(19)

(11)

EP 1 137 806 A1

(12)

(43) Date of publication: 04.10.2001 Bulletin 2001/40 (21) Application number: 99959560.6 (22) Date of filing: 09.12.1999

(51) International Patent Classification (IPC)7: C12Q 1/68 (86) International application number: PCT/GB9904/152 (87) International publication number: WO 0034/516 (15.06.2000 Gazette 2000/24)

(84) Designated Contracting States: AT BE CH CY DE DK ES FI FR GB GR IE IT LI LU MC NL PT SE Designated Extension States: AL LT LV MK RO SI (30) Priority: 10.12.1998 GB 9827032 29.09.1999 GB 9922984 (71) Applicant: THE VICTORIA UNIVERSITY OF MANCHESTER Manchester M13 9PL (GB)	(72) Inventors: HAJEER, Ali Manchester M13 6BX (GB) OLLIER, William Cheshire CW4 8JB (GB) (74) Representative: Stark, Amanda Jane et al Marks & Clerk,Sussex House,83-85 Mosley Street Manchester M2 3LG Manchester M2 3LG (GB)