Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 11
Claim 1
Independent Claim
121 words
A method of assaying a ligand in a sample using electrochemical apparatus containing an electrode and components comprising: (a) the sample, (b) a specific binding partner to the ligand, (c) if desired, at least one further reagent selected from ligand analogues (as herein defined) and specific binding partners, and (d) an electron-source or electron-acceptor; at least one of components (b) and, if present, (c) being labelled with an electron-transfer mediator capable of aiding the transfer of electrons from the electron-source to the electrode, or from the electrode to the electron- acceptor, which method includes the step of determining whether, and, if desired, the extent to which, the said transfer of electrons is perturbed by complex formation and/or by controlled external influences.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
121 words
A method of assaying a ligand in a sample using electrochemical apparatus containing an electrode and components comprising: (a) the sample, (b) a specific binding partner to the ligand, (c) if desired, at least one further reagent selected from ligand analogues (as herein defined) and specific binding partners, and (d) an electron-source or electron-acceptor; at least one of components (b) and, if present, (c) being labelled with an electron-transfer mediator capable of aiding the transfer of electrons from the electron-source to the electrode, or from the electrode to the electron- acceptor, which method includes the step of determining whether, and, if desired, the extent to which, the said transfer of electrons is perturbed by complex formation and/or by controlled external influences.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
20 words
A method as claimed in claim 1 wherein component (d) is an oxidoreductase enzyme in co-operation with a substrate therefor.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
29 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 unbound labelled component.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
30 words
A method as claimed in claim 1 wherein one or more of the components (b) and, if present, (c) is/are immobilised on the working electrode or a suitable solid surface.
Claim 6
Independent Claim
21 words
A method as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the electron-transfer mediator comprises ferrocene or a derivative thereof.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
76 words
A method as claimed in claim 5 wherein the electron-transfer mediator comprises a derivative of ferrocene containing one or more side chains of the formula -CHO, -(CH 2 ) n COOH or -(CH 2 ) m NR l R 2 (where n and m are each from 0 to 6 and R and R 2 , which may be the same or different, each represents hydrogen or an alkyl group containing 1 to 4 carbon atoms).
Claim 8
Independent Claim
39 words
A method as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the perturbation in the transfer of electrons is determined from a perturbation in the peak current observed under the application of a preslected potential across the components.
Claim 9
Independent Claim
19 words
A method as claimed in anyone of the preceding claims wherein the ligand is an antigen or an antibody.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
22 words
A kit of reagents and/or apparatus for carrying out a method of assay as claimed in any one of the preceding claims.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
38 words
A kit as claimed in claim 9 which comprises an electrochemical apparatus, containing a working electrode, an auxiliary electrode and optionally a reference electrode and an aqueous assay medium with suitable components present (either in solution or immobilised).