| abstract |
Kit for the detection of a nucleotide sequence of interest comprising at least one nucleotide probe marked with a tracer. The kit contains, in suitable containers, a reagent essentially comprising a linear backbone copolymer having lateral substituents, whose chain consists of a first type of repetitive unit and at least one other type of repetitive unit, in which at least one part of the units of the first type have a lateral substituent comprising a nucleotide unit, such a lateral substituent not being present on the other types of units. Each of said nucleotide units, all of which are identical, comprise at least one nucleotide sequence capable of hybridizing with said sequence of interest and nucleotide sequence capable of hybridizing with said probe, the reagent containing on average more than two of said nucleotide units, in molar equivalents, per mole of polymer. Such a reagent enables signal amplification to be obtained, and therefore lowers the sensitivity threshold. Application, in particular, in the production of tests for the detection of pathogenic organisms, or in the diagnosis of genetic diseases. |