Rapid ELISA Optimization for Biotech R&D (RUO)
Lean, agile micro-CRO (Contract Research Organization) rescuing underperforming ELISAs and kits for higher S/N, wider dynamic range, and a fully documented handoff.
What you get with Fog City Bio
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Direct Scientist Communication & Ownership
(Your project is led by a dedicated scientist, not a project manager.) -
Optimized Assay Performance
(Maximized S/N, wider dynamic range, and robust LoD/LoQ)
📄 See our white paper on MOA-aligned cytokine-release potency assays → -
Tailor-made Assays & Kits
(From troubleshooting and rescuing commercial ELISA kits to fully custom assay development and optimization, rather than simply running out-of-the-box protocols.)
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Rigorous Assay Characterization
(Precision, linearity, spike-recovery)
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Handoff-Ready Protocol, Data & Report
(A seamless, supported transfer of technology)
Typical ELISA Pain
- Low signal-to-noise, hook effect, or drifting plates
- Matrix effects: non-parallelism, poor spike-recovery
- Narrow dynamic range; inconsistent LoD/LoQ
- Difficult ELISA formats: competitive ELISA or ELISpot
Protocol Optimization
Optimization of antibody pairs, buffers, and incubation times to meet your target S/N, %CV, and dynamic range, whether you are starting from a commercial kit or a fully custom assay concept.
Assay Transfer & Bridging
Fully supported assay transfer with side-by-side runs against pre-defined acceptance criteria. Includes handoff-ready protocol and development report.
Matrix Effect & Interference
Rigorous testing in your specific sample matrix (e.g., serum, plasma, lysate). We characterize parallelism, linearity, and spike-recovery to ensure real-world accuracy.
Cell-Based & Homogeneous Assays
Optimization for cell-based or homogeneous readouts (e.g., HTRF, reporter assays). We establish stable protocols for lysate or live-cell quantification.
New: White paper on MOA-aligned cytokine-release potency assays → Read now
Our 5-step rapid workflow
Step 1
10-min fit call
Define project scope, sample matrix, and target acceptance criteria.
Step 2
CDA & Materials
Execute simple CDA and coordinate shipment of samples & critical reagents.
Step 3
Rapid DoE Screen
Factorial screen to identify critical parameters (e.g., buffers, antibody concentration, incubation).
Step 4
Optimize & Finalize
Refine protocol to tighten %CV, widen dynamic range, and confirm LoD/LoQ.
Step 5
Report & Handoff
Deliver final protocol, development report, and raw data; includes a scientific debrief call.
QC snapshots
- Automation-Driven Optimization: We use Opentrons liquid handlers for key steps (e.g., titrations, sample additions) to define a robust, digital protocol.
- Minimized Process Variability: Our process removes operator "art," ensuring the protocol we develop is consistent and not dependent on a specific technician.
- Protocols Designed for Tech Transfer: We deliver a precise, machine-readable (if desired) and human-readable protocol that is built to be successfully transferred to your team or another CRO.
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Full 'Audit Trail' Documentation: You receive version-controlled protocols and complete data reports for a fully auditable "fit-for-purpose" package.
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State-of-the-Art, Maintained Equipment: Current-generation automation and plate readers. Manufacturer-warrantied, maintained on schedule, and checked with controls.
FAQs
Q: Why choose Fog City Bio over a larger CRO?
A: We are built for a different purpose. Our “micro-CRO” model provides two key advantages:
- Direct Scientist Ownership: You will not be routed through a project manager. Your single point of contact is the scientist who designs your experiment, physically runs your assay, analyzes your data, and writes your final report.
- Lean, Cost-Effective Operations: We focus exclusively on rapid protocol optimization. We don’t have the massive overhead of a full-service, GLP-compliant facility. Our “GLP-lite” rigor and automation-driven processes deliver a high quality, “fit-for-purpose” data package, and we pass those significant overhead savings directly to you.
Q: Is Fog City Bio GLP/GMP?
We operate RUO‑only with GLP‑lite QC for R&D decision‑making. For regulated studies, we provide technology transfer documentation and support back to your GLP/GMP labs.
Q: How fast is the turnaround?
We propose a timeline during the fit call; simple tune‑ups often begin within days of material receipt.
Q: How does Fog City Bio protect IP?
A comprehensive mutual CDA available. We follow strict sample handling and data privacy practices; only assigned scientists access your data. We anonymize samples through our internal tracking system.
Q: What kind of ELISAs does Fog City Bio offer?
Direct, Indirect, Competitive, Sandwich, ELISpot.
Q: What kind of assays does Fog City Bio offer?
Cell based assays, binding kinetics (SPR), affinity & potency.
Q: What kind of reporter proteins does Fog City Bio use?
Colorimetric, fluorescent, luminescent, FRET/HTRF.
Q: What kind of cell lines does Fog City Bio work with?
Commercially-available primary cells and immortalized mammalian cells: both adherent and suspension. Â
What do you need from us to get started?
- Samples
- Antibodies / detection reagents
- Prior data (if any)
- Desired detection range
- Matrix info
What does a typical project with Fog City Bio look like?
A simple 4-5 step workflow:
Consult → intake → design → run → deliverable.
How do you price projects?
Standard ELISA work:Â Standard samples run on an existing ELISA kit can start as low as $1,000 per run, with an additional $200 per plate.
ELISA Creation and Development Work: Pilot runs (assay creation and development pilots) start at $1,800 and decrease marginal cost depending on volume and number of runs. This cost considers the additional time required for custom projects when planning, analyzing, and reporting.
Additional services:Â Â
- SPR pricing is highly variable, depending on the kinetics of the molecules, chemistry of the chips used, and assay requirements. Fast-kinetics assays (less than 1 hour per sample) start at $1,800 per run, while slow interactions can cost up to twice as much.Â
- Cell based assays are too variable to summarize, please set up a meeting for us to discuss! The lowest cost to expect will be an additional $1,000 but this will typically add $6,000 to any project, but it can be much lower depending on assay requirements and cell line.
- Gel/Blot based assays are $700 per gel or $800 blot. More for atypical or custom assay designs (~$1,200).
- Other plate-based assays are comparable to ELISA pilot runs (~$1,800).
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Additional Fees:  Our set-up fee for new projects is typically $1,000. This includes client on-boarding, technology and data transfer, sample ingestion, and overall project management. This can go as low as $400 for particularly straightforward projects. Passthrough pricing is the most typical arrangement for materials cost, where we will purchase the reagents required, to be reimbursed by the clients at project termination. Development reports are often included for basic projects. All of your raw and analyzed data, the final developed protocol(s), and a smile are always offered for free.
Book a 15-Minute Consult
We typically estimate about 15 minutes for introductory calls but set aside 30 minutes to ensure ample time to discuss all your needs.
All consultations are confidential and commitment-free.
Having trouble loading the calendar? Book directly on Calendly.
Quick Intake
Too busy or too shy for a meeting?
Drop a question and we’ll get back to you.
RUO only. No diagnostic claims. Confidential by default; mutual CDA available.
Prefer to skim first?  Read our white paper →