DETERMINATION OF OPIUM ALKALOIDS

1465779 Morphine/protein derivatives bonded to latex polymers F HOFFMANN LA ROCHE & CO AG 28 June 1974 [29 June 1973] 28821/74 Headings C3P and C3H [Also in Divisions C2 and G1] An immunological diagnostic reagent is disclosed, which comprises discrete particles of latex polymer having carboxyl groups covalently bound through an amide linkage to the amino group of unsubstituted amino C 2-8 alkyl ether of the phenolic hydroxyl group of morphine which may be prepared by coupling an unsubstituted amino C 2-8 alkyl ether of the phenolic hydroxy group of morphine to a carboxylated latex polymer by means of an amide linkage in the presence of a water soluble carbodiimide. The polymers may be used in a test to detect opium alkaloids in body fluids. The carboxylated latex polymers disclosed are carboxylated styrene/butadiene copolymers, carboxylated styrenes and acrylic acid polymers. The unsubstituted amino C 2-8 alkyl ethers of the phenolic hydroxy group of morphine disclosed are 3-0-(3-aminopropyl) morphine and 3-0-(4-aminobutyl) morphine. The unsubstituted amino-C 2-8 -alkyl ether of the phenolic hydroxyl group of morphine may also be linked to proteins and polypeptides through an amide linkage to give an antigen useful for detection of antibodies specific for opium alkaloids.