Editorial Article: Biophysical characterization technology guide: Find the right equipment for your lab

As the biotechnology and pharmaceutical industries advance, there is a demand for more comprehensive analysis of potential therapeutics. Biophysical characterization technology can provide in-depth characterization of the interactions of molecules. These instruments have evolved to incorporate increasingly advanced features that reduce manual steps and increase sensitivity for a range of applications.

In a free SelectScience eBook, we cover the basics of key biophysical characterization techniques, some of the latest available technologies on the market, and advanced applications of label-free methods. In addition, you’ll find tips on how to determine the best biophysical characterization technology for your research.

How can biophysical characterization technology help in drug discovery and biotherapeutics?

Label-free assays are being used throughout drug discovery and development, as well as in the entire manufacturing workflow of biotherapeutics, including quality control of the final product. Biophysical characterization technologies measure molecular binding without the use of labels and can provide data in real time.

These assays provide a precise and efficient approach for collecting a wide range of information related to the interaction of the biomolecules used, such as concentration, biosimilarity, specificity, potency, and selectivity of the molecular binding, which lead to higher workflow efficiencies.

Whatever the analyte, therapeutic proteins, monoclonal antibodies (mAbs), bispecific antibodies (bsAbs), and antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) can be reliably characterized and quantified.

Common biophysical interaction techniques include surface plasmon resonance (SPR), bio-layer interferometry (BLI), isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC), microscale thermophoresis (MST), microfluidic diffusional sizing (MDS), and grating-coupled interferometry (GCI).

How do you select the right biophysical characterization technology?

There are three overarching principles to keep in mind to eliminate purchase regrets: flexibility, cost, and ease of use.

FLEXIBILITY – As the field and your research advances, you do not want to invest in a system that has limited applications and sample scope. Several years in, will you be able to upgrade throughput? Run an experiment based on other molecule combinations? Combine your system or transfer the same sample to another technique?

COST — Scientists know that capital for equipment is hard to come by and that purchasing decisions must be well thought out. When evaluating cost, operating costs such as consumables and maintenance are equally as important as the initial purchase price.

EASE OF USE — Keep efficiency in mind as you evaluate system features. Some features, such as intuitive software, benefit nearly every buyer. But you may not need other features that will instead slow you down and limit the number of people that can use the instrument.

Download the free eBook How to Buy Biophysical Characterization Technology to learn more about the top biophysical characterization techniques, their advantages and drawbacks, along with expert insight on some of the available technologies, and advanced applications for label-free assays.