We develop enzyme activity assays for protein purification, characterization of enzymes and inhibitor screening. Correct assay design is essential for identifying substrate specificity, steady state characteristics of enzymes, and minimizing false negative and positive inhibitors. Our scientists are expert at enzymatic assays. Assay development at Affina benefits from the availability of correlation with binding assays, interaction with a network of protein purification and characterization labs and our experience in enzymology and screening.
Methods are based on light absorbance, luminescence, FP and HTR-FRET techniques.

• Design and/or select substrates based on specificity (k_cat/K_m), sensitivity (signal to noise, detection method, matrix or contaminant effects
• Design inhibitor screening studies – select substrates, concentrations of substrate and enzyme, buffers, effects of solvents
• Perform detailed characterization of selected inhibitors – type of inhibition, K_i or IC₅₀ determination, rate of inhibition (slow-binding and irreversible inhibitors), pH dependence