Cell-based assay for the detection of toxic analytes
AssigneeStrategic Diagnostics Inc.
InventorsColin Cooper, Edman Tsang, Robbie Burch, Jay Lewington
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Abstract
Cell-based reagents and methods of using the reagents for detecting analytes are provided. The adsorbing of cells with signal-generating metabolic activity to solid supports has been found to improve the sensitivity of known cell based assays. Signal-generating cells adsorbed to a solid support are introduced to a test agent, and the measured decrease in metabolic signal provides a measure of the toxicity of the test agent.
Claims14
A method of detecting a potentially toxic analyte comprising:
- (a) measuring a signal generated by preparing a test suspension comprising the potentially toxic analyte to be detected with a cellular reagent in the form of a preparation of eukaryotic or prokaryotic cells having signal-generating metabolic activity, wherein said cellular reagent is adsorbed onto a particulate solid-phase carrier having a particle size of 500 μm or less;
- (b) measuring a control signal generated by preparing a control suspension comprising the cellular reagent without the potentially toxic analyte;
- and
- (c) comparing the signals generated in (a) and (b), wherein a decrease in the signal in (a) as compared to (b) indicates detection of the toxic analyte.
A method of preparing to assay a potentially toxic analyte, said method comprising immobilizing or adsorbing onto a particulate solid-phase carrier a preparation of eukaryotic or prokaryotic cells having signal-generating metabolic activity wherein the solid-phase carrier has a particle size of 500 μm or less.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.