Germany-based diagnostics and antimicrobial solutions firm Hyglos has introduced the new EndoZyme, a homogeneous fluorescence microplate assay for measuring endotoxin (Lipopolysaccharides, LPS) in pharmaceuticals, biologics and medical equipment.
Developed using recombinant Factor C derived from horseshoe crab, the new product is an endotoxin-specific principal receptor in the LAL enzyme group.
According to the company, Lipopolysaccharides (LPS), or endotoxins, are biologically active components (toxins) of the outer cell membrane of all Gram-negative bacteria.
The new Factor C assay in recombinant is activated by any endotoxin present in the sample, which breaks into a synthetic substrate producing a fluorescence signal.
The endotoxins accumulation in the blood stream can cause a triggering of the signaling cascade and may lead to endotoxic shock.
The firm said it is mandatory to control endotoxin in developing parental drugs, infusions and certain medical devices.