Protein Characterization with Analytical Ultracentrifugation

Accurate Unparalleled Protein Characterization

Proteins are the workhorses of biological systems, and understanding their behavior in solution is crucial for many life sciences fields, including drug discovery, biopharmaceutical development and fundamental research.

Analytical ultracentrifugation (AUC) stands out as a unique and powerful first-principles technique for comprehensive characterization of proteins in their native state, providing unparalleled insights into their solution behavior.

AUC is a classical biophysical technique that measures the sedimentation of macromolecules such as proteins in a centrifugal field. By monitoring how they sediment, AUC provides qualitative and quantitative measurements of their hydrodynamic properties, including:

• Oligomerization state and reversibility: Quantify the equilibrium between different association states (e.g., how much monomer vs. dimer is present) and assess the kinetics and thermodynamics of these interactions.
• Purity and homogeneity: Identify and quantify contaminants, aggregates or degradation products within a sample.
• Binding interactions: Characterize protein-protein, protein-nucleic acid, or protein-ligand interactions by observing changes in sedimentation rates upon complex formation, enabling determination of binding stoichiometry and affinity.
• Molecular weight: Accurately determine the molecular mass of proteins, including oligomeric states (monomers, dimers, trimers, etc.).
• Conformation and shape: Gain insights into the overall shape of a protein, distinguishing between compact globular structures and more extended or elongated forms

The Future of Protein Insights with AUC

As protein engineering and biopharmaceutical development become increasingly complex, the demand for robust, reliable and comprehensive characterization techniques grows. Analytical ultracentrifugation remains at the forefront, providing critical, unbiased data that helps researchers and developers make informed decisions about protein behavior, stability and function. Are you ready to unleash the full potential of your protein research with the precision and depth offered by AUC?