Capillary assays involving separation of free and bound species

Abstract

The present invention concerns methods for masking inhomogeneity of a member of a specific binding pair (sbp) employed in a capillary electroseparation. The method comprises binding the sbp member to synthetic particles that become localized during capillary electroseparation. Also disclosed is one embodiment of the present invention, which is a method for conducting a capillary electroseparation specific binding assay. The method involves the electroseparation of a labeled first member of a specific binding pair that is bound in a complex from labeled first member that is not bound in the complex. The complex comprises the first member and a second member of a specific binding pair. A combination is provided comprising a sample suspected of containing an analyte, a labeled first member of a specific binding pair, and a second member of a specific binding pair under conditions for forming a complex between labeled first member and the second member. The second member either initially or subsequent to the formation of the complex being covalently or noncovalently bound to synthetic particles that migrate uniformly during electroseparation. The combination is subjected to electroseparation and a determination is made as to whether the complex is formed. Also disclosed are kits for conducting a capillary electroseparation specific binding assay.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.