Protein Aggregation
We use various orthogonal techniques for characterizing protein aggregation. These techniques include size exclusion chromatography, dynamic light scattering and flow cam. These methods allow us to detect, quantify and understand the formation of protein aggregates in solution, which can affect the activity, stability, and safety of proteins. By understanding the conditions and factors that lead to aggregation, we can help our clients develop strategies to minimize or eliminate aggregation in their protein-based products.
Dynamic light scattering (DLS)
Dynamic light scattering (DLS) is a technique that we use at HTD Biosystems to study the size, and stability of proteins, other biomolecules and liposomes. DLS works by measuring the scattering of a laser beam as it passes through a solution containing the biomolecules of interest. The scattering is influenced by the size, shape, and motion of the biomolecules, and it is detected by a photodetector.
Using DLS, we can determine the hydrodynamic size and size distribution of proteins, as well as their stability under different conditions. This information is important for understanding the properties of proteins and for developing stable protein formulations for drug development.
DLS is a fast and non-invasive method that can be used to study proteins in a variety of formats, including purified proteins, protein-ligand complexes, and protein-based therapeutics. It is also a useful tool for identifying stabilizing agents and for optimizing the formulation and storage conditions of protein-based drugs.
Overall, DLS is an important technique in the field of protein characterization, and our team of protein scientists is skilled in its use and interpretation.
Subvisible Particle Characterization by Flowcam Microscopy
Subvisible particle characterization by Flowcam microscopy is a technique that is used to evaluate the size, shape, and distribution of subvisible particles in a sample. Subvisible particles are particles that are smaller than visible particles, typically ranging in size from 1 micrometer to 50 micrometers, and they can be found in a variety of products, including pharmaceuticals, biologics, and medical devices.
Flowcam microscopy is a type of microscopy that uses a flow cell and a specialized microscope to visualize and analyze subvisible particles as they flow through the flow cell. Flowcam microscopy can be used with or without fluorescence, depending on the needs of the application.
When Flowcam microscopy is used without fluorescence, other techniques are used to visualize the particles. For example, refractive index-based Flowcam microscopy can be used to visualize particles based on their refractive index, which is a measure of how light is bent as it passes through the particles. This can be useful for analyzing the size and shape of particles that are transparent or translucent.
Another technique that can be used for subvisible particle characterization without fluorescence is scattering-based Flowcam microscopy, which uses the scattering of light by particles to visualize and analyze the particles. This can be useful for analyzing the size and shape of particles that are not transparent or fluorescent.
Overall, Flowcam microscopy is a versatile technique that can be used with or without fluorescence to evaluate the size, shape, and distribution of subvisible particles in a sample. HTD has expertise in Flowcam microscopy and can provide high-quality services to our clients to support the development of safe and effective products.
Viscosity Measurement
At HTD, we use viscosity measurement as part of our protein characterization services. Viscosity is a measure of the resistance of a fluid to flow, and it is an important property of proteins and other biomolecules.
We use a range of techniques to measure the viscosity of proteins and other biomolecules, including:
- Capillary viscometry: This technique measures the time it takes for a sample of the biomolecules to flow through a small capillary tube. The viscosity of the sample can be calculated from the flow rate and the capillary dimensions.
Viscosity measurement is a useful tool for understanding the rheological properties of proteins and other biomolecules, and for developing stable protein formulations for drug development. It is also a useful tool for identifying stabilizing agents and for optimizing the formulation and storage conditions of protein-based drugs.
UV Spectroscopy
UV spectrophotometry is a technique that is used to determine the concentration of proteins and other compounds based on their absorption of ultraviolet (UV) light. UV spectrophotometry uses a UV light source and a detector to measure the intensity of light absorbed by a sample at specific wavelengths in the UV region of the electromagnetic spectrum.
Proteins and other compounds absorb UV light at specific wavelengths, and the intensity of the absorbed light is proportional to the concentration of the compound in the sample. By measuring the intensity of the absorbed light at these wavelengths, it is possible to determine the concentration of the compound in the sample.
UV spectrophotometry is a powerful and widely used technique for the determination of the concentration of proteins and other compounds. It is particularly useful for the analysis of trace quantities of substances, as it is sensitive and can detect very low levels of absorption.
HTD has expertise in UV spectrophotometry and can provide high-quality services to our clients using advanced instrumentation, such as nanodrop and diode array spectrophotometers.
Nanodrop spectrophotometry is a technique that uses a small sample volume and a compact spectrophotometer to measure the absorbance of light by a sample at specific wavelengths. It is commonly used to determine the concentration, purity, and quality of biomolecules, such as proteins and nucleic acids.
Diode array spectrophotometry is a technique that uses a detector with multiple photodiodes to measure the absorbance of light by a sample at multiple wavelengths simultaneously. It is commonly used to determine the purity and quality of biomolecules, as well as to analyze complex mixtures of compounds.
Both nanodrop spectrophotometry and diode array spectrophotometry are powerful and widely used techniques for the analysis of biomolecules. HTD has expertise in these techniques and can provide high-quality services to our clients to support the development of safe and effective products.
Second Derivative UV Spectroscopy
Second derivative UV spectroscopy involves the measurement of the second derivative of the absorbance of UV light by a protein sample at specific wavelengths. The second derivative is a measure of the rate of change of the absorbance with respect to wavelength, and it can provide information on the protein's tertiary structure.
To perform second derivative UV spectroscopy, a sample of the protein is prepared and its absorbance of UV light is measured at specific wavelengths using a spectrophotometer. The second derivative of the absorbance is then calculated and analyzed to determine the protein's tertiary structure.
Second derivative UV spectroscopy is a powerful technique for the analysis of proteins, and it can provide valuable information on the protein's structure and function. HTD has expertise in second derivative UV spectroscopy and can provide high-quality services to our clients to support the development of safe and effective product.
Fluorimetry Using Plate Reader
A fluorimeter is a scientific instrument that is used to measure the fluorescence of a sample. Fluorescence is the emission of light by a substance that has absorbed light or other electromagnetic radiation, and it is a property of many molecules and materials.
Fluorimeters can be used to characterize nucleic acids and proteins in a plate reader, which is a type of instrument that is used to measure the absorbance or fluorescence of samples in a plate format. Plate readers are commonly used in biochemical and pharmaceutical research, and they are particularly useful for high-throughput screening and analysis of samples.
To use a fluorimeter for the characterization of nucleic acids and proteins in a plate reader, the samples are typically labeled with a fluorescent dye or marker that allows them to be visualized under the microscope. The intensity and wavelength of the emitted light can provide valuable information about the samples, including their concentration, purity, and structure.
Fluorimeters are a powerful tool for the characterization of nucleic acids and proteins in a plate reader, and they offer several advantages over other techniques, including sensitivity, precision, and speed. HTD Biosystems has expertise in the use of fluorimeters and plate readers, and we can provide high-quality services to our clients to support the development of safe and effective products.
Ultrafiltration Dynamic Flow Field Flow Fractionation
UFDF (Ultrafiltration Dynamic Flow Field Flow Fractionation) is a technique that is used to separate and characterize particles in a sample based on their size and molecular weight. UFDF combines ultrafiltration with flow field flow fractionation (FFF), which is a separation technique that uses a flow field to separate particles based on their size and mass.
In UFDF, a sample is passed through an ultrafiltration membrane, which separates the particles based on their size and molecular weight. The separated particles are then analyzed using FFF, which allows for the characterization of the particles based on their size and mass.
UFDF is a powerful technique that can be used to separate and characterize a wide range of particles, including proteins, viruses, and nanoparticles. It is particularly useful for analyzing complex mixtures of particles, as it can provide detailed information on the size, shape, and distribution of the particles in the sample.
Our scientists have expertise in UFDF and can provide high-quality services to our clients to support the development of safe and effective products.
