Characterization

Alliance Protein Laboratories specializes in biophysical and biochemical characterization of proteins, nucleic acids, and other macromolecular assemblies (viral vectors for gene therapy, protein-polymer conjugates, etc.)  We offer characterization services not available from any other U.S. contract lab, including analytical ultracentrifugation (AUC). Our scientists pioneered the application of a number of biophysical techniques in the biotechnology industry.

A.P.L. offers various techniques to measure protein folding (secondary/tertiary structure), protein stability, protein conformation, the oligomeric state of the native protein (quaternary structure), and protein aggregation. 

Methods Summary Example Applications Circular Dichroism Laser Light Scattering Native Gels Sedimentation Equilibrium Sedimentation Velocity Further Reading

A.P.L. now offers characterization of oligomeric state and aggregation by two different light scattering techniques, dynamic light scattering and on-line classical light scattering used with size-exclusion chromatography.

A.P.L. can also quantify protein-protein or protein-ligand interactions, e.g. for functional assessment of antibody-antigen or hormone-receptor pairs. 

A.P.L. can now supply FTIR and fluorescence characterization through collaboration with Integrity Biosolution, a protein formulation and delivery firm recently spun off from Amgen.

The techniques offered and some of their uses are listed on the Methods Summary page. Several general applications and the benefits of detailed characterization are discussed on the Example Applications page. More details and specific examples for some of the techniques are discussed on their individual pages:

Key Benefits from Using A.P.L. for Characterization Services

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outsourcing to A.P.L. gives you access to methods and expertise that few companies have in-house

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data you can trust, provided by widely-published scientists who are recognized experts and who have extensive experience in pharmaceutical applications

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we offer guidance about what methods are best for your samples (and if we don't think we can help you, we'll say so!)

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rapid turn-around to meet your product development timelines (usually less than 2 weeks)

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at A.P.L. we don't just run samples, we work collaboratively with our clients
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we want to be sure our clients understand the data we provide and are able to present the results to their colleagues and managers in a meaningful way that will influence decision making

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if needed, we will present the data at your site and can contribute our expertise as consultants to interpreting its implications for the development of your product

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A.P.L. can supplement and extend your own capabilities
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we can help you develop and validate new analytical protocols

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we will run analyses at your site, on your equipment

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we can help you analyze and interpret data you have gathered

 

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