초록 ▼

The invention provides methods, compositions, and apparatus for performing sensitive detection of analytes, such as biological macromolecules and other analytes, by labeling a probe molecule with an up-converting label. The up-converting label absorbs radiation from an illumination source and emits

The invention provides methods, compositions, and apparatus for performing sensitive detection of analytes, such as biological macromolecules and other analytes, by labeling a probe molecule with an up-converting label. The up-converting label absorbs radiation from an illumination source and emits radiation at one or more higher frequencies, providing enhanced signal-to-noise ratio and the essential elimination of background sample autofluorescence. The methods, compositions, and apparatus are suitable for the sensitive detection of multiple analytes and for various clinical and environmental sampling techniques.

대표청구항 ▼

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] An apparatus for performing diagnostics on a sample possibly containing an up-converting inorganic phosphor comprising at least one rare earth element in a host material and characterized by an excitation band in a first range of wavelengths and an emission band in a seco

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] An apparatus for performing diagnostics on a sample possibly containing an up-converting inorganic phosphor comprising at least one rare earth element in a host material and characterized by an excitation band in a first range of wavelengths and an emission band in a second range of wavelengths that are shorter than the wavelengths in the first range, the apparatus comprising:at least one source capable of emitting light in a range of wavelengths that overlaps with at least a portion of the excitation band of the up-converting inorganic phosphor;at least one means for energizing said source;at least one detector capable of detecting light in a range of wavelengths that overlaps with at least a portion of the emission band of the up-converting inorganic phosphor;at least one first means for directing at least a portion of the light emitted by said source to a location at the sample, including light in the first range of wavelengths and excluding light in the second range of wavelengths;at least one second means for directing at least a portion of the light emanating from said location at the sample to said detector, including light in the second range of wavelengths; andwherein said first or second means for directing confocally directs said light.