In many biocatalytic or drug discovery projects, bespoke chemical assay development is key to project success.
What we offer
Isomerase is a well-established, Cambridge-based chemical assay development company with an experienced team. Our chemistry department is trained to execute existing assays and specialise in developing new ones. As a result, we offer support for most projects, regardless of complexity.
Our team's backgrounds span analytical chemistry, protein science, natural product isolation and total synthesis. Due to our broad internal skill set, we execute and develop assays in various formats to meet your needs.
Our experience equips us with the expertise to analyse collected data, rationalise outcomes, and diagnose issues. From this, we ensure a fundamental understanding of the results and streamline collaborations between us and our partners.
Isomerase chemical assay development capabilities
- Development of analytical methods: For HPLC (High Performance Liquid Chromatography) or LC-MS (Liquid Chromatography Mass Spectrometry) assays, resolution and ionisation are essential for assay success. Isomerase utilises a range of column chemistries and mass spectrometric systems, capable of both ESI (electrospray ionisation) and APCI (atmospheric pressure chemical ionisation), to develop our methods successfully. With our instrumentation and expertly trained staff, 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 lyophilisation of unknown side products allow us to quantify and track critical process parameters (CPP) that often become essential for commercialisation and regulatory filings.
- Statistical analysis: With large libraries comes larger data sets. Isomerase has scientists proficient with many statistical tools to distinguish the best performers from experimental noise. 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. For example, 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 optimise all production phases and minimise the cost of goods.
Directed evolution studies particularly benefit from focused chemical 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.