RADIATIVE TRANSFER FLUORESCENCE ASSAY

摘要

A fluorescence assay for determining the presence in a sample of an analyte or binding partner to which the analyte binds specifically and selectively, comprises contacting the sample with a quantity of binding partner or analyte labelled with a first fluorescent material A and with a quantity of binding partner or analyte labelled with a second fluorescent material B, a unit of substance labelled with A and a unit of substance labelled with B both being capable of binding simultaneously to a single particle of analyte of binding partner or being capable of binding to each other, A and B being selected such that B is capable of being stimulated by radiative transfer fluorescence by light emitted from A when suitably stimulated, and B is not significantly stimulated by light which acts to stimulate A; if necessary adding to the sample a quantity of the analyte or binding partner; and monitoring light emitted from B in response to suitable stimulation of A. A preferred combination is the dye Styryl 9(A) and Nd<3+>(B) in the form of Nd:glass particles.