Patent ID: 6265170
Filing Date: 2001-07-24
Classification: C12Q,Y10T

Abstract:
A method for assaying sequence-specific hybridization, said method comprising:providing a target comprising at least one nucleic acid sequence;providing a probe comprising a nucleic acid or nucleic acid analog sequence;adding said probe and said target to a hybridization medium to provide a test sample;applying a first stimulus to said test sample to provide a first stimulated test sample;detecting a first signal from said first stimulated test sample, wherein said first signal is correlated with a binding affinity between said probe and said target;calibrating said first signal against a first reference signal;determining from said first signal calibrating a first determination of an extent of matching between said probe and said target;applying a second stimulus to said first stimulated test sample to provide a second stimulated test sample;detecting a second signal from said second stimulated test sample, wherein said second signal is correlated with said binding affinity between said probe and said target;calibrating said second signal against a second reference signal;determining from said second signal calibrating a second determination of said extent of matching between said probe and said target;comparing said first determination and said second determination to accomplish said assaying; andquantifying said binding affinity,wherein a fluorophore is provided in said test sample, and wherein: (a) said first stimulus is electrical voltage, said first signal is an electrical property, said second stimulus is exciting radiation and said second signal is fluorescent intensity; or (b) said first stimulus is exciting radiation, said first signal is fluorescent intensity, said second stimulus is electrical voltage and said second signal is an electrical property.