Protein Analysis

What is Protein Analysis?

Protein analysis is the cornerstone of modern biological research, employing sophisticated techniques to unveil the complex architecture, dynamic functions, and critical interactions of proteins. As the workhorses of cellular machinery, proteins orchestrate essential biological processes and serve as primary targets for therapeutic intervention.

These intricate biomolecules, built from precise sequences of amino acids, hold the key to understanding disease mechanisms, drug responses, and cellular regulation. Through rigorous analytical methods, researchers can:

Identify and quantify specific proteins in complex biological samples
Map post-translational modifications that regulate protein function
Clarify protein-protein interactions that drive cellular networks
Determine 3D structures that inform drug design

HORIBA's state-of-the-art technology portfolio enables:

Ultra-sensitive protein detection and quantification
High-throughput sample analysis
Precise characterization of protein modifications
Reliable and reproducible results for research integrity

Through our advanced analytical platforms, HORIBA empowers researchers worldwide to accelerate scientific discoveries, enhance therapeutic development, and advance our understanding of life's fundamental processes. Our dedication to analytical excellence drives breakthrough research across biochemistry, biotechnology, medicine, and genetics.

Methods of Protein Analysis

Spectroscopic methods offer powerful tools for analyzing proteins, each bringing unique advantages to research and quality control. UV-Visible spectroscopy provides fast and simple protein quantification with non-destructive analysis, minimal sample preparation, and real-time measurement capabilities, making it a cost-effective choice for many applications.

Fluorescence spectroscopy
Fluorescence spectroscopy delivers extremely sensitive detection and excels in protein folding studies, measuring protein-protein interactions, and providing dynamic information, all while requiring minimal sample volumes.

Raman spectroscopy
Raman spectroscopy stands out for its label-free protein analysis capabilities, performing excellently in aqueous solutions while providing detailed structural information without destroying samples. The technique requires minimal sample preparation and minimal sample volumes, making it highly practical for routine analysis.

Particle Characterization
Monitoring protein aggregation and particle formation is crucial, as proteins can degrade under various stresses including temperature fluctuations, shear forces, high concentrations, and extended storage time. By measuring particle concentration and size distribution, researchers can effectively compare different samples and treatment conditions to optimize protein stability.

At HORIBA, we recognize the importance of these analytical techniques and offer advanced instrumentation across several platforms. Our portfolio specifically excels in high-sensitivity fluorescence spectroscopy, state-of-the-art Raman systems, and precise UV-Visible analysis, providing researchers with the tools they need for comprehensive protein characterization.

Protein aggregation is an important concern when developing and manufacturing biotherapeutics since these subvisible aggregate particles have been associated with the adverse drug reactions. Protein aggregates may provoke adverse events through an unwanted immune response. And, regardless of mechanism of reaction, subvisible particle contamination has been a concern for manufacturers and regulators.

HORIBA provides the pharmaceutical industry, biotech companies and academic research laboratories with high performance instrumentation based on SPRi technology (Surface Plasmon Resonance imaging). To demonstrate the power of this technology, we carried out an experiment based on an antibody-antigen interaction. Original surface chemistry combined with an electrochemical process allows the rapid coupling of biomolecules to the gold layer (polypyrrole co-polymerisation) on the top of a glass prism.

We have measured solutions of lysozyme under conditions known to effect its physical state in order to investigate the potential of Raman spectroscopy as a non-invasive and label-free tool to assess protein formulation stability. Results from this study identified specific Raman signature bands in this protein that can be used to identify individual amino acid residues that are reflect structural changes in proteins.

Monitoring Biotinylated Adeno-Associated Virus (AAV) using A-TEEM

Adeno-Associated Viruses (AAVs) are becoming widely used as viral vectors to deliver cell and gene therapies and vaccines. As production methods scale to meet growing demand, more information is needed more quickly.