Phosphatase activated crosslinking, conjugating and reducing agents; methods of using such agents; and reagents comprising phosphatase activated crosslinking and conjugating agents

Abstract

The present invention provides crosslinking, conjugating and reducing agents which are functional with at least one phosphorothioate monoester group (--SPO.sub.3.sup.-2). Crosslinking and conjugation methods as well as solid phase reagents and conjugates which are useful in immunoassays are also provided. Crosslinking and conjugating agents of the invention generally comprise a compound corresponding to the formula (I), shown below, wherein n is at least 1 and Q is a straight or branched monomer, polymer or oligomer having an average molecular weight between about 200 and about 1,000,000. Additionally, when n is 1, Q comprises at least 1 additional reactive functionality. Q--(S--PO.sub.3.sup.-2)n (I) The reducing agents that are provided conform to a compound of the formula (Y), shown below, wherein (A) and (Z) can be independently selected from C.sub.1 -C.sub.5 alkyl and CONH(CH.sub.2).sub.p wherein p is an integer between 1 and 5. ##STR1##

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.