Understanding how biomolecules behave is central to medical research and the design of safe, efficacious pharmaceuticals. Biomolecular interaction analysis is vital as it seeks to understand the interactions between biomolecules and their results.
This article will discuss the subject of biomolecular interaction analysis, explaining some of its key principles and applications.
Why study biomolecular interaction?
Interactions between biomolecules are a crucial aspect of many biological processes. While some proteins function independently, most proteins are only active in complex forms. This means their associations with other biomolecules, such as metals, lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids, are extremely important.
Biomolecular interaction analysis examines the physical contact between protein partners and functional trends in signaling and metabolic pathways. Protein and molecular interactions are intrinsic to all types of cellular processes, including:
- Metabolic pathway regulation
- Signal transduction
- Cellular motion
- Environment sensing
It is critical that the correct analysis is selected, as biomolecular interaction informs every crucial process in an organism.
Surface plasmon resonance (SPR)
SPR is a label-free biomolecular interaction analysis method that uses incident light to stimulate oscillating conduction electrons between positive and negative permittivity material. Adsorption onto the surface of metal nanoparticles can be measured using SPR.
This technique can measure the selectivity and affinity of biomolecular interactions, reveal kinetic behaviors, analyze equilibrium binding, and investigate the association and dissociation rate constants.
SPR has several benefits for biomolecular interaction analysis, such as high precision for classifying protein-protein interactions without additional sample preparation or reagents.1
Isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC)
ITC can be used to study a range of interactions between biomolecules quantitatively. It directly measures the heat absorbed or released during a molecular binding event. ITC can provide simultaneous binding parameter determination in a single experiment with no modification of binding partners.
Bio layer interferometry (BLI)
Biolayer interferometry (BLI) is an optical biosensing technology for biomolecular interaction analysis. One of the critical benefits of BLI is that it offers real-time label-free measurements for data analysis. A simple technique, BLI measures Kon, Koff, and KD in a single rapid assay.
BLI focuses on the interference patterns produced by white light reflected from the surface of the biosensor’s tip. This is used to study macromolecular and biomolecular interactions.
BLI is a robust method that offers an easy setup and can be used for crude and purified samples in various investigations without swapping between systems. Its small footprint means it does not take up space in the lab, making it highly versatile.
BLI also allows for various affinity values to investigate biomolecules and macromolecules, such as antibodies, AAVs, nanobodies, nucleic acids, membrane proteins, and small molecules.
Biomolecular interaction analysis from Gator Bio
Gator Bio stocks a range of BLI models suitable for biomolecular interaction analysis. To explore the company’s options, read the dedicated page on Gator Bio’s website, and contact an expert today.
References and further reading
Stahelin, R.V (2013) Surface plasmon resonance: a useful technique for cell biologists to characterize biomolecular interactions Mol Biol. Cell 24(7) pp.883-6 [online] Available at: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23533209/
About Gator Bio, Inc.
Gator Bio is a world-leading biosensor company headquartered in Palo Alto, CA. At Gator Bio, we provide researchers the tools and instrumentation to advance their research. From antibody engineering to small molecule drug discovery to basic research, Gator Bio can be used to bring meaning to the unknown. From the original inventors of label-free biolayer interferometry (BLI), Gator Bio provides the next generation of BLI technology.
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