Small Business Innovative Research (SBIR) — 



Phase II (1988, 1989 Awards) 



Chemiluminescent Labels for Polynucleotides 

 Electrophoretically Separated in Agarose Gels* 



Edward M. Davis 



SymBiotech. Inc.. Cheshire. 07 06410 

 (203)272-4190 



The objective of this project is to continue the work, started during Phase I. which 

 demonstrated the feasibility of employing chemiluminescence to visualize poly- 

 nucleotides separated by electrophoresis in agarose gels. Chemiluminescence is a very 

 powerful labeling method and, under optimal conditions, yields detection limits equal to 

 or better than radioisotopic labels. Much Phase II work will be directed toward 

 improving the detection limits for DNA in electrophoresis gels. This improvement will 

 be accomplished by developing ways to decrease background luminescence and 

 increase the efficiency of biotinylation of DNA. as well as to explore more powerful 

 luminescent reagents. Ultimately, the aim is to develop highly sensitive and safe labels 

 that can be detected with inexpensive photography or, alternatively, can be recorded, 

 processed, and stored by an electronic digital imaging system. The potential of 

 employing chemiluminescence for labeling DNA fragments in sequencing gels will also 

 be explored. It is anticipated that several products will be developed from this work 

 including a combination electrophoretic device for labeling and photographing 

 luminous DNA. In addition, new reagents for improved luminescence and biotinylation 

 of DNA will be developed for commercialization. 



*1988 award for two years. 



