Must Know Analytical Techniques For Biopharma Developers

Advancing next generation therapeutics requires reliable characterization of biotherapeutic binding and biomolecular stability. Characterizing biological macromolecules is important for understanding their functions and relationships, which empowers the development of new therapies and treatments. In the case of biotherapeutic molecules, changes in structure could unexpectedly reduce or enhance drug product quality and safety.

Microcalorimetry is a highly sensitive technique for measuring enthalpy and heat capacity changes during reactions. Two microcalorimetry techniques, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC), are the standard methods for characterizing macromolecules’ intermolecular binding and structural stability.

DSC reveals strengths and weaknesses in higher order structure and defines the behavior of individual domains and their interactions. Information from Nano DSC experiments enable scientists to make the best formulations, as well as monitor changes in their product over time.

Thermodynamic binding signatures revealed by ITC characterize the strength, specificity, and stoichiometry of a binding event. ITC assigns quantitative numbers to physical and chemical events occurring during the reaction of interest.

The following studies demonstrate key biomolecular analytical techniques that are critical for drug discovery and formulation. See how today’s leading instrumentation helps researchers get crucial information faster so they can speed up biopharmaceutical development and get to clinical trials faster with more reliable products.