o2h discovery provides a wide range of biochemical assay services to support various stages of drug discovery and preclinical research. Our team of bio scientists possess expertise in crafting and sustaining customized, reliable assays that encompass a wide array of targets. Whether kits sourced from reputable commercial vendors or meticulously designed in-house to align with our clients’ expectations, we can support in the development of screening assays for a plethora of enzyme classes e.g. Kinases, Peptidases, Phosphatases. We can aid in the understanding of enzyme kinetics, substrate post translational modification, ATP consumption/ADP formation as a result of kinase reaction, product formation etc. Aspects like Km, Vmax and the nature of  small molecule inhibition can be addressed for your compounds.

Biochemical assays often rely on various detection methods to measure and analyse the activity of specific biomolecules. These technologies are chosen based on the specific characteristics of the biomolecules being analysed, required sensitivity, specificity and the assay objective. Each technology has its advantages and limitations making it important to select the most appropriate one for a given experiment.

Here are some of the detection technologies implemented in our biochemical assays –

• Fluorescence Spectroscopy detects and quantifies fluorescent molecules which can be used as labels or probes offering high sensitivity and specificity
• Luminescence Detection involves measurement of emitted light such as bioluminescence (e.g., luciferase assays) or chemiluminescence (e.g., enzyme-linked chemiluminescent assays, ECL)
• Colorimetry relies on the change in colour of a reaction product or a biomolecule in response to a specific analyte often used in enzyme activity assays
• Fluorescence Resonance Energy Transfer (FRET) measures the transfer of energy between two fluorophores (donor and acceptor) when in close proximity allowing for the study of molecular interactions and conformational changes
• Homogeneous Time-Resolved Fluorescence (HTRF) is a no-wash technology and combines FRET technology with time-resolved measurement of fluorescence, eliminating short-lived background fluorescence. Ideal platform used for drug target studies for medium to high-throughput screening
• Bioluminescence Resonance Energy Transfer (BRET) similar to FRET but uses bioluminescent molecules, such as luciferase to study molecular interactions. Extensively used to address in- cell target engagement e.g. NanoBRET, Targeted Protein Degradation (TPD)
• AlphaScreen® (Amplified Luminescent Proximity Homogeneous Assay) particularly valuable in medium to high-throughput screening assays used for the detection and quantification of biomolecular interactions, formation/depletion of a substrate or product, post-translational modifications and biochemical processes.

To know more about our biology services offering or to request our brochure, please reach out to us at discovery@o2h.com.