Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 25, 2026

A Semi-High-Throughput Adaptation of the NADH-Coupled ATPase Assay for Screening Small Molecule Inhibitors
Published on: August 17, 2019
A competitive and reversible deactivation approach to catalysis-based quantitative assays.
Kazunori Koide1, Matthew P Tracey1, Xiaodong Bu2
1Department of Chemistry, University of Pittsburgh, 219 Parkman Avenue, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15260, USA.
This study introduces a novel method for optical assays that prevents signal saturation and broadens the dynamic range. By enabling reactions to autonomously stall and restart, it allows for accurate measurements across five orders of magnitude.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Chemical Assays
- Analytical Chemistry
Background:
- Catalysis-based signal amplification enhances optical assay sensitivity but faces limitations like signal saturation and limited dynamic range (two orders of magnitude).
- Existing assays struggle with abundant analytes due to rapid signal saturation and cannot be restarted once stopped.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a method for broadening the dynamic range of catalysis-based optical assays.
- To enable accurate quantification of analytes across a wider concentration range, including high analyte levels.
Main Methods:
- A novel approach where the catalytic signal generation competes with catalyst inactivation or reagent consumption.
- This competition causes the signal generation to autonomously and reversibly stall.
- The stalled reactions were demonstrated to be restartable in two catalysis-based assays.
Main Results:
- The developed method allows for accurate measurements over five orders of magnitude in analyte concentration.
- Analyte levels exceeding substrate concentration can be quantified.
- The autonomous stalling and restarting mechanism significantly broadens the assay's dynamic range.
Conclusions:
- Competitive and reversible deactivation broadens the dynamic range of catalysis-based assays.
- This approach overcomes limitations of signal saturation and allows for quantification of abundant analytes.
- The ability to restart stalled reactions enhances the utility of optical assays in chemical and biochemical research.
More Related Videos
14:43Microfluidic On-chip Capture-cycloaddition Reaction to Reversibly Immobilize Small Molecules or Multi-component Structures for Biosensor Applications
Published on: September 23, 2013
13:00Hot Biological Catalysis: Isothermal Titration Calorimetry to Characterize Enzymatic Reactions
Published on: April 4, 2014
Related Concept Videos
Enzymes
Enzyme deficiencies can often translate into life-threatening diseases. For example, a genetic abnormality resulting in the deficiency of the enzyme G6PD...
Introduction to Mechanisms of Enzyme Catalysis
Catalysis
Heterogeneous Catalysis
Enzyme Inhibition