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Rapid and sensitive detection of molecules

  • US 10,000,788 B2
  • Filed: 09/06/2002
  • Issued: 06/19/2018
  • Est. Priority Date: 09/06/2001
  • Status: Active Grant
First Claim
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1. A method for detecting target molecules in a sample, wherein said method comprises the steps of:

  • a. contacting said target molecules with labeling particles at a labeling ratio of less than 100 to form individual target molecule;

    labeling particle complexes, wherein said labeling particles have photonic signaling character,b. concentrating the target molecule;

    labeling particle complexes in a liquid phase in a container comprising an optically transparent detection surface having a longest linear dimension of greater than 1 mm so that the complexes are deposited in a detection zone that is a volume with one face defined by the detection surface and an opposite face spaced from the detection surface by the depth of field of an optical detection system, thereby separating the complexes from unbound labeling particles lying outside of said detection zone, wherein said concentrating comprises either (i) binding said complexes to said detection surface or (ii) applying a selection force to said complexes, wherein said complexes further comprise a selection moiety bound to said target molecule; and

    c. simultaneously optically detecting individual target molecule;

    labeling particle complexes in the detection zone with the optical detection system, thereby detecting said target molecules, wherein said detecting does not entail magnification of more than 5×

    , wherein said labeling particles that do not bind to said targets are not removed from said container prior to said detecting wherein the container comprises a colloidal or soluble substance that absorbs the photonic signal emitted by said labeling particles, and wherein said substance is present at a concentration sufficient to prevent the detection of unbound labeling particles not in said detection zone and sufficient to allow the detection of the labeling particles in the complexes deposited in the detection zone.

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