Microtiter Plate Screening (MPS) Technology

CD Biosynsis offers versatile Microtiter Plate Screening (MPS) Technology, a highly reliable and scalable platform for the medium- to high-throughput analysis of compound libraries, mutant strains, and engineered proteins. Leveraging industry-standard formats (96-, 384-, and 1536-well plates), MPS is the foundational method for quantitative biological assays, ensuring excellent reproducibility and straightforward data management. Our system is integrated with robotics, precision liquid handling, and multi-mode plate readers, enabling the rapid and quantitative measurement of enzyme kinetics, cellular viability, small molecule binding, and microbial growth rates. MPS is ideal for projects that require robust quantitative data validation, dose-response studies (IC50/EC50), and the final confirmation of candidates identified through ultra-high-throughput methods.

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The Gold Standard for Quantitative, Scalable Screening

While ultra-high-throughput methods like FADS excel at screening enormous libraries ($10^7$ or more), MPS provides the crucial bridge to production-scale assays. Its standardized format ensures low well-to-well variability and high Z-prime factors, making the data highly robust and statistically significant. Our automated platform allows for precise dispensing of minute volumes, serial dilution for quantitative dose-response curves, and time-resolved measurement using various detection modes (absorbance, fluorescence, luminescence, polarization). Key applications include confirming the improved performance of evolved enzyme variants, testing drug candidates against microbial targets, and conducting highly reproducible quantitative structure-activity relationship (QSAR) studies before transitioning to manufacturing.

Microtiter Plate Screening Workflow

A precision-focused process designed for quantitative, reproducible assay execution.

Assay Optimization & Miniaturization

Automated Liquid Handling

High-Throughput Readout

Data Processing & Validation

Feasibility & Robustness: Test assay components and conditions (buffer, pH, kinetics) in 96-well format.

Miniaturization: Transition the assay protocol to higher-density formats (384- or 1536-well) while maintaining Z' factor > 0.5.

Sample Dispensing: Use robotic liquid handlers for highly precise, low-volume dispensing of samples (e.g., purified enzymes, cells) and reagents.

Serial Dilution: Execute automated serial dilutions for generating accurate dose-response curves for multiple candidates simultaneously.

Kinetic Measurement: Place plates in multi-mode readers for real-time measurement of reaction progress over time (e.g., enzyme kinetics).

Endpoint Reading: Measure final signal (Fluorescence, Absorbance) after incubation, ensuring proper temperature and atmospheric control.

Raw Data QA/QC: Filter out unreliable data points and correct for background noise.
Calculation & Fitting: Apply curve-fitting software (e.g., GraphPad) to calculate quantitative metrics (IC50, Km).
Reporting: Deliver comprehensive final reports including raw data, fitted curves, and assay validation statistics.

Reliability, Reproducibility, and Quantitative Power

High Z' Factor Assurance

Focus on rigorous assay validation metrics (Z' factor) guarantees reliable distinction between positive and negative results.

Quantitative Kinematics

Ability to measure real-time enzyme kinetics (Km, kcat) and calculate precise potency values (IC50/EC50).

Scalable & Transferable

Standardized plate formats and automated protocols are easily transferable for internal or external manufacturing QA/QC.

Versatile Detection

Compatibility with all major detection modes (Fluorescence, Luminescence, Absorbance, Polarization) for diverse applications.

Client Testimonials on MPS Technology

"The MPS data confirmed the 10-fold activity improvement of our evolved enzyme with exceptional reliability. The Z' factor was consistently above 0.8."

Dr. Chen Li, Biocatalysis R&D Lead

"Their automated 384-well dose-response screening provided us with highly accurate IC50 values for 200 small molecule inhibitors, significantly accelerating our drug hit-to-lead stage."

Ms. Sophie Bertrand, Medicinal Chemistry Manager

"The robust, quantitative growth inhibition assay they developed in 96-well format has become our standard QA/QC release assay for our engineered microbial strains."

Mr. Omar Silva, Industrial Fermentation Scientist

FAQs about Microtiter Plate Screening (MPS)

Still have questions?

What is a Z' factor and why is it important in MPS?

The Z' factor is a statistical measure of assay quality, indicating the signal window and dynamic range. A high Z' factor (typically > 0.5) ensures that there is a large enough separation between the positive and negative control signals, guaranteeing the reliability of the screening results.

Can MPS be used for kinetic measurements?

Yes. Our multi-mode plate readers are capable of taking rapid, sequential readings over time. This allows us to track the progress of an enzymatic reaction and accurately calculate kinetic parameters like Vmax, Km, and kcat.

How does automation benefit plate screening?

Automation (using robotics and liquid handlers) minimizes human error, improves precision (especially for low-volume dispensing), ensures consistency between plates, and allows for unattended, high-speed operation, which is critical for dose-response curve generation.

What is the difference between MPS and FADS screening?

FADS is for ultra-high throughput screening of massive libraries ($>10^7$) at single-cell resolution. MPS is for medium-to-high throughput (typically $10^2$ to $10^5$ samples) that require highly quantitative data, dose-response fitting, and statistically rigorous validation (the gold standard for final confirmation).

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 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.

Microtiter Plate Screening (MPS) Technology

The Gold Standard for Quantitative, Scalable Screening

Customizable MPS Screening and Analysis Modules

Choose Plate Format and Automation Level

Select the throughput and degree of automation required for your screening campaign:

Assay Type and Detection Mode

Select the specific biochemical or cellular assay and the required detection technology:

Quantitative Analysis and Validation

Essential data processing and reporting for regulatory and development purposes:

Microtiter Plate Screening Workflow

Reliability, Reproducibility, and Quantitative Power

Client Testimonials on MPS Technology

FAQs about Microtiter Plate Screening (MPS)