Analyte assay using particulate labels
OwnerYuan Yguerabide, Evangelina E. Yguerabideinventors
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Abstract
Method for specific detection of one or more analytes in a sample. The method includes specifically associating any one or more analytes in the sample with a scattered-light detectable particle, illuminating any particle associated with the analytes with light under conditions which produce scattered light from the particle and in which light scattered from one or more particles can be detected by a human eye with less than 500 times magnification and without electronic amplification. The method also includes detecting the light scattered by any such particles under those conditions as a measure of the presence of the analytes.
Claims48
Method for specific detection of one or more analytes in a sample, comprising the steps of:
- specifically associating any said one or more analytes in said sample with a scattered-light detectable particle,
- illuminating any said particles associated with said analytes with light under conditions which produce scattered light from said particle and in which light scattered from one or more said particles can be detected by a human eye with less than 500 times magnification and without electronic amplification, and
- detecting said light scattered by any said particles under said conditions as a measure of the presence of said one or more analytes.
A population of specifically detectable metal-like light scattering particles formed from at least one light scattering material, said particle comprising at least one additional material on its surface to provide chemical stability and an ability to said particle to bind to an analyte, wherein said population of particles is adapted to sufficient homogeneity in size so that one or more specific light scattering properties of the individual particles in said population are similar from particle to particle.
A specifically detectable light scattering particle reagent formed from at least one light scattering material selected from the group consisting of a metal, a metal compound, a metal oxide, a semiconductor, and a superconductor having a diameter between 1 and 500 nanometers wherein said particle reagent comprises a base molecule adapted to bind to the surface of the particle and adapted to bind to a binding agent, said particle reagent capable of binding to an analyte.
Apparatus for analysis of a solid phase sample, comprising:
- a light source angled such that light is delivered to said sample and the scattered light from any particles bound to said sample can be maximally detected, wherein said apparatus is constructed and arranged such that any said particles associated with said sample can be illuminated with said light under conditions which produce scattered light from said particles and in which light scattered from one or more said particles can be detected by a human eye with less than 500 times magnification and without electronic amplification.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.