Measurements of biomolecular interactions

Wyatt Technology Corporation's Calypso Composition-Gradient Multi-Angle Light Scattering (CG-MALS) system achieves accurate measurements of biomolecular interactions.

The Calypso offers the unique capability of determining both the affinity and binding stoichiometry for macromolecules in solution with no need for immobilisation or tagging, which may influence the interaction. This is demonstrated in a new application note, titled “Measuring Antibody-Antigen Interactions with the Calypso”.

Antibody-antigen binding, hormone-receptor interactions and many other common biomolecular interactions occur at stoichiometries other than 1:1. Conventional separation techniques, such as size exclusion chromatography MALS (SEC MALS) and field flow fractionation MALS (FFF MALS) have been extensively used to study interactions, however they are associated with certain important limitations. As the molecules become separated in the course of dilution and fractionation, they no longer interact. Additionally, upon reaching the detectors, the molecules are often not in equilibrium, neither are they in a well defined kinetic state.

The new application note illustrates how Calypso complements traditional MALS separation techniques, keeping the molecules in close proximity to
probe their interactions. The analyzer was used in conjunction with an online UV/Vis concentration detector and Wyatt’s DAWN HELEOS MALS instrument to provide rapid and precise measurements of the interaction between an anti-thrombin antibody (Ab) and human thrombin a (Thr). The equilibrium dissociation constant determined by the system agreed well with the manufacturer’s data as measured by ELISA. In addition, both thrombin and the antibody exhibited no propensity for self-association, a finding that could not be evaluated by conventional ELISA.

Calypso employs a series of unfractionated samples of different composition or concentration in order to characterise macromolecular interactions, including reversible self- and hetero-association of proteins, reaction rates and affinities of irreversible aggregation, and virial coefficients. No special modifications, such as sample tagging or immobilisation procedures, are required. Instead, samples are unlabeled and entirely in solution. Furthermore, Calypso’s automation capabilities enhance productivity by improving repeatability and reliability, while minimising time and effort.

For more information, visit www.wyatt.com

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