Fluorescent chelates and labeled specific binding reagents prepared therefrom

Abstract From the Canadian patent

There are described stable fluorescent chelates comprising a complex of a lanthanide metal and chelating agent that includes a nucleus that triplet sensitizer having a triplet energy greater than that of the lanthanide metal and at least two heteroatom-containing groups the form coordinate complexes with lanthanide metals and a third heteroatom-containing group or heteratom in or appended to the triplet sensitizer. Labeled physiologically active materials useful in specific binding assays such as labeled antigens haptens, antibodies, and hormones, comprising the stable fluorescent labels having physiologically active materials adsorbed or bonded thereto are also described.