Abstract: The present invention provides a method for assaying a sample of cells for the presence of a cell surface antigen. More particularly, the present invention describes methods for detecting the presence of plasma and cell bound autoantibodies against cell surface antigens. In addition, the present invention provides a method of crossmatching donor platelets and transfusion recipients.

Abstract: An element having a spacer for uniformly separating adjacent surfaces of elements defining a fluid flow path therebetween. The spacer comprises particles adhered to at least one of the surfaces. The invention is particularly useful in elements and apparatus for the removal of a substance from a fluid.

Abstract: Methods are disclosed for conducting assays. One such method comprises providing in combination a first bibulous member zone ("first zone") and a liquid medium containing a component. The first zone has non-diffusively bound thereto a reagent interreactive with the component. Conditions are selected wherein the liquid medium and at least a portion of the component contained therein traverse all of the first zone and migrate by capillary migration into a second bibulous member zone ("second zone"). The second zone is of a different composition than the first zone and is incapable of specifically binding the component except when an analyte is to be detected and the method further includes causing a reagent to become bound to the first bibulous member zone in relation to the amount of analyte present.

Abstract: Certain phenalenimine fluorescent compounds represented by the structure ##STR1## wherein R' and R" are independently hydrogen, alkyl, cycloalkyl, aryl or a heterocycle, or R' comprises the carbon and heteroatoms which form a fused ring with the compound nucleus, are useful in biomedical and analytical determinations. These compounds can be used for staining cells, as well as for the determination of various analytes found in human or animal biological fluids. Such determinations can be carried out in solution or by using dry analytical elements. The fluorescent compounds can be reacted with quinone nuclei to form reducible compounds which are also useful in analytical methods. In addition, the compounds can be incorporated into what are known as "loadable" latex particles to form detectable labels and biological reagents.

Abstract: An enzyme-linked immunoassay for the determination of cyclosporin A levels in whole blood samples is provided based on the utilization of .beta.-D-galactosidase as an enzyme label and chlorophenol red-.beta.-D-galactopyranoside or resorufin-.beta.-D-galactopyranoside as a .beta.-D-galactosidase substrate.

Abstract: The present invention provides cleavable conjugates whose linkers contain a labile bond that is cleavable under a variety of mild conditions, including weakly acidic. Since the agent may be bonded directly to the linker, cleavage can result in release of native agent. The invention also provides methods for producing cleavable conjugates. Preferred agents include drugs, toxins, biological response modifiers, radiodiagnostic compounds, radiotherapeutic compounds, and derivatives thereof. The targeting molecule employed in the invention may be an intact molecule, a fragment thereof, or a functional equivalent thereof. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the targeting molecule is a monoclonal antibody directed towards a tumor-associated antigen in man. The invention further provides methods for delivering to the cytoplasm of a target cell an agent free of its targeting molecule carrier.

Abstract: An immunoassay method comprising applying an aqueous solution containing the analyte antigen to one end of a multi-zoned test strip device such that the solution moves along the strip by capillary action. The zones are arranged so that the solution (a) first contacts and reconstitutes dry, diffusible labelled component comprising colloidal gold conjugated to an antibody specific for said analyte antigen and then (b) contacts and reconstitutes dry, diffusible biotinylated second antibody specific for said analyte antigen such that a diffusible, dispersed sandwich reaction product forms. The reaction product diffuses along the strip with the solution and into a zone containing capture component consisting of a latex and avidin complex which avidin collects the reaction product by means of reaction with its biotin moiety. Thus, gold particles are collected and concentrated in the detection zone for visual determination.

Abstract: A solid phase immuno-assay system for assaying at least one analyte, in the form of a solid support having a plurality of receptors bound thereto. At least two of the receptors conjugate with the same analyte.A reaction container comprising a plurality of longitudinally arranged individual compartments, and a longitudinally extending single compartment.A card for assaying a plurality of samples for the same analyte, having a plurality of receptors for the analyte at different locations on the card.A method of performing an assay for the same analyte in more than one sample, by providing a receptor for the analyte at more than a single location on a solid substrate; exposing each of the receptors to different samples; and developing each of the receptor locations to indicate the presence of the analyte in each of the samples.

Abstract: Antigens, immunogens, inocula, antibodies, and particularly diagnostic methods and systems relating to Epstein-Barr virus nuclear antigen (EBNA) are disclosed. The diagnostic methods and systems utilize a synthetic, random copolymer polypeptide containing about 8 to about 40 amino acid residues that includes the overlapping five and six amino acid residue sequences(i) --Gly--R.sup.1 --Gly--R.sup.2 --Gly--wherein R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 are amino acid residues selected from Ala, Asn, Arg, Gly, Leu, Pro, Ser, and Thr with the provision that R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 are not both Gly; and(ii) --Gly--Ala--Gly--Gly--Ala--Gly--.The polypeptide contains at least 50 mole percent Gly residues. The diagnostic method and system are particularly useful for assaying for the stage of mononucleois disease, and the presence of nasopharynegeal carcinoma.

Abstract: The histamine in a sample is determined by contacting the sample with a histamine binding agent, such as glass, which has been treated, e.g., with a polar organic polymer, to reduce the affinity of the agent for an interfering component of the sample while substantially retaining the agent's histamine-binding capacity. Such an agent facilitates determination of histamine in whole blood samples. Preferably, the agent is provided as a conglomerate of histamine-binding bodies, such as glass fibers, in a binder. Preferred binders are polyvinyl acetate, a vinyl acetate/ethylene copolymer, and polyvinyl alcohol or combinations thereof.

Abstract: A method and device for determining the presence of an analyte in a sample suspected of containing the analyte are disclosed. The method involves contracting a test solution containing the sample, an antibody for the analyte, and a conjugate of the analyte and a label with a contact portion of a strip of bibulous material capable of being traversed by the test solution through capillary action. The strip contains a first receptor capable of binding to the conjugate. The first receptor is non-diffusively bound to a situs on the strip separate from the contact portion of the strip. The strip further contains a second receptor capable of binding the antibody to the analyte between the situs and the contact portion. The second receptor is non-diffusively bound to the strip. At least a portion of the test solution is allowed to traverse the strip by capillary action and thereby contact the situs.

Abstract: A method and device for determining the presence of an analyte in a sample suspected of containing the analyte is disclosed. The method involves contacting a test solution containing the sample, an antibody for the analyte, and a conjugate of the analyte and a label with a contact portion of a piece of bibulous material capable of being traversed in at least one direction by the test solution through capillary action. The bibulous material contains a first receptor capable of binding to said conjugate. The first receptor is non-diffusively bound to a situs on the bibulous material separate from the contact portion. The bibulous material further contains a second receptor capable of binding the antibody to the analyte between the situs and the contact portion. The second receptor is non-diffusively bound to the bibulous material. At least a portion of the test solution is allowed to traverse the bibulous material by capillary action and thereby contact the situs.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method of preparing a conjugated antibody agent, and conjugated antibody agent obtained thereby. The method includes:(i) attaching a substantially pure antigen to a solid phase;(ii) passing an antibody containing composition over the solid phase such that the antibody is caused to bind to the attached antigen by immunoreaction to form a bound antigen-antibody complex;(iii) passing a reactive conjugating agent over the bound antigen-antibody complex to conjugate the conjugating agent to said complex; to(iv) removing the resultant conjugated antibody from the solid phase.

Abstract: The invention involves an apparatus useful in analysis of liquid samples. At least 3 zones are provided which contain reactants which interact with the analyte and each other, leading to the detection reaction. The apparatus also has a fluid application means for reception of a liquid, and a waste zone, which absorbs excess liquid after the detection reaction has taken place. The fluid application means and waste zone are positioned at opposite ends of the apparatus.

Abstract: In a diagnostic apparatus system, a one piece porous substrate is located in a container. The substrate serves both to extract an antigen in or on a top layer with the remainder of the substrate serving as a reservoir. The pores in the top surface of the substrate are microscopic for entrapment of microspheres carrying antibodies. A target antigen in a test sample attaches to the antibodies when the test sample is poured through the top layer. The pores in all but the top layer of the substrate have a much greater pore size to define the reservoir portion of the substrate. The invention also includes a method of casting a microporous matrix in surfaces of a plurality of macroporous slugs.

Abstract: A reaction apparatus with sample inlet channel of suitable cross-sectional area for aspirating a sample into the interior of the apparatus by capillarity, a recess provided on the inner wall of the sample inlet channel, and a transparent plate with a flat surface arranged opposite the recess. The recess has sloping walls, and may for example, have a conical or hemispherical form. The recess may moreover be a V-shaped or U-shaped groove. Further, the inner wall of the recess may be coated with antibodies or antigens.

Abstract: The histamine in a sample is determined by contacting the sample with a histamine binding agent, such as glass, which has been treated, e.g., with a polar organic polymer, to reduce the affinity of the agent for an interfering component of the sample while substantially retaining the agent's histamine binding capacity. Such an agent facilitates determination of histamine in whole blood samples. Preferably, the agent is provided as a conglomerate of histamine-binding bodies, such as glass fibers, in a binder. Preferred binders are polyvinyl acetate, a vinyl acetate/ethylene copolymer, and polyvinyl alcohol or combinations thereof.

Abstract: A method for assaying of Chlamydia includes adhering Chlamydia antigen to amidine modified latex particles, binding of adhered antigen to an anti-Chlamydia antibody conjugated to an enzyme, separating the particles from the liquid phase of the assay and detecting bound enzyme by color development when the separated particles are contacted with a substrate for the enzyme. The invention includes a kit of materials for preforming an assay in accordance with the method of the invention.

Abstract: A two site cross-reaction immunometric sandwich assay method for the detection and measurement of an analyte, such as creatine phospho-kinase-MB, in serum comprising the selection of two different antibodies each of which is specific to a different analyte but each of which will cross-react with the analyte of interest. The first antibody is reacted with the unknown sample utilizing a solid-phase to bind the first antibody. Separation of the solid and liquid portions of the first reaction is accomplished and the solid portion thereof is reacted with the second antibody which is tagged. The solid portion and liquid portion of the second reaction are separated and the solid portion is tested for the tag as an indication of the presence of said analyte. With particular reference to testing for creatine phospho-kinase-MB in human serum, the cross-reacting antibodies utilized are antibody to creatine phospho-kinase-BB and creatine phospho-kinase-MM.

Abstract: A disposable, pre-packaged device for conducting an immunoassay procedure that results in the production of separable liquid and solid phases. The device includes a cup having an inlet and presenting a liquid phase receiving chamber. An absorbent for liquid phase materials is in the chamber and a series of ribs hold the absorbent away from the walls of the chamber providing a breathing space extending around the absorbent. A porous capture media element for capturing and displaying solid phase products of the procedure is disposed adjacent the inlet of the device in fluid communication with the absorbent so that in operation the absorbent promotes flow of liquid phase through the capture element. A lid element is mounted on the cup adjacent the inlet and the lid and the cup are held together by welding of annular flanges. The lid element includes an elongated cylindrical member extending through the inlet and defining a throat for directing flow of liquid phase onto the capture media.

Abstract: A device is disclosed for conducting an assay. The device comprises a housing, means enclosed in the housing for capturing a first member of a specific binding pair (sbp) in a zone and for allowing liquid to be transported by capillary action away from the zone, first means in the housing for introducing the sample into the device, and second means in the housing other than the first means for introducing a liquid reagent other than the sample into the device. The device of the invention finds use in assay methods for the determination of an analyte in a sample suspected of containing the analyte. Kits for conducting an assay are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method and device for determining the presence of an analyte in a sample suspected of containing the analyte is disclosed. The method involves contacting a test solution containing the sample, an antibody for the analyte, and a conjugate of the analyte and a label with a contact portion of a piece of bibulous material capable of being traversed in at least one direction by the test solution through capillary action. The bibulous material contains a first receptor capable of binding to said conjugate. The first receptor is non-diffusively bound to a situs on the bibulous material separate from the contact portion. The bibulous material further contains a second receptor capable of binding the antibody to the analyte between the situs and the contact portion. The second receptor is non-diffusively bound to the bibulous material. At least a portion of the test solution is allowed to traverse the bibulous material by capillary action and thereby contact the situs.

Abstract: Methods are disclosed for detecting an antigen in a biological sample. The methods involve providing in combination a solid support, which is substantially free of specific binding proteins, and a medium comprising an antigen from the sample and an antibody for the antigen. The combination is incubated under conditions sufficient for the antibody when bound to the antigen to bind to the support. The presence or amount of antibody on the support or in the medium is determined and is related to the presence of antigen in the sample. The methods have particular application to the detection of gram-negative bacteria.

Abstract: A method of performing a diagnostic immunoassay utilizing colloidal non-metal particles having conjugated thereto a binding component capable of specifically recognizing an analyte to be determined. After reaction of the sample and colloidal non-metal particles, the presence or amount of analyte/colloidal non-metal particle complexes are determined by optical analysis as a measure of the amount of analyte in the sample. The method can be utilized for the specific detection of numerous analytes and is sensitive and has a wide detection range.

Abstract: A member of a bioaffinity binding pair is immobilized on a plastic surface by coating the surface with poly(ethyleneimine) derivatized with a hydrophobic group, and covalently coupling the member to the coated surface. The immobilized member may be used in immunoassays or bioaffinity separations. The derivatized poly(ethyleneimine) is preferably tosyl poly(ethyleneimine).

Abstract: An enzyme immunoassay based on membrane separation of antigen-antibody complexes wherein human or animal body fluid specimens containing an antigen are mixed with an enzyme-conjugated antibody specific for the antigen under test. Following incubation the antigen-antibody-conjugate mixture is passed through a filter membrane having an electrostatic charge providing an affinity for retaining antigen-antibody-conjugate complexes while not retaining free antibody-conjugate. Following washing of the filter membrane to remove free antibody-conjugate remaining thereon an enzyme substrate-chromogen reagent solution is applied to the filter membrane, which reacts with filter-bound antibody-conjugate and develops a visible or fluorogenic color indicative of the presence of antibody-conjugate.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process for the determination of an antibody by incubation with three different reagents R.sub.1, R.sub.2 and R.sub.3, of which R.sub.1 and R.sub.3 are present in liquid phase and are bindable with the antibody, R.sub.2 is present bound to a solid phase and is bindable with R.sub.1 and R.sub.3 carries a label, separation of the solid phase from the liquid phase and measurement of the label in the solid phase, wherein as R.sub.1 there is used a conjugate of a substance specifically recognized by the antibody to be determined and a reaction component of a specific binding system, as R.sub.3 there is used a conjugate of a substance specifically recognized by the antibody to be determined and a label and as R.sub.2 there is used the other binding component of the specific binding system.The present invention also provides a composition for the determination of an antibody, wherein it contains two different soluble reagents R.sub.1 and R.sub.

Abstract: A method of assaying a sample of whole blood for one member of a specific binding pair, the method involving treating the sample with salt to alter the red blood cells in the sample to decrease their ability to pass through filter media, exposing the resulting sample to a filter which retains the red blood cells but allows the passage therethrough of filtrate of the sample containing the member of the specific binding pair, and measuring the member of the filtrate.

Abstract: A method of effecting an immunoassay using affinity chromatography which a sample is injected into a reusable column charged with antibody applied on a solid support, an eluent is injected into the column to elute antigen bound with the antibody on the solid support, and an amount of eluted antigen is measured. In order to mitigate the influence of carry-overs of successive samples, blank values are corrected such that they include the carry-overs of previously measured samples, while elution time periods are kept constant. In one embodiment, the elution time periods are corrected such that blank values for respective samples are made constant.

Abstract: A test system and procedure for quantitatively assaying biological material for a target immunological substance by means of immunochemical binding of immune complexes, comprising the target substance and its immunospecific conjugate, to insolubilized non-immunospecific factor, such as Clq. A sample of biological material suspected of containing the target substance is introduced into the test system including pre-determined amounts of the target substance and its immunospecific conjugate forming immune complexes having a known degree of chemical binding to the non-immunospecific factor. The amount of target substance present in the test sample is determined according to the deviation from the known degree of immunochemical binding caused by the addition of the sample to the test system, by reference to a standard curve.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for quantitatively analyzing, in a flowing stream, materials in a biological or chemical sample utilizes immobilized antobodies reversibly precharged with fluorescently labeled antigens. The labeled antigens are competitively displaced by unlabeled antigens in the sample, after the sample antigens have been segregated into zones by a chromatographic device, such as the reverse phase high performance liquid chromatograph. Displaced labeled antigens are measured by a fluorescence detector. A plurality of antibody species may be concurrently utilized, thereby allowing quantification of a plurality of antigens from a single sample.

Abstract: Hybridomally produced monoclonal IgM antibodies having high affinity are useful for the immunoassay and purification of viral antigens.

Abstract: Materials can be screened for carcinogenic properties by administering them to test animals and assaying biological tissue, preferably plasma, for the presence of a 60K cancer-associated phosphoprotein. The test is applicable to a wide range of chemically-diverse carcinogens and is not restricted to carcinogens having one particular mode of action.

Abstract: Histamine is detected or determined selectively in a sample by causing the sample to contact glass microfibers in such a quantitative proportion as will permit the present histamine to bind to the fibers. The fiber bound amount of histamine may be determined by competitive determination in the presence of labelled histamine on the basis of a standard curve, or may be determined directly by conventional coupling reactions. The method is simple and particularly useful for allergy diagnostics because it exhibits good correlation with known fluorometric methods.

Abstract: An immunoassay process for quantitative analysis of an analyte antigen (or analyte antibody) in an aqueous liquid sample. In the first step, the analyte antigen (or analyte antibody) is allowed to react with an antibody (or antigen) in competition with a known quantity of a labelled antigen (or labelled antibody), the antibody (or antigen) being carried by water-insoluble microparticles in the immobilized state. In the second step, the reaction mixture is spotted on a top porous layer of an integral multi-layered analysis element which includes the top porous layer, an intermediate detection layer and a bottom water-impermeable and transparent support. The top porous layer permeates aqueous solution and has pores sufficiently small to trap all of the microparticles carrying the antibodies (or antigens) bound to the analyte antigen (or analyte antibody) and bound to the labelled antigen (or labelled antibody).

Abstract: A colored compound containing a cationic group and a cellulose reactive group, especially a compound of the formula:A--Y--B IY'--B IIwhereinA is the cationic group;Y is a chromophore;Y' is a cationic chromophoreandB is the reactive group, which is suitable for the preparation of a protein adsorbent or precipitant for use in the separation of mixtures of proteins.

Abstract: In an assay wherein there is produced in an assay sample tracer bound to a soluble binder and unbound tracer, both bound and unbound tracer are separated from the assay sample for separate determination thereof by use of a supported binder for the soluble binder and a supported binder for the tracer. The assay may be effected as a "flow-through assay" by causing the sample to flow through successive chambers containing the supported binders.

Abstract: A method of determining a ligand of interest in a ligand is described. The method, which makes it possible to detect and quantify a ligand in a liquid, makes use of a biotin-avidin system which can be used to carry out immunoassays in both heterogeneous and homogeneous format. The basic components used in the method are a biotin-labeled substance (which is biotin-lableled ligand or biotin-labeled specific binding partner), biotin-labeled fluorophore, a liquid to be analyzed for the ligand of interest, specific binding partner for the ligand of interest and avidin.

Abstract: There are provided magnetic and non-magnetic agarose and agar polyaldehyde beads with diameters ranging from 40 microns up to 1 cm, and processes for the synthesis of such beads. The polyaldehyde compounds e.g. polyacrolein, polymethacrolein or polyglutaraldehyde, were used as microspheres or as powders. The agarose-polyaldehyde beads are capable of covalently binding in a single step, through their aldehyde groups, compounds containing primary amino groups or thiol groups, such as proteins, antibodies, enzymes and drugs. The beads are useful for various biological applications e.g. affinity chromatography, hemoperfusion, ion exchange resins, cell labeling, diagnostic purposes and cell separation.

Abstract: A device is provided for determining the presence of an antigen which comprises a trapping zone, which contains material capable of capturing free flowing enzyme linked antibodies, but not antibodies bound to a transport particle which flows freely through the trapping zone into the substrate zone, and a substrate zone which contains material capable of reacting with enzyme-linked antibodies to produce a reaction which indicates the presence of antibodies. A method of determining the presence of an antigen is provided wherein a sample is mixed with two classes of antibodies which are specific for the antigen being tested for, but which react with different antigen domains, wherein the mixture consists of class one antibodies bound to a transport particle which flows freely through the trapping zone and class two enzyme-linked antibodies which are incapable, unless bound to the transport particles, of flowing freely through the trapping zone.

Abstract: The invention relates to a chromatographic column for separating antigen-antibody complexes from the free antigens not bonded to the antibodies and/or for complete bonding of all marked substances in the immunological determination of antigens or haptens by radio-immunological, luminescence-immunological, fluorescence-immunological or enzyme-immunological determination methods in which a crepe-like tightly rolled filter paper of high degree of purity, in particular of regenerate cellulose, is pressed into a water-proof and water-tight envelope as nonpolar column material. According to the invention the chromatographic upright column comprises an upper reaction portion chargeable from above and a lower separation and measuring portion which are separated from each other by a perforable bottom, the column being fastened from below on the perforable bottom of the column.

Abstract: Competitive immunoassays, which employ idiotypic and antiidiotypic monoclonal antibody reagents, are described. These competitive immunoassays are particularly useful for the detection of low concentrations of analyte for which labeled reference analyte is difficult to obtain in quantity. Antiidiotypic monoclonal antibody reagents serves as a substitute for the labeled reference analyte. The antiidiotypic monoclonal antibody reagent exhibits a congruency of structure with one or more epitopes of the analyte or antigen. The antiidiotypic monoclonal antibody is prepared against an idiotypic monoclonal antibody, which, in turn, was prepared against the antigen or analyte. During the immunoassay, the antiidiotypic monoclonal antibody is allowed to compete with the antigen, whose concentration is being determined, for a limited number of antibody binding sites present on an idiotypic antibody, which was also prepared against the antigen or analyte.

Abstract: Bone marrow or blood containing tumor cells can be freed from the tumor cells by bringing it into contact with an water-insoluble antitumor monoclonal antibody which is prepared according to the enzyme insolubilizing method and thereby combining the tumor cells with the insolublized antibody and destroying the tumor cells along with human serum complement on the insolublized antibody. The thus obtain bone marrow or blood free from tumor cells is used favorably in the autologous-bone-marrow transplantation method for treatment of tumor.

Abstract: A method for performing a diagnostic immunoassay by solid phase separation for digoxin. To a reaction mixture of a test sample and labeled anti-digoxin antibody, which forms a complex of any digoxin present in the test sample, is added a solid phase material having an immobilized ouabain triacetate derivative compound capable of binding any excess labeled antibody. The solid phase material is chosen to rapidly settle whereby a solid and liquid phase is formed. The liquid phase can then be extracted to measure the amount of digoxin-labeled antibody present therein. Ouabain triacetate derivative compounds possess sufficient affinity for anti-digoxin antibodies, and are therefore useful in a solid phase separation based digoxin immunoassay for settling out such antibodies without contributing to undesired background interference.

Abstract: An immunoassay procedure utilizing a formazan-labeled primary antibody to detect the presence of an antigen is disclosed. The formazan-labeled antibody is dissolved in a test fluid suspected to containing the antigen. A dipstick having a first section on which primary antibodies are bonded and a second section free of primary antibodies and antigens and blocked to prevent bonding of primary antibodies and antigens is immersed in the test fluid and removed after a select period of time. A difference in color between the first and second sections indicate the presence of the antigen.

Abstract: An improvement in an assay method which relies on the detection of a labeled, solubilized specific binding complex is achieved by linking the label to a component of the complex through a bond cleavable under conditions compatible with the assay and with the complex in solution.

Abstract: The method of measuring circulating antigens or antibodies by using a ligand labeled specific antigen or ligand labeled specific antibody chemically attached to a soluble matrix or backbone, a differently labeled anti-antigen or anti-antibody and a solid phase anti-ligand directed at the ligand attached to the specific antigen or specific antibody. This is achieved by either one or two analytical schemes:(a) Reacting a patient sample with a ligand labeled specific antigen or a ligand labeled specific antibody in the liquid phase in the presence of a differently labeled specific anti-antigen or labeled specific anti-antibody. This immunological complex is reacted with an immobilized anti-ligand on a solid support which is directed against the ligand attached to the specific antigen or antibody through the liquid matrix. Subsequently the solid phase is washed and checked for the label on the anti-antigen or anti-antibody which is directly proportional to the concentration of specific antigen or antibody.

Abstract: A method for detecting and/or determining an agglomerate formed by the reaction between a specific binding agent and the corresponding acceptor substance according to the general methodology of blot overlay assays by using colloidal metal particles labelled components which may be visualized as a coloured signal at the surface of the blotting medium characteristric for the colloidal metal particles used or quantitatively determined following art-known spectrophotometric procedures such as densitometry.

Abstract: Disclosed are murine-derived hybridoma tumor cell lines and monoclonal anti-thaumatin antibody substances produced by these cell lines. The monoclonal antibody substances may be used alone or in combination in immunological procedures for isolation of thaumatin and for quantitative detection of thaumatin in fluid samples.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for providing an optical detection of a binding reaction between a ligand and an antiligand, including, a pattern formed by a spatial array of microscopic dimensions of antiligand material, ligand material interacting with the antiligand material to produce a binding reaction between the ligand and the antiligand in the pattern, a source of optical radiation including energy at at least one wavelength directed to the pattern at a particular incidence angle to produce scattering of the energy from the pattern in accordance with the binding reaction and with a strong scattering intensity at one or more Bragg scattering angles, and at least one optical detector located relative to the pattern and aligned with a Bragg scattering angle to detect the strong scattering intensity at the Bragg scattering angle to produce a signal representative of the binding reaction.