Contaminant Detection Assays

Research scientists use assay kits for a broad range of applications--from studying disease targets to testing the presence of contaminants in biopharmaceutical development and production.

Molecular Devices offers a suite of simple-to-use, robust assay kits for molecular and cellular life science research and drug discovery that have been optimized for use on our instruments. Cell-based applications include intracellular calcium, ion channel, and transporter assays that can be used to screen for drug targets. Other assays enable researchers to measure contamination levels in food and water, detect host cell DNA introduced during the biopharmaceutical manufacturing process, and assess kinase, phosphatase, and phosphodiesterase enzyme activity.

Contamination detection assays can be used in a broad range of applications to measure contamination in a variety of sample content from fermentation supernatants and purification processes to biochemical preparations such as serum and other bodily fluids. Contamination detection assays also measure the presence of host cell DNA as well as other DNA that might have been introduced during the biopharmaceutical manufacturing process.

Molecular Devices offers two contaminant detection assay kits under its Threshold brand. The Threshold™ Immunoligand Assay (ILA) measures a broad range of analytes such as proteins, peptides, and microorganisms for biopharmaceutical development and production. The Threshold™ Total DNA Assay quantitatively measures picograms of single-stranded DNA. Unlike hybridization techniques that require DNA probes or primers with a specific nucleic acid sequence, the Threshold Total DNA Assay measures DNA with broad sequence specificity. Established for over 10 years, the Threshold Total DNA Assay is used by pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies worldwide and is recognized by the Food and Drug Administration for DNA contaminate testing.

Please use the links below to learn more about how we can support the success of your contamination detection efforts.