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Showing papers in "Journal of Bioluminescence and Chemiluminescence in 1989"


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: AMPPD and AMPGD offer alternatives to colorimetric and fluorescent substrates for alkaline phosphatase and beta-D-galactosidase labels used in enzyme immunoassays, and the simplicity and sensitivity of this chemiluminescent readout allowed the development of rapid clinical assays.
Abstract: We have synthesized and studied two 1,2-dioxetane-based chemiluminescent enzyme substrates: 3-(2'-spiroadamantane)-4-methoxy-4-(3"-phosphoryloxy)phenyl- 1,2-dioxetane (AMPPD), and, 3-(2'-spiroadamantane)-4-methoxy-4-(3"-beta-D'-galactopyrano -yloxy)phenyl-1,2- dioxetane (AMPGD), which can be activated to chemiluminescence at 470 nm by alkaline phosphatase and beta-D-galactosidase, respectively. In addition, we observed that certain macromolecules enhance the luminescence of AMPPD. For example, the addition of 0.1% bovine serum albumin amplifies the luminescent signal and improves the detection limit for alkaline phosphatase by approximately one order of magnitude under certain conditions. This effect is due to the presence of a hydrophobic microenvironment provided by the enhancer which 'stabilizes' the dephosphorylated AMPPD emitter. Alkaline phosphatase catalysed chemiluminescence from AMPPD is constant for a prolonged period of time. Using AMPPD we were able to detect 0.01 attomole quantities of alkaline phosphatase immobilized on membrane supports and imaged on photographic film and, in solution, measured in a luminometer. AMPPD and AMPGD offer alternatives to colorimetric and fluorescent substrates for alkaline phosphatase and beta-D-galactosidase labels used in enzyme immunoassays. The simplicity and sensitivity of this chemiluminescent readout allowed the development of rapid clinical assays (e.g. beta-hCG, LH, TSH and others).

269 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: Use of firefly luciferase to assay adenosine triphosphate (ATP) extracted from microorganisms provides an easy means to enumerate microbes within minutes, and gives a global measure of microbial numbers.
Abstract: Use of firefly luciferase to assay adenosine triphosphate (ATP) extracted from microorganisms provides an easy means to enumerate microbes within minutes. The small amount of light produced is proportional to ATP and thus microbial number. The average bacterium contains around 10−15 g ATP per cell. Present reagents permit detection of 103 cells per tube. Luminometers currently on the market detect about 10−12 g ATP. Proper extraction of ATP from the microbes is an essential part of any protocol, as is the removal of non-microbial ATP from, for example, somatic cells also present in samples. The technique may be applied to a wide range of samples, for example food and beverages and clinical samples such as urine. The ATP assay gives a global measure of microbial numbers, i.e. it is not species specific unless a species separation step is included in the protocol.

132 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: It now appears clear that there are multiple levels of control on the lux system allowing for a modulation of the intensity of bioluminescence of over four orders of magnitude.
Abstract: We have determined the complete nucleotide sequence of a 7622 base pair fragment of DNA from Vibrio fischeri strain ATCC7744 that contains all the information required to confer plasmid-borne, regulated bioluminescence upon strains of Escherichia coli. The lux regulon from V. fischeri consists of two divergently transcribed operons, L (left) and R (right), and at least seven genes, luxR (L operon) and luxICDABE (R operon) and the intervening control region. The luxA and luxB genes encode respectively the α and β subunits of luciferase. The gene order luxCDABE seen in V. fischeri is the same as for V. harveyi. We have determined the sequence of the luxAB and flanking regions from Photobacterium leiognathi and have found upstream sequences homologous with luxC from the Vibrio species, but between luxB and luxE, there is an open reading frame encoding a protein of 227 amino acids (26,229 molecular weight) that is not found in this location in the Vibrio species. The amino terminal amino acid sequence of the encoded protein is nearly identical to that determined by O'Kane and Lee (University of Georgia) for the non-fluorescent flavoprotein from a closely related Photobacterium species (Dr Dennis O'Kane, personal communication). We have therefore designated this gene luxN. There is a 20-base inverted repeat ACCTGTAGGA×TCGTACAGGT, centred between bases 927 and 928 in the region between the two operons of V. fischeri. This region appears to fulfil two functions: it is critical for the LuxR protein to exert its effect and it is a consensus binding site for the E. coli LexA protein, a negative regulatory protein involved with the SOS response. There are sequences within the luxR coding region that appear to function in a cis-acting fashion to repress transcription from both the leftward and rightward promoters in the absence of the respective transcriptional activator proteins, thereby resulting in low basal levels of transcription. It now appears clear that there are multiple levels of control on the lux system allowing for a modulation of the intensity of bioluminescence of over four orders of magnitude.

116 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: Two cDNAs that code for luciferases from the bioluminescent click beetle, Pyrophorus plagiophthalamus, in the superfamily Elateroidea, are cloned, distinguishable by their ability to emit different colours of biolumscence ranging from green to orange.
Abstract: All beetle luciferases have evolved from a common ancestor: they all use ATP, O2, and a common luciferin as substrates. The most studied of these luciferases is that derived from the firefly Photinus pyralis, a beetle in the superfamily of Cantharoidea. The sensitivity with which the activity of this enzyme can be assayed has made it useful in the measurement of minute concentrations of ATP. With the cloning of the cDNA coding this luciferase, it has also found wide application in molecular biology as a reporter gene. We have recently cloned other cDNAs that code for luciferases from the bioluminescent click beetle, Pyrophorus plagiophthalamus, in the superfamily Elateroidea. These newly acquired luciferases are of at least four different types, distinguishable by their ability to emit different colours of bioluminescence ranging from green to orange. Unique properties of these luciferases, especially their emission of multiple colours, may make them additionally useful in applications.

112 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: It is theoretically demonstrable that the development of assay techniques yielding detection limits significantly lower than 10(7) molecules/ml depends on the adoption of 'non-competitive' assays designs and the use of labels of higher specific activity than radioisotopes.
Abstract: The sensitivities of immunoassays relying on conventional radioisotopic labels (i.e. radioimmunoassay (RIA) and immunoradiometric assay (IRMA) permit the measurement of analyte concentrations above ca 10(7) molecules/ml. This limitation primarily derives, in the case of 'competitive' or 'limited reagent' assays, from the 'manipulation errors arising in the system combined with the physicochemical characteristics of the particular antibody used; however, in the case of 'non-competitive' systems, the specific activity of the label may play a more important constraining role. It is theoretically demonstrable that the development of assay techniques yielding detection limits significantly lower than 10(7) molecules/ml depends on: (1) the adoption of 'non-competitive' assays designs; (2) the use of labels of higher specific activity than radioisotopes; (3) highly efficient discrimination between the products of the immunological reactions involved. Chemiluminescent and fluorescent substances are capable of yielding higher specific activities than commonly used radioisotopes when used as direct reagent labels in this context, and both thus provide a basis for the development of 'ultra-sensitive', non-competitive, immunoassay methodologies. Enzymes catalysing chemiluminescent reactions or yielding fluorescent reaction products can likewise be used as labels yielding high effective specific activities and hence enhanced assay sensitivities. A particular advantage of fluorescent labels (albeit one not necessarily confined to them) lies in the possibility they offer of revealing immunological reactions localized in 'microspots' distributed on an inert solid support. This opens the way to the development of an entirely new generation of 'ambient analyte' microspot immunoassays permitting the simultaneous measurement of tens or even hundreds of different analytes in the same small sample, using (for example) laser scanning techniques. Early experience suggests that microspot assays with sensitivities surpassing that of isotopically based methodologies can readily be developed.

85 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: Biochemical properties, spectral parameters of bioluminescence and reaction kinetics for Luciola mingrelica firefly luciferase are described and analysed and the kinetic scheme of the enzymatic process is proposed and discussed.
Abstract: Biochemical properties, spectral parameters of bioluminescence and reaction kinetics for Luciola mingrelica firefly luciferase are described and analysed. The kinetic scheme of the enzymatic process is proposed and discussed. Allosteric regulation of luciferase activity by ATP and its analogues is considered and binding Mg2+ to luciferase shown to increase its activity. Regulation mechanism of luciferase activity by phospholipids is analysed and choline-containing phospholipids shown to be specific luciferase activators. Some properties of firefly luciferae and the luciferase synthesized during firefly mRNA translation in frog oocytes are compared.

66 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
Minoru Nakano1
TL;DR: The natural chemiluminescence from fertilization of sea urchin eggs was found to have originated from tyrosine--cation radical mediated reaction in ovo-peroxidase--membrane protein--H2O2 system.
Abstract: Low-level chemiluminescence during lipid peroxidation and enzymatic reaction have been analysed by a filter type spectrometer. Tyrosine and tryprophan residues in proteins were found to be emitters in the visible region during their enzymatic oxidation. The natural chemiluminescence from fertilization of sea urchin eggs was found to have originated from tyrosine – cation radical mediated reaction in ovo-peroxidase – membrane protein – H2O2 system.

51 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: Data is presented showing the successful development of immunoassays in sandwich, competitive and receptor formats and hydrophilic acridinium ester analogues have been synthesized, encapsulated in liposomes, and utilized as labels in Immunoassay.
Abstract: A new series of stable acridinium ester conjugates have been developed for use as non-isotopic labels in immunoassay. They have proved to be a flexible alternative to radioimmunoassay. We present data showing the successful development of immunoassays in sandwich, competitive and receptor formats. In addition, hydrophilic acridinium ester analogues have been synthesized, encapsulated in liposomes, and utilized as labels in immunoassay. The potential of this technology is discussed.

50 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: Novel homogeneous methods of luminescent immunoassay (LIA) for (1) antibodies to insulin, (2) insulin and (3) antibody to trinitrophenyl group are proposed on the basis of regulatory facilities of the enhanced chemiluminescent reaction.
Abstract: The mechanism of peroxidase-catalysed oxidation of luminol by H2O2 was studied. The stopped-flow technique was used to measure the rate constants for the reactions between the oxidized forms of peroxidase with luminol and the following substrates: p-iodophenol, p-bromophenol, p-clorophenol, o-iodophenol, m-iodophenol, luciferin, and 2-iodo-6-hydroxybenzothiazole. The correlation between kinetic parameters and the degree of enhancement was established. The effect of charged synthetic polymers and specific antibodies on the peroxidase activity in the enhanced chemiluminescent reaction was also studied. The close approach of an effector molecule to the active site of the enzyme was found to inhibit the enhanced chemiluminescent reaction. Novel homogeneous methods of luminescent immunoassay (LIA) for (1) antibodies to insulin, (2) insulin and (3) antibodies to trinitrophenyl group are proposed on the basis of regulatory facilities of the enhanced chemiluminescent reaction. Based on the enhanced chemiluminescent reaction a peroxidase flow-injection assay was developed and successfully tested in the flow-injection enzyme immunoassays for human IgG and for thyroxin (T4). The immunoassay proposed has a detection limit of 10(-9) M for IgG and 10(-11) M for T4, the overall time of the assay being 5-15 min.

48 citations



Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: A mutant by oligonucleotide directed site-specific mutagenesis in which the reactive cysteinyl residue, which resides at position 106 of the alpha subunit, has been replaced with a seryl residue is constructed, suggesting that the molecular mechanism of aldehyde substrate inhibition involves the Cys at alpha 106.
Abstract: It has been appreciated for many years that the luciferase from the luminous marine bacterium Vibrio harveyi has a highly reactive cysteinyl residue which is protected from alkylation by binding of flavin. Alkylation of the reactive thiol, which resides in a hydrophobic pocket, leads to inactivation of the enzyme. To determine conclusively whether the reactive thiol is required for the catalytic mechanism, we have constructed a mutant by oligonucleotide directed site-specific mutagenesis in which the reactive cysteinyl residue, which resides at position 106 of the alpha subunit, has been replaced with a seryl residue. The resulting alpha 106Ser luciferase retains full activity in the bioluminescence reaction, although the mutant enzyme has a ca 100-fold increase in the FMNH2 dissociation constant. The alpha 106Ser luciferase is still inactivated by N-ethylmaleimide, albeit at about 1/10 the rate of the wild-type (alpha 106Cys) enzyme, demonstrating the existence of a second, less reactive, cysteinyl residue that was obscured in the wild-type enzyme by the highly reactive cysteinyl residue at position alpha 106. An alpha 106Ala variant luciferase was also active, but the alpha 106Val mutant enzyme was about 50-fold less active than the wild type. All three variants (Ser, Ala and Val) appeared to have somewhat reduced affinities for the aldehyde substrate, the valine mutant being the most affected. It is interesting to note that the alpha 106 mutant luciferases are much less subject to aldehyde substrate inhibition than is the wild-type V. harveyi luciferase, suggesting that the molecular mechanism of aldehyde substrate inhibition involves the Cys at alpha 106.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: Considerable sequence homology was found upon the comparison of the Genji and North American firefly luciferases and the amino acid sequence predicted from the cDNA sequence shows that Genji fireflies luciferase consists of 548 amino acids and has a molecular weight of 60,024.
Abstract: We have cloned the cDNA for luciferase from lantern poly(A)+ RNA of a Japanese firefly, Luciola cruciata (Genji botaru in Japanese). This cDNA directed the synthesis of enzymatically active luciferase under the control of the lac promoter in Escherichia coli. The amino acid sequence predicted from the cDNA sequence shows that Genji firefly luciferase consists of 548 amino acids and has a molecular weight of 60,024. Considerable sequence homology was found upon the comparison of the Genji and North American firefly luciferases.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: The results presented in this paper, show that the light generated in granulocytes originate both from intracellular and extracellular reactions; however, depending on the stimulus used the one or the other will dominate the activity measured.
Abstract: The granulocyte luminol-dependent chemiluminescence (CL) reaction is linked to the enzyme myeloperoxidase reacting with products of the respiratory burst activation. The results presented in this paper, show that the light generated in granulocytes originate both from intracellular and extracellular reactions; however, depending on the stimulus used the one or the other will dominate the activity measured. Furthermore, lysosomal fusion is proposed to be required for the intracellular CL reaction.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: Through the construction of hybrid luciferases, by rearranging fragments of the original cDNA clones, some of the amino acids responsible for the different colours of emission must also be few and these amino acid determinants of colour are identified.
Abstract: In studying beetle bioluminescence in the early 1960s, Dr McElroy and his colleagues found that the Jamaican click beetle, Pyrophorus plagiophthalamus, was capable of emitting different colours of light. They further found that the luciferin substrate used by this beetle was the same as that in the firefly, demonstrating that the different colours of bioluminescence were due to differences in the structure of the luciferases. We have recently cloned cDNAs from this beetle species which code for at least four different luciferases. The luciferases are distinguishable by their different colours of bioluminescence when expressed in Escherichia coli. The sequence differences between these different luciferases are few, so the amino acids responsible for the different colours of emission must also be few. Through the construction of hybrid luciferases, by rearranging fragments of the original cDNA clones, we have identified some of these amino acid determinants of colour.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: A new model for the regulatory control of the V. fischeri luminescence system is discussed, found that Escherichia coli cells that contain the entire lux operon in RecA or LexA mutants which are unable to remove the LexA protein are considerably dimmer than the wild-type strain.
Abstract: We have recently shown that the transcription of the PR lux operon for Vibrio fischeri luminescence is positively controlled by the htpR (sigma 32) protein. It was suggested that the LexA protein might negatively control the lux genes. This paper extends these findings. It was found that Escherichia coli cells that contain the entire lux operon (pChv1) in RecA or LexA mutants which are unable to remove the LexA protein are considerably dimmer than the wild-type strain. Mutants that do not make LexA or form a weakly bound LexA are very bright. The role of sigma 32 protein was studied on luxR-luxI genes that are fused to beta-galactosidase. The addition of V. fischeri inducer brings about the formation of beta-galactosidase activity in htpR+ but not in htpR- strains of E. coli/pMJ3. Similar to the effect of starvation on the induction of luminescence in marine bacteria and in E. coli/pChv1 cells, beta-galactosidase activity in such constructs is preferentially induced by low nutrient concentrations. A new model for the regulatory control of the V. fischeri luminescence system is discussed.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: Ultrasensitive bioluminescence immunoassays for the determination of peptides and proteins (illustrated with human urinary kallikrein, bradykinin and the determination) have been developed and the usable ranges of the standard curves are from 5 pg to 5000 pg per litre.
Abstract: Ultrasensitive bioluminescence immunoassays for the determination of peptides and proteins (illustrated with human urinary kallikrein, bradykinin and the determination of human urinary kallikrein antibody titres) have been developed. The usable ranges of the standard curves are from 5 pg to 5000 pg per litre. The relative intra-assay coefficients of variation of the tests were between 2% and 6%, and the inter-assay coefficients of variation between 4% and 12%.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: The results support the hypothesis that efficient production of phenoxy radicals from phenols is a necessary criterion for chemiluminescence enhancer action.
Abstract: Phenols which markedly enhance chemiluminescence in the horseradish peroxidase catalysed oxidation of luminol by hydrogen peroxide show anomalously high reactivity (by factors of approximately 10(2) compared with published Hammett correlations) in the reduction of the enzyme intermediates, Compound I and Compound II. The results support the hypothesis that efficient production of phenoxy radicals from phenols is a necessary criterion for chemiluminescence enhancer action.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: An analysis of 960 ATP bioluminescence assays showed that data obtained from such measurements are normally distributed, and the relative sensitivity of the instruments was maintained regardless of whether solutions of ATP in water or trichloroacetic acid extracts of bacteria were analysed.
Abstract: An assessment has been carried out of the relative performance of ten instruments for quantification of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) by the firefly luciferase assay. The instruments evaluated were Amersham Amerlite Analyser, Dynatech Tube Luminometer, Dynatech Multiplate Luminometer, Dynatech Camera Luminometer, Hamilton Lumicon, LKB 1250 Luminometer, LKB 1251 Luminometer, Lumac Biocounter M2010A, Turner 20 TD Luminometer and a prototype version of the CLEAR Speed Tech 2000. An 800-fold difference in sensitivity was found between the most sensitive (Lumac, Turner) and the least sensitive (Dynatech Tube) of the conventional instruments. The Dynatech Camera Luminometer which worked on a completely different principle to the other instruments was about 5000 times less sensitive than the best of the photomultiplier tube instruments. The relative sensitivity of the instruments was maintained regardless of whether solutions of ATP in water or trichloroacetic acid extracts of bacteria were analysed. An analysis of 960 ATP bioluminescence assays showed that data obtained from such measurements are normally distributed.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: Absolute chemiluminescence quantum yields (phi CL) for reactions of bis-(pentachlorophenyl) oxalate (PCPO), hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and 9:10 diphenyl anthracene (DPA) have been determined.
Abstract: Absolute chemiluminescence quantum yields (phi CL) for reactions of bis-(pentachlorophenyl) oxalate (PCPO), hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and 9:10 diphenyl anthracene (DPA) have been determined. A fully corrected chemiluminescence monitoring spectrometer was calibrated for spectral sensitivity using the chemiluminescence of the bis-(pentachlorophenyl) oxalate system as a liquid light source, the total photon output of which had previously been determined by chemical actinometry. At high (PCPO)/(H2O2) ratios phi CL was found to be independent of PCPO and H2O2 concentrations.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: A fibre-optic sensor with immobilized enzymes has been designed which permits bio- or chemiluminescent analysis of ATP, NADH or H2O2 respectively and appears very promising and includes the convenience of both the luminescence sensitivity as well as the handling of the biosensor design.
Abstract: The potential of immobilized enzyme membranes in biosensors has been explored in our group for several years. Although part of our work has been mainly devoted to electrochemical transducers and oxidases for the design of enzyme electrodes, the demand for ultrasensitive and highly selective sensors led us to consider the use of luminescent enzyme systems associated to optical transduction. When considering the need for operational and reliable biosensors in biotechnology, immobilization and stability of the sensing element still remain, in most cases, an unavoidable problem. We recently proposed a very fast and reliable procedure for preparing enzymatic membranes from Pall (Biodyne Immunoaffinity membranes) supplied in a pre-activated form. Both the firefly and bacterial systems as well as peroxidase for the chemiluminescent determination of various analytes, could be bound to such a support. Based on this approach, a fibre-optic sensor with immobilized enzymes has been designed which permits bio- or chemiluminescent analysis of ATP, NADH or H2O2 respectively. With the NADH-based system, other analytes could be detected using coupled dehydrogenases. This device appears very promising and includes the convenience of both the luminescence sensitivity as well as the handling of the biosensor design.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: The results show that pholasin detects superoxide radicals released from cells stimulated by soluble stimulants but not intracellular oxidative activity elicited by particulate stimulants.
Abstract: The bioluminescent oxygen metabolite indicator protein pholasin was characterized with respect to the type and location of reactive oxygen metabolites detected in suspensions of stimulated human neutrophils. Whereas pholasin detected reactive oxygen metabolites from neutrophil suspensions stimulated with soluble agents, particulate stimulants were apparently not effective triggering agents for pholasin-dependent neutrophil chemiluminescence. Neutrophils stimulated with fMet-Leu-Phe (1 to 100 nmol/l) showed maximum pholasin-dependent chemiluminescence 45 to 60 s after stimulation. The time of maximum chemiluminescence was virtually independent of fMet-Leu-Phe concentration. In contrast, the time to reach maximum light emission increased from 60 s with 100 nmol/l phorbol ester to 295 s with 1 nmol/l phorbol ester. Significant inhibition of stimulated chemiluminescence was caused by both superoxide dismutase (20 micrograms/ml, 80% inhibition) and reduction of the oxygen concentration in the incubation medium to less than 0.5 mumol/l (95% inhibition). In contrast, the myeloperoxidase inhibitor sodium azide (0.1 mmol/l) afforded only 50% inhibition of the pholasin-dependent neutrophil chemiluminescence. Our results show that pholasin detects superoxide radicals released from cells stimulated by soluble stimulants but not intracellular oxidative activity elicited by particulate stimulants.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: A relatively simple, very sensitive bioluminescence-enhanced detection system for protein blotting and nucleic acid hybridization and visualization of the emitted light by a photon counting camera (Argus-100) are under investigation.
Abstract: A relatively simple, very sensitive bioluminescence-enhanced detection system for protein blotting and nucleic acid hybridization is described. The method utilizes antibodies conjugated with alkaline phosphatase or nucleotide probes complexed with alkaline phosphatase. Then the alkaline phosphatase takes part in a reaction by releasing D-luciferin (Photinus pyralis) from D-luciferin-O-phosphate. Liberated D-luciferin reacts with luciferase, ATP and oxygen under light emission. Light is measured using the Argus-100 a photon counting camera system or photographic films. Bound alkaline phosphatase conjugated antibodies or hybridized nucleotide probes can be visualized. The limit of detection is at present 5 to 50 fg of protein (IgG), corresponding, for example to 30 to 300 x 10(-21) mol. This means a much higher sensitivity of the detection system in comparison to systems used at present. Experiments concerning nucleic acid hybridization and visualization of the emitted light by a photon counting camera (Argus-100) are under investigation.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: The availability of simple, reliable instrumentation for chemiluminescence measurement together with a range of assay kits offers a logical alternative to traditional radioimmunoassay.
Abstract: Chemiluminescence immunoassays have now achieved a recognized place in the diagnostic laboratory. The advantages of this non-isotopic technology derive from the use of acridinium esters which can be used to label antigens and antibodies to high specific activities, as well as from optimized immunochemistry. The availability of simple, reliable instrumentation for chemiluminescence measurement together with a range of assay kits offers a logical alternative to traditional radioimmunoassay.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: The limit of sensitivity of ATP assays is discussed in the light of currently available reagents and instruments.
Abstract: ATP methodology needs to be further standardized and improved in order to avoid the pitfalls that have sometimes hampered its application to biomass assays. The following steps have been reconsidered as far as the bacteriological applications is concerned: (a) destruction of free and somatic ATP: replacement of apyrase by mammalian ATPase, more readily accessible to specific inhibition; (b) extraction of bacterial ATP: protection of luciferase by lipids against inhibitory effect of cationic detergents with production of a constant light response. New methods are proposed for the calibration of luminometers and for the matching of sample holders in multichannel instruments. The limit of sensitivity of ATP assays is discussed in the light of currently available reagents and instruments.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: NaN3 is an inhibitor of myeloperoxidase and a quencher of singlet O2, but it is found that under certain conditions it can amplify the the luminescence of luminol triggered by CIO- or Fenton's reagent.
Abstract: The chemiluminescence of luminol and lucigenin is often used to detect the production of reactive oxygen derivatives by phagocytic cells. Also, several quenchers and enzyme inhibitors are used to determine which oxygen derivatives are responsible for the observed effects. In the present work we have assessed the reliability of dimethylthiourea and cysteamine (OH. quenchers), desferrioxamine (iron chelator) and diethyldithiocarbamate (superoxide dismutase inhibitor). They all react with CIO- and are also strong inhibitors of the luminescence of luminol catalysed by horseradish peroxidase (HRP); cysteamine and diethyldithiocarbamate also react with H2O2. NaN3 is an inhibitor of myeloperoxidase and a quencher of singlet O2, but we found that under certain conditions it can amplify the the luminescence of luminol triggered by CIO- or Fenton's reagent. A complex of copper and penicillamine that had been proposed as an O2-. quencher, quenches all luminescent reactions studied. On the other hand, we were able to confirm the relative specificity of other quenchers: taurine for CIO-, benzoate for OH. and mannitol for both OH. and 'crypto-OH.'.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: A rapid DNA hybridization assay using synthetic oligonucleotide probes to detect the presence of the Chlamydia trachomatis specific 7.4 kb plasmid is developed.
Abstract: With an estimated 3-4 million new cases per year, human infections from Chlamydia trachomatis are probably the most prevalent sexually transmitted disease (STD) in the United States. Diagnosis of Chlamydia is usually conducted by tissue culture methods. Direct immunofluorescence and ELISA tests have become available, but there remains a need for a test with better specificity and sensitivity. In response to this need, we have developed a rapid DNA hybridization assay using synthetic oligonucleotide probes to detect the presence of the Chlamydia trachomatis specific 7.4 kb plasmid. The assay involves solution phase hybridization of unlabelled probes, rapid capture of the probe-target duplex onto a microtitre dish surface, a new signal amplification technique that employs chemically cross-linked oligonucleotides, and an alkaline phosphatase labelled probe. Signal is obtained by reacting the labelled probe-target complex with an enzyme triggerable dioxetane substrate. Detection of the chemiluminescent output is performed either with a luminometer or by exposure to instant film. All 15 serovars of Chlamydia trachomatis react positively, while organisms known to co-inhabit the human urogenital tract react negatively.

Journal ArticleDOI
A. Baret1, V. Fert1
TL;DR: A procedure in which the xanthine oxidase dependent luminescence of luminol is enhanced in the presence of Fe-EDTA complex, providing an highly sensitive assay and a long-term signal is described.
Abstract: The use of xanthine oxidase in immunoanalysis has never been reported. We describe here a procedure in which the xanthine oxidase dependent luminescence of luminol is enhanced in the presence of Fe–EDTA complex, providing an highly sensitive assay (3 amol of enzyme) and a long-term signal. This specific amplification has been applied to T4 and ultrasensitive TSH solid phase immunoassays, with T4–XO and anti-TSH monoclonal antibody-XO conjugates as tracers. The performances of these assays are at least equivalent to those obtained with iodinated tracers, using the same solid phases and the same calibrators. The major advantages of these immunoassays are: (1) the long-term signal which can be repeatedly recorded over several days, (2) the high detection sensitivity, (3) the long-term stability of the luminescence reagent and (4) the stability of the conjugates.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: A new method for obtaining high-activity and high-stability enzyme preparations for bioluminescent microassay and a new method has been offered for luciferase immobilization on film carriers precoated with a phospholipid layer.
Abstract: Allowing for the lipid nature of firefly luciferase we have developed a new method for obtaining high-activity and high-stability enzyme preparations for bioluminescent microassay. The method includes the step of differential centrifugation in presence of stabilizing additives which entails a partial purification of the enzyme and its essential stabilization likely due to the fact that luciferase retains its lipid environment which plays an important role in catalysis. The resultant luciferase preparation is stable in solution at 4 degrees C for 2-3 months and allows the detection of down to 10(-11) M ATP. A new method has been offered for luciferase immobilization on film carriers precoated with a phospholipid layer. By sorption of the enzyme on such carriers, the samples of immobilized luciferase have been obtained suitable for constructing chemiluminescent biosensors, in the form of luciferase-containing films. There are many-fold applications for detection of ATP micro-quantities.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: Under optimal conditions, the observed detection limit for the labelled DNA (1:1 mole ratio) is the same as for the free acridinium ester label, which is 2 attomole sensitivity in the best case studied.
Abstract: Chemiluminescent acridinium ester derivatives have been synthesized and covalently attached to suitably modified synthetic DNA oligonucleotides. Attachment of acridinium ester label to primary aliphatic amine group(s) present in the synthetic DNA probe molecule is rapid and efficient. Methods have been developed for efficient separation of acridinium ester-labelled DNA from unincorporated labelling reagent and underivatized DNA. The basic hydrogen peroxide detection reaction and photon counting conditions for measurement of chemiluminescence emission from acridinium ester-labelled DNA probes have been optimized. Under optimal conditions, the observed detection limit for the labelled DNA (1:1 mole ratio) is the same as for the free acridinium ester label, which is 2 attomole sensitivity in the best case studied.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: Acridinium-9-(N-sulphonyl)carboxamides allow a variation of the structure, their stability after conjugation to antibodies is in most cases clearly better than the stability of thiocarboxylates and carboxylate tracers.
Abstract: Two new groups of chemiluminescent acridinium labels have been presented: (a) acridinium-9-thiocarboxylates, (b) acridinium-9-(N-sulphonyl)carboxamides. Both groups show higher light yields and faster emission kinetics compared with the known acridinium carboxylate. Owing to the poor storage stability of the thiocarboxylate tracers they are not suitable for commercial use. Acridinium-9-(N-sulphonyl)carboxamides allow a variation of the structure, their stability after conjugation to antibodies is in most cases clearly better than the stability of thiocarboxylate and carboxylate tracers. Light yields and emission kinetics are also superior and good immunoassays have been developed. Therefore, this new class of chemiluminescent labels seems to be suitable for use in commercial assays.