Figure 2. This assay is compatible with different sample types such as mitochondria, tissue or cell lysates and in multiple species including human and rodent samples. Typical linear range data are shown for ab109908.

Figure 1. Example of raw data. Note the lag period before activity. Also note the activity of mitochondria (BHM, bovine heart mitochondria) is higher than whole cell lysate (HepG2, human hepatoblastoma) and the reaction ends at >1600 seconds because the substrates are used up.

Abcam's enzyme activity assays apply a novel approach, whereby target enzymes are first immunocaptured from tissue or cell samples before subsequent functional analysis. All of our ELISA kits utilize highly validated monoclonal antibodies and proprietary buffers, which are able to capture even very large enzyme complexes in their fully-intact, functionally-active states.

Capture antibodies are pre-coated in the wells of premium Nunc MaxiSorp™ modular microplates, which can be broken into 8-well strips. After the target has been immobilized in the well, substrate is added, and enzyme activity is analyzed by measuring the change in absorbance of either the substrate or the product of the reaction (depending upon which enzyme is being analyzed). By analyzing the enzyme's activity in an isolated context, outside of the cell and free from any other variables, an accurate measurement of the enzyme's functional state can be understood.