Characterization Services

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 in-house from any other U.S. contract lab, including analytical ultracentrifugation (AUC). Our scientists pioneered the application of a number of these biophysical techniques in the biotechnology industry.

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

Methods Summary Aggregation Analysis AUC Services CD Services LS Services Native Gels Example Applications Further Reading

For characterization of oligomeric state and aggregation A.P.L. offers analytical ultracentrifugation (AUC), light scattering, and native gel electrophoresis analysis services. For characterization of protein conformation and stability we primarily use circular dichroism (CD), but native gels are also useful.

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

All 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 about the background and applications for some of the techniques are discussed on their individual pages:

bulletsedimentation velocity
bulletsedimentation equilibrium
bulletclassical light scattering (SEC-MALS)
bulletdynamic light scattering (DLS)

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

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outsourcing to A.P.L. gives you access to equipment, 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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free guidance about what methods are best to address problems or issues with your product (and if we don't think we can help you, we'll say so!)

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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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our reports explain the data and provide necessary background so your scientists can really use the results

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if needed, we can 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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