Biophysical Characterization

Our structural biology experts have proven experience in biophysical characterization to advance your drug discovery, hit identification, hit-to-lead, and lead optimization efforts. We offer a variety of biophysical methods, including surface plasmon resonance (SPR), thermal shift assay (TSA), and dynamic light scattering (DLS), to help you characterize small molecules and proteins, understand molecular interactions and binding mechanisms, and optimize drug-target interactions. Our biophysical characterization services can be used as stand-alone services or incorporated into larger projects as part of Cayman’s suite of integrated drug discovery services.

Our Services

Surface Plasmon Resonance (SPR)

We offer high-quality structure-function analysis, screening, and characterization of drug candidates, including small molecules, proteins, peptides, and lipid nanoparticles (LNPs), using the industry-leading Biacore^TM 8K. We can screen and rank order drug-protein and protein-protein interactions, measure interaction kinetics (K_on, K_off) and affinity (K_D), and determine interactant concentrations in samples. Our SPR services can be utilized for a variety of applications, with several detailed below.

Biologics / Antibody Screening

Small Molecules

Fragment-based Drug Design (FBDD)

Sample Data

Requirements

(Can be provided by either the customer or Cayman unless otherwise noted)

Antibody (>50 μg)
Antigen (>100 μg)

Target protein (>50 μg)
Compound(s)
(1 mg/compound)

Target protein (>100 μg)
Library (provided by Cayman; options include libraries from Liverpool ChiroChem, SpiroChem, and the BIONET Premium Library from Key Organics)

Time Frame

2 Weeks

2-4 Weeks
(up to 200 compounds)

2-4 Weeks
(up to 2,000 fragments)

Cost

Related Literature

Case Study:
Cryo-EM and SPR Analysis of SARS-CoV-2 Spike Protein Neutralization by Cayman Antibody Complex

Scientific Poster:
Selection and Characterization of hSTING-Agonists via In Silico Modeling and SPR

Scientific Poster:
Fragment-Based Drug Discovery (FBDD) Approach for TNF-α

Complementary
Services Available

Thermal Shift Assay (TSA)

TSA measures the thermal stability of proteins and offers qualitative assessment of compound binding.

Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS)

We offer high-throughput DLS measurements of protein concentration, hydrodynamic size, and polydispersity, as well as detection of aggregates, using the Stunner by Unchained Labs.

Instrumentation

Biacore^TM 8K

This high-throughput, high-sensitivity SPR system delivers high-quality binding data for interaction analysis allowing ranking, kinetics, affinity, epitope binding, concentration, and relative potency. It enables efficient screening, characterization, process optimization, and quality control of small molecules and biotherapeutics.

Stunner by Unchained Labs

Stunner is the only system that pulls together UV/Vis concentration, dynamic light scattering (DLS), and static light scattering (SLS) from the same 2 μl sample.

Data Analysis & Reporting

Our experienced scientists will analyze your data and provide reports reviewed by our quality assurance managers. SPR reports will include kinetics and affinity measurements, as well as full sensorgrams. For FBDD projects, we will also include a list of all fragment hits along with their 2D structures. TSA reports will include melting profiles and rank ordered hits. DLS reports will provide details about polydispersity index, mass distribution for particles, and absorbance.

Pricing

We offer tiered pricing for projects characterizing more than 10 analytes. Tiered pricing is also available for 6- and 12-month small molecule and biologic (antibody) characterization contracts. For more information about our Biophysical Characterization services and project-specific pricing, please submit the “Contact Us” form.

Related Services

Protein Production

Cayman offers comprehensive recombinant protein production services that include multiple expression platforms, purification methods, and characterization services to meet your project’s specific needs.

Antibody Production

Our scientists can produce high-quality antigens and monoclonal, polyclonal, and recombinant antibodies suitable for a variety of applications.

Medicinal & Computational Chemistry

Our experienced computational and medicinal chemists can perform rapid hit identification using virtual high-throughput screening backed by expertise in Schrödinger suite, followed by hit-to-lead and lead optimization through iterative, rational SAR studies, custom synthesis, and screening.