| Field | Specification |
|---|---|
| Species | |
| Applications | |
| Sample type(s) | Compounds that affect α-amylase activity |
| Detection method | |
| Plate format | |
| Storage | |
| Shelf life | |
| Shipping | |
| Catalog no. (Mfr.) | |
| Main SKU |
Overview
For evaluation of drugs and screening potential inhibitors of α-amylase. Safe: Non-radioactive assay. Fast and convenient: Homogeneous “mix-incubate-measure” type assay. Can be completed in under an hour at room temperature. Robust and. The assay uses FP485/520 nm for signal readout. Compatible sample input includes Compounds that affect α-amylase activity. Typical stated assay timing is 40 min.
Key elements and design rationale
- Readout format: FP485/520 nm supports plate-based signal acquisition and consistent comparison across matched samples.
- Sample compatibility: The stated sample scope includes Compounds that affect α-amylase activity, which is useful when aligning matrix type with calibration and control design.
- Workflow timing: The listed assay time of 40 min helps frame batch planning, replicate handling, and plate throughput.
- Feature emphasis: Safe. Non-radioactive assay.
Additional feature notes highlight Fast and convenient. Homogeneous “mix-incubate-measure” type assay. Can be completed in under an hour at room temperature; Robust and High-throughput. The FP assay greatly reduces background matrix interferences. A Z’-factor of >0.90 was observed in a 384-well format. Can be readily automated to assay thousands of samples per day. Available format information for this listing includes 400 Tests in 384-well plate (200 Tests in 96-well plates).
Biological background
This product is centered on measurement of α-amylase inhibitor screening within the matrices described for the assay. In practice, datasets from this type of format are typically interpreted by comparing relative signal, activity, or abundance across matched control and experimental groups rather than relying on a single value in isolation. Careful alignment of sample matrix, incubation window, and calibration strategy is important when comparing results across plates, operators, or study days.
More details
AMYLASEbelongs to the family of glycoside hydrolase enzymes that break down starch into glucose molecules by acting on α-1,4-glycosidic bonds. The α-amylases (EC 3.2.1.1) cleave at random locations on the starch chain, ultimately yielding maltotriose and maltose, glucose, and “limit dextrin” from amylose and amylopectin. In mammals, α-amylase is a major digestive enzyme. Increased enzyme levels in humans are associated with salivary trauma, mumps due to inflammation of the salivary glands, pancreatitis, and renal failure.Simple, direct, and automation-ready procedures for measuring α-amylase inhibition are highly desirable in Research and Drug Discovery. BioAssay Systems’ α-Amylase Inhibitor Screening Kit utilizes fluorescence polarization (FP), a highly reliable and robust technique that significantly reduces background matrix interferences, enabling the effective identification of potential α-amylase inhibitors. In this assay, α-amylase cleaves a fluorescent substrate. The decrease in FP is directly proportional to the α-amylase activity in the sample. Inhibition is therefore determined by the increase in FP (λex/em = 485/520 nm).
Detection method
Fluorescent (FL 485/520 nm).
Procedures and timing
Stated procedure or timing information: 40 min.
Screening services
BioAssay Systems offers comprehensive α-Amylase lead discovery services, including compound library screening, inhibitor profiling, and high-throughput assays to identify potential drug candidates. We provide detailed analyses of compound activity, potency, and selectivity, supporting hit-to-lead and lead optimization efforts. Please contact us for more details at Service .
Research relevance and current trends
- Plate-based quantification and side-by-side group comparison remain central use cases for this assay format.
- The product notes emphasize multi-sample throughput, making it relevant for screening-oriented and larger batch comparison studies.
- The description supports intervention-focused study designs in which researchers compare baseline and perturbed conditions.
Common research applications
- Quantify α-amylase inhibitor screening in compounds that affect α-amylase activity by FP485/520 nm readout.
- Compare treatment or phenotype groups using matched compounds that affect α-amylase activity handling.
- Monitor time-course or pre/post changes in compounds that affect α-amylase activity across study conditions.
Interpretation is usually strongest when signal changes are assessed alongside matrix-matched controls, replicate agreement, and the assay's stated analytical window.
Notes for experimental interpretation
- Matrix composition, background signal, and sample handling can influence apparent response; compare like-with-like whenever possible.
- Use appropriate blanks, controls, and replicate wells to distinguish biological differences from plate, reagent, or handling variability.
Does this kit come with α-amylase?
Yes, this kit comes with a purified human salivary α-Amylase, assay buffer, fluorescent substrate and an inhibitor control (acarbose).
What equipment should I use?
A fluorescence polarization-capable plate reader that can read 485/520 nm.
What buffer should I use with this kit?
If more assay buffer is needed, we recommend 20 mM KPi, 50 mM NaCl, pH 7.0.
For laboratories requiring additional technical capacity, we provide scientific support services including assay execution, method guidance, product sourcing, and customization to align the assay with specific experimental objectives. If you need assistance selecting the appropriate kit configuration, adapting the workflow to your application, or identifying related research services, please click Talk to a Scientist, email support@biohippo.com, or review our Research Services; a member of our scientific team will follow up with recommendations tailored to your study.
