Creation of stepwise concentration gradient in picoliter droplets for parallel reactions of matrix metalloproteinase II and IX

Anal Chem. 2011 May 1;83(9):3358-64. doi: 10.1021/ac103217p. Epub 2011 Apr 13.

Abstract

We present a new methodology for generating a stepwise concentration gradient in a series of microdroplets by using monolithic micro valves that act as "faucets" in micrometer-scale. A distinct concentration gradient of a substrate was generated for the determination of the kinetic parameters of two different enzymes using only 10 picoliter-scale droplets. With a single experiment on a chip, we obtained K(M) and k(cat) values of matrix metalloproteinase 2 (MMP-2) and matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP-9), and compared the catalytic competence of the two enzymes. The present system and method are highly suitable for applications where the reagents or samples are limited and precious.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Biocatalysis
  • Calibration
  • Enzyme Assays / methods*
  • Kinetics
  • Matrix Metalloproteinase 2 / metabolism*
  • Matrix Metalloproteinase 9 / metabolism*
  • Microtechnology

Substances

  • Matrix Metalloproteinase 2
  • Matrix Metalloproteinase 9