Patent on Fluorescent Detection of Nucleic Acids

A new patent issued to Epoch Biosciences, a subsidiary of Nanogen, Inc. (San Diego, CA, USA), is entitled "Hybridization-Triggered Fluorescent Detection of Nucleic Acids.”

The patent relates to latent fluorophore-minor groove binder oligonucleotide conjugates that fluoresce upon hybridization to a target. The conjugates can be used to detect nucleic acid targets. The technology also allows for simpler and faster fluorescent real-time molecular analyses.

The sensitive and specific detection of nucleic acid targets are integral to any molecular application, including infectious and genetic disease diagnostics. Using the latent fluorescent-minor groove binder oligonucleotide conjugates with low fluorescing backgrounds, either as primers or probes, creates better diagnostic reagents. These reagents contain shorter highly conserved sequence regions, improving assay specificity, and the probes are noncleavable, allowing post-polymer chain reaction (PCR) melt-curve analysis.

"Nanogen and the Epoch researchers are continually discovering methods to improve the sensitivity and specificity of detection for nucleic acid targets related to disease,” said Howard C. Bindorf, chairman and CEO of Nanogen. "Our strong intellectual property and technology development capabilities will allow us to bring highly valued molecular diagnostic products to the market and our partners and ultimately may help to change healthcare practices.”




Related Links:
Nanogen