Abstract:
Methods and apparatus for detecting polynucleotide hybridization in luminescence-based assays. The methods may include (1) contacting a sample polynucleotide with a reference polynucleotide at an assay site, where at least one of the polynucleotides is capable of emitting luminescence, (2) illuminating the assay site with light capable of stimulating such luminescence, (3) detecting light transmitted from the assay site, and (4) deriving information relating to the extent of hybridization between the sample and reference polynucleotides based on the detected light. The methods may further include (1) illuminating with and/or detecting polarized light, (2) deriving information relating to the sequence of the sample polynucleotide from the extent of hybridization, and (3) converting the light to a signal and distinguishing between a portion of the signal attributable to luminescence and a portion attributable to background.
Abstract:
The invention provides an integrated sample-processing system and components thereof for preparing and/or analyzing samples. The components may include a transport module, a fluidics module, and an analysis module, among others.
Abstract:
Luminescent metal-ligand complexes and/or complementary energy transfer acceptors for use in luminescence assays. The complexes and/or acceptors may be used in free, reactive, and/or conjugated form, alone or mixed with other compounds. Preferred luminescence assays include luminescence polarization and luminescence resonance energy transfer assays, among others.
Abstract:
Apparatus and methods for measuring light transmitted from a sample. The apparatus may include a stage, a light source, and a detector. The stage may be configured to hold a microplate having a plurality of sample wells. The apparatus may be configured to take measurements of one or more of absorbance, scattering, reflectance and luminescence. The apparatus may permit simultaneous measurements of two or more of these properties.
Abstract:
Assays for detecting the presence and activity of cell-signaling components. These assays include luminescence polarization assays for detecting cell-signaling nucleotides and modulators of receptors and enzymes related to the generation and activity of such nucleotides.
Abstract:
A broad-range light-detection system. In some embodiments, the system includes apparatus and methods for detecting light with high accuracy over a broad range of intensities. In other embodiments, the system includes apparatus and methods for automatically scaling the detection range to improve detection based on the intensity of the detected light. In yet other embodiments, the system includes apparatus and methods for detecting light with increased speed, particularly in applications involving analysis of successive samples.
Abstract:
Improvements in luminescence polarization assays. The improvements may include using confocal optics to increase sensitivity and accuracy, providing additional classes of tracers, providing improved methods to prepare specific luminescent tracers, and/or expanding the scope of assay targets, among others.
Abstract:
Apparatus and methods for identifying and correcting for quenching in luminescence assays using luminescence lifetimes and/or luminescence intensities. One aspect of the invention involves identifying quenching using combinations of luminescence lifetimes and/or intensities. Another aspect of the invention involves correcting for quenching by eliminating false positives or false negatives due to quenching in luminescence assays.