Biologic assays refer to experiments that test the biological activity of a substance or organism. The word "biologic" is spelled with a "c" instead of a "k" because it comes from the Greek word "bios," which is pronounced /baɪˈɑːs/. The suffix "-ic" means "of or pertaining to," and is pronounced /ɪk/. The word "assay" is spelled with double "s" because it comes from the Old French word "asseoir," which means "to seat or to place." The pronunciation is /baɪəˈlɑːdʒɪk əˈseɪz/.
Biologic assays, also known as bioassays, refer to experimental techniques used to measure and evaluate the biological activity or potency of a substance or product. These assays are designed to determine the effect or response of a living organism, cells, tissues, or enzymes to a particular compound, such as drugs, hormones, toxins, or environmental agents.
In biologic assays, researchers aim to quantitatively measure the biological response elicited by the substance in question. This response could range from a specific physiological change, growth inhibition, enzyme activity, receptor binding, or other biologically significant effects. By conducting these assays, scientists can gain valuable insights into the interaction between the substance being tested and the biological system.
Biologic assays can take various forms, depending on the substance and the desired outcome. They can be in vivo assays, conducted in a living organism, or in vitro assays, performed outside the living organism in a controlled laboratory environment. In vitro assays often involve the use of cultured cells or isolated tissues to assess the response to the substance being tested. Bioassays are performed through various methodologies, including cell-based assays, immunological assays, enzyme assays, and receptor-binding assays.
These assays are crucial in drug discovery and development processes, as they provide vital information about the efficacy, safety, and pharmacological properties of potential therapeutic agents. Furthermore, biologic assays are valuable tools in toxicology, environmental monitoring, and the assessment of the quality and potency of biological products, such as vaccines and biopharmaceuticals, ensuring their proper use and regulation.
The word "biologic assays" has a straightforward etymology.
The term "biologic" comes from the Greek word "biologikos", which means "concerning life". It derives from the combination of the Greek words "bios" meaning "life" and "logos" meaning "study" or "word".
Meanwhile, the term "assays" can be traced back to the Old French word "essayer", which means "to try" or "to test". The word originated from the Latin word "exagiare", which means "to weigh out" or "to examine".
Therefore, when combined, "biologic assays" refers to the testing, examination, or study of living organisms, their components, or their activities.