Modeling and Identifying Optimum Designs for Fitting Dose-Response Curves Based on Raw Optical Density Data

For raw optical density (ROD) data, such as those generated in biological assays using a 96-well plate reader, D-optimal designs are identified for a family of homogeneous nonlinear models with two parameters developed for fitting and studying dose-response curves. Further, within the class of k-point equally spaced and uniform designs, D-optimal designs are specified. Also, the D-efficiency of the D-optimal equally spaced and uniform k-point designs are compared to D-optimal design for 3 ≤ k ≤ 7. The efficiency robustness of these optimal designs with respect to initial nominal values of the parameters are investigated. In addition, D-optimal designs are derived for a family of heterogeneous nonlinear models.