lotfali
  • Patent number: 6423551
    Abstract: A semiconductor nanocrystal compound is described capable of linking to an affinity molecule. The compound comprises (1) a semiconductor nanocrystal capable of emitting electromagnetic radiation and/or absorbing energy, and/or scattering or diffracting electromagnetic radiation—when excited by an electromagnetic radiation source or a particle beam; and (2) at least one linking agent, having a first portion linked to the semiconductor nanocrystal and a second portion capable of linking to an affity molecule. The compound is linked to an affinity molecule to form a semiconductor nanocrystal probe capable of bonding with a detectable substance. Subsequent exposure to excitation energy will excite the semiconductor nanocrystal in he probe, causing the emission of electromagnetic radiation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2002
    Assignee: The Regents of the University of California
    Inventors: Shimon Weiss, Marcel Bruchez, Jr., Paul Alivisatos
  • Patent number: 6417010
    Abstract: The present invention provides labeled synthetic libraries of random oligomers and methods and apparatus for generating labeled synthetic oligomer libraries. Each member of such a library is labeled with a unique identifier tag that specifies the structure or sequence of the oligomer. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention the identifier tag is a microchip that is pre-encoded or encodable with information that is related back to a detector when the identifier tag is pulsed with electromagnetic radiation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2002
    Assignee: Discovery Partners International
    Inventors: John Cargill, Robert W. Armstrong
  • Patent number: 6413786
    Abstract: A device and a method enable the rapid, quantitative evaluation of a large collection of ligands for binding affinity with a certain immobilized receptor, the improvements being that binding pan be detected without the need for a label and that binding is carried out in solution phase at a high rate. The instrument has at least two embodiments, one is based on a sensitive absorption photometer and the other on a sensitive light scatter photometer operating at a specific resonance wavelength, &lgr;R, of small, metallic, colloidal particles. The resonance is present in small particles having a complex refractive index with real part n(&lgr;) approaching 0 and imaginary part k(&lgr;) approaching 2 simultaneously at a specific wavelength &lgr;R. The particles are substantially spherical and substantially smaller than &lgr;R. The receptor is immobilized on a suspension of such particles and ligand binding is detected by a change in optical absorption or light scatter at the resonance wavelength.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2002
    Assignee: Union Biometrica Technology Holdings, Inc.
    Inventors: W. Peter Hansen, Petra Krauledat
  • Patent number: 6410696
    Abstract: A method of measuring the amount of cyclosporin in a sample suspected of containing cyclosporin is disclosed. A method of inactivating interfering cross-reactive material in an assay for measuring the amount of cyclosporin in a sample suspected of containing cyclosporin is also disclosed. Compositions wherein cyclosporin is conjugated to an immunogenic carrier or a label, optionally through a linking group, at an alanine nitrogen atom of the cyclic backbone of cyclosporin are also disclosed. Compositions wherein atiocyclosporin is conjugated, optionally through a linking group, to an immunogenic carrier or a label are also disclosed. Where cyclosporin is conjugated to an immunogenic carrier, the conjugates may be used as immunogens for the preparation of antibodies which are capable of recognizing cyclosporin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2002
    Assignee: Dade Behring Marburg GmbH
    Inventors: Dariush Davalian, Maureen H. Beresini, Svetlana Alexander, Mae Wan-Leng Hu, Edwin F. Ullman
  • Patent number: 6406844
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for preparation of a substrate containing a plurality of sequences. Photoremovable groups are attached to a surface of a substrate. Selected regions of the substrate are exposed to light so as to activate the selected areas. A monomer, also containing a photoremovable group, is provided to the substrate to bind at the selected areas. The process is repeated using a variety of monomers such as amino acids until sequences of a desired length are obtained. Detection methods and apparatus are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2002
    Assignee: Affymetrix, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael C. Pirrung, J. Leighton Read, Stephen P. A. Fodor, Lubert Stryer
  • Patent number: 6406921
    Abstract: Protein arrays and protein-coated substrates for the parallel, in vitro screening of biomolecular activity are provided. Methods of using the protein-coated substrates and protein arrays are also disclosed. A plurality of different members of a single protein family may be immobilized on the protein-coated substrate or array. The protein-coated substrates and protein arrays are particularly useful in high-throughput drug screening and clinical diagnostics.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2002
    Assignee: Zyomyx, Incorporated
    Inventors: Peter Wagner, Dana Ault-Riche, Steffen Nock, Christian Itin
  • Patent number: 6406905
    Abstract: The present invention provides novel microfluidic devices and methods that are useful for performing high-throughput screening assays. In particular, the devices and methods of the invention are useful in screening large numbers of different compounds for their effects on a variety of chemical, and preferably, biochemical systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2002
    Assignee: Caliper Technologies Corp.
    Inventors: John Wallace Parce, Anne R. Kopf-Sill, Luc J. Bousse
  • Patent number: 6399295
    Abstract: The present invention provides an inexpensive and sensitive system and method for detecting analytes present in a medium. The system comprises a diffraction enhancing element, such as functionalized microspheres, which are modified such that they are capable of binding with a target analyte. Additionally, the system comprises a polymer film, which may include a metal coating, upon which is printed a specific, predetermined pattern of a analyte-specific receptors. Finally, the system includes a wicking agent which permits the system to be a single step system which avoids the necessity of any additional rinsing steps. Upon attachment of a target analyte to select areas of the polymer film, either directly or with the diffraction enhancing element, diffraction of transmitted and/or reflected light occurs via the physical dimensions and defined, precise placement of the analyte. A diffraction image, such as a hologram, is produced which can be easily seen with the eye or, optionally, with a sensing device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2002
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Rosann M. Kaylor, Abraham B. Choi, Chibueze Obinna Chidebelu-Eze, Michael Heinrich Herbert Grunze
  • Publication number: 20020065334
    Abstract: A method of making a molecularly imprinted porous structure makes use of a surfactant analog of the molecule to be imprinted that has the imprint molecule portion serving as the surfactant headgroup. The surfactant analog is allowed to self-assemble in a mixture to create at least one supramolecular structure having exposed imprint groups. The imprinted porous structure is formed by adding reactive monomers to the mixture and allowing the monomers to polymerize, with the supramolecular structure serving as a template. The resulting solid structure has a shape that is complementary to the shape of the supramolecular structure and has cavities that are the mirror image of the imprint group. Similarly, molecularly imprinted particles may be made by using the surfactant to create a water-in-oil microemulsion wherein the imprint groups are exposed to the water phase.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 19, 2001
    Publication date: May 30, 2002
    Inventors: Michael A. Markowitz, Paul E. Schoen, Bruce P. Gaber, Banahalli R. Ratna, Paul R. Kust, David C. Turner, Douglas S. Clark, Jonathan S. Dordick
  • Patent number: 6395561
    Abstract: A lipid bilayer with affinity to an analyte, which directly signals binding by a changes in the light absorption spectra. This novel assay means and method has special applications in the drug development and medical testing fields. Using a spectrometer, the system is easily automated, and a multiple well embodiment allows inexpensive screening and sequential testing. This invention also has applications in industry for feedstock and effluent monitoring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2002
    Assignee: Regents of the University of California
    Inventors: Deborah Charych, Jon Nagy, Wayne Spevak
  • Patent number: 6391653
    Abstract: A fluorescent fiber-optic biosensor system using ultrasonic concentration of particles and cells for the detection of Salmonella typhimurium. A biosensor test chamber serves as an ultrasonic standing-wave cell that allows microspheres or cells to be concentrated in parallel layers or in a column along the axis of the cell. A fiber probe along the axis delivers laser excitation to fluorescent-labeled antibodies of Salmonella and collects the fluorescent signal. The Salmonella-antibody complexes are moved acoustically to the axis of the cell, increasing the fluorescent signal. Alternatively, the Salmonella-labelled antibody complexes attach to unlabeled antibodies that have been immobilized on the surface of polystyrene microspheres. This entire structure can be manipulated acoustically and the increase in the fluorescent signal, which can be an order of magnitude, indicates the presence of Salmonella.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2002
    Assignee: The Board of Governors for Higher Education, State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations
    Inventors: Stephen V. Letcher, A. Garth Rand, Chonghua Zhou
  • Patent number: 6391541
    Abstract: A cartridge for separating a desired analyte from a fluid sample has a sample flow path and a lysing chamber in the sample flow path. The lysing chamber contains at least one filter for capturing cells or viruses from the sample as the sample flows through the lysing chamber. Beads are also disposed in the lysing chamber for rupturing the cells or viruses to release the analyte therefrom. An analyte flow path extends from the lysing chamber and diverges from the sample flow path. The analyte flow path preferably leads to a reaction chamber for chemically reacting and optically detecting the analyte. The cartridge also includes at least one flow controller (e.g., valves) for directing the sample into the waste chamber after the sample flows through the lysing chamber and for directing the analyte separated from the sample into the analyte flow path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2002
    Inventors: Kurt E. Petersen, Michael T. Taylor, Farzad Pourahmadi, William A. McMillan, Ronald Chang, Stanley H. Sakai, Jesus Ching, Douglas B. Dority, Phillip Belgrader, M. Allen Northrup
  • Patent number: 6391559
    Abstract: Methods of detecting and quantifying genomic nucliec acid molecule sequences are provided using the simultaneous amplification of a plurality of discrete nanoliter-sized samples. A miniaturized closed assembly is also provided for carrying out amplification of a nucleic acid molecule by polymerase chain reaction in multiple nanoliter-sized samples. Methods of filling miniaturized sample chambers are also provided as are methods for determining the number of template molecules in a sample by conducting replicate nucleic acid sequence amplification reactions on a set of terminally diluted samples and counting the number of positive amplification reactions. The methods can be used to detect a single starting nucleic acid target molecule.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2002
    Assignee: Cytonix Corporation
    Inventors: James F. Brown, Jonathan E. Silver, Olga V. Kalinina
  • Publication number: 20020048750
    Abstract: A method for the preparation of a chemical library, which method comprises synthesizing the library on a plurality of individually coded synthesis particles and wherein the particles are tracked during library synthesis under the control of robotic apparatus.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 27, 1999
    Publication date: April 25, 2002
    Inventors: ANTHONY ROBERT CORLESS, DAVID ANDREW WENN, RICHARD EDEN SHUTE
  • Patent number: 6376187
    Abstract: Disclosed are materials and methods for detecting biomolecules in samples employing transponders associated with the bead(s) used as the solid phase in the assay, and information pertinent to the assay is encoded on the transponders memory elements. A dedicated read/write device is used remotely to encode or remotely to read the information. The invention can be used in direct or competitive ELISA-type assays, or in multiplex assays for the simultaneous assay of several analytes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2002
    Assignee: Pharmaseq, Inc.
    Inventor: Wlodek Mandecki
  • Patent number: 6376256
    Abstract: A mixture of beads of uniform size from is deposited in an array by establishing discrete attachment areas each consisting either of a droplet of adhesive or a small area of a continuous adhesive layer exposed through an aperture in a mask. Beads which are trapped by the attachment areas are released either by a solvent on a vacuum manifold, or by evaporation of the adhesive, preferably by means of a vacuum centrifuge. The beads are released into capillaries, in which cleavage of attached compounds, or synthesis of new compounds, can be carried out. Also invented is the apparatus used in carrying out the invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2002
    Assignee: SmithKline Beecham Corporation
    Inventors: Damien J. Dunnington, Paul B. Taylor
  • Patent number: 6372514
    Abstract: Test strip device for accepting a liquid sample and forming an even fluid front across the test strip. When the sample is applied to a contacting surface, it runs down the surface where it collects between the contacting surface and a slope surface. As the sample collects, it evenly reaches fluid flow contact with an absorbent membrane. As a result, the sample forms an even fluid front across the membrane, improving the performance of the test strip device. Methods for using the device to accept a sample and to detect an analyte in the liquid sample are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2002
    Assignee: Syntron Bioresearch, Inc.
    Inventor: Jin Po Lee
  • Patent number: 6372407
    Abstract: Photocurable and photopatternable compositions are disclosed which comprise a) at least one copolymer derived from 1 to 99 parts by weight of at least one azlactone-functional monomer and 0 to 99 parts of at least one co-monomer; and b) at least one photocrosslinker. Articles are disclosed comprising a substrate and a gel layer of the cured composition which may be photopatterned with high resolution and used to bind biomolecules to the substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2002
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Jie Liu, James G. Bentsen
  • Patent number: 6368877
    Abstract: This invention describes self assembled monolayers (SAMs) manufactured by imprinting reactive peptides onto solid supports. The invention further relates to methods of preparing and using these improved SAMs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2002
    Assignees: Massachusetts Institute of Technology, President and Fellows of Harvard College
    Inventors: Shuguang Zhang, Alexander Rich, Lin Yan, George Whitesides
  • Patent number: 6368800
    Abstract: The present invention provides methods for isolating biological target materials, particularly nucleic acids, such as DNA or RNA or hybrid molecules of DNA and RNA, from other substances in a medium using silica magnetic particles. The methods of the present invention involve forming a complex of the silica magnetic particles and the biological target material in a mixture of the medium and particles, separating the complex from the mixture using external magnetic force, and eluting the biological target material from the complex. The preferred embodiments of magnetic silica particles used in the methods and kits of the present invention are capable of forming a complex with at least 2 &mgr;g of biological target material per milligram of particle, and of releasing at least 60% of the material from the complex in the elution step of the method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2002
    Assignee: Promega Corporation
    Inventors: Craig E. Smith, Charles K. York
  • Patent number: 6365418
    Abstract: Arrays of protein-capture agents useful for the simultaneous detection of a plurality of proteins which are the expression products, or fragments thereof, of a cell or population of cells in an organism are provided. A variety of antibody arrays, in particular, are described. Methods of both making and using the arrays of protein-capture agents are also disclosed. The invention arrays are particularly useful for various proteomics applications including assessing patterns of protein expression and modification in cells.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2002
    Assignee: Zyomyx, Incorporated
    Inventors: Peter Wagner, Steffen Nock, Dana Ault-Riche, Christian Itin
  • Publication number: 20020037565
    Abstract: The invention concerns a novel method for purifying and quantifying viral particles. More particularly, the invention concerns a method for purifying and quantifying adenovirus by ion-exchange chromatography. The invention also concerns a method for identifying different adenovirus serotypes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 14, 2001
    Publication date: March 28, 2002
    Inventors: Francis Blanche, Anne Barbot, Beatrice Cameron
  • Patent number: 6362009
    Abstract: Methods for solid phase and combinatorial synthesis using a resin activation/capture approach are provided. In particular, methods for the production of dihydropyridones, N-acyidihydropyridones, tetrahydropyridones, pyridines, aminopyridines, N-acyltetrahydropyridines and tetrahydropyridines compounds and libraries containing such compounds are provided. Methods for screening the libraries and compounds and pharmaceutical compositions containing compounds prepared by the methods are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2002
    Assignee: Merck & Co., Inc.
    Inventors: Benito Munoz, Chixu Chen
  • Patent number: 6362010
    Abstract: Compounds and methods are provided for use in purification of CD34+ cells and specific surface antigens thereof. The present invention discloses methods for releasing CD34+ cells, as well as compounds having a carbohydrate epitope of the CD34 surface antigen, from an affinity matrix, using carbohydrates having the structure: Neu5Ac&agr;2-3Gal&bgr;1-4(X) wherein (X) is GlcNAc, or a monosaccharide or a cyclohexane derivative that is structurally similar to GlcNAc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2002
    Inventor: John L. Magnani
  • Patent number: 6355445
    Abstract: A bacteriophage linked to an enzyme can replace an antibody in a system for detecting the presence of a bacteria in a sample. Specifically Brucella abortus (a pathogen which causes brucellosis in cattle) can be detected using Brucella bacteriophage for the virus, urease for the enzyme linked to the bacteriophage, m-maleimidobenzoyl-N-hydrosysuccimide ester as a coupling reagent, sera from mice immunized with Brucella bacteriophage for a detector antibody, urease conjugated to anti-mouse sheep antibody for an indicator, and urea with bromcresol purple as the substrate. The materials can be used in indirect (sandwich) or direct enzyme-linked viral assays (ELVirA).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2002
    Assignee: Her Majesty the Queen in right of Canada, as represented by the Minister of National Defence
    Inventors: John W. Cherwonogrodzky, Kamil Lotfali
  • Patent number: 6355490
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a process of coding and identifying individual members of a chemical combinatorial library synthesized on a plurality of solid supports which undergo mix and split synthesis. The process provides for tagging the solid supports with a coding identifier that is attached to the solid support and which can be decoded by infrared or raman spectroscopy when directly attached to the support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2002
    Inventors: Jill Edie Hochlowski, Thomas J. Sowin, Daniel W. Norbeck, Anne-Laure Marie Grillot, Rolf E. Swenson
  • Patent number: 6350620
    Abstract: The invention provides a method for producing a micro-carrier, which includes patterning pluralities of bar code on a mask; exposing the bar code to a substrate coated with photoresist; etching and removing residual photoresist and electroforming to a nickel plate; placing a bead coated with biotin or poly-L-lysine between two-nickel plates, and compressing the bar code on the surface of the bead to form a microcake-like particle with bar code; and combining the particle with the corresponding bio-molecule thereof to produce a micro-carrier with a label. The invention also provides a test method for identifying a bio-molecule, which includes mixing several micro-carriers with the labeled unknown bio-molecules; and identifying the bar code on the micro-carrier via image recognition system, wherein the numbers and types of the known micro-carrier can be flexibly adjusted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2002
    Assignee: Genemaster Lifescience Co., LTD
    Inventors: Rong-Seng Chang, Yu-Chan Chao
  • Patent number: 6348322
    Abstract: A method for detecting the binding of a test compound to a probe molecule comprises providing a test compound, the test compound having a first fluorophore bound thereto, and providing a screening substrate. The screening substrate comprises a solid support, a probe molecule bound to the solid support, and a second fluorophore bound to the solid support adjacent the probe molecule. An advantage of the invention is that this obviates the need for binding the second fluorophore directly to the probe molecule. Preferably, the second fluorophore is bound to the solid support by a flexible linker group. This enables the second fluorophore to interogate different positions on the probe molecule, which is also bound to the solid support adjacent the linker group, enhancing the ability of the method of the invention to detect positive binding events (specific binding of the test compound to the probe molecule.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2002
    Assignee: Duke University
    Inventor: Warren J. Strittmatter
  • Patent number: 6346376
    Abstract: This document describes an optical sensor unit and a procedure for the specific detection and identification of biomolecules at high sensitivity in real fluids and tissue homogenates. High detection limits are reached by the combination of i) label-free integrated optical detection of molecular interactions, ii) the use of specific bioconstituents for sensitive detection and iii) planar optical transducer surfaces appropriately engineered for suppression of non-specific binding, internal referencing and calibration. Applications include the detection of prion proteins and identification of those biomolecules which non-covalently interact with surface immobilized prion proteins and are intrinsically involved in the cause of prion related disease.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2002
    Assignee: Centre Suisse d'Electronique et de Mictotechnique SA
    Inventors: Hans Sigrist, Hui Gao, Rino E. Kunz, Jürg Dübendorfer, Carsten Korth, Markus Moser, Bruno Oesch
  • Patent number: 6342389
    Abstract: This invention provides modified phycobilisomes and phycobilisome complexes that are supramolecular complexes with diverse spectral properties, and which may optionally be immobilized on a manufactured solid support. The invention provides a versatile set of highly sensitive signal-generating systems and conjugates that may be used as highly detectable tracers and labels, or in biotransducers comprising phycobilisomes or phycobilisome complexes, and also provides methods for performing specific binding assays using signal-generating systems comprising phycobilisomes as detectable labels. The embodiments of the invention provide the art with an extremely sensitive, nonisotopic detection means for assaying analytes and for sensing molecular events and environmental conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2002
    Inventor: Roger S. Cubicciotti
  • Patent number: 6340598
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for evanescent light fluoroimmunoassays are disclosed. The apparatus employs a planar waveguide and optionally has multi-well features and improved evanescent field intensity. The preferred biosensor and assay method have the capture molecules immobilized to the waveguide surface by site-specific coupling chemistry. Additionally, the coatings used to immobilize the capture molecules provide reduced non-specific protein adsorption.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2002
    Assignee: University of Utah Research Foundation
    Inventors: James N. Herron, Douglas A. Christensen, Karin D. Caldwell, Vera Janatová, Shao-Chie Huang, Hsu-Kun Wang
  • Patent number: 6331395
    Abstract: A method of identifying embryonic or fetal red blood cells in a sample containiing maternal blood cells and embryonic or fetal red blood cells or both, the method comprising determining which cell or cells contain or express an adult liver component. A method of isolating embryonic or fetal red blood cells from a sample containing maternal blood cells and embryonic or fetal red blood cells or both, the method comprising isolating the cells which contain or express an adult liver component. A method of determining a fetal abnormality the method comprising identifying or isolating embryonic or fetal cells according to the above methods and analysing said embryonic or early fetal cells for said abnormality. Use of a means for determining whether a cell contains or expresses an adult liver component for identifying or isolating an embryonic or fetal red blood cell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2001
    Assignee: The University of Dundee
    Inventors: Ann Burchell, Robert Hume
  • Patent number: 6326213
    Abstract: A fluorescent fiber-optic biosensor system using ultrasonic concentration of particles and cells for the detection of Salmonella typhimurium. A biosensor test chamber serves as an ultrasonic standing-wave cell that allows microspheres or cells to be concentrated in parallel layers or in a column along the axis of the cell. A fiber probe along the axis delivers laser excitation to fluorescent-labeled antibodies of Salmonella and collects the fluorescent signal. The Salmonella-antibody complexes are moved acoustically to the axis of the cell, increasing the fluorescent signal. Alternatively, the Salmonella-labelled antibody complexes attach to unlabeled antibodies that have been immobilized on the surface of polystyrene microspheres. This entire structure can be manipulated acoustically and the increase in the fluorescent signal, which can be an order of magnitude, indicates the presence of Salmonella.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2001
    Assignee: The Boards of Govenors for Higher Education, State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations
    Inventors: Stephen V. Letcher, A. Garth Rand, Chonghua Zhou
  • Patent number: 6323042
    Abstract: A displacement-type flow immunoassay is performed using a microcapillary passage. The inner wall of the microcapillary passage has immobilized thereon antibodies to the antigen of interest. Labeled antigen is immunologically bound to the immobilized antibodies. Sample antigen passing through the column displaces the labeled antigen. Downstream, the displaced labeled antigen is detected. The microcapillary format of the present invention enhances the sensitivity of the immunoassay over the sensitivity of displacement-type flow immunoassays performed in a column at similar flow rates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2001
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Upvan Narang, Paul R. Gauger, Frances S. Ligler
  • Publication number: 20010044159
    Abstract: Porous materials are disclosed having densities of at least about 6 pounds per cubic foot (96.1 kg/m3). The materials comprise silica and/or alumina.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 24, 2001
    Publication date: November 22, 2001
    Inventor: Mark B. Lyles
  • Patent number: 6316274
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for evanescent light fluoroimmunoassays are disclosed. The apparatus employs a planar waveguide with an integral semi-cylindrical lens, and has multi-analyte features and calibration features, along with improved evanescent field intensity. A preferred embodiment of the biosensor and assay method have patches of capture molecules each specific for a different analyte disposed adjacent within a single reservoir. The capture molecules are immobilized to the patches on the waveguide surface by site-specific coupling of thiol groups on the capture molecules to photo-affinity crosslinkers which in turn are coupled to the waveguide surface or to a non-specific-binding-resistant coating on the surface. The patches of different antibodies are produced by selectively irradiating a portion of the waveguide surface during the process of coupling the photo-affinity crosslinkers the selective irradiation involving a mask, a laser light source, or the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2001
    Assignee: University of Utah Research Foundation
    Inventors: James N. Herron, Douglas A. Christensen, Hsu-Kun Wang, Karin Caldwell, Vera Janatová, Shao-Chie Huang
  • Patent number: 6316273
    Abstract: Biosensors fur use in detecting analytes, particularly small analytes such as those having a molecular weight of less than 5,000 Daltons, are disclosed which comprise a membrane and an electrode and a reservoir defined therebetween, the membrane having an inner layer proximate the electrode and an outer layer remote from the electrode comprising a closely packed array of amphiphilic molecules, a plurality or ionophores, and a plurality of membrane spanning lipids, the ionophores comprising first and second half membrane spanning monomers, the first half membrane spanning monomers being provided in the inner layer and being prevented from lateral diffusion within the membrane and the second half membrane spanning monomers being provided in the outer layer and being free to diffuse laterally within the membrane, the second half membrane spanning monomers having attached thereto a first receptor which is reactive with the small analyte, wherein a carrier to which is attached a plurality of the analyte is reversi
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2001
    Assignee: Australian Membrane and Biotechnology Research Institute
    Inventor: Lionel George King
  • Patent number: 6312961
    Abstract: A biosensor comprises a waveguide into which light is coupled by a diffraction grating. The sample to be analyzed is placed on a reaction region in which a component of the immunological reaction is provided, for example antibodies or antigens. Fluorescence is excited on the surface of the waveguide because of the presence of a marker for example, a labelled antigen or antibody. Fluorescence is decoupled from the waveguide by the coupling diffraction grating or another diffraction grating. The waveguide is made of a material emitting light when it is excited by the marker excitation beam. This latter emission has a peak wavelength different from that of the emission radiation due to the marker used in the immunological reaction. Waveguide material fluorescence emission provides a reference during measurement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2001
    Assignee: CSEM Centre Suisse D'Electronique et de Microtechnique SA
    Inventors: Guy Voirin, Rino Kunz