Patent EA-001198-B1 (EA)
Title: Multi-array, multi-specific electrochemiluminescence testing
Inventor: WOHLSTADLER JACOB
IPC: C12Q1/68
Filed: 1996-03-06
Abstract: 1. An apparatus for use in the detection of an analyte by electrochemiluminescence comprising an electrode and a counterelectrode, one of which having a binding domain immobilized on a surface containing a predetermined amount of a reagent capable of binding a component of a binding electrochemiluminescence assay. 2. An apparatus as recited in claim 1 wherein said electrode is comprised of a porous material. 3. An apparatus for use in the detection of an analyte by electrochemiluminescence comprising an electrode and a counterelectrode wherein one side of said electrodes having a plurality of discrete binding domains each containing a predetermined amount of a reagent capable of binding a component of a binding electrochemi luminescence assay. 4. An apparatus for use in the detection of an analyte by electrochemiluminescence comprising (a) an electrode, (b) a support having immobilized thereon a plurality of discrete binding domains each containing a predetermined amount of a reagent capable of binding a component of a binding electrochemiluminescence assay, (c) a counterelectrode, (d) means for sample delivery to said binding domains, (e) means for triggering electrochemiluminescence, and (f) means for electrochemiluminescence detection. 5. An apparatus as recited in claim 4 wherein said plurality of domains are in electrochemical contact with said electrode. 6. An apparatus as recited in claim 4 wherein said electrode is porous. 7. An apparatus as recited in claim 6 wherein said electrode is comprised of a carbonaceous material. 8. An apparatus as recited in claim 4 wherein said electrode is comprised of fibrils. 9. An apparatus as recited in claim 4 wherein said electrochemiluminescence detection means detects electrochemiluminescence from one or more of said discrete binding domains. 10. An apparatus as recited in claim 4 wherein said support is a porous matrix. 11. An apparatus as recited in claim 4 wherein said support is a porous matrix and said electrode is porous. 12. An apparatus as recited in claim 4 wherein said support is a porous matrix, said matrix being positioned between said electrode and counterelectrode. 13. An apparatus for use in the detection of an analyte by electrochemiluminescence comprising a plurality of discrete binding domains on a support comprising a porous material each of said domains having a relative spatial organization with respect to one another and each having a different binding specificity for an analyte of interest in an electrochemiluminescence assay. 14. An apparatus as recited in claim 13 wherein said porous material comprises carbon. 15. An apparatus as recited in claim 45 wherein said porous material comprises fibrils. 16. A method for detecting or measuring an analyte in an electrochemiluminescence binding assay comprising  (a) contacting a plurality of discrete binding domains immobilized on a surface of one or more supports with a sample containing a plurality of analytes and a component of said assay linked to an electrochemiluminescence label; (b) applying a voltage waveform effective to trigger electrochemiluminescence at one or more of said domains in the presence of a reaction medium suitable for conducting an electrochemiluminescence assay; (c) detecting or measuring electrochemiluminescence from said plurality of domains. 17. A kit for use in performance of a plurality of electrochemiluminescence assays for a plurality of analytes of interest comprising: (a) a support comprising a plurality of discrete binding domains, said binding domains and having different binding specificities for a plurality of different analytes of interest in an electrochemiluminescence assay; and (b) a vessel containing a reagent necessary for the conduct of said assays. 18. A kit as recited in claim 17 further including an apparatus for performing said assays. 19. A kit as recited in claim 18 further containing one or more vessels containing non-binding components for a plurality of electrochemiluminescence assays. 20. A cassette comprising: (a) a plurality of discrete binding domains on a support, forming at least one binding surface; (b) a plurality of electrode and counterelectrode pairs, in which said discrete binding domains are spatially aligned with said plurality of electrode and counterelectrode pairs; and (c) means for sample delivery onto said plurality of discrete binding domains. 21. A cassette as recited in claim 20 wherein said support contains from 2 through 500 binding domains. 22. A cassette as recited in claim 20 wherein said plurality of binding domains includes binding domains having different binding specificities to provide for simultaneous binding of a plurality of different analytes of interest present in a sample. 23. A cassette as recited in claim 20 in which said discrete binding domains further comprise an internal control. 24. The cassette as recited in claim 20 in which said support comprises an elastomeric material.