Exciplex™ a Highly Sensitive Nucleic Acid Fluorescent Detection System

BACKGROUND Conventional fluorescent dyes used in nucleic acid detection methods suffer from a number of limitations. High backgrounds result in false positives and a reduction in sensitivity. The small Stokes shift (difference between excitation and emission wavelengths) often requires optical filters to be used that further reduce sensitivity. Several detection techniques (Molecular Beacons, Sniper etc) also require the use of long oligonucleotide sequences whose design complexity can limit their application and increase assay cost. THE TECHNOLOGY DNA or RNA Target
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Exciprobes™
Exciplex™
Prof. Ken Douglas and researchers in the School of Pharmacy at the University of Manchester have developed a new type of fluorescent detection system for nucleic acids that provides extremely low backgrounds. This is achieved through the use of two separate target directed probes (Exciprobes™). Each Exciprobe™ has a different chemical group attached. When both probes bind sequence specifically to their target, the two chemical groups are brought close together (within 4Å) to form an Exciplex™. The emission wavelength of the Exciplex™ is 100 to 150 nm longer than that of the unbound Exciprobe™ groups. KEY BENEFITS
• Less then 1% background signal by comparison with 60% – 90% backgrounds with conventional dyes
• Visible colour change when Exciplex™ is formed offering potential for simple direct detection
• Large Stokes shift (100 –150nm) gives increased sensitivity
• Excellent photostability
• Supports single SNP detection and analysis (unlike FRET based methods)
• Ultra-biospecificity (based on the requirement for close proximity (<4Å) of Exciplex™ components)
• Unique time resolved emission signatures
• Lifetime properties that lend themselves to multiplex analysis of highly complex biological targets PATENT STATUS PCT patentspending. COLLABORATION OPPORTUNITY Collaborative development for a range of research, diagnostic and point of care applications embracing:
• Diagnostic reagent companies
• Research institutes and organisations
• Reagent supply companies
• Forensics.
• Disease markers CONTACT Dr Conor Mulrooney, UMIP, The Incubator Building, 48 Grafton Street, Manchester, M13 9XX Email: [email protected] Tel: +44 (0) 161 606 7297 TURNING INNOVATIVE

Type of Offer: Licensing



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