In many biocatalytic or drug discovery projects, bespoke assay development is key to project success.
What we offer
Isomerase is a well-established assay development company with an experienced team. Our chemistry department executes both validated assays and specializes in developing new ones. This means we can support a range of projects with novel ideas where results are not confined to existing paradigms.
In our team, we have backgrounds spanning many areas, including analytical chemistry, protein science, natural product isolation, and total synthesis. Due to our broad skillset, we can develop and run assays in a variety of formats and readouts to meet your needs.
Our experience equips us with the expertise to read between the lines of collected data, rationalize outcomes, and diagnose issues. Therefore, ensuring a fundamental understanding of the results and streamlining the collaborations between us and our partners.
Isomerase assay development capabilities
- Development of analytical methods: For HPLC (high-performance liquid chromatography) or LC-MS (liquid chromatography mass spectrometry) assays, resolution and ionization are essential for assay success. Isomerase has access to a range of column chemistries and mass spectrometric systems capable of both ESI (electrospray ionization) and APCI (atmospheric pressure chemical ionization). With our instrumentation and expert team, we can accurately quantify your analyte with sensitivity and have confidence in its identity.
- Isolation of low-level background products: Our chemists are highly experienced at isolating compounds from complex mixtures with preparative HPLC techniques. Isolation, purification, and lyophilization of unknown side products allow us to quantify and track additional process parameters that often become essential for commercialization and regulatory filings.
- Statistical Analysis: With large libraries comes larger data sets. Isomerase has scientists proficient with a variety of statistical tools to distinguish the best performers from experimental noise. In other words, we empower our partners to make the right decisions based on clear and reliable results.
- Isomerase case studies: We have supported the development of multiple processes with chemical assays to produce both existing and engineered compounds. Examples of these include antibiotics, agrochemicals, food ingredients, and healthcare products.
Why might chemical assay development be required on a biocatalysis project?
We often develop assays simultaneously with enzyme identification, expression, and engineering studies. This enables us to confirm enzyme activity and score both expression and downstream processing stages. Once we establish a chemical assay, we can use the results to optimize all production phases and minimize the cost of goods.
Directed evolution studies particularly benefit from focused assay development. Above all else, the ability to screen larger libraries in shorter timeframes improves the likelihood that we find a better enzyme for your process.