Novel signal amplification technology with applications in DNA and proteindetection systems

A non-enzymatic approach to signal amplification has practical advantages o ver conventional target amplification methods. We have designed a simple, c ost-efficient signal amplification system that can be used to enhance the d etection of nucleic acids or protein. The signal amplification process requ ires initial capture of analyte by a specific probe, which, depending on th e analyte, can be an oligomer or an antibody. Once the analyte is captured, amplification moieties are applied to significantly enhance the sensitivit y of analyte detection. Nucleic acid amplification is typically greater tha n 1000-fold, increasing the sensitivity of target detection to less than 1 amol/100 muL. This amplification strategy presents a very flexible system w ith components that are easily altered to accommodate diverse assay require ments.