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EP0142301A2 Expired / Lapsed EP ⏱️ 0.0 years remaining

Methods of assay

Assignee: Merck Serono SA
•
Filing: 1984-10-24
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Granted: —
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Expires: 2004-10-24
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Abstract

Abstract @ An electrochemical specific-binding assay of a ligand wherein one of the components is redox-modified by having incorporated into its molecular structure a redox centre, and which includes the step of determining the extent to which an electrochemical characteristic of the components is perturbed by complex formation and/or by controlled external influences. Redox centres are molecules, atoms, groups, ions, radicals etc capable of undergoing reduction and oxidation. A preferred example is ferrocene or its derivatives. The electrochemical apparatus will typically contain a working electrode, which is preferably solid. Components may advantageously be immobilised onto such a solid working electrode. When controlled external influences are employed, these may comprise displacement of non-immobilised electroac- tive components relative to the working electrode. The method is particularly applicable to the assay of antigens, haptens and antibodies. The use of redox centres avoids radioactive labels and provides a simple, rapid, sensitive and specific assay method.

Inventors

  • 👤 Gordon Coulter Forrest
  • 👤 Grenville Arthur Robinson
  • 👤 Hugh Allen Oliver Hill

Bibliographic Details

Application Number —
Jurisdiction EP
Data Source google_patents
Last Synchronized 2026-10-28 05:57
CPC Classifications
G; G01; G01N; G01N33/00; G01N33/48; G01N33/50; G01N33/53; G01N33/543; G01N33/54366; G01N33/54373; G01N33/5438

Claims Analysis

Total Claims: 11
Claim 1
Independent Claim 92 words
A method of assay of a ligand in a sample using an electrochemical apparatus containing components comprising (a) the sample (b) a specific bindin q partner to the ligand, and (c) if desired, at least one reagent selected from ligand analogues and specific binding partners, at least one of the said components other than the sample bein q redox-modified (as herein defined); which method includes the step of determininq whether, and, if desired, the extent to which an electrochemical characteristic of the components is perturbed by complex formation and/or controlled external influences.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim 16 words
A method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the electrochemical apparatus contains a solid working electrode.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim 40 words
A method as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the controlled external influence, when present, comprises displacement of the complex formed relative to the working electrode of the electrochemical apparatus, or removal of the complex from the apparatus.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim 22 words
A method as claimed in claim 2, wherein one of the components other than the sample is immobilised on the working electrode.
Claim 5
Independent Claim 46 words
A method as claimed in any one of claims 1, 2 and 4, wherein the controlled external influence, when present, comprises displacement of excess uncomplexed redox-modified component relative to the working electrode of the electrochemical apparatus, or removal of excess uncomplexed redox-modified component from the apparatus.
Claim 6
Independent Claim 28 words
A method as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the or each redox-modified component contains at least one redox centre formed from ferrocene or a functionalised derivative thereof.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim 36 words
A method as claimed in claim 6, wherein the functionalised derivative of ferrocene contains one or more side chains of the formula -CHO, -(CH2)nCOOH or -(CH2)mNH2 (where n and m are each from 0 to 6).
Claim 8
Independent Claim 27 words
A method as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the electrochemical characteristic is a peak current observed under the application of a preselected potential across the components.
Claim 9
Independent Claim 17 words
A method as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the ligand is an antigen or an antibody.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim 19 words
A kit of reagents and/or apparatus for carrying out a method of assay as claimed in any preceding claim.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim 43 words
A kit of reagents and/or apparatus as claimed in claim 10, which comprises an electrochemical apparatus containing at least one electrode and/or an aqueous assay medium with redox-modified and/or unmodified reagent, the said reagent being in solution or immobilised on the working electrode.

References Cited (Backward Citations)

EP0105714A1 Cited

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