Biophysical characterization
We help answer practical questions about your protein: its stability, aggregation/oligomeric state, secondary structure, and binding interactions, using a range of biophysical methods. You can request full-service support, and for most of our instruments we also offer training and independent access.
Common questions
• Is my protein aggregating or forming oligomers? What is its molecular weight?
• Is my protein stable in my assay conditions? Storage buffer/formulation screen?
• Does buffer, pH, salt, or additives change thermal stability or aggregation?
• Is the protein folded / what is the secondary structure content?
• Does my protein bind a partner/ligand – if so, how strongly?
• How do different constructs or mutants compare?
• What is the macromolecular composition of my sample?
Common requests
• Aggregation & oligomeric state check
- Size and homogeneity assessment, oligomeric state / aggregation overview
- Techniques: SEC-SLS and/or DLS and/or nDSF, depending on the question and sample
• Stability profiling and buffer screening
- Thermal and colloidal stability and unfolding behavior
- Screening across buffers/additives to identify conditions that improve behavior
- Techniques: nDSF and/or DLS and/or CD and/or SEC-SLS (as required)
• Secondary structure & folding assessment
- Secondary structure readout, condition- or ligand-dependent changes
- Techniques: CD
• Binding characterization support
- Binding measurements and comparison across variants/conditions
- Techniques: ITC, MST (Monolith X), and GCI
• Protein quality control (PQC)
- Panel of characterization tools to determine purity, homogeneity, and solubility
- Techniques: SDS-PAGE, SEC-SLS, nDSF, Intact MS, DLS, UV-Vis
In-house techniques and instruments
• Characterization: CD, DLS, SEC-SLS, nDSF, UV-Vis
• Biomolecular interactions: ITC, MST (including Monolith X), GCI
To gain a more detailed list of the techniques available, please see the equipment section.
Training and instrument access
We also provide instrument training and access for most of these methods. Once access is approved, VBCF ProTech users may book an instrument using our online booking system. If you will require support, please confirm staff availability in advance.
Data analysis (on-site)
Users have access to a dedicated Data Analysis PC on premises with software associated with our instruments, including:
• Chirascan and Global3 (CD data analysis)
• Dynamics (DLS data analysis)
• MicroCal PEAQ-ITC analysis and MicroCal concat software (ITC data analysis)
• MO.Affinity and PALMIST (MST data analysis)
• Creoptix WAVEcontrol (GCI data analysis)
• GraphPad Prism (plotting and overall analysis)
• NITPIC, Sedfit, Sedphat, and Sednterp (ITC analysis and general biophysical queries, e.g. global fitting, extinction coefficients, and dn/dc)
For registered users, more information about data analysis, literature, and online platforms can be found on the resources page, accessible after logging in.
