NHLBI Biophysics Core

Overview

The Biophysics Core’s mission is to provide support in the study of macromolecular interactions, dynamics, and stability by offering consultations, training, professional collaborations, and instrument access.

General Services

• Multi-technique molecular interaction studies
• Kinetic and thermodynamic characterization of interactions
• Biophysical characterization of protein complexes and molecular assemblies
• Biophysical characterization of integral membrane proteins
• Characterization of exosomes, viruses and nanoparticles
• Sample quality control and optimization
• Stability and interaction screening

Established Technologies

• Mass Photometry (MP)
  Mass measurements of single molecules in solution with 2% mass accuracy
• Bio-Layer Interferometry (BLI: Octet RED96), Surface Plasmon Resonance (SPR)
  Real time monitoring of binding events to determine on-rates, off-rates, and binding affinity
• Microscale Thermophoresis (MST: Monolith NT.115)
  Measurements of challenging biomolecular interactions in solution
• Differential Scanning Fluorimetry (nano-DSF: Tycho)
  Fast and comprehensive protein quality determination: purity, functionality, folding, similarity, and concentration
• Nanoparticle Tracking Analysis (NTA: ZetaView TWIN)
  Measurements of size, concentration and zeta potential of exosomes, microvesicles, viruses, and nanoparticles
• Multi Angle Light Scattering, Field Flow Fractionation (SEC-FFF-MALS: Eclipse AF4, DAWN Helos II)
  Molecular separations and measurements of molecular mass, size, and shape of macromolecules in solution
• Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS: Dynapro Nanostar)
  Fast molecular size measurements of proteins, micelles, liposomes, and nanoparticles
• Circular Dichroism Spectropolarimeter (CD: Applied Photophysics Q100)
  Determination of the secondary structure of proteins and nucleic acids in solution
• Analytical Ultracentrifugation (AUC: Optima XLI)
  Studies of oligomerization, heterogeneity, and biomolecular interactions in solution
• Isothermal Titration Calorimetry (ITC: iTC200)
  Label-and immobilization-free studies of biomolecular interactions in solution
• Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC: VP-DSC)
  Precise analysis of thermally-induced structural transitions in proteins, DNA, RNA, micellar complexes, and other biomolecular systems
• Fluorometry
  Label-and immobilization-free studies of biomolecular interactions in solution

User Guidelines

Any NIDDK or CCR Investigator seeking Core services should contact Greg Piszczek for information about cost.  CCR users are eligible for OSTR/STARS Technology supplements to defray the cost of services.  To request subsidy, please visit: https://ostr.ccr.cancer.gov/stars/.