| abstract |
1,2-dioxetane compounds bearing a proteolytic enzyme specific amino acid or peptide are provided, which amino acid or peptide can be removed by action of the corresponding protease. When the amino acid or peptide is removed, the 1,2-dioxetane decomposes with chemiluminescence, the generation of light providing a rapid, ultra-sensitive and convenient means for detecting the presence of the protease in the sample being inspected. The amount of light generated, or degree of chemiluminescence, can be correlated with the amount of protease present. Immunoassays, as well as DNA hybridization and DNA probe assays are provided. |