Ask an expert - Microcalorimetry - A versatile tool for the characterization of biomolecular interactions

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Higher-order biomolecular structures and their dynamic interactions with various ligands and biomolecules drive and regulate all biological processes; studies of biomolecular interactions are fundamentally important in all areas of life sciences. A rigorous understanding of any interaction requires quantification of its thermodynamic and kinetic properties. This, combined with structural detail, can be assimilated to enable a picture of the change (for example, going from the free to the bound state in a biomolecular interaction, or from the folded to the unfolded state of a biomolecule). Isothermal Titration Calorimetry (ITC) and Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) provide the thermodynamic data required for developing this understanding. 

ITC is the ideal technique for the measurement of a wide range of binding interactions since it does not rely on the presence of chromophores or fluorophores, it does not require labeling or immobilization of the samples and there are no molecular weight limitations; ITC relies only on the detection of a heat effect upon binding. ITC (and DSC) enables scientists in academia and industry to better understand the conformational stability of their biomolecules and their binding to relevant interactants. 

A special focus will be given to the benefits of PEAQ-ITC and PEAQ-DSC, the latest generation of MicroCal instruments, and the solutions they offer for addressing current bottlenecks associated with the study of interaction analysis and conformational stability. Among the most recognized challenges is the need to adequately address a broad range of binding affinities and to reliably interpret the binding data, complicated by the presence of inactive protein or inherent uncertainty in the concentration of the ligand. Experimental practicalities as well as how to obtain quality data will be covered.

We will discuss the improvements in the PEAQ-ITC and PEAQ-DSC data quality which enables increased confidence and data resolution when measuring low heats at low or uncertain sample concentrations and complex binding and we will present the new MicroCal PEAQ-ITC and PEAQ-DSC analysis software. The new software allows for automated data analysis, minimizing analysis time and user subjectivity in assessing data quality as well as allowing the analysis of large data sets of 50 or more experiments in a matter of seconds.

Don’t forget to bring your questions or submit them by emailing askanexpert@malvernpanalytical.com or using the #MPexpert hashtag on Twitter. Questions and data can be submitted up to 10 days upfront.

More information

This webinar is part of our ‘Ask an expert’ webinar series. These live webinars are meant for students, researchers, and professors alike who want to sharpen their analytical methods, deepen their knowledge, or find out how to improve their data. We’ll provide extensive materials analysis information and answer your most frequently asked questions. In other words, it’s the ultimate way to improve your materials science research and engineering knowledge.

Free to attend any of the classes. For full overview click here.

Pour en savoir plus

Who should attend?

  • Students, researchers or professors working in the field of biomolecular science and engineering, who are interested in improving their knowledge with our analytical solutions.

What will you learn?

  • Experimental practicalities as well as how to obtain quality data for ITC techniques
  • How to optimize automated data analysis within the new software.