Macromolecular environment control in specific receptor assays

摘要

Method and compositions are provided for performing protein binding assays involving a homologous pair consisting of ligand and receptor for the ligand. The method employs a label conjugated to a member of said homologous pair and a uniformly dispersed discontinuous phase of discrete particles in a continuous aqueous phase, where the discrete particles create microenvironments which allow for discrimination between the label associated with the particle-in a discontinuous phase-and the label in the continuous phase. Various conjugates and particles are provided which find use in the subject method.