California Institute of Technology

Other

Durrum Instrument Corporation

William J Dreyer

Alan Rembaum

Shiao-Ping S Yen

Leroy E Hood

Michael W Hunkapiller

Anton W Stark

Rodney M Hewick

Charles E Giffin

Heinz G Boettger

Aron Kuppermann

A general method of assay for biological molecules using daylight fluorescent particles. The method described is applicable to assays involving immunological reagents, nucleic acids, hormones and neurotransmitters.

Fluorescent pigments for tagging biological molecules

Use of daylight fluorescent pigments for tagging biological molecules

An improved apparatus and method for the sequential performance of chemical processes on a sample of chemical material wherein the sample is embedded in a solid matrix of fluid permeable material located within a reaction chamber and is sequentially subjected to a plurality of fluids passed through the chamber in a pressurized stream, causing chemical interaction between the sample and the fluids.

Apparatus for the sequential performance of chemical processes

Conversion flask for use is an apparatus for the sequential performance of chemical processes on a sample of chemical material. The flask includes at least three capillary tubes and a large bore tube extending into the interior thereof for the introduction and withdrawal of various fluids. The capillary tubes are constructed to introduce a plurality of fine bubbles into a liquid within the flask to agitate the liquid and accelerate drying, to impinge chemicals on the walls of the flask, and to produce a spray onto the interior walls of the flask in proximity to its upper end to wash down the interior walls of the flask.

Conversion flask for sequential performance apparatus

An improved method for the sequential performance of chemical processes on a sample of chemical material wherein the sample is embedded in a solid matrix of fluid permeable material located within a reaction chamber and is sequentially subjected to a plurality of fluids passed through the chamber in a pressurized stream, causing chemical interaction between the sample and the fluids.

Method for the sequential performance of chemical processes

An automated mass spectrometer analysis system is disclosed, in which samples are automatically processed in a sample processor and converted into volatilizable samples, or their characteristic volatilizable derivatives. Each volatilizable sample is sequentially volatilized and analyzed in a double focusing mass spectrometer, whose output is in the form of separate ion beams all of which are simultaneously focused in a focal plane. Each ion beam is indicative of a different sample component or different fragments of one or more sample components and the beam intensity is related to the relative abundance of the sample component. The system includes an electro-optical ion detector which automatically and simultaneously converts the ion beams, first into electron beams which in turn produce a related image which is transferred to the target of a vilicon unit. The latter converts the images into electrical signals which are supplied to a data processor, whose output is a list of the components of the analyzed sample and their abundances. The system is under the control of a master control unit, which in addition to monitoring and controlling various power sources, controls the automatic operation of the system under expected and some unexpected conditions and further protects various critical parts of the system from damage due to particularly abnormal conditions.

Automated mass spectrometer analysis system

Small, round, bio-compatible microspheres capable of covalently bonding proteins and having a uniform diameter below about 3500 A are prepared by substantially instantaneously initiating polymerization of an aqueous emulsion containing no more than 35% total monomer including an acrylic monomer substituted with a covalently bondable group such as hydroxyl, amino or carboxyl and a minor amount of a cross-linking agent.

Protein specific polymeric immunomicrospheres

Small, round, bio-compatible microspheres capable of covalently bonding proteins and having a uniform diameter below about 3500 A are prepared by substantially instantaneously initiating polymerization of an aqueous emulsion containing no more than 35% total monomer including an acrylic monomer substituted with a covalently bondable group such a hydroxyl, amino or carboxyl and a minor amount of a cross-linking agent.

Preparation of small bio-compatible microspheres

A broad new class of reagents permits extremely sensitive and specific assay for, or chemical separation of, a broad range of biological and nonbiological substances. Each reagent consists of a suspension of microscopic carrier material particles, each particle bearing (1) tracer material - fluorescent, radioactive or otherwise - and (2) a coating of biological homologue, that is, antibody, antigen, or portions or equivalents thereof, for the substance whose assay is desired. The latter substance if introduced into the suspension links the particles together in pairs or clumps, which may be sensitively and accurately detected by monitoring the tracer. The carrier is preferably partially hydrolyzed polyacrylamide resin, or in appropriate applications acrylic acid and other derivatives thereof, and other polymers including agar, and the coupling effected by covalent bonding. Other embodiments, including various mechanical forms of carrier, for greater ease of handling and separation, are also described.

Immunological reagent employing radioactive and other tracers

An automated mass spectrometer analysis system is disclosed, in which samples are automatically processed in a sample processor and converted into volatilizable samples, or their characteristic volatilizable derivatives. Each volatizable sample is sequentially volatilized and analyzed in a double focusing mass spectrometer, whose output is in the form of separate ion beams all of which are simultaneously focused in a focal plane. Each ion beam is indicative of a different sample component or different fragments of one or more sample components and the beam intensity is related to the relative abundance of the sample component. The system includes an electro-optical ion detector which automatically and simultaneously converts the ion beams, first into electron beams which in turn produce a related image which is transferred to the target of a vidicon unit. The latter converts the images into electrical signals which are supplied to a data processor, whose output is a list of the components of the analyzed sample and their abundances. The system is under the control of a master control unit, which in addition to monitoring and controlling various power sources, controls the automatic operation of the system under expected and some unexpected conditions and further protects various critical parts of the system from damage due to particularly abnormal conditions.

A method and apparatus for the sequential degradation of protein or peptide molecules by successive coupling and cleavage reactions. Such molecules are immobilized on a macroporous reaction support surface and placed in a flowthrough reaction chamber which is mounted in a sequencer. In the Edman sequencing technique, reagents driven by pressurized inert gas are passed through the reaction chamber as follows: (a) liquid or vapor coupling reagent, (b) coupling base vapor, (c) washing solvent, (d) inert gas to partially dry the support surface, (e) cleavage reagent vapor to cleave amino acid derivatives from the immobilized coupled protein or peptide chains, (f) liquid extracting solvent to withdraw the cleaved amino acid derivative. An automated sequencer to carry out said method.

Peptide or protein sequencing method and apparatus

Uniformly-shaped, porous, round beads are prepared by the co-polymerization of an acrylic monomer and a cross-linking agent in the presence of 0.05 to 5% by weight of an aqueous soluble polymer such as polyethylene oxide. Cross-linking proceeds at high temperature above about 50.degree. C or at a lower temperature with irradiation. Beads of even shape and even size distribution of less than 2 micron diameter are formed. The beads will find use as adsorbents in chromatography and as markers for studies of cell surface receptors.

Crosslinked, porous, polyacrylate beads

Uniformly-shaped, porous, round beads are prepared by the co-polymerization of an acrylic monomer and a cross-linking agent in the presence of 0.05 to 5% by weight of an aqueous soluble polymer such as polyethylene oxide. Cross-linking proceeds at high temperature above about 50.degree.C or at a lower temperature with irradiation. Beads of even shape and even size distribution of less than 2 micron diameter are formed. The beads will find use as adsorbents in chromatography and as markers for studies of cell surface receptors.

Growing community of inventors

Altadena, CA, United States of America

William J Dreyer