The instrument uses surface plasmon resonance (SPR) to measure the binding of biomolecules in real time without using fluorescent dyes or radioactivity. SPR technology enables the real-time study of biomolecular interactions using sensor chips on which one of the interacting compounds is attached and sample containing the other flows over the surface. It is capable of observing molecular interactions as they occur, in real-time, and without the need for artificial labeling techniques that can affect molecular function.
SPR allows researchers to directly compare binding data within the same experiment, reducing run-to-run experimental variability while increasing throughput, noted Applied Bio. The primary applications of the 8500 system include antibody affinity determination, identification of matched antibody pairs and peptide epitope mapping. Additional applications are under development, such as the characterisation and identification of protein-protein and protein-nucleic acid interactions. The company said it plans to introduce proteomic-based applications during 2004.
For more information, visit Applied Bio's website.