METHODS FOR MULTIPLE TARGET ANALYSES THROUGH NUCLEIC ACID HYBRIDIZATION

摘要

This invention provides for technical improvements for conducting nucleic acid hybridization assays. The improvements are designed to provide for a multiple target mode of conducting hybridization assays wherein a multiplicity of different nucleic acid probes for the site-specific capture of target nucleic acids are conjugated to specific locations upon a single dipstick or device. The use of a dipstick has substantial mechanical advantages over prior art formats for nucleic acid hybridizations. The dipsticks are composed of a handle, a nonporous support coated with a solid surface having at least one discrete region of nucleic acids covalently bound thereto. The improvements also provide means for covalently attaching nucleic acids to solid supports, improved hybridization buffers, improved support surfaces, methods for reducing nonspecific background and methods for quantifying assay results.