Biophysical Characterization Service—Isothermal Titration Calorimetry (ITC)

The CD BioSciences biophysical characterisation laboratories are equipped with state-of-the-art instruments for studying proteins, nucleic acids, lipids, and complexes. Researchers can benefit from our Isothermal Titration Calorimetry (ITC)-based biophysical characterisation services.

Name of the Instrument/Platform

Isothermal Titration Calorimetry (ITC)

Applications

1. To monitor binding interactions, such as but not limited to: antigen-antibody, DNA-drug, receptor-target, protein-ligand or protein-protein
2. Determination of reaction stoichiometry
3. Measurement of binding constants
4. To measure the thermodynamic properties of binding - enthalpy, entropy and Gibbs free energy

Summary

The MicroCal VP-ITC is useful for the characterization of the thermodynamics of a binding reaction in solution. In an ITC experiment, aliquots of a titrant (typically a protein, peptide or small molecule) are injected into the cell containing a macromolecule solution. With each titration injection, the molecules interact and heat is either generated or absorbed. The VP-ITC measures this heat of binding to determine the binding constants (K), reaction stoichiometry (n), enthalpy (ΔH) and entropy (ΔS). In addition, varying the temperature of the experiment allows the determination of the heat capacity (ΔCp) for the reaction. Since the heat of binding is a naturally occurring event, the ITC does not require immobilization and/or modification of the reactants. There are no limits on the protein or ligand size nor is the system dependent on the optical properties of the samples. The major limitation of the ITC is that it requires relatively high concentrations of samples.

In the chemistry-biology community, our service is one of the best options for teams working on biophysical characterisation. Do not hesitate to contact us if you are interested in this.

For research use only, not intended for any clinical use.

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