Alternatively, fractionation can be performed prior to primary screening so that fractions of different solvent polarities are screened. Fractionation and screening is repeated until individual active compounds are isolated. Automated HPLC methods are then used to collect the active components in milligram quantities. For example, extracts from natural materials may contain substances that could interfere in assays, and screening mixtures of compounds may lead to anomolous results. Our team of experts has developed techniques and assays that overcome these problems and readily differentiate false positives from real hits.
Assay detection can also be by fluorescence, luminescence, absorbance or radiation.
Drug Discovery has established a range of screening assays that are applicable to a number of therapeutic areas. We can also optimise and run client assays if required . Currently, the most powerful approach to drug discovery uses random screening of large numbers of diverse chemicals in automated assays. The Drug Discovery team has experience in answering these key questions. These questions are not addressed by the use of current high throughput screening on single molecular targets in engineered cells.