Enzyme Characterization & Profiling Services

CD Biosynsis offers comprehensive Enzyme Characterization & Profiling services, providing essential data for drug discovery programs targeting enzymatic function. Enzymes, which include kinases, phosphatases, proteases, and ATPases, represent a vast and critical class of drug targets across oncology, inflammation, metabolic disorders, and infectious diseases. Our platform delivers detailed mechanistic data, including Km/Vmax kinetics, inhibition constants (Ki), binding affinity, and mechanism of action (MoA) analysis. We employ validated biochemical, biophysical, and cell-based assays with high-throughput capability. Researchers can access our expertise through our comprehensive profiling services or specialized target-class panels to precisely characterize their lead compounds.

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From Initial Screening to Mechanistic Kinome Analysis

Successful drug development requires not only measuring the potency (IC50) of a compound but also understanding how and why it inhibits a target (MoA). Our Enzyme Characterization services are designed to provide this depth, starting with comprehensive functional profiling against key enzyme classes. For leads, we move to detailed kinetic analysis, distinguishing between competitive, non-competitive, and uncompetitive inhibition, and assessing time-dependent inhibition (TDI). This rigorous, step-wise approach ensures the precise characterization of your drug candidates, supporting patent filings and providing the necessary confidence to transition into preclinical studies. We offer access to broad profiling tools and specialized target-class panels.

Available Enzyme Profiling and Characterization Modules

Core Enzyme Characterization Target-Class Specific Panels Custom Assay Development

Comprehensive Enzyme Characterization Services

Detailed mechanistic and kinetic analysis for individual enzyme targets:

Comprehensive Enzyme Profiling Services

In-depth analysis of Km/Vmax kinetics, inhibition constants (Ki), reversible/irreversible inhibition, and mechanism of action (MoA) determination.

Target-Class Specific Profiling

Focused screening panels for critical enzyme and receptor families:

Target-Class Specific Profiling Services

Access to specialized panels covering Kinases, Proteases, GPCRs, Nuclear Receptors, Ion Channels, and other major target families for selectivity screening.

Custom Assay Development and Support

Tailored services for challenging or novel enzyme targets:

Novel Target Assay Development

Establishment of high-quality, validated biochemical or cell-based assays for previously uncharacterized enzyme targets.

High-Throughput Screening (HTS) Feasibility

Optimization of assay conditions for large-scale screening campaigns (e.g., miniaturization, Z-factor optimization).

Enzyme Characterization and Kinetic Profiling Workflow

A multi-step process for rigorous mechanistic analysis.

Enzyme & Substrate Validation

Initial Potency Screening (IC50)

Full Kinetic & Mechanistic Analysis (Ki, MoA)

Selectivity Profiling and Reporting

Target Preparation: Source or express/purify the target enzyme in its active form.

Baseline Kinetics: Determine optimal substrate (Km) and enzyme concentration for linear rate conditions.

Dose-Response: Run 10-point dose-response curves for all test compounds to determine IC50 values.

Quality Control: Validate assay performance using positive control inhibitors (Z-factor and standard deviation).

Inhibition Constant (Ki): Perform detailed kinetic studies (varying substrate, compound concentration) to determine the true Ki.

Mechanism of Action (MoA): Identify the mode of inhibition (Competitive, Non-competitive, Time-Dependent) using specialized assays.

Selectivity: Profile lead compounds against a customized panel of off-target enzymes or related family members.
Allosteric Modulators: Screen for compounds that modulate activity without binding to the active site (if requested).
Reporting: Deliver comprehensive reports including kinetic graphs, raw data, Km/Ki/IC50 values, and mechanistic conclusion.

The Power of Precise Enzymatic Profiling

Gold Standard Kinetics (Ki)

Accurate determination of the inhibition constant (Ki) and turnover rate (Km/Vmax) for IP filing and lead optimization.

Broad Enzyme Coverage

Access to validated assays for over 1,000 human enzymes across all major functional classes.

Mechanism of Action (MoA)

Detailed analysis to classify inhibitors as competitive, non-competitive, or time-dependent.

Custom Assay Development

Expertise in developing novel biochemical and cell-based assays for challenging or uncharacterized enzyme targets.

Client Testimonials on Enzyme Characterization

"The detailed kinetic analysis on our lead protease inhibitor not only provided the Ki but also confirmed a non-competitive, slow-binding MoA, which was vital for our patent strategy."

Dr. Sarah Kim, Discovery Chemistry Lead

"The comprehensive Kinase and Phosphatase selectivity screening quickly narrowed down our hit list, saving months of non-selective compound optimization."

Mr. Ben Miller, Pharmacology Director

"We commissioned custom assay development for a novel ATPase, and the team delivered a high-quality, high-throughput assay with an excellent Z-factor in record time."

Dr. Chen Wei, Enzymology Manager

FAQs about Enzyme Characterization & Profiling

Still have questions?

What is the difference between IC50 and Ki?

IC50 is the concentration required for 50 percent inhibition under specific assay conditions, influenced by substrate concentration. Ki (Inhibition Constant) is the true thermodynamic measure of inhibitor binding affinity, independent of substrate concentration, and is the preferred value for mechanistic studies.

How do you determine the mechanism of inhibition (MoA)?

MoA is determined by running kinetic assays where both the substrate and inhibitor concentrations are varied. Data are analyzed using Lineweaver-Burk or Dixon plots to distinguish between competitive, non-competitive, and uncompetitive inhibition modes.

Can you perform assays for allosteric modulators?

Yes. We can design specific assays to identify and characterize allosteric modulators, which bind to a site other than the active site. This involves measuring changes in Km, Vmax, and inhibitor binding in the presence of the test compound.

Do you offer custom enzyme purification services?

Yes. If a target enzyme is not commercially available or requires a specific construct (e.g., mutant, fusion protein), we offer expression, purification, and quality control of the active enzyme for subsequent assay development.

How much does Metabolic Engineering services cost?

The cost of Metabolic Engineering services depends on the project scope, complexity of the target compound, the host organism chosen, and the required yield optimization. We provide customized quotes after a detailed discussion of your specific research objectives.

Do your engineered strains meet regulatory standards?

We adhere to high quality control standards in all strain construction and optimization processes. While we do not handle final regulatory approval, our detailed documentation and compliance with best laboratory practices ensure your engineered strains are prepared for necessary regulatory filings (e.g., GRAS, FDA).

What to look for when selecting the best gene editing service?

We provide various gene editing services such as CRISPR-sgRNA library generation, stable transformation cell line generation, gene knockout cell line generation, and gene point mutation cell line generation. Users are free to select the type of service that suits their research.

Does gene editing allow customisability?

Yes, we offer very customised gene editing solutions such as AAV vector capsid directed evolution, mRNA vector gene delivery, library creation, promoter evolution and screening, etc.

What is the process for keeping data private and confidential?

We adhere to the data privacy policy completely, and all customer data and experimental data are kept confidential.