What are the common issues encountered with FP assays?
-No assay window: Check that your instrument is designed to do FP experiments.
-Poor discrimination between the minimum and maximum mP Control (both include the receptor): This may be an indication of the quality of the receptor. Do not make single use aliquots of the receptor or store diluted.
-The type of microplate is critical: Please see if the protocol specifies untreated polystyrene or NBS-coated plates. If the plate binds the fluorescent substrate, it cannot freely rotate and the mP reading will always be high. White plates cannot be used for FP assays. Avoid the use of silanized pipette tips and vials.
-The No Receptor Control' (free Fluormone/Tracer) should have much higher RFU values compared to buffer alone. If not, there is a problem with the instrument setup or less commonly with the Fluormone/Tracer.
-If the free Fluormone/Tracer mP value is greater than 100 mP or negative, please refer to the user manual for your instrument and reset the G factor.
What is the best type of microplate reader for fluorescence polarization (FP) assays?
For FP assays, plate readers must specifically have FP built in. Please see our instrument compatibility portal (http://www.thermofisher.com/us/en/home/industrial/pharma-biopharma/drug-discovery-development/dd-misc/instrument-compatibility-portal.html).
How can I test the fluorescence polarization (FP) settings of my microplate reader before doing the assay?
We offer a FP One-Step Reference Kit (https://www.thermofisher.com/order/catalog/product/P3088) to detect in green (Ex/Em = 488/535 nm) and red (Ex/Em = 525/590 nm) emission ranges, suitable for the PolarScreen Green and Red Assays. The alternative is to perform the Controls in the respective assay kit prior to performing the actual assay using test compounds.