Molecular interactions

The Molecular Interactions plateform (MIP) offers expertise in the analysis and characterization of interactions between bimolecules (proteins, peptides, nucleic acids, lipids sugars, small molecules ...)

MIP is supported by in an engineer who provides users accompaniment from sample preparation to results analysis. He participates in the technological and methodological development, and ensures maintenance and quality control of the equipment.

For all questions relating to molecular interactions, contact Tahar Bouceba (tahar.bouceba@sorbonne-universite.fr), engineer in charge of this department.

MIP offers biomolecular interaction analysis by Surface Plasmon Resonance using the Biacore 3000. This technology applies optical sensor chips and allows to study real time binding events between molecules. Only µg amounts of non labeled proteins (e.g. antibodies / antigens, recombinant receptors, ligands) or low molecular compounds (e.g. drug candidates) are necessary to determine accurate binding kinetics (on / off rates, affinities). Valuable information on the properties of native proteins can thus be gained within Short time.

To ensure a good functioning of the Biacore, all experiments will be carried out under the tutelage of Mr. Tahar BOUCEBA.

Material

Biacore 3000 (GE Healthcare) is available for label free studies of biomolecular binding. Samples ranging from small molecules to crude extracts, lipid vesicles, viruses, bacteria and eucaryotic cells can be studied.

  • Direct detection of small molecules at < 1 nM concentration
  • Increased resolution for kinetic analysis
  • Measurement of weak affinities
  • Recover bound analyte in high concentration
  • Deliver recovered analyte to vial and identification by Mass Spectrometry
  • Shorten analysis times
  • Minimize sample consumption
  • Study binding in non-aqueous and aqueous samples
  • Use Biacore Wizards to simplify and accelerate analysis
  • Develop specialized applications efficiently
  • Perform the most advanced kinetic evaluation

Services

The offer includes conducting experiments, analysis of results and participation in the material and method for publications. Experience of molecular interaction usually takes place in several basic steps:

  • Decide on coupling chemistry and chip to use
  • Decide on which molecule will be the ligand and which will be the analyte
  • Prepare the ligand and analyte
  • Choose immobilization strategy
  • Pre-concentrate ligand on chip prior to activation (“pH scouting”)
  • Immobilize ligand onto sensor chip
  • Inject analyte and record response
  • Regenerate surface
  • Analyze data

Methodologies

MIP using Biacore 3000 answers questions about the speed, strengthand specificityof binding and determines the active concentrationsof components. Technical innovations meet the highest demands for sensitivity, efficiency and flexibility.

Biacore 3000 system delivers ability to recover and transfer interaction partners directly to MALDI targets for identification and further characterization makes the system highly applicable to fast identification of unknown interactants.

Applications:

  • Kinetic/affinity characterization
  • Kinetic/affinity screening and profiling
  • Concentration measurement
  • Low molecular weight (LMW) interaction analysis
  • Thermodynamic characterization
  • Sample recovery for MS