HARDENED REAGENT COATINGS, AND PROCESSES FOR THE PREPARATION THEREOF

Abstract: The invention relates to hardened reagent coatings, and processes for the preparation thereof. The reagent coatings are used in so-called "dry-chemical" test agents, which are also known under the name test strips. The reagent coatings have a matrix, based on protein and/or polymer, which are hardened by carboxyl group-activating crosslinking agents, also named hardeners below. The re­ agent coatings according to the invention are so hard that they can be wiped withous suffering damage.

Description: The invention relates to the use of hardened reagent coatings for clinical chemical measurements, and processes for the preparation of the coatings. The reagent coatings are so-called "dry-chemical" test agents, which are also known under the name test strips. The reagent coatings have a matrix, based on protein and/or polymer, which are hardened by carboxyl group-activating crosslinking agents, also named hardeners below. The reagent coatings useful according to the invention are so hard that they can be wiped without suffering damage. When the reagent coatings according to the invention are brought into contact with the sample to be analysed, which is normally a biological liquid (for example blood, plasma, serum or urine), they absorb the sample, during which they swell to a pre-specified checkable extent. In recent years, the introduction of "dry-chemical" test agents, also called test strips, has revolutionized and considerably simplified clinical-chemical measurements. In contrast to the "wet-chemical" methods, in which it is necessary to mix solutions and to measure the colour or flourescence change in sometimes very expensive measuring instruments, it is usually only necessary to bring the sample into contact with the test strip in the "dry-chemical" methods. In some cases, previous dilution of the sample is necessary. The literature is full of examples of "dry-chemical" test agents. In all cases, the reagents and auxiliaries are contained in a carrier matrix. The sample which contains the substance to be determined is applied. A reaction, which generates a measurable signal (for example colour or fluorescence), then occurs within the carrier matrix. A large number of materials are known which are suitable as carrier matrix, such as, for example, filter paper (US Patents 3,092,463; 4,279,993; 4,318,985; 4,361,648; 4,273,868; 4,318,709; 4,190,419; 4,215,157; 4,038,031) or proteins of natural origin (US Patents 3,983,005; 4,042,335; 4,098,594; 4,166,093; 4,274,832; 4,255,384; 4,452,887; 4,340,565). The use of synthetically prepared polymers is also described (US Patents 3,630,957; 4,312,834). The measurement of the blood sugar content in whole blood is particularly important in the treatment of diabetes. If the patient is able to carry out such an analysis himself, he has the opportunity of carrying out his own therapy check, and the drug therapy and also diet can be monitored and adjusted better. It is required of such a test that it is simple to carry out, ie. the sample (for example whole blood) is applied to the test strip and the excess of sample is removed after a pre-specified time by wiping or swabbing. One of the prerequisites that such a test agent must fulfil is that the matrix (reagent coating(s)) may only take up a particular and reproducible amount of sample liquid. In addition, the matrix must be so hard physically that it cannot be damaged by the wiping or swabbing of the sample excess. In the search for a suitable carrier matrix which fulfils these conditions, the starting point was a water-soluble polymer which is hardened by crosslinking substances during the preparation of the reagent coatings. Gelatin, for example, was used as soluble polymer. Most of the known and tested crosslinking agents are unusable for the preparation of reagent coatings. Some react with the indicator dyestuffs and thereby lead to colour changes. Others liberate mineral acids during the reaction or deactivate the enzymes which are necessary for the detection reaction. Still others lead to inflexible coatings or to coatings having inadequate abrasion resistance. Some react too quickly or too slowly or are too unstable in an aqueous environment. Surprisingly, Crosslinking agents have now been found which have the properties required for reagent coatings. The present invention relates to the use of hardened reagent coatings for clinical chemical measurements, having a matrix based on polymer and/or protein, which are hardened using a carboxyl group-activating crosslinking agent. Carboxyl group-activating crosslinking agents are those crosslinking agents which react, in an initial reaction, with carboxyl groups of the polymer or protein functioning as binding agent and thus activate the carboxyl groups. These activated carboxyl groups are capable of further reacting with other functional groups, such as, for example, amino groups, SH groups or hydroxyl groups, of the binding agent, thus causing the crosslinking of the matrix. Suitable binding agents (matrix materials) are proteins and derivatives thereof which naturally contain carboxyl groups which can be activated. Proteins also contain the other functional groups which are necessary for the crosslinking. Gelatin, gelatin derivatives, casein, or also zein, should be mentioned as suitable proteins, gelatin and the derivatives thereof being preferred. Polymers, for example ampholytic polymers, which contain the abovementioned groups are likewise suitable as binding agents (matrix material). The hardened reagent coatings are coating which further contain reagents from the group comprising enzymes, coenzymes, effectors, indicators, substrates, antigens, antibodies, stabilisers, wetting agents and buffers. The crosslinking agent can be added in an amount of 0.2 to 40 % by weight, relative to the weight of the binding agent. Applied is the crosslinking agent by coating with a 0.2 to 5 % strength solution of the crosslinking agent wherein the solution is an alcohlolic, agueous or aqueous-alcoholic solution. Carboxl group-activating crosslinking agents which are suitable for the present invention are carbamoylammonium compounds of the general formula I in which: R₁ denotes an alkyl group, preferably having 1-3 C atoms, an aryl group which is optionally substituted by a C₁ - C₃ alkyl radical or by halogen, for example phenyl which is optionally substituted by methyl, ethyl or propyl, Cl or Br, or denotes an aralkyl group, for example benzyl, which may be substituted in the same fashion as the aryl group, R₂ has the same meaning as R₁ or represents a divalent, optionally substituted alkylene, arylene, aralkylene or alkyl-aryl-alkyl radical, for example an ethylene, propylene, phenylene or xylylene radical, which is bonded to a further carbamoylammonium group of the above general formula via its second bond, or R₁ and R₂, together, form the group of atoms which is necessary for completion of an optionally substituted piperidine, piperazine or morpholine ring, it being possible for the ring to be substituted, for example by an alkyl group having 1-3 C atoms or by halogen, such as Cl or Br, R₃ denotes - NR₄-CO-R₅ R₄ denotes H or alkyl (1-4 C) R₅ denotes H, alkyl (1-4 C) or NR₆R₇, and R₆ and R₇ denote H or alkyl (C₁-C₄) R₃ denotes - (CH₂)m - NR₈R₉ R₈ denotes -CO-R₁₀ R₉ denotes H or alkyl (C₁-C₄) R₁₀ denotes NR₁₁R₁₂ R₁₁ denotes alkyl (C₁-C₄) or aryl R₁₂ denotes H, alkyl or aryl, and m denotes 1-3 R₃ denotes - (CH₂) n - CONR₁₃R₁₄ R₁₃ denotes H, alkyl (C₁-C₄) or aryl R₁₄ denotes H or alkyl (C₁-C₄), or R₁₃ and R₁₄ together form the group of atoms which is necessary for completion of a 5- or 6-membered aliphatic ring and n denotes 0-3 R₃ denotes R₁₅ denotes H or alkyl (C₁-C₄) which is optionally substituted by halogen Y denotes -O- or -NR₁₇-, R₁₆ denotes H, alkyl or -CO-R₁₈ or -CO-NHR₁₉ R₁₇, R₁₈ and R₁₉ denote H or alkyl (C₁-C₄) and p denotes 2-3 Z denotes the C atoms which are necessary for completion of a 5- or 6-membered aromatic heterocyclic ring, optionally with fused benzene ring, and X ⊖ denotes an acid anion. Carbamoylammonium compound of the general formula II in which R₁ and R₂ have the meaning stated in the case of the carbamoylammonium compounds of the formula I and R₂₀ represents methylene, ethylene, propylene or a single chemical bond, R₂₁ represents hydrogen, methyl or ethyl, X ⊖ represents an acid anion, such as halogen ⊖ , BF₄ ⊖ , NO₃ ⊖ , SO₄ ⊖ , ClO₄ ⊖ or CH₃OSO₃ ⊖ , and Me ⊕ represents an alkali metal cation, should be mentioned as being preferred. Compounds of the general formula III and IV are furthermore suitable as crosslinking agents. In the compounds of the formula III R₁ and R₂ (which may be identical or different) in each case denote an alkyl group having 1 to 10 carbon atoms (for example methyl, ethyl, 2-ethylhexyl ), an aryl group having 6 to 15 carbon atoms (for example phenyl, naphthyl ), or an aralkyl group having 7 to 15 carbon atoms (for example benzyl, phenethyl ), or they may be combined with one another to form a heterocyclic ring together with the nitrogen atom (for example a pyrrolidine ring, a piperazine ring, a morpholine ring ); R₃ denotes a hydrogen atom, a halogen atom, a carbamoyl group, a sulpho group, a halogen atom, a carbamoyl group, a sulpho group, a ureido group, an alkoxy group having 1 to 10 carbon atoms, an alkyl group having 1 to 10 carbon atoms etc. When R₃ represents an alkyl or an alkoxy group, as described above, these groups may in each case be further substituted by a halogen atom, a carbamoyl group, a sulpho group, a ureido group etc. In the above formula, X⁻ represents an anion and acts as counterion for the N-carbamoylpyridinium ion with formation of a salt, or it may be absent therein when R₃ contains a sulpho group as component, and an intramolecular salt is thus formed. Suitable examples of an anion represented by X⁻ comprise halide ions, the sulphonic acid ion, sulphonate ion, ClO₄⁻, BF₄⁻, PF₆⁻ , and also carbamoyloxoammonium compounds of the formula IV in which R₁, R₂, R₃ and X⁻ have the same meanings as stated in the formula III. In the crosslinking agents of the formula V R₁, R₂, R₃ and R₄ (which may be identical or different) in each case denote an alkyl group having 1 to 20 carbon atoms (for example methyl, ethyl, butyl, 2-ethylhexyl, dodecyl ), an aralkyl group having 6 to 20 carbon atoms (for example phenyl, phenethyl, 3-pyridylmethyl ), or an aryl group having 5 to 20 carbon atoms (for example phenyl, naphthyl, pyridyl, ). These groups may in each case contain a substituent group (for example a halogen atom, a sulpho group, an alkoxy group having 1 to 20 carbon atoms, an alkoxy group having 6 to 20 carbon atoms, an N,N-disubstituted carbamoyl group ). It is also possible that any two groups, selected from R₁, R₂, R₃ and R₄, are combined with one another to form a ring. For example, it is possible that R₁ and R₂ or R₃ and R₄ are combined with one another to form a ring together with a nitrogen atom. Specific examples of a ring formed in such a case comprise a pyrrolidine ring, a piperazine ring, a perhydroazepine ring, a morpholine ring, etc. In another case, R₁, and R₃ or R₂ and R₄ are combined with one another to form a ring together with two nitrogen atoms, and a carbon atom located between them. Specific examples of a ring formed in such a fashion comprise an imidazoline ring, a tetrahydropyrimidine ring, a tetrahydrodiazepine ring etc. In the formula V, X denotes a group which can be cleaved off from the compound of the formula V by reaction with a nucleophilic reagent, suitable examples comprising a halogen atom, a sulphonyloxy group, a 1-pyridiniumyl group . In the above formula V, Y⁻ denotes an anion, suitable examples comprising a halide ion, a sulphonate ion, a sulphuric acid ion, ClO₄⁻, BF₄⁻, PF₆⁻ . When any one of R₁, R₂, R₃ and R₄ has a sulpho group, a crosslinking agent of the formula V can form an intramolecular salt without independent counterion, which is represented by Y⁻. In the carbodiimides of the formula VI R₁ - N = C = N - R₂ which are suitable as crosslinking agents, R₁ denotes an alkyl group having 1 to 10 carbon atoms (for example methyl, ethyl, 2-ethylhexyl ), a cycloalkyl group having 5 to 8 carbon atoms (for example cyclohexyl ), an alkoxyalkyl group having 3 to 10 carbon atoms (for example methoxyethyl ), or an aralkyl group having 7 to 15 carbon atoms (for example benzyl, phenethyl ). In the above formula VI, R₂ is favourably a group of the following formula in addition to the groups defined as R₁: in which R₃ represents an alkylene group having 2 to 4 carbon atoms (for example ethylene, propylene, trimethylene ): and R₄ and R₄ (which may be identical or different) in each case denote an alkyl group having 1 to 6 carbon atoms (for example methyl, ethyl, .), or it is also favourable when they are combined with one another to form a heterocyclic ring together with a nitrogen atom (for example pyrrolidine, piperazine, morpholine ). In the above formula, R₆ denotes an alkyl group having 1 to 6 carbon atoms (for example methyl, ethyl, butyl .), which is preferably substituted by a certain substituent. Suitable examples of such substituents comprise unsubstituted and substituted carbamoyl groups and the sulpho group. X⁻ denotes an anion, suitable examples comprising halide ions, sulphonate ions, sulphuric acid ions, ClO₄⁻, BF₄⁻, PF₆⁻ . When the hardener of the formula V forms an intramolecular salt, the counteranion represented by X is not necessary. In the halogenopyridinium compounds of the formula VII R₁ denotes an alkyl group having 1 to 10 carbon atoms (for example methyl, ethyl, butyl ), an aryl group having 6 to 15 carbon atoms (for example phenyl, naphthyl ), or an aralkyl group having 7 to 15 carbon atoms (for example benzyl, phenethyl, ). These groups may in each case be substituted by any substituent. Suitable examples of such substituents comprise a carbamoyl group, a sulphamoyl group, a sulpho group, etc. In the formula VII, R₂ and R₃ (which may be identical or different) in each case represent a hydrogen atom a halogen atom, an acylamido group, a nitro group, a carbamoyl group, a ureido group, an alkoxy group, an alkyl group, an alkenyl group, an aryl group, an aralkyl group . In addition, it is also favourable when R₂ and R₃ are combined with one another to form a condensed ring together with the pyridinium ring structure. In the formula VII, X denotes a group which is cleaved off from the compound represented by the formula VII by reaction with a nucleophilic reagent, preferred examples being halogen atoms, the sulphonyloxy group, or groups represented by in which R₄ represents an alkyl group or an aryl group. When X is a sulphonyloxy group, it is also favourable for X to be bonded to R₁. In the formula VII, Y⁻ represents an anion, preferred examples comprising halide ions, sulphonate ions, sulphuric acid ions, ClO₄⁻, BF₄⁻, PF₆⁻ . However, Y⁻ may be absent when R₁ is a sulphosubstituted group, whereby the compound forms an intramolecular salt. In the sulphonylaminopiperidinium salts of the formula VIII R₁ and R₂ have the same meanings as defined for R₁ and R₂ in the formula III, and R₃ denotes an alkyl group having 1 to 10 carbon atoms (for example methyl, ethyl, butyl, ), an aryl group having 6 to 15 carbon atoms (for example phenyl, naphthyl, ), or an aralkyl group having 7 to 15 carbon atoms (for example benzyl, phenylethyl, ). X⁻ denotes an anion, preferred examples comprising halide ions; sulphonate ions, sulphuric acid ions, ClO₄⁻, BF₄⁻, PF₆⁻. In addition to the hardeners represented by the above formulae I to VIII, compounds, described in JP-OS (Japanese Published Specifications) 38,540/75, 93,470/77, 43,353/81 and 113,929/83 and in US Patent Specification 3,321,313, are also advantageously used as hardeners of the carboxyl group-activating type. Specific examples of hardeners of the type described above which can particularly advantageously be used are illustrated below with reference to examples, but without representing a limitation. a) Compounds of the formulae I-III The compounds can be produced in a simple fashion which is known from the literature. The carbamoyl chlorides, which are then reacted with aromatic, heterocyclic nitrogen-containing compounds in the dark, are prepared from the secondary amines, for example using phosgene. The preparation of compound 3 is described in Chemischen Berichten 40, (1907), page 1831. Further information on the synthesis is also located in JP-OS (Japanese Published Specification) 51,945/74 and JP-OS (Japanese Published Specification) 59,625/76. b) Compounds of the formula IV c) Compounds of the formula V Methods for the synthesis of these compounds are described in more detail in Chemistry Letters (The Chemical Society of Japan), page 1891-1894 (1982). d) Compounds of the formula VI Methods for the synthesis of these compounds are described in more detail in JP-OS (Japanese Published Specifications) 126,125/76 and 48,311/77. e) Compounds of the formula VII Methods for the synthesis of these compounds are described in more detail in JP-OS (Japanese Published Specifications) 44,140/82 and 46,538/82, and in Japanese Patent Specification 50,669/83. f) Methods of the formula VIII Method for the synthesis of these compounds are described in more detail in JP-OS (Japanese Published Specification) 54,427/77. g) Compounds, described in JP-OS (Japanese Published Specification) 38,540/75 h) Compounds, described in JP-OS (Japanese Published Specification) 93,470/77 i) Compounds, described in JP-OS (Japanese Published Specification) 43,353/81 j) Compounds, described in JP-OS (Japanese Published Specification) 113,929/83 k) Compounds described in US Patent Specification 3,321,313 The synthesis of the crosslinking agents is described in the following examples, with the example of some of the compounds mentioned. Example 1 (Compound 6) Phenyl-methyl-carbamoyl chloride 49.5 g of phosgene are passed carefully into 400 cm³ of absolute toluene with cooling (22-25°C). A solution of 107 g of distilled N-methylaniline in 450 cm³ of absolute toluene is added dropwise to this solution with vigorous stirring. The mixture is subsequently heated at 80-90°C for half an hour and cooled, and the precipitated hydrochloride is filtered off under suction. The toluene solution is finally evaporated to dryness in vacuo with exclusion of moisture. The residue crystallizes on cooling. Yield: 81 g, melting point 85°C. Compound 6: 33.9 g of phenyl-methyl-carbamoyl chloride are stirred into 400 cm³ of absolute pyridine in a darkened room with exclusion of moisture. The carbamoylpyridinium chloride formed precipitates after 3 hours. After addition of an equal amount of ether, the crystals are filtered off under suction. Taken up in a little absolute ethanol and again precipitated using ether. The compound is filtered off under suction, washed well with ether and dried in a desiccator. Yield: 41 g Melting point 108-110°C. Example 2 (Compound 15 Compound 15, corresponding to poly-4-vinyl-NN-dimethylcarbamoylpyridinium chloride, is prepared as follows: 10.5 g of poly-4-vinyl-pyridine (molecular weight 10,000) are dissolved in 150 ml of absolute ethanol, and 10.8 g of diemthylcarbamoyl chloride are added with vigorous stirring. The mixture is stirred at room temperature for 5 hours, and concentrated in vacuo. The mixture is passed under stirring, into ether, and the precipitated product is filtered off under suction. It is washed well with ether. The compound is dried in a desiccator. Yield: 18 g. Example 3 (Compound 30) 1/20 mol of morpholinocarbonyl chloride are added, with stirring, to a solution of 1/20 mol of 3-acetaminopyridine in 60 ml of chloroform. The mixture is stirred for a further 2 hours at 50°C with exclusion of moisture. The chloroform is then removed in vacuo and the highly-viscous residue is triturated with a little absolute acetone. The crystalline product is filtered off under suction and washed with a little absolute ether. The product is then dried in a desiccator. Yield: 10 g Melting point 118-123°C. Example 4 (Compound 41) 15.9 g of pyridinesulphonic acid are slurried in 200 ml of absolute dimethylformamide. A solution of 2.6 g of sodium in 150 ml of methanol is added dropwise to this (pH 7). The solution is filtered, and 13 g of N,N-dimethylcarbamoyl chloride are added. The mixture then remains standing at room temperature overnight. The reaction product precipitates after addition of 400 ml of ether. It is filtered off under suction and washed thoroughly with ether. Yield: 19.5 g Decomposition point: 250°C Example 5 (Compound 44) 18 g of the sodium salt of pyridine-3-sulphonic acid are dissolved in a mixture of 1000 ml of dimethylformamide (dry) and 100 ml of methanol, and 15 g of piperidinocarbonyl chloride are added. The mixture remains standing overnight and the reaction product is precipitated using 200 ml of ether. It is filtered off under suction and washed with ether. Yield: 13 g Decomposition point= above 250°C. Example 6 (Compound 45) 15.9 g of pyridine-3-sulphonic acid are dissolved in 200 ml of absolute dimethylformamide, and a solution of 2.6 g of sodium in 150 ml of absolute methanol is added dropwise (at pH 7). The solution obtained was separated from a small amount of insoluble components by filtration, and then reacted with 18.9 g of morpholinylcarbonyl chloride. The mixture remained standing at room temperature for 24 hours. The reaction product was partly precipitated. The yield was improved by addition of absolute ether. The residue is filtered off under suction and washed with absolute ether. Yield: 18 g Melting point: 236-237°C Example 7 (Compound 46) Preparation of compound 46: 18.2 g of the sodium salt of pyridine-3-sulphonic acid are dissolved in a mixture of 100 ml of methanol and 100 ml of dimethylformamide. 18.5 g of N-methyl-N-methylphenylcarbonyl chloride are added to the mixture. After standing for 3 days, few crystals precipitate. They are filtered off under suction and washed with ether. Yield: 3 g Melting point : above 300°C. Example 8 (Compound 55) 18.9 g of the sodium salt of pyridine-4-ethanesulphonic acid are dissolved in a solution of 400 ml of dimethylformamide (dry) and 400 ml of methanol (dry). 15 g of morpholinylcarbonyl chloride are added to this. After standing overnight, the reaction product is precipitated using 1.3 litres of ether. The crystals are filtered off under suction and washed with ether. Yield: 22 g Melting point: 152-153°C. Analysis: Calc.: Found: C 40.1 % 39.6 % H 4.5 % 4.7 % Cl 9.9 % 10.1 % N 7.8 % 7.2 % S 8.9 % 9.3 % Na 6.4 % 6.2 % The odour threshold of pyridine is around 0.0004 mg/m³ of air, so the perceptibility of pyridine using the sense of smell starts at very low quantities. Compared to this, the maximum workplace concentration for pyridine, its MWC, is considerably higher, namely at 15 mg/m³. The smell test is therefore a thoroughly suitable means for determining very low pyridine concentrations at the workplace. The workplace concentration of pyridine must not exceed the limit 15 mg/m³ of air (Reichhard, Lösungsmitteleffekte in der organischen Chemie [Effects of Solvents in Organic Chemistry], Verlag Chemie, page 172). The compounds used as hardening agents according to the present invention are odourless, since they are fixed in the coating. This can be seen in a simple fashion by evaporating about 1 ml of a 5 % strength aqueous solution of a compound to dryness and checking this process by smell tests to a pyridine-like odour. When used for hardening reagent coatings corresponding to the present processes, the compound is subjected to similar conditions. The fact that the sulphonic acid group-containing carbanoylonium compound described here prove virtually odourless under the conditions mentioned also means that they can be processed without danger of exceeding the maximum workplace concentration. The compounds used in the fashion according to the invention are expediently added, preferably in the form of aqueous or alcoholic solutions, to the reagent coatings to be hardened immediately before pouring. The addition just before pouring is necessary since the compounds react very quickly with gelatin or the other proteins conventionally used in diagnostic chemistry. After the compounds have been added, the pouring solutions should be poured within a few minutes. The rate at which the hardening reaction proceeds depends primarily on the concentration of the proteins in the pouring solution. In contrast to the derivatives of unsubstituted or lower alkyl radical-substituted pyridine, which cause a considerable exposure to odour on pouring and during drying, the compounds according to the invention crosslink the gelatin without emission of gaseous products. The MWC values (also called threshold limit values in the USA) indicate the maximum workplace concentration, of a gaseous-vaporous or dusty material in the air of a workroom, which does not impair the health of those employed in the workroom during a daily working period of 8 hours, even on action over years. A further possibility for using the compounds is first to pour the non-hardened pouring solutions and then to coat the coatings thus produced with a solution of the hardening compounds. Apart from gelatin, gelatin derivatives, proteins and protein derivatives, the coatings may contain water-soluble highly polymeric compounds, particularly polyvinyl alcohol, sodium polyacrylate and other carboxyl group-containing homo- or copolymers, furthermore polyvinylpyrrolidone, polyacrylamide or high molecular weight natural substances, such as dextrans, dextrins, starch ether, alginic acid or alginic acid derivatives. The concentrations to be used of the hardening agents according to the invention may vary within broad limits and essentially depend on the hardening compound used. Amounts from 0.1 - 10 % by weight and preferably 0.2 - 6 % by weight, relative to the dry weight of binding agent, produce good results. As stated above, the hardening reaction between the compounds of the invention and the gelatin or the proteins commences immediately, so that the optimum degree of hardening is achieved approximately simultaneously with the drying of the coatings subsequent to the pouring or their processing. The action of the hardening compounds is determined with the aid of the melting point of the coatings, which can be determined in the following fashion: Half of the coating, poured on a substrate, is dipped in water which is continuously warmed to 100°C. The temperature at which the coating runs off the substrate (streak formation) is designated as melting point or melt-off point. The melting point of pure protein or gelatin coatings without hardening agents is not increased in any case according to this measurement method. Under these conditions, the melt-off point is at 30-35°C. The compounds according to the invention react rapidly with proteins in a surprising fashion and thus make it possible to harden protein-containing materials to an optimum degree in a very short time. This unexpected action of the compound is of particular importance for the hardening of diagnostic materials which contain proteins or protein derivatives as binding agents. The desired degree of hardening can be set, in an easily checkable fashion, virtually during the preparation of the materials without relatively long storage times and without the uncertainties which go along with these of uncontrollable post-hardening needing to be accepted. Example 9 A 10 % strength casein solution is prepared in water by adding sodium hydroxide solution. 0.1 g of tartrazine is added to 100 ml of solution as filter dyestuff. Before pouring, various samples of the solution of 3 % by weight of each of the compounds 22, 19, 20, 21, 24, 25, 30, 31, 37, 41, 44, 45, 50, 52, 53, 55 and 56, dissolved in water, are added at a pH of 7. The mixtures are poured onto glass plates, and hardened filter foils, which no longer dissolve in alkaline water, are obtained after drying.

Claims: Use of a hardened dry chemical reagent coatings for clinical chemical measurements having a matrix based on protein and/or polymer, characterized in that the matrix is hardened using a carboxyl group-activating crosslinking agent. Use according to Claim 1 wherein the hardened reagent coatings were hardened using a carboxyl group-activating crosslinking agent from the group comprising a) carbamoyl compounds of the general formula I in which: R₁ denotes an alkyl group, preferably having 1-3 C atoms, an aryl group which is optionally substituted by a C₁-C₃ alkyl radical or by halogen, for example phenyl which is optionally substituted by methyl, ethyl or propyl, Cl or Br, or denotes an aralkyl group, for example benzyl, which may be substituted in the same fashion as the aryl group, R₂ has the same meaning as R₁ or represents a divalent, optionally substituted alkylene, arylene, aralkylene or alkyl-aryl-alkyl radical, for example an ethylene-propylene, phenylene or xylylene radical, which is bonded to a further carbamoylammonium group of the above general formula via its second bond, or R₁ and R₂, together, form the group of atoms which is necessary for completion of an optionally substituted piperidine, piperazine or morpholine ring, it being possible for the ring to be substituted, for example by an alkyl group having 1-3 C atoms or by halogen, such as Cl or Br, R₃ denotes -NR₄-CO-R₅ R₄ denotes H or alkyl (1-4 C) R₅ denotes H, alkyl (1-4 C) or NR₆R₇, and R₆ and R₇ denote H or alkyl (C₁-C₄) R₃ denotes -(CH₂) m -NR₈R₉ R₈ denotes -CO-R₁₀ R₉ denotes H or alkyl (C₁-C₄) R₁₀ denotes NR₁₁R₁₂ R₁₁ denotes alkyl (C₁-C₄) or aryl R₁₂ denotes H, alkyl or aryl, and m denotes 1-3 R₃ denotes -(CH₂) n -CONR₁₃R₁₄ R₁₃ denotes H, alkyl (C₁-C₄) or aryl R₁₄ denotes H or alkyl (C₁-C₄), or R₁₃ and R₁₄ together form the group of atoms which is necessary for completion of a 5- or 6-membered aliphatic ring and n denotes 0-3 R₃ denotes R₁₅ denotes H or alkyl (C₁-C₄) which is optionally substituted by halogen Y denotes -O- or -NR₁₇-, R₁₆ denotes H, alkyl or -CO-R₁₈ or -CO-NHR₁₉ R₁₇, R₁₈ and R₁₉ denote H or alkyl (C₁-C₄) and p denotes 2-3 Z denotes the C atoms which are necessary for completion of a 5- or 6-membered aromatic heterocyclic ring, optionally with fused benzene ring, and X⁻ denotes an acid anion, or b) carbamoylammonium compound of the general formula II in which R₁ and R₂ have the meaning stated in the case of the carbamoyl compounds of the formula I, and R₂₀ represents methylene, ethylene, propylene, or a single chemical bond, R₂₁ represents hydrogen, methyl or ethyl, X ⊖ represents an acid anion, such as halogen⁻, BF₄ ⊖ , NO₃ ⊖ , SO₄ ⊖ , ClO₄ ⊖ or CH₃OSO₃ ⊖ and Me⁺ represents an alkali metal cation, or c) carbamoylammonium compound of the general formula III in which R₁ and R₂ (which may be identical or different) in each case denote an alkyl group having 1 to 10 carbon atoms an aryl group having 6 to 15 carbon atoms or an aralkyl group having 7 to 15 carbon atoms (for example benzyl, phenethyl ), or they may be combined with one another to form a heterocyclic ring together with the nitrogen atom; R₃ denotes a hydrogen atom, a halogen atom, a carbamoyl group, a sulpho group, a halogen atom, a carbamoyl group, a sulpho group, a ureido group, an alkoxy group having 1 to 10 carbon atoms or an alkyl group having 1 to 10 carbon atoms, or, when R₃ represents an alkyl or an alkoxy group, as described above, these groups may in each case be further substituted by a halogen atom, a carbamoyl group, a sulpho group or a ureido group; X⁻, in the formula III, represents an anion and acts as a counterion for the N-carbamoyl-pyridinium ion with formation of a salt, or it can be absent therein when R₃ contains a sulpho group as component, and an intramolecular salt is thus formed, or d) carbamoyloxoammonium compounds of the formula IV in which R₁, R₂, R₃ and X⁻ have the same meanings as stated in the formula III, or e) compounds of the formula V in which R₁, R₂, R₃ and R₄ (which may be identical or different) in each case denote an alkyl group having 1 to 20 carbon atoms, an aralkyl group having 6 to 20 carbon atoms, or an aryl group having 5 to 20 carbon atoms, it being possible for these groups to be further substituted, or two groups, selected from R₁, R₂, R₃ and R₄, are combined with one another to form a ring, X denotes a group which can be cleaved off from the compound of the formula V by reaction with a nucleophilic reagent, suitable examples comprising a halogen atom, a sulphonyloxy group and a 1-pyridiniumyl group, Y⁻ denotes an anion, suitable examples comprising a halide ion, a sulphonate ion, a sulphuric acid ion, ClO₄⁻, BF₄⁻ and PF₆⁻, or f) compounds of the formula VI R₁-N=C=N-R₂ VI in which R₁ denotes an alkyl group having 1 to 10 carbon atoms, a cycloalkyl group having 5 to 8 carbon atoms, an alkoxyalkyl group having 3 to 10 carbon atoms, or an aralkyl group having 7 to 15 carbon atoms, or R₂, additionally to the groups defined as R₁, represents a group of the following formula: in which R₃ represents an alkylene group having 2 to 4 carbon atoms; and R₄ and R₅ (which may be identical or different) in each case denote an alkyl group having 1 to 6 carbon atoms, or it is also favourable when they are combined with one another to form a heterocyclic ring together with a nitrogen atom, R₆ denotes an alkyl group having 1 to 6 carbon atoms, which is preferably substituted by a substituent from the group comprising the unsubstituted and substituted carbamoyl groups or the supho group, X⁻ denotes an anion, such as halide ions, sulphonate ions, sulphuric acid ions, ClO₄⁻, BF₄⁻ and PF₆⁻, or g) halogenopyridinium compounds of the formula VII in which R₁ denotes an alkyl group having 1 to 10 carbon atoms, an aryl group having 6 to 15 carbon atoms, or an aralkyl group having 7 to 15 carbon atoms, which may in each case be substituted, R₂ and R₃ (which may be identical or different) denote a hydrogen atom, a halogen atom, an acylamido group, a nitro group, a carbamoyl group, a ureido group, an alkoxy group, an alkyl group, an alkenyl group, an aryl group, an aralkyl group or an aryl group, or R₂ and R₃ are combined with one another to form a condensed ring together with the pyridinium ring structure. X denotes a group which is cleaved off from the compound represented by the formula VII by reaction with a nucleophilic reagent, such as, for example, halogen atoms, the sulphonyloxy group, or groups which are represented by in which R₄ represents an alkyl group or an aryl group, and Y⁻ represents an anion, such as halide ions, sulphonate ions, sulphuric acid ions, ClO₄⁻, BF₄⁻, PF₆⁻ or h) sulphonylaminopiperidinum salts of the formula VIII in which R₁ and R₂ have the same meanings as defined for R₁ and R₂ in the formula I, and R₃ denotes an alkyl group having 1 to 10 carbon atoms, an aryl group having 6 to 15 carbon atoms or an aralkyl group having 7 to 15 carbon atoms, and X⁻ denotes an anion, such as halide ions, sulphonate ions, sulphuric acid ions, ClO₄⁻, BF₄⁻, PF₆⁻. Use according to claim 1 and 2 wherein the hardened reagent coatings contain gelatin, gelatin derivatives, casein and/or zein as binding agent. Use according to any of Claims 1 - 3 wherein the hardened reagent coatings are coatings, in which the amount of crosslinking agent is 0.2 to 40 % by weight, relative to the weight of the binding agent. Use according to any of Claims 1 - 4 wherein the hardened reagent coatings are coatings containing reagents from the group comprising enzymes, coenzymes, effectors, indicators, substrates, antigens, antibodies, stabilizers, wetting agents and buffers. Process for the preparation of hardened reagent coatings to be used according to Claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the crosslinking agent is added to a pouring solution which contains a binding agent, and the resulting solution is poured to form a coating and is subsequently dried. Process for the preparation of hardened reagent coatings to be used according to Claims 1 to 5, characterized in that a) a pouring solution which contains a biding agent is poured to form a binding-agent coating, and b) the crosslinking agent, in the form of a solution, is subsequently brought into contact with the binding-agent coating in order to effect the hardening. Process according to Claim 7, characterized in that the binding agent coating is coated with a 0.2 to 5 % strength solution of the crosslinking agent. Process, according to Claims 7 to 9, in which the crosslinking agent is used as an alcoholic, aqueous or aqueous-alcoholic solution.

Inventors: HIMMELMANN, WOLFGANG, DR., OOSTA, GARY, DR., RIEBEL, ALEXANDER, DR., SCHRANZ, KARL, DR., SOBEL, JOHANNES, DR., WHITE, WILLIAM, DR.
Applicants: MILES INC.
Application year: 1987
Main classification: G01N33
IPC codes: G01N33, C08H1