CONFOCHECK
CONFOCHECK is a dedicated FT-IR system for the investigation of proteins in water. Its specific configuration facilitates a fast data acquisition (ca. 30 sec. per sample) with a high sample throughput controlled by an extremely user friendly software interface.
Applications:
- Formulation development of biopharmaceuticals
- Quality control of biopharmaceuticals
- Determination of conformational changes
- Unfolding / refolding processes
- Quantification of protein
- Determination of secondary structure
- Protein ligand interaction
Main applications for the CONFOCHECK are the detection of conformational changes in proteins and the protein concentration determination. Quantitative determination of the protein concentration and the secondary structure elements (alpha-helix, ß-sheet) from the analyzed protein samples is accomplished within seconds via a chemometric calibration based on a protein spectra library. The CONFOCHECK is equipped with several specific protein sample cuvettes which allow to measure even very low amounts of protein (10 µg). Also membrane proteins and protein lyophilisates can be analyzed by this system. To reach optimal temperature constancy and furthermore to facilitate the measurement of temperature induced protein conformational changes, the sample cuvettes are regulated by an thermostat covering a temperature range from 0° to 95°C.
The AquaSpec is used for the study of conformational changes of proteins in water. This cell facilitates also the quantification of protein aggregates. The cell is not limited to water solved proteins, but is also useful for solubilized membrane standing proteins.
Temperature induced unfolding / refolding processes are studied by the BIOATRcell II . With this unit temperature ramps from 0-95°C can be performed automatically in order to analyze the specific changes of the secondary structure and to determine the protein melting point. Also processes like fibrillation and aggregation can be followed. To monitor protein structural changes in dependence of ph changes or ligand binding, a special dialysis top section is available for the BIOATRcell II. Here, low molecular weight substances can be dialyzed into the protein compartment without diluting the protein.