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 ▼

[ We claim:] [1.] A method for detecting an analyte in a sample, comprising the steps of:contacting a sample containing a target analyte with a labeled probe to specifically bind the target analyte and form a labeled probe-target complex, wherein the labeled probe comprises a probe attached to an up

[ We claim:] [1.] A method for detecting an analyte in a sample, comprising the steps of:contacting a sample containing a target analyte with a labeled probe to specifically bind the target analyte and form a labeled probe-target complex, wherein the labeled probe comprises a probe attached to an up-converting chelate complex comprising a rare earth ion and a ligand and being capable of converting excitation radiation to emission radiation of a shorter wavelength;separating any bound labeled probe from the labeled probe-target complex;illuminating the labeled probe-target complex with excitation radiation; anddetecting emission radiation of at least one label emission wavelength, wherein the emission radiation has a shorter wavelength than the excitation radiation.