COMPUTER ASSISTED REACTION-RATE ANALYSES

A small general purpose digital computer has been used for on-line processing of reaction-rate data for quantitative analyses. The detector signal is entered via an analog to digital converter into computer memory, where it is stored as a function of time. These data are processed and concentration data are printed on teletype. Important features of the program include the following: Preliminary rate measurements are utilized to adjust data acquisition rates and other operating parameters to be optimum for each experiment, regardless of the reaction rate. As a consequence, a wide dynamic range of analyses can be performed without making any changes in hardware. Multiple rate measurements are performed on each experiment, resulting in a highly precise average rate for each analysis. The program and hardware system is versatile, permitting signals of many types to be utilized. Different kinetic systems can be utilized by adjusting the detector signal to be compatible with the analog to digital converter and providing yes, no, and decimal number answers to questions printed on teletype by the computer during setup. Results are reported for the determination of alkaline phosphatase activity in reconstituted serum and saline, and for the determination of osmium at concentrations between 10-9 and 10-11M. Relative standard deviations and deviations from linearity are below 1% for normal conditions and range between 1% and 5% for very adverse conditions. © 1969, American Chemical Society. All rights reserved.