Solid-supported membrane (SSM)-based electrophysiology allows functional characterization of transporters which are otherwise difficult to investigate due to their slow transport conductivity or intracellular localization. The “SURFE2R 96SE” platform makes this technology suitable for compound characterization at higher throughputs.
For this case study, we prepared membrane vesicles from a PepT1-expressing cell line and screened an ion-channel/transporter-focused library of 237 bioactive compounds for substrate and inhibitory activity. With the SURFE2R 96SE, the screen was completed in less than 8 hours with a success rate of 98%, demonstrating utility of the technology for compound screening.
On the downside, application of SSM-based electrophysiology is limited to targets with an electrogenic net transport, assay setup is rather complex, and cost of ownership is significant. This may be an obstacle for implementing SURFE2R technology in-house. In response, Assay.Works entered into a partnership with Nanion, providing SURFE2R assays as a service. Backed by Nanions extensive expertise, we utilize our assay development and screening capabilities, including cell and membrane production, compound libraries, and sample management, to help clients realizing proof-of-concept, compound characterization, or profiling studies.