Full consulting services for all aspects of an assay, conjugation, or antibody development project.
Involving everything from immunogen design, generating highly specific antibodies, and scale-up manufacturing of projects.
We will not attempt any projects outside our experience and knowledge – instead offering suggestions on alternatives if we are not the best choice for a project, typically free of charge.
Assay Consulting Services
Custom Assay Development
In consultation with you, we will decide upon a strategy to give you the most robust assay to measure the analyte of interest using an appropriate detection mechanism: colorimetric, fluorescent, chemiluminescent, or bioluminescent.
Development Services
Where the molecule present is detected by a readout based upon chemical or enzymatic activity.
Where the amount of a small molecule (< 4,000 MW) is detected by a specific antibody binding either the molecule in the sample or the molecule labeled with enzyme onto a solid phase.
Where an antigen is immobilized on the solid phase and antibody in the sample specific to that antigen binds and is then detected using a secondary antibody labeled with enzyme.
Sandwich Immunoassay Development
Where the amount of a large molecule is detected by using two antibodies to the molecule; one to trap the molecule on the plate, and the other as a method to read how much is in the sample.
Some of our contract customers include:
How the Process Works
Step 1: Non-disclosure Agreement
To engage our services, we will sign a non-disclosure agreement (NDA).
Step 2: Discovery
With NDA in place, tell us everything you know about the molecule and what you want to get from the product.
Step 3: Timing, Costs, and Logistics
Projects are carried out on a time and materials basis at a reasonable cost set after our discussion.
Step 4: Fulfillment
You only pay for actual Arbor Assays scientist time, plus any special raw materials
Rare Reagent Generation
An assay’s ability to specifically and sensitively detect a molecule of interest is critically based on suitable antigenic molecule design. Our scientists design peptides and organic derivatives to allow for the generation of high quality polyclonal and monoclonal antibodies.
- Under our direction, the high quality, chemical organic synthesis companies we work with make biological molecule derivatives suitable for effective conjugation.
- We prefer using PTG over KLH as a carrier protein because of its solubility and size.
- For those derivatives with a free carboxylic acid, we chemically activate using DCC/NHS for coupling to protein lysine groups.
- We carry out protein labeling with the derivatives or peptides, utilizing porcine thyroglobulin (PTG) or BSA.
- For free thiol group containing derivatives, we pre-treat the PTG with a reagent to add maleimide groups.
- The PTG and BSA labeled antigens are purified on desalting columns, followed by analysis to estimate labeling efficiencies when possible.
For antibody development, the reputable service vendors we work with provide high quality antibodies owned by the client.
All projects with outside vendors are given a unique non-specific identifier to ensure confidentiality.
Custom Sample Testing
Our scientists run thousands of assays in a year, and we’re happy to put our extensive experience to work for you. Everything is customizable depending on your samples, your resources, and your needs.
Overview
Discovery
Tell us about the nature of the experiment, the number and types of samples, and any knowledge or past experiences you might have relevant to the work at hand.
Estimation and Proposal
Projects are carried out on a time and materials basis at a reasonable fee set after our discussion. We will provide a proposal for the work.
Cost Structure and Payments
You only pay for the Arbor Assays scientist’s time, plus any kits consumed, and special materials or reagents required to complete the work in question. To initiate the project, a 50% deposit is needed to get started.
Kits
We prefer to use our kits for the analysis – this saves us time and you money. As all Arbor Assays kits are researched, developed, validated, manufactured and QC’d in-house we know everything about their performance. If another company’s kit is required for analysis, we can work with that too.
Process
Step 1: Test dilution series
To determine the best dilutions to run samples, we test a few with a dilution series.
Step 2: Assay data evaluation
The assay data is evaluated with a software program designed to give 4PLC fitting analysis and the resulting sample measurements.
Step 3: Data review
The data is critically reviewed for replicate precision and placement on the standard curve. Any samples with values outside of the standard range or with replicate precision not falling within the predefined range would be repeated.
Step 4: Reporting and Results
When sample testing is complete, a report is generated.
Step 5: Discussion
Discussion and any additional information needed can be provided.
Step 6: Final Payment
Final payment is only due once you’ve received your results.
