The Biophysical Analysis platform is home to state-of-the-art instrumentation for studying biomolecular interactions.

Biomolecular interactions are central to life and an understanding of these interactions can increase knowledge across many fields in research. The platform can work with a range of biomolecules such as proteins, DNA, RNA, small molecules or drug compounds.

Two complementary techniques are available: Surface Plasmon Resonance (SPR) and Isothermal Titration Calorimetry (ITC). Both techniques are accompanied by a wealth of expertise. In addition, the team offer Mass Photometry (MP) to enable the accurate mass determination of single molecules in solution and Circular Dichroism spectroscopy (CD) to investigate the structure of molecules. The platform can advise you on the best technique and how to set up your experiment for optimum results.

The team is flexible to your requirements, from being able to perform analysis and deliver data and reports, through to offering bespoke training.

The platform has recently provided expert services to The Sainsbury Laboratory, University of East Anglia and external companies including Leaf Expression Systems.

If you want to measure any interaction, the Biophysical Analysis platform can help, wherever and whoever you are

To arrange a discussion email Dr Abbas Maqbool. It is best to do this prior to preparing any samples so the best advice can be given.

All artwork by Julia Mundy.

Interaction analysis

Surface Plasmon Resonance (SPR) and Isothermal Titration Calorimetry (ITC) are complimentary techniques that can be used to study the binding of biomolecules. These techniques can be used to identify interactions and obtain data on the affinity, kinetics, stoichiometry and thermodynamics of the binding interaction. The platform has a state-of-the-art SPR instrument that is high throughput and automated.

Analysis of structural properties

The platform offers two techniques to analyse structural properties of molecules:

• Mass Photometry (MP) enables the accurate mass determination of single molecules in solution and can be used to determine the oligomeric state of proteins and characterise biomolecules. The instrument can study samples with a mass range of 40kDa-5MDa and is quick, sensitive and uses minimal sample amounts.
• Circular Dichroism spectroscopy (CD) is regularly used to check the quality of protein purification batches or to compare the structures of mutant and wild type proteins to ensure the mutation has not affected the folding of the protein.

Training

The team offers training courses in all techniques and individual bespoke training to enable customers to run the experiments themselves.

Full Service Biophysical Analysis

Alternatively our team can do all the analysis and deliver the results to the customer as a report.