The present invention provides crosslinking, conjugating and reducing agents which are functional with at least one phosphorothioate monoester group (--SPO.sub.3.sup.-2). Crosslinking and conjugation methods as well as solid phase reagents and conjugates which are useful in immunoassays are also provided. Crosslinking and conjugating agents of the invention generally comprise a compound corresponding to the formula (I), shown below, wherein n at least 1 and Q is a straight or branched monomer, polymer or oligomer having an average molecular weight between about 200 and about 1,000,000. Additionally, when n is 1, Q comprises at least 1 additional reactive functionality. Q--(S--PO.sub.3 .sup.-2)n (I) The reducing agents that are provided conform to a compound of the formula (Y), shown below, wherein (A) and (Z) can be independently selected from C.sub.1 -C.sub.5 alkyl and CONH(CH.sub.2)p wherein p is an integer between 1 and 5. ##STR1##
本发明提供了与至少一个
磷酸硫酯单酯基团(-
SPO.sub.3.sup.-2)功能性相容的交联、共轭和还原剂。本发明还提供了交联和共轭方法以及在免疫测定中有用的固相试剂和共轭物。本发明的交联和共轭剂通常包括与公式(I)相对应的化合物,其中n至少为1,Q是具有平均分子量在约200至约1,000,000之间的直链或支链单体、聚合物或寡聚物。此外,当n为1时,Q包括至少1个额外的反应性官能团。Q--(S--PO.sub.3 .sup.-2)n (I) 提供的还原剂符合公式(Y)所示的化合物,其中(A)和(Z)可以独立地选择为C.sub.1-C.sub.5烷基和CONH(CH.sub.2)p,其中p是1至5之间的整数。##STR1##